I am super sad to say this, but I was not a fan of this book. I have read pretty much all other things by this author and loved them, but this title fell flat for me. The premise of the book was super exciting with the battle of good versus evil and demons and possessions with a girl standing as human's last defense, and even the beginning was exciting. And then, it just wasn't. Not a lot actually happened in the book, instead there was a lot of angst about the MC wondering if she was good enough to be loved, good enough to go to heaven, and then all her tons of friends telling her how wonderful she was. Also, the main endpoint of what should have been a cool action packed story was a romance, yet the couple in question barely interacted, maybe a total of like an hour overall and almost never alone and did not go on a date yet were in love... It was too much nonsense for me and not enough of what I was hoping for. Also this is the first in a series but I will not be back for a second helping.
Keep in mind that others will probably love this story but it was not what I wanted (which is seconded by my buddy read partner). I will still keep an eye out for more books by this author, just not this series.

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for a copy of this wonderful story.

It has beautiful writing.
The chemistry is so good between Phoenix and Samantha. It makes me want to run laps.
The concept of Samantha and her ties to Hell are so cool.
I love the found family.

I’m so excited for the future stories of them by Aileen Erin.

I was initially very intrigued by the description of this book. However it felt extremely young. I know it is YA but it felt almost like grade/middle school level.

I also even begin to explain how over used any form of the word demon is used in the book. Yeah I expect it a bit when reading a paranormal book however there was points were it was use upwards of 5 times on the same page…

Ein exzellenter Auftakt für die neuen Serie von Aileen Erin. Ein fantastisches Slow Burn-Setup für den Rest der Serie. Ich kann es kaum erwarten bald weitere Bücher über epische Dämonenschlachten zu lesen!

I highly enjoyed this story. It was not what I was expecting at first but I came to love it and I also like the way the author wrote the realationships that our MC makes and how she handles everyone in her life. When I started the book I thought it was gonna be slow building up the world and our MC but when we meet our MC we just get dropped in the deep end of the pool and we swim with the information we are provided. It was such a great opening and I'm looking forward to book 2

At first, I was thrilled about the representation of Latinx characters, but the story was just not hitting me. The beginning had a good pace, but after a couple of chapters, I started to get bored with the content. It seemed like many things would set up future events, but most of those didn't go through. It was pretty lackluster in the action that it did have. I've read age-gap romances before, but there was something about the relationship between the main character and the love interest that didn't seem right to me. They also didn't have that much chemistry and the relationship seemed forced, even with the beginning setup. The main character was someone who I found not very interesting, she was just bland and lacked some character development. However, I thought that the side characters were pretty entertaining. They are what kept me reading the story.

I won't say this ends on a cliffhanger, but it definitely leaves you wanting more. I loved Sam in Tessa and Dastien's stories, but was so glad she got her own story here. Action packed and perfect.

Aileen Erin returns to the world of her Alpha girls books with the story of Samantha Catherine Lopez who was conceived by a father possessed by a major demon and as a result can open portals that can send demons back to hell. She lives on werewolf pack lands and works with them to prevent demon infestation. Invocation (paper from Ink Monster, LLC) tells of her rescuing a fae friend of the pack and also discovering her true love. Exciting and romantic at the same time, Further adventures to come.

While contemporary fantasy isn't my usual type, I really liked this book and the FMC. She's strong, even when she's scared, and while she may be a bit awkward at times, it makes sense considering that she spend a huge part of her developing years in institutions.

She's here to protect the humans from the demons, while trying not to get caught by her dad. As I said, she's scared, she feels hopeless at times, but she's a fighter and she's not gonna stop from doing what she believes is the right thing.

There is romance as well, and sometimes it feels a bit forced by the author and the MMC's actions don't make sense at times, but I think they can make a cute couple, especially in the next volume.

The ending is giving mixed emotions, because it just felt weird, but as the saying goes, you do you.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review

Stop what you're doing and Get. This. Book! Absolutely intriguing! I couldn't put it down! Sam is a badass through and through. Her abilities make her unique and not weird or psychotic. She has an incredible gift, maybe a curse, depending on how you look at it!?!? I can't wait for the next edge of your seat story in this series!

Thank you NetGalley and Independent Publishers Groupfor sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

I think this is my favorite of the ARC’s I’ve gotten so far!! I raced my way through part 1 which serves to introduce you to Sam’s world and purpose with a peek into her history so far. I love being thrown right into the story without a ton of pre work and this was exactly that, you’re just thrown right into the thick of everything.

Then going into part 2, you get to know all of the characters a bit more. I wouldn’t exactly say that I would’ve liked the time jump to not exist at all, I think the book would’ve been way too long if all of that time was included, but I am intrigued by that gap and I think it would make a great novella maybe. But going into part 2, you’re once again thrown right into a problem as well as a reconnection. I loved the rallying of friends to get to the bottom of everything, how the characters sacrificed for each other, and every bit of the action.

The reason for some of the lost points below were mostly style things related to me personally. I tend to read young adult writing, specifically because of how romance is written for that age group (to be blunt, I’m not a smut girlie), but this was a little too YA at some points. None of it took away from the overall story, I am obsessed with this book, but that’s why I have a rubric system!

This was an absolute page turner and the description is definitely correct in that you don’t need to read the other works that Aileen Erin has done, but I have added them to my TBR list and I’m eager to see where this story continues!

**Initial Reaction**: 8

**Characters:** 9

**Setting:** 8

**Plot:** 9

**Pace:** 7

**Style:** 6

**Ending:** 10

**Enjoyment:** 10

67 / 16 = 4.1875

Rounded Rating = 4.25

Invocation is a story about a girl born to a human mother and a general of Satan, father. She is able to cross over to the spirit world at will and uses this ability among other vague powers to assist with exorcisms and in the cause of Invocation, to save a friend from Hell. Samantha is a strong willed character who just wants to be seen as a good person. Her story is fast paced with more action up front, set building in the background. This is the fist book in a series that has a few overlapping characters from a separate series. I enjoyed the story for what it was but did have a little trouble being pulled in completely. There seems to be details missing in the timeline/setting that I'm guessing are addressed in the other series and make me feel like there are some gaps in this one or that this one is more of a spinoff/side-story. Largely, I don't feel like there is enough time to really bond and get to know the main character(s) in this one. Due to that, the romance felt really forced. Kind of a sleeping beauty-esque situation that I couldn't really get into. I will say the story does flow really well! The main character narrates this story in a way that feels almost like you are listening to a new friend tell you their past rather than reading a book that you would feel immersed in. Not in a bad way at all! Just a bit more like Maximum Ride by James Patterson rather than say The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer. The book does mention the human world's knowledge of supernatural beings and hints at it a little here and there with the friends of Samantha being a mixed crew of werewolves, fae and witches. This first book did fall a little flat for me but I'm still interested to see where it goes in the future.

Thank you NetGalley and Ink Monster, LLC for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This story follows Sam, an FMC who is the child of a human mother, and a demon father. Sam will be the one to protect humans from demon infestations all the whilst trying to escape the wrath of her fallen-angel father who is trying to bring her (back) to hell.

I feel as though this story had the potential to be great, and I had high expectations, but unfortunately it didn't deliver. I feel as though the author tried to create a quirky, bad-ass FMC, but delivered an awkward teenager/woman trying to navigate a crush and paranormal powers all at once.

There was little action in comparison to the romance aspect of the story. At one point even the priest was playing match maker for her??

I didn't develop any emotional connection to either of the characters and felt bored most of the time - although this could have been that I haven't read any of the authors previous titles. I understand that this is a spin off, but there were names dropped throughout the story that I had no idea about.

The execution could have been so much better than what it was. I'd definitely agree that the target audience of this book is VERY young adult.

Aileen Erin's Invocation is the first installment in the author's Days of Iron and Clay series. Even though it is said that you do not have to have read the Alpha Girls series, it would be nice to understand the world this story takes place. Especially since a bunch of characters from the Alpha Girls series play pivotal parts in this story. The world recently woke up to the news that supernaturals like werewolves, witches, vampires, and other supernaturals are real.

The story follows Samantha Lopez who is not exactly human, but something else. A Nephilim. Samantha just happens to be the daughter of a human and a fallen angel named Astaroth who is willing to do anything to get his wayward daughter back in hell where he thinks she belongs. Samantha also appeared in a short novella called Two More Days. 8 years ago, Samantha escaped from Hell and the man who claims to be her father. To this day, Sam hears his voice when she is trying to relax.

Samantha, who is the resident demonologist, is the person you call if you are demon possessed or in trouble. She's so good, that she is constantly busy sending lower & higher demons back to Hell from where they escaped. Samantha is destined to be an important, extraordinary person who is set on protecting innocent humans from demon infestations and evil spirits - via exorcisms and creating portals to Hell. With Heaven & Hell battling for millennia, Sam and her friends are all that stand in the way of the apocalypse.

Sam, who helped Tessa McCaide (Alpha Werewolf who has visions of the future) defeat her father, now lives in a supernatural community in Texas called The Sanctuary. Sam's friends/family include her mother/partner Elena Gomez, Phoenix Herrera (former soccer phenom), Frank (Priest), Eli (Archon Warrior Angel), Gabe (Demon-dead Nephilim), Dastien (Tessa's mate), Cosette (Fey princess), Claudia (Witch), Lucas (Peruvian Alpha), Axel, and Chris (Werewolf). As I said, all of these characters were part of the Alpha Girls series.

There is something of a dramatic event that happens at the beginning of this book which ends up with the story skipping years before ending in the present. Later, Sam is forced to rescue another friend, Van (Fey Warrior) from Hell after her father captures him, and uses him as bait and trap for Sam. Sam is not perfect. She gets into situations that end up with her in trouble. But she is a spiritual being, whose powers are spiritual, and even though Eli is her friend and protector, there are things that not even he can do without without becoming one of the Fallen.

I have every intention of continuing this story once the sequel releases next winter.

A 5 star book for me. Invocation by Aileen Erin is soooo good! I can't even describe what I felt reading this book. I felt shivers all over my skin, felt all the emotions. Loved it!

Thank you to NetGalley, Independent Publishers Group and Aileen Erin for making this ARC available for me to read!

As someone who did not have the background from the other books by this author and of this universe, I found this read quite fun. It is an interesting world, clearly with a lot of backstory to it that had me quite curious and intrigued about the other books from this author. The story of Sam, and what happens to her in this book also did captivate me quite a bit, and I found myself reading this fast.

I really enjoyed the relationships between the characters, how the main character was surrounded by found family and with family relationships that were actually healthy (which isn't always the case for stories like these!).

Some things I was less fond of, which were inevitable nonetheless, was the insistance on the certain religious aspects of this story. I understand that it is part of this world and part of our character's story, but that wasn't for me necessarily. I also believe that there was a lot of dialogue in this book, to a point that it at times felt more like reading a script, rather than a book.

Another thing that kept me from being fully invested was the fact that parts of this read very Young Adult-y, not necessarily what one would think for the majority of this book (no spoilers) and that certain relationships developed extremely fast and felt a bit rushed or like "star-crossed lovers". Which, to me is not necessarily something I look for in a story or a book, but if you love that I think you will love this!

Overall, enjoyable read, would definitely recommend if you like all things supernatural, FMC and found family! 3,5/5 stars for me!

It's been a little while since I've spent time in the world that this spinoff book series takes place, but it was so nice to be back! Even if you haven't read anything else from this author, this new series is a lot of fun. The world is interesting and rich, with a slow burn that I can't wait to see pay off!

Sam is not your average girl. When the book begins, we get to see behind the scenes of what led to her last arrest of her childhood. I say last because she's been arrested and sent to an institution more than once. That's what happens when you can see the spiritual realm and nobody else wants to believe. It's both a blessing and curse to her, but she manages with a lot of grace. As the daughter of one of Satan's generals, she has a bit of baggage. Her mom is doing her best to protect her, but even the cute boy next door can't keep her from helping someone in need.

From there, we fast forward a few years, now in the ramp up to a big showdown with her dad. She's fallen in with a new found family of paranormals and even gets a surprise visit that sets her world spinning. It was really great to see the evolution of Sam, how she molded herself and her life to do battle, and how she is navigating the world of Angels and Demons. I really enjoyed time with Sam and can't wait to see what she does next!

Thanks Net Galley for the ARC!

Invocation is a fast-paced, gritty paranormal romance. It has the depth of lore seen in similar themed stories such as Constantine (movie starring Keanu Reeves), and it has the witty banter that's seen in The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher.

I haven't read any of the Alpha Girls books, and Erin has done a marvellous job of making sure readers are up to date with what we need to know to fully appreciate what's going on.
Sam is a smart, sarcastic, and strong character that can't seem to catch a break! I loved the dynamics between Sam and her supernatural pals. Especially Eli. He reminds me of the way angels are portrayed in the Supernatural TV series (we love a sassy and bored-esque man with the ability to glow brighter than the sun).

As someone who usually steers clear of romance, I'd happily continue reading what Sam battles next.

Thank you NetGalley and Ink Monster, LLC for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. Below review won't contain big spoilers, but I will reference some things from the book to explain where my opinion comes from.

Not all YA feels young, but this one definitely does.

This story follows Samantha, who is the daughter of a human mother & a fallen angel/demon father. Because of this, she is able to see through different realms and can see & react with the spiritual world. She's destined to be this important, extraordinary person (and likely save the world at one point) who is set on protecting innocent humans from demons infestations and evil spirits - via exorcisms and creating portals to Hell. She's also on the run from her father who is dead-set on bringing her (back) to Hell forever. Her best friends are some werewolves, witches, a priest, an archon, and her demon-dead friend.

This description, the world and set-up for the story sounded great, so I was excited to delve in. It did, however, not really deliver for me. My main gripe was the storytelling feeling so, so young. It was quite clunky, a lot of tell (mainly internal monologue) and very little show. The conversations had very much "teenager" vibe to it and often went on for much too long with a lot of repetition. This would've made sense for the first part in which she was still 17 years old. However, this did not change after the 6-year time-jump. She's said to have aged so much compared to her peers from having been to Hell, but this was not evident from anything whatsoever.

Some other points that stood out to me:
- While it is a spin-off, I've read multiple times that you do not need to have read the main series. I would disagree, if only for the fact that there is a lot of name-dropping through the book of characters that were very obviously part of that previous series. It wasn't that it confused me as much as it felt like you're in a conversation with people who are talking about something that you were not a part of so you're just sitting there, awkwardly.
- We hear many times how awful and terrifying Hell and her father are, but we're never actually really shown how bad it really is, I never felt that there were actual high stakes involved even when everything went to hell (pun intended). Having more emotional investment would've really helped with these moments.
- The romance was ... not really existing for me. The eventual love interest and her experience some kind of insta-love moment which I did not connect with at all. Since the events were spread out of over 2 days in total, as a reader it did not make sense for some real attraction to blossom. I'm not against insta-love or insta-lust, but this was extremely cringy for me.

Not all YA has to feel really young, and I'm actually surprised this one did, since for most of the story the characters were between 23 and 28 years old. Perhaps if I had read this when I was much younger myself, I would've liked it more. I won't be continuing the series myself for that reason, but I can see how this has potential for a younger audience (I just didn't see it being marketed that way).

i had hope that this would be a decent read based off of the title and cover alone but my bad though because this was not definitely not it for me.

we’ve got sam / samantha who is the daughter of a human mother and demon father, constantly on the run and in hiding from her demon father because he didn’t like the fact she had thwarted him by saving her werewolf friend, tessa (oh don’t worry! you won’t ever forget tessa is a werewolf because it is beaten into you throughout the book).

in the first few chapters sam is 17, living with her mother, and across the hall from her hot soccer player neighbor, phoenix. time skip 6 years and sam’s since moved to texas from california, has a job as a demon hunter and somehow SOME WAY, runs into phoenix again when he asks the local priest for some supernatural help with one of his sisters. i won’t get into further details as to not spoil the rest of the book but i really thought this would be more focused on the demon aspect of it instead of her nonexistent love life. i honestly could have done away with the romance altogether and really felt like it didn’t help the book at all. it could have been a better read without it, but to each their own. it could be just me and the fact i’ve read too many fantasy books within the last year but the fated mates trope is getting to be so redundant. it doesn’t help that sam’s friend group / found family are werewolves for the majority and with that comes mates. obviously this plays into her odd lust romance for phoenix but come on, can we not?? the included romance felt out of place, almost forced and i found myself cringing throughout the book. even though for the rest of the book sam is 23, her inner dialogue reads as if she’s still 17. i felt she didn’t really grow out of that age.

(my last thoughts on this but “babe” is said 24 times. why? idk. sometimes the urban fantasies don’t work out.)