Rhys McGowan his finally achieved his dream of becoming the High Priest of Boston's premiere Secret Society, but his obsession with power threatens to corrupt his relationship both with the Society members and with his wife, Moira, and partner David. Picking up where Evocation left off, Ascension focuses on Rhys as he fights with his, sometimes literal, demons.

I absolutely love S.T. Gibson's writing, she approaches her characters with such care and I am fascinated by the relationship exploration between Moira, David, and Rhys. Ascension's focus on Rhys really gets to the roots of his character and why he is so singularly focused on maintaining and amassing power. But unlike potential other novels, Rhys is not villainized, and instead we get a peek behind the curtain of his psyche, while also getting him the support he needs from his partners.

I definitely recommend Ascension and the rest of the Summoner's Circle for anyone who wants a modern magical novel, enjoys thoughtful explorations of polyamory, and flawed, but lovable, characters.

Thank you to Angry Robot and to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

See, this was once one of my favourite authors. This series, however, does not intrigue me as much as her other earlier books. It was nice enough, but the first book in the series progressed slow and this one had me struggle to want to keep on reading.

A captivating read! I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this, considering I wasn't a big fan of the first. I did feel like the pace was on the slower end for the majority of the book, but it didn't drag or fail to capture my attention. It was slightly uneventful as far as external conflicts go; it was very character-driven with heavy internal conflict. Intricate, morally gray characters with strong character development. I really enjoyed the complex and messy relationships, but I just wanted more in the romance department. While the romance was more believable than it was in the previous installment, it was still lacking emotion and depth. I'm definitely intrigued to see where the next book will go.

Loveeeee! I absolutely LOVED this!! Got a free ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, which I am so excited by!!!!! So happy to get this a month early!

ST Gibson continues to impress me! I liked this even more than Evocation. The characters all feel so fleshed out, even beyond the main trio those our bfs and gf feel so real to me it’s like they could walk right off the page.

The pacing and sort of setup to this is very similar to #1 so that’s partly why I enjoyed it more. I knew what to expect. These books are definitely not plot-driven, but they are a really deep rich gritty character analysis that had me hooked from the start.

I realized who David and Rhys remind me of and it’s Victor and Eli from Vicious but if they just succumbed to their feelings for each other and were boyfriends 🙂‍↕️ and that’s the best compliment I can give! Also where some of the VE Schwab comparisons come to mind but again that’s a huge compliment!

These books are sexy, steamy, intentional, interesting, and FUN! But also diverse, inclusive, vulnerable, and serious when needed. I love these so much and want the next one IMMEDIATELY!

3 stars

(Don't look at me, I'm in pain *cries*)

I hate the feeling that both David and Moira are settling for Rhys because he has (somehow) gaslight them into thinking he is the best person for them because let me tell you... I hated Rhys in this book.
omg *shakes fist* What a whiny man. He was exhausting! The ego in this man *facepalms*
There is a new love interest in this book, and I wasn't mad about it. actually, I liked him more than Rhys even with his "villainous" ways.
Still, with me hating on Rhys aside, this was fun and very entertaining, and Leda is my queen, and I'm so excited she's getting a book (yay *throws confetti*) and so a win is a win.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

When I've read Evocation last year, it literally changed my world and it became one my book references.
I was so excited to come back to David, Rhys and Moira. Their growth, their evolution, both individually and within their relationship, is even deeper here.

I finished the book, full of goosebumps all other my body AND my soul. That what this series makes me feel.

Catholic guilt, demon summoning, and megalomania! This book has it all! In all honesty, Ascension really does have a little bit of everything - Society politics, romance, drama, and occult stuff galore. I’ve been looking forward to this gorgeous sequel to Evocation since I closed the last page of that book in 2024 and I’m delighted that Ascension lived up to my personal hype/expectations.
This picks up soon after the events of Evocation, with Rhys now High Priest of the Society and David his second in command. Rhys, Moira, and David are happily co-existing in their relationship and Rhys is mostly confident they can break the blood curse he took on from David. It seems as if all should be copacetic, but Rhys’s personal need for more really puts things into a tailspin from the get-go. He starts pushing himself to the point of exhaustion, constantly overextending himself and neglecting both David and Moira, and at some point he turns full on megalomaniac. He has too many demons picking at him, demanding offerings and he is no longer the one holding the reins which quickly becomes a problem when another practitioner is injured at his hands.
While there is some excellent plot going on in Ascension, ultimately this book is about the relationships between Rhys, Moira, David, and even extends to members of the Society that they call friends. It’s a study in what happens when work or any other passion project consumes a person to the point they don’t know who they are anymore. The consequences harm those we love who we should be loathe to hurt in such a way, but Rhys does this time and time again, learning to what extent his beloved Moira and David will tolerate his behaviour. Fortunately it also shows that a person can come back from this and be forgiven with sufficient remorse and groveling. Rhys fucked around, found out, and became a changed man.
S.T. Gibson is a master at complicated characters and the chemistry between everyone - friends, spouses, enemies, and otherwise – really make this series something special. I also love the way Gibson writes the occult aspects of the story, making it such a normal part of the characters’ everyday lives but also maintaining this sense of mysticism. I would highly recommend this series for fans of Leigh Bardugo’s Ninth House and I have my fingers crossed there will be more installments!

⚠️Please note that this is the second book in the series. This review will contain spoilers if you have not read the first book.⚠️

We are back! To the occult, to the magic, to the witchcraft that draaaaws us in with this series.

Rhys now has it all. Moira by his side, David by his side, he is now High Priest of the Society, and he has a few fickle demons at his beck and call. Life is great!.

Until it is not.

Someone has left pieces of a ritual in a public place. It has the community worried. Well, Rhys, at least.

David Aristarkov is now the chief scryer of the Society, and he seems content with that until a blast from the past from his past emerges.

Moira, on the other hand, is less happy with seeing less of Rhys. Still, she seems like her old self.
I can totally see Moira reading a scared server's hand in a restaurant... just because she can. 😁😂

The pressure Rhys has as the High Priest is starting to take its toll. What is one more demon, right? Just one to make sure every occultists in the country knows his name.

For me, this book was more emotional to read than the last for some reason, betrayal, fights, and amends needing to be made.
Not to mention emotional turmoil from someone I did not know was capable of such. Then a story from Lorna. 💙

I had almost forgotten the Aristakov deal.
I have forgotten how long it is until Rhys' thirtieth. How long until the next book, you say?🤭

The seven of swords card shows up
What in the blue blazes will happen next?

Thank you to the publisher Angry Robot and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced reading copy of Ascension by S.T. Gibson.
Ascension, the second instalment in The Summoner’s Circle series, delivers a lush and elegant continuation from Evocation. Gibson’s prose remains a standout—refined, immersive, and often poetic—which elevated the experience even when the pacing started slowly. Despite what I felt was a slow start, the narrative is taken up a gear midway through the story, with events that kept me fully engaged.
One of the book’s strongest elements continues to be its central cast. Each main character feels distinct, with interpersonal dynamics that are as compelling as the supernatural elements.
I am excited to see where Gibson takes the story next.

Another fantastic master piece by S.T. Gibson. It kept me on the edge of my seat from moment one and I absolutely could not put it down. Without spoiling too much it takes everything I loved from book 1 and amplifies it to a thousand. I am absolutely sat for the rest of anything that S.T. Gibson writes.

Ascension by S. T. Gibson completely captivated me with its character-driven storytelling and rich, atmospheric world. This book takes the series to even greater heights, weaving together themes of love, ambition, and power in a way that feels both personal and universal. Gibson’s prose is absolutely stunning—lyrical, evocative, and immersive. Every word pulls you deeper into the story, where each decision carries real consequences.

What I loved most about Ascension is how authentically the relationships are portrayed. The complex dynamics between the characters—whether romantic, platonic, or rivalrous—felt raw and believable. Rhys’s journey, in particular, was a standout. His struggle with ambition and power made for a compelling and cautionary arc that kept me turning the pages. It’s a story that makes you think about the cost of chasing your desires, and it doesn’t shy away from showing the darker sides of ambition.

The magic system is both imaginative and grounded, adding an extra layer of depth to the story. The tension and stakes are consistently high, and Gibson’s writing balances the external drama with deep, introspective moments that hit hard.

If you’re a fan of urban fantasy that’s packed with character development, atmospheric storytelling, and a touch of dark, magical intrigue, Ascension is a must-read. It’s a beautiful, cautionary tale of desire and the human psyche, and I can’t wait to see where the series goes next.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book. A gorgeous 4 star read book from me. What an exciting plot, vivid storytelling and relatable, rich characters. I couldn't put this book down – absolutely loved it.

To absolutely no ones surprise: I had a great time with this book.

I do think, overall, I didn’t love this book as much as evocation but i think that may be in part due to what I personally wanted & doesn’t credit that there are still like 2 more books worth of storyline that will go into the series.

I really enjoyed seeing some more tender moments between Moira & David (this is what i wish there was more of but fingers crossed, that gets delivered in Moira’s book). I always enjoy how atmospheric Saint’s writing is and how she’s so good with her descriptive writing so I really feel like I can put myself in the story. I also love how layered and complex her characters, even when it’s for the worst, as we see with Rhys throughout the story. Boy did I want to knock him out the majority of the time, i feel like so much of the book series is him pissing me off, and then him groveling to Moira. Plus, I feel like the main storyline about the curse that has now been passed down to Rhys was just ignored? that part almost made the book feel like filler, bc i understand we’re here to get some dedicated Rhys storyline but hey um, he’s big time cursed, lets work on that.

I’m soooo torn on the situation with Max bc like, are you a genuine person who just did a big goof? or should we all hate you? idk

ALSO PLS PLS PLS I NEED MORE LEDA I AM BEGGING, i love her downnnnnn

regardless, i’m so thankful to have received an ARC of this book because if Saint only has one fan, it’s me.

Thanks to Angry Robot and NetGalley for the preview. All opinions are my own.

3.5 stars

Look, here's the deal. I don't like Rhys and that 100% impacted my enjoyment of this book. But I'm not going round my review down because this is a me problem. I love David, I love Moira, and now I like Leda too. But I swear Rhys deserves absolutely none of the love these people give him. I even highlighted entire paragraphs where he admits he's selfish and controlling and a monster of his own making. And he does experience decent character growth by the end once he has to have everyone help him dig himself out of the giant pit he dug for himself. But I will forever maintain that David and Moira diminish themselves with their love for him.

Otherwise, Gibson continues to enchant with the occult and opening up the world to different types of practitioners. I'm very interested in learning more about Leda and Dion in particular. I'm still invested in this series and these characters. I can't wait for Moira's book. And I stg David deserves the world.

"From the international bestselling author of Evocation comes it's hotly anticipated and spellbinding sequel, where Rhys steps into his new role as High Priest. A magical read for lovers of traditional urban fantasy.

Ever since Rhys McGowan was a boy, he's only wanted two things: power and love.

Now, as High Priest of Boston's premiere Secret Society, husband to his adoring witch wife Moira, and partner to David - his psychic rival-turned-boyfriend, Rhys is finally at peace. But when a strange ritual rocks Boston's occult community, and opens the Society up to sabotage, Rhys delves even deeper into the dark world of demon-summoning. He's used to carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, but the strain of managing so many spirits (not to mention the stress of his loved ones exploring other people) will push him to the brink.

As heaven and hell play tug of war for Rhys' soul, he'll have to face the greatest demon of all: his own insatiable ambition.

The second book in the bestselling Summoner's Circle series sees beloved characters return for an all new dark and enthralling adventure."

I mean, when disaster is one the doorstep talking about opening up your relationship isn't ideal.

Thank you to Angry Robot and NetGalley for giving me an Advanced Readers Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I admit I struggled a bit with Ascension during the first half, especially as I could not understand Rhys’s motivation for acting the way he was. But I really do love S.T Gibson’s writing style a lot and eventually did get sucked into the story. I think the magic system in this series is really fascinating (if at times a little vague) and I was happy we got to see a little bit more of it in action in this book. Intrigued to see where the story goes next.

Many thanks to Angry Robot for a complimentary eARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Ascension picks up the story from Evocation, focusing on Rhys McGowan. Rhys, ambitious beyond measure, seemingly has it all: magical power galore, a stable of demons at his beck and call, and brooding good looks. Having faced one of the most powerful demons to save his once-and-again boyfriend, the dashing and rakish David Aristarkov, he now has everything beyond his wildest dreams: High Priesthood of the magical society to which he belongs and the love of his wife, Moira, and his again-boyfriend David. But of course, Rhys wants more: more demons to empower him, grand plans to reform the society, and finally to come out to his parents about his bisexuality. It all comes to a head when a sudden and senseless ritual threatens to expose Boston's magical communities, forcing Rhys to act decisively.

This book does not disappoint, particularly for those (like me) who loved Evocation. We shift perspectives in Ascension to focus on Rhys's story and perspective, but there is plenty of David and Moira chapters to enjoy as well. The plot moves briskly and the characterisation builds on what we already know, love, and hate about Rhys, David, and Moira. I particularly enjoyed observing how Rhys navigated his Catholic guilt with his obvious longing to be with both Moira and David. Bisexual representation in fiction is often sorely lacking but Ascension does a great job of showing how this works in terms of love, longing, and lust. And if we support bisexual rights, boy does Rhys excel in showing us bisexual wrongs: he makes a right mess of everything -- from his relationships to the society, from his lovers to his closest confidants. You still support Rhys, of course, but you get frustrated at how he just gets so much wrong. Still, he falls only to rise again -- seeing him on his literal knees seeking forgiveness and repentance from everyone shows that he can be sympathetic and redeemed. The villainy displayed is not of a particularly sophisticated sort; the antagonist is more an opportunist than a mastermind and Rhys's own flaws are mostly to blame for his trouble. Still, the tensions feel very real and the stakes are high enough to worry about our favourite occult polycule.

If it sounds like I am gushing, it's because I am. I loved Evocation and am so happy to see the story continue in Ascension. The plot decidedly focuses on Rhys's demons (metaphorical and literal) and we learn so much more about not only David and Moira, but also the amazing cast of side characters like Antoni, Cameron, and Kitty (each of whom could probably carry their own novel in this series). If there's one thing I can criticise it's only that villainy is all really rather quickly dispensed with -- demons miraculously handled, the hidden threat to the society quickly neutralised, all is forgiven. I don't expect Rhys and the others to be raked over the coals for an extended period but it all felt a little tidy and neatly wrapped up! Still, there is much to enjoy here and if you aren't already a fan of S.T. Gibson's Summoner's Circle series, you will be after reading Ascension.

Thank you endlessly to Angry Robot for the advanced copy of Ascension and the chance to return to one of my all-time favorite worlds a little early.

I fell for this world the moment I cracked open my arc of Odd Spirits. I read one chapter, put it down, preordered a physical copy, immediately ordered Evocation, and never looked back! If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for books set in Boston—but a Boston full of magic?! That’s an instant yes from me.

And don’t even get me started on these characters as I am truly and deeply obsessed with them. Rhys and Moira in Odd Spirits were already everything, and then we added David into the mix giving us the most perfect little messy magical family! Each book has added so much depth to their world: Odd Spirits gives us Rhys and Moira’s roots, Evocation dives into David’s layers, and now Ascension turns the focus back to our sad boy, Rhys.

Rhys’s journey in Ascension is tender, chaotic, powerful, and deeply personal. He’s stepping into a new role of power, trying to balance his relationships with Rhys and Moira, putting all the pressure on himself, hiding his identity from his family, trying to make sense of it all, and (of course) making quite a mess along the way! And I loved every second of it. The emotional turmoil, the tension, the growth- it’s all done so well.

Saint continues to portray polyamory with such care and intention, never losing sight of the love that binds this trio together. The magic, the mayhem, the emotional stakes—this series has it all. I love all of these characters, but Moira is my number one girl. I will be holding my breath until 2027 for her story. But until then, I’ll be rereading this series like it’s a comfort spell.

My favorite throuple! A great continuation from Evocation - my only complaint is that the characters are so well developed that the plot gets strung along behind them.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, S.T. Gibson is doing the most for LGBTQ+ supernaturals and I will not hear a word against it.

Ascension picks up where Evocation left us, with our favourite polyamourous magic people getting into all sorts of mishaps. David has mellowed out, Rhys is now High Priest and Moira is just being an absolute angel as per usual.

To make this a spoiler free review: I hate Max, Rhys needs to chill out and Moira, just keep doing what you're doing sweetie. You're doing a fantastic job.

Huge thanks to S.T. Gibson, Netgalley, and Angry Robot for this eARC. Massively enjoyed and will be absolutely devouring the rest of the series when it comes out.