Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this e-ARC!
It is with a heavy heart that I say I'm DNF-ing this book at 48%. I tried so, so hard to push my way through it, but I just can't. Similarly to An Education In Malice, this story should have it all, yet it manages to fall flat at every turn. Nothing is jumping off the page, I don't feel immersed in the world, I have no attachment to these characters. This novel has no spark. I avoid picking it up and only continue to do so because I feel obligated to. I feel it's better for me to give up now after our first real action scene that I had to skim through than see it to the end and give it 2 stars because I'm not enjoying my time with it. I do believe readers who enjoyed An Education In Malice will enjoy this as well since the writing style is exactly the same. If readers are looking for something more along the lines of A Dowry of Blood, I don't think they will find it in this one.

anyone looking for a deliciously dark tale about the occult with secret societies, demonic possessions and sizzling romance, I'm sorry to say — this ain't it

Considering that this was my first book by ST Gibson I had no expectations going in, all I knew was that I was in the mood for something dark after The Familiar and this seemed like an obvious choice, unfortunately it didn't deliver.

Is this the worst book I've ever read? No. But it really wasn't what I expected and even though the beginning was decent everything got progressively worse.

I thought Evocation will be something in the lines of Ninth House with the scorching chemistry of The Foxglove King but this was neither.

The whole plotline was just relationship drama and there was some magic sprinkled here and there, but I don't think I'd recommend Evocation to anyone who would want to read it even just for the romance because even that wasn't good in my opinion—I barely felt any chemistry between the characters at all.
For most of the book I couldn't understand how Rhys and David ever dated, because David was such a bully and so fucking arrogant, just generally a giant prick, that it made no sense, and we don't really get any background info on how they started dating. You just gotta trust it that they somehow made it 2 years together even knowing that for the most part the relationship was pretty toxic.

There were some nice intimate moments between Moira and David (platonic) and Rhys and Moira and the eventually Rhys and David but it was after David's personality did 180° turn for the better and still they weren't anything to write home about.

The whole plotline with David's possession was barely mentioned throughout the book. 100 pages before the mid-point of the story his condition wasn't mentioned once, it's all about David getting close to Moira. It's like David's suffering a cold, not being possessed by a demon and blacking out every night.

This is labeled as Adult and for the life of me I have no idea why since I've read YA waaaaayyy more mature and dark than this. There were altogether 3 spicy scenes (1 of them was barely even that) and again I've read YA with better smut and more heat, not that these were bad, they were just... there.
All of the MCs were in their mid-late twenties and yet they were acting like teenagers most of the time. Worst of all was David, and every time Rhys and David fought and Moira was there she had to play referee acting like their mother .

Why am I not rating this lower ?
I wasn't bored to death, even though there were a lot of things that barely made any sense (don't even get me started on the ending, it seemed the author had about as much of an idea about what to do with David's possession as the characters ) it didn't put me to sleep.
The characters were likable and interesting at times. I really liked Moira best in the beginning and then her actions and thoughts just frustrated me.
The magic was cool - the few times it was mentioned or used, it seemed the author had done their research.

Don't think I'll be reading the next book but I'll definitely consider reading other books by this author.

eternal gratitude to Angry Robot Books for the ARC

When I tell y'all this was one of my most hyped releases of the year, I'm not even exaggerating. And oh wow did it deliver. This is actually my first ST Gibson book, but I'm fully invested now. This book just felt like it was made for me? Dark academia exes-to-rivals-to-lovers (with polyamory) with a stunning tarot-themed cover, magic and possessions and an author who very obviously knows her stuff when it comes to astrology? SOLD.

Each character is so well-written that no POV had me wanting to skip ahead or over anyone. David, our complicated damaged medium, was absolutely my favorite, but he's also an insufferable asshole. Moira is the resident astrologer (and medium-in-training) and her knowledge of her abilities and love of the people around her was just so lovely to watch. Rhys, as the sorcerer, took the longest to grow on me, but he also felt the most complicated trapped in the middle as he was between thinking he needed to keep David at arm's length and protect him at the same time while also keeping his relationship with Moira sacred above all else.

But, Rhys calls Moira "little goddess" and Moira calls David "indigo child" and they all learn to work in each others' orbits over the course of the story as they try to break an ancient familial curse, so the relationships are swoon-worthy.

I'm so curious to see where the plot goes from here - and especially to see what the next cover will look like. I have guesses. And hopes.

I did not enjoy the first half of this book - I found our 3 main characters and their POVs to be frustrating. They bickered too much and there was very little plot to move the story along. Every interaction was filled with anger and hate.

Once the 3 main characters started to realize they care about each other, I started to get into these characters and this world. David is my favorite of the 3 with Moira as a close second. There is subtle humor throughout the second half of the book and seeing how much they care about one another and express feelings without anger or insulting one another I was hooked. I loved how close they all got and how much Moira and David built their platonic relationship and fell in love in such a way that showed how important friendships and love can be.

I believe this is the start of a series and based on that final chapter I am ready to see more of these characters and their polyamorous relationship. I want to see even more about David & Rhys' relationship and would love for Moira to find herself someone to join the relationship as well.

Evocation was a joy to read and another of Gibson's gems with wonderful prose and luscious, elaborate character design.
In this witchy urban fantasy we follow David Aristarkhov, a psychic workaholic, one of the best in his field, who finds himself in a bit of a dilemma and in desperate need of help. Enter Rhys and Moira, the equally as magically gifted married couple who could be the solution to all his problems. If only there wasn't this shared history between David and Ryhs that prevents them from being more than cold and distant on top of their rivalling for the spot as High Priest of their coven. In the course of this book the three of them reluctantly work together to sort out David's occult problem and in turn realise much more about each other than they ever anticipated.
As previously stated, what got me hooked was this great set of protagonists that each had their strengths and weaknesses and kept you wanting more of their interactions. David and Moira's relationship especially managed to grab my attention in a way I didn't expect. Long after finishing this book I still find myself thinking fondly about them.
Every relationship in this book has its qualities and cements Gibson's ability in creating compelling and unparalleled character dynamics.
However, what i found this book to be lacking was in the magic department. You would think it'd play a somewhat significant role in the story and the lives of our protagonists (as this is labeled fantasy) but the use of magic and exploration of the initial conflict were only secondary to the more prominent romance. There was a point in the middle of the book where it seemed we'd forgotten why we were here in the first place: The curse. This is only a minor complaint though, as i thoroughly enjoyed watching the three protagonists orbit and draw closer to each other as the story progressed.
All in all a great read and a sure recommendation on my part.

Evocation packed a surprising romance plot that I didn’t know I needed until it was staring me in the face. It was a pleasant surprise being immersed into this secret society of the occult.

As a medium prodigy, David Aristarkhov has seen his fair share of ghosts but something goes awry when he hears a spirit he did not summon. Fearing demonic possession, David seeks out Rhys, his ex-boyfriend and society rival to help him solve the rumored family curse, before his time runs out.

A character driven story through and through, we dive into the lives of the characters - David, Rhys, and Moira. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and paranormal elements woven alongside the drama and realness of their complicated relationship. There was subtle world building with academic flair and the characters’ interactions added this cozy charm to the book.

I felt connected to each point of view and thought David and Moira were the strongest characters, with Rhys falling a little behind. A gradual buildup made me invested in David’s wellbeing and the connection of these three characters really drove the plot for me. I appreciate the balance between their personalities and overall pacing, while the climax felt a little rushed, I’m curious to see this become a series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Angry Robot for the advance reading copy to review.

I am really late to the game when it comes to S T Gibson’s writing. But I loved this book and now feel I need to read every other S T Gibson book in existence.

This book was so so interesting - I just couldn’t put it down.

I loved the magic system based on Occult and think this was well explained and provided an interesting backdrop to the story.

I liked that the throuple romance took primary focus as for me, the relationships in this book are what really made it. It made the book far more personable and interesting and I really wanted to know more about the characters and their dynamics - following them was fascinating.

The vibes in this book are amazing - S T Gibson writes the dark academia and slightly gothic vibe so well - I have heard this said about some of her previous work and I am so pleased to experience this first hand as I think it was really well done.

S T Gibson’s writing is stunning, the pacing of this book was spot on. I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable read

Really enjoyable, sucks you in right away. The characters are all unique and fun in their own ways. I loved the mystical aspect of it and would have loved to delve more into the society side of things, but I feel that will be explored in later books.

All three protagonists were enjoyable but the standout was David. I would have happily read the whole book from his POV and think it might have actually been a stronger book with him solely at the helm, but it was still enjoyable to be in the heads of Rhys and Moira.

Looking forward to the rest of the series, and reading more from this author!

Evocation is my third S. T. Gibson read and one I very much enjoyed.

I was honestly skeptical how Gibson was going to wrap up what in my mind was several plot lines but I think the pacing worked and Gibson pulled it out the bag. I enjoyed this, David did annoy me at first but once you carry on reading you just can't help but care for each and everyone of them. They dynamic works and they each bring out the best in each other - well once Rhys and David sort themselves out.

The standout character for me was Moira, she was single handedly keeping the team together dealing with Rhys and David with the project management skill that can only come from someone who had clearly done all the work in a group project.

Also I had great time annotating this book, I would definitely recommend this. I have a physical copy on the way to join my Gibson collection. I'm definitely a fan.

Thank you to Angry Robot, Netgalley and S. T Gibson for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This story is sensuous and spellbinding. I loved the secret society, the celebration of the occult and atmosphere. The entangled trio of loveable and dysfunctional characters and their relationship are addictive to read about. This is definitely a character driven story but there’s enough plot to keep things interesting and the pace relatively steady.
Definitely a book I will recommend time and time again. Can’t wait to see where these characters go.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

This was just fantastic! I loved the queer rep throughout the book, I thought it was done really well with polyamory also touched on.

The writing style was just absolutely perfect for me. I thought the book flowed really well and it had me hooked throughout. I loved the world building and the different magic systems within this book were really intriguing. I found myself thinking which system would I like to be a part of.

If you love a high stakes fantasy, and don’t mind it being dark and emotional in parts, then this is definitely one for you! Run, don’t walk!

Two bangers published in one year? Yup, S.T. Gibson has done it. In a departure from her bestselling vampire retellings, S.T. Gibson gives us a gothic, dark academia, paranormal romance with insane representation. Polyamory, rivals to lovers, LGBTQIA rep, the occult, tarot, astrology, this book has it all.

This story centers around a trio of magicians working together, initially begrudgingly, to exorcise a demon that is quite literally consuming one of them from the inside out via possession. Exes, Rhys and David must work together and collectively pool their magical talents to save David’s life and they cannot seem to do so without the help of Rhys’s wife Moira.

I loved this book, the men only magic fraternity gave me Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell vibes and does a great job with the political undertones surrounding recognizing women as magicians and allowing them into the metaphorical and literal circle. The relationship among the characters is sweet and rooted more in love and companionship than lust which I found to be really endearing.

This book comes out May 28th, mere months after An Education in Malice. I am forever grateful to Angry Robot Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this one, all opinions are my own.

This book was one of my most highly anticipated, and it did not disappoint. It started off quick and ended perfectly. 5 stars.

"Evocation" by S.T. Gibson is a book that focuses on the complex dynamics between its three main characters, David, Rhys, and Moira.

David is a medium and a good one at that, and Rhys-why is this name everywhere- is his ex-boyfriend. He doesn’t have natural magic but he’s strong in his own ways, and is married to Moira, another powerful medium. The book surrounds the three’s relationships, with themes of trust, rivalry, and masked emotions.

The love triangle was full of tension and is one of the reasons why I love S.T. Gibson so much. Her trios are always insanely interconnected.

This book comes out May 28th. Be sure to check trigger warnings. Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin for this ARC!

Amazing! S.T Gibson does it again. Every book they release I absolutely devour and fall in love with. The characters are the stand out in this book, they are exquisite. Their relationship is built so well and the dynamic they have with one another is everything. Absolutely loved it, a new favourite.

This is genuinely sooo close to being a 5 star read for me but isn't quite.

But i ADORED this book and absolutely devoured it like our main characters devour coffee. This is absolutely a character-driven novel despite the high-stakes plot, and the dynamics between the trio and as a whole was developed so beautifully and I particularly felt so invested in Moira and David's non-sexual affection. Having a romance book spend such a large amount of time with several friendships really warmed my heart and was one of my favourite parts. Moira and Rhys' marriage was written so well too, I loved how they openly communicated and set boundaries, and acknowledged when they were in the wrong.

I do think this would have benefitted from being a bit longer, giving us a bit more plot in some areas. It does sort of feel like the curse is sidelined before the final 15%. I wanted more from the dark and occult vibes that the marketing has been leaning into. The worldbuilding that is here is fantastic though and there are so many areas I hope to see developed more in the rest of the series, including seeing more of Leda and Lorena.

Evocation has a backdrop of mysticism, and it is initially presented in a manner that makes the ritualistic environment all the more atmospheric. The juxtaposition between the ceremonial occultism practiced by Rhys and David, and the more familial (and familiar, to me) magic practiced by Moira, is well written and interesting. As Evocation progresses, however, the detailed focus on mysticism begins to fade into the periphery more and more. Beyond initial exposition, relatively little detail is given to ceremonial and ritual spaces and processes, even as new systems of practice are introduced (e.g. Chaos Magic). This extends into the central conflict driving the plot– the Aristarkhov deal– which is given unclear terms and treated with little urgency until very near the end.

Evocation is heavily character-focused, and the relationships cultivated by David, Rhys, and Moira are very clearly the intended focal point of the novel. The ‘Polyamorous V’ centers on Rhys, which unfortunately feels especially undeserved by the end of the novel— though David and Moira do have incredible chemistry, albeit non-romantic. Moira is underutilized as a character, ultimately feeling as though her purpose is to accept the inevitability of, and to help facilitate, the romantic reunion of Rhys and David (after infidelity has already occurred).

Evocation is the first book in The Summoner's Circle series, so there is tremendous space for character growth and plot development in the subsequent novels, but Evocation does suffer from lacking this depth as the introductory novel.

"Evocation" by S.T. Gibson is a book that blends supernatural elements with human relationships. It focuses on the complex dynamics between its three main characters, David, Rhys, and Moira.

David is a powerful medium and Rhys, his ex-boyfriend, is ambitious but lacks natural magical abilities. Rhys is married to Moira, who is another strong medium. The book explores the trio's relationships, including themes of trust, rivalry, and buried emotions. The love triangle at its core adds tension to the story and underlines the motivations, strengths, and weaknesses - human nature – of each character as they navigate their personal lives, social expectations, and their past.

The plot revolves around magic, secret societies, and generational curses, which adds elements of mystery and suspense to the storyline. While I didn't exactly fall head over heels for "Evocation", I didn't dislike it either. It's somewhere in my 'STORY LIKES' category. It’ll be an excellent read for those who like character development.

Gibson's storytelling and use of vocabulary are elegant, although some of her word choices may require a dictionary.

"Evocation" is the first book in a new series by Gibson, and I am curious about what comes next for the characters and plot.

Overall, while "Evocation" may not be a book that I absolutely love or lands in my 'STORY LOVES' category, I did appreciate it. David, particularly, is my favorite character due to his growth throughout the story. Gibson’s smart storytelling and character-centric emphasis make it a book worth reading, especially if you’re into stories that prioritize character development and don’t mind expanding your vocabulary now and then.

Evocation” releases on May 28th. Please note that there are content warnings for off-page abuse and on-page anxiety and obsessive compulsion. Keep this in mind if you’re considering reading it. Otherwise, I hope you enjoy “Evocation”.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of "Evocation.”

STORY LIKES
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
3.5 rounded to 4

RECOMMEND
💳 yes

SPICE
🌶️ mild(ish)

I think at this point any book this woman writes I will end up loving it! no doubt about it

another great book
amazing book that I didn't want to put down

Having already devoured ‘Evocation’ by S.T. Gibson in a single sitting, I can confidently say it ranks among my top reads this year. Gibson captivates once again with their signature lyrical writing and gorgeous prose, creating an unforgettable experience. This book is a testament to their incredible talent in crafting vivid characters and narratives driven by them that resonate deeply

I think I just need to accept that ST Gibson is not the writer for me. Nothing is ever bad about her books, but they never live up to the hype created around them for me (I know they do for many other people).

Evocation is different than the vampire books - though there are some similar themes. This one is far less flowery, but still feels character driven.

The plot moved really slow for me. I think it all could've been addressed in this book and not needed a sequel. At the end, I was confused on timelines (it felt like David & Rhys had recently broken up but Rhys was already married to Moira?) and how somethings worked (if the demon comes to collect a soul on the 30th birthday why didn't it just leave when it was transferred?)

I've seen it thrown around that this is dark academia, but it definitely is not. Unsure if I will read the sequel.