I love being back with all these characters, it’s always such a comfort to return to this world. That said, I think I may have misunderstood the direction the story was taking. I expected each new book to gradually deepen and strengthen the relationships between everyone, but with Rhys’ book, it felt like some of the same issues from earlier stories resurfaced, especially the ongoing communication problems he has with Moira and David.
At times, that repetition frustrated me, as it felt like the characters were retreading old ground. Just when the relationship seemed to be moving forward, it would suddenly take five steps back. That said, the sweet, affectionate moments really worked for me, and by the end, I did feel like there was some meaningful progress. I hope the author continues to build on that.

I also really enjoyed the plot overall, especially seeing more focus on supporting characters like Antoni (I truly felt for him). It was great to see them getting more attention.

Despite its flaws, I genuinely enjoy this series and am excited to see where it goes next.

3.5/5

A magical read for lovers of traditional urban fantasy where beloved characters return for a new dark and enthralling adventure. Rhys McGowan takes centre stage and steps into his new role as High Priest while learning to face the greatest demon of all: his own insatiable hunger. An emotional and gripping ride through the consequences of power and grief and the repercussions from the previous book play out nicely here. A perfect read for fantasy lovers and over achievers alike.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐓𝐰𝐨, 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐂𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐥𝐞) 𝐛𝐲 𝐒. 𝐓. 𝐆𝐢𝐛𝐬𝐨𝐧

There’s something deeply unsettling and honest about the emotional terrain in Ascension. It doesn’t just pick up where the first book left off — it sinks deeper into the consequences of power, grief, and personal mythology. Rhys is unraveling in slow motion, and even when I found myself questioning his decisions, I understood the emotional logic behind them. That kind of character work — intimate, flawed, sometimes painful — goes a long way for me.

The writing is confident and immersive, atmospheric without being overwrought. There’s a weight to the prose that mirrors the story’s emotional gravity. Some of the relationship threads didn’t fully resonate with me, particularly in the way certain romantic entanglements are handled — not because they’re controversial, but because they felt more chaotic than cohesive at times. Still, the emotional tension in those dynamics felt intentional, and added to the sense of unease that permeates the book.

Pacing-wise, it’s occasionally uneven. A few major emotional beats didn’t quite land as powerfully as they were meant to, and there were stretches where the momentum stalled. But the impact of the story lingered with me longer than I expected — and that tends to matter more than perfect plot structure.

It’s a bold, moody, and emotionally thoughtful book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Thank you, Net Galley & Angry Robot books, for an E-arc in exchange for an honest review

📚 Ascension
🔮 Fantasy
📖 323 pages
📖 40 Chapters
📖 Book 3 of 5
✅️ The story grips you from the start
❌️ Nothing everything was perfect
✅ Would recommend
✅ Would read it again
⭐ Rating: 5

It’s no secret that S.T. Gibson is one of my auto-buy authors, so when I was approved for this e-ARC, I was thrilled to dive back into this world.

Having read the first book in the series last year, I was a little worried I’d spend the first half trying to remember what had happened and feeling confused. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case. I was instantly drawn back in and completely lost in the pages as if some kind of evocation had been cast to pull me back into the story.

I adore the characters in this book (well, most of them) and enjoyed seeing them developed further in this sequel. While each of the three main characters has their own arc, this book centres on Rhys. I was a bit concerned it might turn into the kind of book where you start to hate him, and while he doesn’t make the best decisions, his storyline was by far my favourite. The way he clings to power and spirals into doing anything to keep it reminded me of Willow’s magic addiction in season six of Buffy. Rhys’s descent into obsession and hunger for more was gripping to read.

I also really love the magic system. It’s rooted in everyday occultism and feels just on the edge of possibility, which helps ground the story. The magic never feels overused or far-fetched.

One of the strongest aspects of this book is how realistic the relationships feel. The flaws and complexities of the characters are what make the story so compelling. I especially adore Rhys and Moira’s relationship and how they deal with the challenges they face together.

I absolutely can’t wait for the next book. With book one focusing on David and book two on Rhys, I’m hoping the next one shines a light on Moira. She’s such a fascinating character, and I have a feeling she’s far more powerful than we’ve seen so far.

4.5 stars on StoryGraph.


I’ve got to say, Ascension takes the world of Evocation and does a fantastic job of improving on it! I liked this book more than the first.

The first book had some great character moments and world building, but now that the rules of the world are established, we get even more into the minds of our main trio and get to see more of the extended cast as well. Our supporting cast of characters really shine in this book, pretty much everyone gets a memorable moment to endear you to them.

Our main trio really goes through it in this book though. Rhys takes center stage in this book and does some challenging things. There were times that I wanted to just shake him and yell at him for being crazy, but thankfully the book would switch POV before I went mad over Rhys’s decisions. Of course, there’s a reason for why everything happens, you’ll just have to wait for the book and see! (Shout out to David and Moira for continuing to be my favorite characters.)

A great sequel, and one that makes me eagerly look forward to the next book!

3.5* - A big thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot for providing me with this advance copy in exchange for an honest review!

"Ascension" is the second book in the Summoner’s Circle series, following "Evocation," which was released last May.

After the events in "Evocation," Rhys seems to have achieved a lot and has built good relationships with those around him. However, as the pressure increases and he sets higher goals for himself and others, things start to change...

I really liked the writing in "Evocation." It felt a bit different from other fantasy books, and the tension in the story was what kept me hooked. In the first book, David wasn’t the most relatable character; we mostly saw him struggling with his issues and relying on Rhys and Moira. However, in "Ascension," I felt like I really got to know these characters better, and I grew to love them! I could relate to Rhys, especially as the oldest sibling, since I understand the pressure of trying to meet high expectations and do what’s best for everyone. Even David came across as more relatable this time. As always, S.T. Gibson did an amazing job of portraying a beautiful polygamous relationship that actually worked in the context of the story, even if I’m still processing it!

That said, I felt like this book played it a bit safe. Aside from the arguments between Rhys, Moira, Nathan, and David, not much happened, and I didn’t find it very entertaining. It could just be that I had high hopes going in!

ST Gibson is an automatic read for me, but the Summoner’s Circle holds a special place in my heart.

The love that I feel for Moira, David, Rhys, and Leda goes beyond the pages of the book and seeing them grow and face and struggle with the human and magical parts of themselves feels transcendent.

It’s clear that Gibson loves these characters, too, but doesn’t shy from the rough and raw edges of one’s humanity as she weaves her stories, and it’s the juxtaposition of dark and light and the kaleidoscope of love that brings me back again and again.

I was really surprised with how much I liked Rhys in this book, because while I enjoyed him in Evocation, I didn't love him so much. I liked getting to know him more, and watch his character progress and come to realizations about himself and how he moves through the world and with the people in his life. There's one scene towards the beginning of the story that really made me feel for him, and feel connected to him on a personal level.

The addition of new characters was fun, especially for one in particular. I always enjoy a good conflict in a story because I like to see how it plays out amongst the characters and how they work through things, and this story had really great moments of that. (Loved the hints at content in future books to come in this series as well). I'd love to see more moments between Moira and David with their relationship.

The vibes/atmosphere/ aesthetic get an A+ from me. Really looking forward to book 3 already.

mother has delivered, yet again 🙂‍↕️

i honestly have little to say other than wow! wow! wow! please! give! me ! mORE!

reading this book, i was waiting the whole time for the trio scene and finally got it !! 😮‍💨 catholic guilt (sexy) is RIGHT

i know this was rhys’ book, but i just need to point out that david’s character has developed so beautifully from the start of the first book, dare i say, he may be my favourite of the trio now (sorry rhys & moira!)

i often complain about how sometimes, authors throw a lot of characters at you in the first book and just expect you to keep up with them all but they don’t actually give you much of each - this series, so far, is the BEST opposite of this; during evocation, we are focused on the main 3 characters, rhys, moira & david; by book 2, their characters are built upon further and we are getting more out of antoni etc etc! it was written SO well!

i honestly can’t wait for the rest of this series to keep coming out and will be an avid supporter of saint throughout this journey, i am simply a simp for her at this stage, chef’s kiss from me 😮‍💨🤌🏼

thank you as always to angry robot & net galley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review! <3

This was quite a good one from ST Gibson.

This story shows how power can corrupt a person and destroy relationships. Rhys goes through a somewhat addiction to such power that he loses sight of everything, his loved ones, his friends, his colleagues and most importantly himself, the demons that somewhat control him and offer him this power become almost like a drug to him and he becomes addicted to it so much he suffers withdrawals. The demons may offer him all of his heart content, but is it really worth it?

I love the growth of the relationship between Moira and David from the first book and the platonic (if not more) love they share for each other. The whole relationship between all three is just like any other relationship, not everything is perfect, there may be hardships and miss communication but by listening and working together you can make each other stronger. Plus Moira is all us book girlies.

Wonder what the next book will hold?

5-Star Review: Ascension by S.T. Gibson

S.T. Gibson’s Ascension, the second installment in The Summoner’s Circle series, delivers a mesmerizing blend of dark magic, complex relationships, and emotional depth. Picking up after Evocation, we follow Rhys McGowan as he navigates his new role as High Priest of Boston’s secret society, balancing his ambitions with the intricacies of his relationships with his witch wife, Moira, and psychic partner, David . 

Gibson masterfully delves into themes of power, desire, and the human psyche. Rhys’s journey is both compelling and cautionary, showcasing the perils of unchecked ambition. The narrative is enriched by the vivid portrayal of Boston’s occult underworld and the intricate dynamics between characters. The magic system is both imaginative and grounded, adding layers to the story’s allure . 

What sets Ascension apart is its character-driven storytelling. The relationships are portrayed with authenticity, capturing the complexities of love, trust, and ambition. Gibson’s prose is both lyrical and evocative, immersing readers in a world where every choice carries weight.

For fans of urban fantasy with rich character development and atmospheric storytelling, Ascension is a must-read. It not only builds upon the foundation laid in Evocation but elevates the series to new heights. 

Thank you Angry Robot and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest opinion.
I actually started reading The Summoner's Circle series by S.T. Gibson when I got approved for this ARC. It had been on my radar for quite some time, and I figured, now that I had early access to the second book, it was time to give it a go. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, which I already reviewed.
Unfortunately... Ascension didn't do it for me. In my personal opinion, it felt like a carbon copy of the first book: character gets in trouble, needs help from his friends and partners, their relationship changes based on their decisions, all is well in the end. Of course, the dynammics should have changed, given that Evocation focuses on David, while Ascension's got Rhys as the focus. But... they really didn't. We get a glimpse of Rhys' personality and upbringing, his contradictory self, greedy for power and praise but also for care and true affection, but it doesn't add much to what we already knew.
The polyamory aspect of the story gets shaken up a bit by introducing a new secondary character, but they really don't do much in terms of the trouple we already know and love: at least I didn't feel it, also given that the prose and lyricism I found in the first book are somewhat diluted in this one.
Also, let's talk about Moira, the straight wife and witch, the little goddess, the cunning astrologist: all well said and done, too bad she acts as a plot device for the entire story. She does the networking, she draws little circles on people's skin when they get anxious, she meets someone at a club who I'm sure will be a new character introduced in the third book of the saga, which should focus on her, and that's it. Throughout the book, whenever it was time for her POV, all I could think about was "Girl, dump these two and start anew, you deserve better": from being the sustainer, the trustworthy sage you can always rely on, I feel like she's become a beautiful and powerful trashcan for other people's problems and toxicity, with very little left to herself.
I am... disappointed and sad. I really looked forward to this book after finishing Evocation.
I'll end this by saying that it's not a bad book, but it could have been so much more.

***Review contains mild spoilers***

Book two centers around Rhys and the growth of his character all throughout.

This was a much better novel than book one since everything that needed to be set up and established so now more focus can be done.

This novel quickly sets up what is at store, while David dealt with the his family demons in book one. Rhys deals with his own in a different way.

While I enjoyed the side characters, I was not a fan of Max. The way he was plopped right into the novel and then just essentially used as a scapegoat to tying up loose threads to help the author out of a right corner.

I love my throuple so much.
Ascension picks up where we left off in Evocation but the story follows Rhys as the High Priest and all the demons and bureaucracy that comes with that. I adored this book, it is low stakes and I definitely loved that Moira was able to shine more and I can't wait for her book. ST Gibson is one my favorite authors and if you are looking for a character driven low stakes urban fantasy, PICK THIS UP!!!

No notes, utter perfection. Spectacular, give me 14 of them right now.

Do Rhys, David and Moira want a fourth?

Genius! This book is a great addition to this series. I feel as though I have been along for the ride as these characters have grown, changed and "become"...what? I'm not spoiling anything. I love the representation of a polyamorous relationship that is written in such a way as to feel quite authentic. The main characters are fascinating... they're all so different and yet they work together. Moira is one of the best female characters I have read in a very long time. She is strong, independent, loving and fierce and an absolute joy to "get to know".

The magic in the book is delightful. It's clear the author has put a great deal of thought into every aspect of the magic that is practised in the series. Great job! Will definitely recommend this entire series. I think this is my favourite book in the series as well.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 rounded up
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Rhys, Moira, David and the rest of Boston occult community are back in book 2 of the Summoner's Circle. Rhys is now High Priest of their secret society and with his wife and his boyfriend by his side, he's on track to become the most powerful High Priest ever. However, alongside all his responsibilities Rhys' unquenchable ambition may just be his undoing. 

"But why is it that every time we hang out someone is on the brink of death? Let's just, like, go to the movies next time."

The anxiety in this book (Or my anxiety reading this book)! This is book 2 of the Summoner's Circle series (so read Evocation first). Ascension very much centers Rhys and his dark night of the soul journey is his quest for power and tangling with more demons than recommended. Give this series a read if you enjoy: 
- The occult and secret societies 
- Demons and magic
- Polyamory
- Power struggles (internal and external)
- Constantine (if you squint) set in Boston, but with more of a squad and less hunting/more summoning

Thank you to Angry Robot Books for an ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book will be published on 7/8/25. I'll be posting to Instagram closer to publication.

I loved this book, I really liked the first book; I LOVED THIS BOOK. There were some very frustrating moments, and I couldn’t believe how oblivious everyone was to how far gone Rhys was, but Gibson wrapped it up really well.

I never trusted Max, but I don’t think he was totally bad. I had a feeling he was setting Rhys up, and targeting David to rile Rhys up and make him act out. I only seem to be partially correct, but I was correct.

David is still my favorite, and I loved seeing Moira in her own unique power. Amazing. I want the next book now, but I know that isn’t how it works.

I’m not sure if it was a glitch in the file, but I did see some typos, and some words seemed to be off (like knot instead of not.) that’s really my only qualm.

Thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot for this ARC!

“Ascension” is the second book in the Summoner’s Circle series, following Evocation, which was released May of last year. This review may contain spoilers for book one, so be warned.

Following Evocation, Rhys has achieved some of his loftiest goals and created harmony in his personal relationships. But as pressure mounts, and he sets ever higher expectations for himself and others, things begin to shift…

This book was just as fantastic as book one. Whenever I pick up a new series I worry a little that book two, which is often the weakest, won’t stick the landing, but I certainly need not have worried here. Despite bringing up completely new conflicts, nothing felt ripped out of thin air and the pacing was magnificent, really holding on to your attention the entire way through.

Something that did change in comparison to book one though was the number of different spiritualities and belief systems that were given attention. While I can’t boast any personal experience with any of the spiritualities mentioned here, lifelong Catholicism aside, I would say they all felt well-researched and while obviously some had to be given more attention than others, I still really liked all the glimpses we got.

I also enjoyed how Gibson explored the relationship between Moira, Rhys and David in this one. While reading book one I admit I had some concerns regarding how David’s being gay would be handled in regards to their relationship dynamic, and while the majority of my worries was settled in book one, I think this one did an even better job of showing a relationship that is far from the norm, but works out beautifully, both inside and outside the bounds of sexual desire or romantic love.

In general I thought this book did a wonderful job of allowing us to really get to know not only our main three, but also the other people in their lives who they cherish. Characters I wouldn’t have described as intensely memorable in book one really grew on me here, and I cannot wait to follow along their journeys as well. Many of the characters in this book fuck up at times, do things that are less than perfect or even outright bad, but they are always treated as human being who deserve compassion and forgiveness, if it is earned. While, at times, some of them might seem too good to be true, Gibson always finds a way to humanise them.

Also, and I’m saying this as someone who does Not enjoy sex scenes, and usually skips them… I will admit I read these ones, because one must simply applaud the author for her skill. I’d describe the scenes as beautifully written and steamy, not so overly graphic that they would put someone like me off but descriptive enough to be enjoyable for those who are of other minds.

If you enjoyed book one you will certainly enjoy this, and if you haven’t read book one yet… What the hell are you doing? You’re missing out on one of the best pieces of urban fantasy out there right now!

Ascension leans hard into character-driven storytelling, exploring the fallout of ambition, faith, and polyamorous love with a moody, slow-burning intensity. Rhys takes center stage this time, and while his insecurities and hunger for power add emotional weight, the pacing drags and the central mystery feels more like background noise. Despite a softer plot, the book still shines when it comes to the messy, tender dynamics between Rhys, David, and Moira—especially for readers who love introspective, flawed characters navigating both magic and their feelings. It’s a strong sequel for fans of the first, though the slower pace and Rhys-heavy focus might not hit for everyone. Still, S.T. Gibson’s lush writing and sharp character work carry it through.