3.5 stars
Ascension felt a bit like a filler book. like not a ton happened plot-wise, but the vibes were great! I din't really like the religious tension, but the gothic feel and slow-burn romance really pulled me in, even if the story itself dragged a bit... Idk I just wanted more development in some places but I was still invested. Overall, it didn’t blow me away, but I was definitely vibing with it.

something about these characters speak to me. i think about evocation often, even though i was not a huge fan of a dowry of blood and dnfed an education in malice. these characters breathe such a life into the story and it grips me from page one. it does queer representation and explanation of different kinds of loves so well.

Thanks netgalley and S.T Gibson for the Arc
I really enjoyed this book
The storyline and each character were so interesting

I will never NOT request a ST Gibson book. I enjoyed this book, but the beginning felt like a bit of a slow start, which hasn't been typical of her previous works for me. I still loved seeing what David, Moira, and Rhys were up to, and I felt that the pace did pick up as the story progressed. I do recognize that sometimes the second book in a series has a lot of plot points being set up which can feel a bit slow, so I still can't wait for the next installment in this series!

I love this series and the magical world within it! Getting to see more of Rhys was so heartwarming, especially now that he and Moira and David are working together to make their relationship work. This book encapsulates their relationship in a way that doesn't perpetuate stereotypes of a throuple that usually end in a love triangle. This triangle is a solid and supported group and I loved watching them learn to navigate life together!

S.T Gibson hit it out of the park again, and I cannot WAIT for the next book. Catholic guilt abound, Rhys finally has something go wrong for him, and Moira and Lettie can do no wrong in my eyes

The brilliant follow up book to the brilliant Evocation 🙌🏼 I absolutely love this series and every single character in it. After saving David at the end of book 1 it's now Rhys' turn to be in some paranormal trouble.

I really like how you get to see a darker side to Rhys and likewise how the other characters change around him.

This book not only had more demons but also more spice! 🌶️🌶️🌶️ I absolutely loved the new relationship dynamics that took place and how it was an integral part of the story not just thrown in for fun.

I can't rate these books enough, magical in every sense

I'm a big fan of this series now. I can confidently say I will read every single book this author publishes from now on. She has a gift for writing the most atmospheric settings and situations, with a flush and vivid writing style. The whole thing is very evocative (no pun intended), reminding me of Lovecraft and Stoker's writing style. Utterly obssessed.

Overall rating: 3.5 stars (rounded up)
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Pub Date Jul 08 2025

Thank you to the author, Angry Robot and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I've been sitting here thinking about what I remember and liked about this book. It was just entertaining and I had a good time.

This is the second book in the series and I was quite excited to this sequel to know more about one our protagonists. Again the author was able to deliver whatever I had expected in this installment.
The characters kept me hooked and the plotline well paced throughout the book. I had a great time reading this part.

Unfortunately, Ascension wasn’t as exciting as I’d hoped going into it after I really enjoyed Evocation. The fact the book was so focused on Rhys was ultimately why I didn’t enjoy it because I don’t particularly like him as a character :/ his woe is me attitude is not fun to read, and even when you got other character POVs… everything was still about Rhys.

I’m much prefer Gibson’s standalone novels. They pack more of a punch for me.

Unfortunately I did not enjoy book 1 and chose not to continue this story. I felt like everything was forced and I had no connection to the characters.

Ascension picks up right where Evocation left off, thrusting us deeper into the arcane world of Boston’s secret Society with Rhys newly appointed as High Priest. But while the stakes should feel higher, the book leans more introspective than explosive—an intimate, character-driven continuation rather than a plot-heavy sequel.

What S.T. Gibson does exceptionally well is character complexity, especially when it comes to the emotional intricacies of polyamorous relationships. David, Moira, and Rhys form a magical triad, and their connection feels lived-in and vulnerable. Moira, as always, steals every scene she’s in—regal, grounded, and magnetic. David offers warmth and inner conflict that makes his presence resonate. Rhys, meanwhile, takes center stage, and while his ambition is understandable, it’s not always easy to empathize with. That may be the point—Ascension is as much about Rhys unraveling as it is about him rising.

Where Evocation bristled with danger and emotional chaos, Ascension is quieter, more meditative. For some readers, this will feel like a natural deepening of the series' themes; for others, like me, it might drag at times. There are glimpses of brilliance—rituals woven with reverence, subtle magic systems grounded in real occult traditions, and fleeting sparks of drama in the final chapters—but the pacing often feels more filler than fire.

There are also moments where the emotional balance of the trio feels uneven. Moira and Rhys’ marriage seems more foundational than Rhys and David’s romance, which at times felt neglected. And while the book is full of progressive language and earnest communication, it occasionally veers into the territory of “therapy speak” in a way that can feel more performative than organic.

Still, Gibson’s prose remains lush and lyrical, and the world she’s building is undeniably compelling. For fans of gothic urban fantasy, polyamory, and morally messy magic users, there’s a lot to love here—even if this installment doesn't quite summon the storm its predecessor did.

I really like the writing style of S.T. Gibson and the depth of her character building. That said, I couldn’t stand Rhys AT ALL in this part. While David’s character really had good development, I couldn’t understand how Moira and David didn’t leave Rhys. He was such a egoistic crybaby. Also, I didn’t understand the storyline. Sadly, the book lacked some overall plot. I understand that it was more character-focused, but with Rhys being the main character I needed something other to focus on. I will read the next part of the series though, because I’m still interested in how they solve the main plot with the demon.

Thank you, NetGalley & Angry Robot for this ARC.

I wanted to love this so badly. Reading Evocation was so fun, and I was pumped to start Ascension. However... I couldn't get into it, I'm not sure what it was, maybe I was reading it at a weird time, but I ended up setting it down after the first few chapters. S.T. Gibson is unmatched in dark academia, but this one got the best of me. Hopefully, I'll love it when I pick it up again in the future.

Ascension cements ST Gibson as a master of queer, gothic occult fiction. If you loved Evocation, this sequel will captivate you, especially with its respectful portrayal of queer polyamory and occult themes—though be sure to check the triggers, as it’s not for everyone.

The story delves deep into the minds of Moira, David, and especially Rhys, whose troubling choices and rise to High Priest create intense, sometimes difficult, drama. While I found Rhys less likable here, Moira and David remain compelling, and their dynamic is a highlight.

Gibson bravely explores complex, flawed characters and the spiritual and emotional turmoil that comes with power and ambition. The polyamorous relationships and occult elements are handled with care and nuance, avoiding common stereotypes. A gripping, thoughtful read for fans of dark, character-driven stories.

I need everyone to know that I read Evocation, the first book in the Summoner's Circle series, last year and my review of that book is me mostly just rambling about my roomba AND I still somehow managed to get an arc for this book. I will take this as a sign from the universe to stop feeling bad whenever the little ADHD goblin in my brain goes off the rails when writing my book reviews. After all, it has got me here!

I will admit, I was a bit scared when I started this. I adored Evocation and I wasn't sure if S.T. Gibson could do that again and even better. Especially as Ascension focuses on Rhys, who I admittedly didn't care much for in the first book. But not only did Gibson write a book beyond all my expectations, I also fell in love with Rhys.

So, yes, we follow Rhys, the new High Priest of the Society, who has everything under control and is happily in love with his wife AND boyfriend. Right? Right? Well, no. Unfortunately, from Rhys' perspective and to the absolute delight of mine; he is the architect of his own misery. He is ambitious, craves perfection and fears failure - he is just like me, except obviously for the fact that I have this very serious condition called being very tired all the time which means that I very rarely do anything. And honestly? I think that might be for the best. Have you ever done something very stupid? Because I have and I think it's thanks to my condition that I haven't done stupid things to the extent as Rhys has. Yet. Who knows about the future, am I right fellas?

And somewhere between the pages (of the e-book which I tried to but actual physical bookmark in. In my defense, I was very tired.) I had my oh moment. I not only fell in love with Rhys but I also recognized myself in him. He struggles with social situations and finding the right thing to say. He worries. He hyperfixates on things everyone think are small and meaningless but matter a great deal to him. He wants to prepare for every single situation that might happen. He wants people to like him. He is greedy, he wants it all. And he is so obviously so very autistic but he hasn't just figured it out yet. As an autistic person myself, I have never in my life related to a character as much as I did to Rhys. Not a fictional character, once again, making me understand and love the parts of myself I tend to hate. I fear it happens to the best of us.

And I think what I loved most about this book and its characters is that they don't make fun of him for it. Yes, he is a little weird but that's Rhys and they love him.

It was a very validating and comforting read for me. A lot of the traits Rhys has and the things he says and does, are the very same as mine. And for example, I saw a few people say how it was too obvious that this one character was bad and how it was just Rhys who noticed was unrealistic. I am here to assure you, it's very real. It happens all the time. Even as a kid, I met someone for the first time and felt the bad vibes immediately. And as a child with much less masking skills and understanding of social situations, I might have even said that this person has bad vibes, I do not like them.... but not once in my life have I been wrong about someone.

Regardless of that, let me just; *shakes Rhys* you are so stupid, you should talk to people about your problems and not just handle it on your own. (I say this like I ever talk about my own problems to anyone and don't just try to handle it all on my own.) And actually while I am at it *shakes David* everything I just said to Rhys? Yeah, applies to you too. Don't worry, I still love you guys, none of us are perfect. Expect, of course, for Moira, who is a literal goddess and has the patience of a saint. Moira, I love you with all my heart.

After Evocation, I was expecting a bit heavier plot and more angst but this book is very much story about Rhys and his growth and development as a person as well as his relationship with Moira and David. Personally, I do not mind this at all. I think the somewhat a lack of plot fits this book and Rhys perfectly. Like I said already and another character said in the book too, he is the architect of his own misery. It's not an outside force causing all of this. The story starts and ends with Rhys. Now I am going to do something very Rhys and worry that I didn't word that properly.

Also, I just love books that are very character focused. And I adore the relationship between Rhys, Moira and David and how they grew together during this book. Does everyone understand their relationship? Is it perfect? And so on- I would like you to show me a perfect relationship. I will wait. (This is me genuinely asking, I have never been in a relationship nor do I crave one. To me, all relationships are work of fiction which I do not understand one way or another.) I think what they have makes sense to them, it works for them and they are happy and that is all that matters.

So. I think Ascension is an absolutely incredible book. It did take me a while to actually get into it but once I finally did, I couldn't put this down. I wasn't expecting to love this more than the first book but, again, here we are. Would highly recommend!

To sum up all I just said; a polyamorous relationship? Demons? A secret(-ish) society? A man consumed with catholic guilt? A very obviously autistic character who just hasn't figured out they are autistic yet? Perfect, no notes. Beyond excited about the next book. S.T. Gibson I hope your pillow is always cool on both sides.

Thank you so much Angry Robot and NetGalley for the e-ARC.

As much as I loved Evocation, I struggled a bit with this one. It took me a lot longer than I expected to read this, because I found myself struggling to care about Rhys as much as this story wanted me to. I love Moira, and David's well enough, but I really wanted Moira to have more screen time. She's the only one with a fully functioning brain and the least annoying (/mostly positive) in the group, but her development felt a bit sidelined in order for Rhys and David to shine.

Overall, the plot was... not really existent. If this was a standalone or an in-between novella like Odd Spirits was, I'd be fine with that. But as a fully fledged novel as a sequel to a book that DID have a plot, it felt like we're just here to make this an X book long series instead of a duology. I would've loved this to be a neat continuation or even end to the demon storyline in book 1, but it didn't really give me much other than character development of characters I'm still in the middle of the road on.

Thank you to AngryRobot and Netgalley for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As an avid fan of Evocation I had very high expectations and in terms of actual plot - this 100% delivered. I loved the concept behind it, the separate segmentations of magicians/occultists coming together to solve the mystery of the strange ritual being solved and the inclusion of more fringe characters from the first book really did work for me. Having Antoni, Nathan, Kitty and Leda all take more prominent roles within this instalment allowed the world to grow.

In that aspect I have no problems - I loved the side characters and I loved the plot My issues came more from the three main characters, all of whom simply fell flat. Rhys, already the weakest of the three characters in my opinion, felt eye-roll worthy for the majority of the book and, where we were expected to feel pity for him was only annoyance. Moira somehow felt less independent and strong than she did in the first book despite us constantly being told that she was showing more agency and taking control of her life and marriage. And David... somehow fell into the background of his own story.

3.5

Oh well.
I really liked the first book in Gibson's Summoner's Circle - I liked the world, I liked the characters, I liked the relationship building between them. So obviously I had high hopes for the sequel - there are quite some lingering questions after book 1's finale. It does have very little impact on book 2, though, with the whole curse kind of being completely sidelined in favour of an exploration of Rhys' workaholic ways and the pressure he puts himself under. Rhys was, even though I liked him, my least favourite character in book 1 - so maybe it's just that the focus of the book wasn't my personal cup of the tea that made it less enjoyable. I felt like at least he was consistent with what we learned about him in book 1, though - David on the other hand sometimes felt like a new character. Moira barely has anything to do at all, she's mostly there to further Rhys' story and be the only adult in the room.

I simply didn't care all too much, the story was rather boring, the stakes too low, and at times I felt like Gibson was writing a manual about how to succeed in polyamorous relationships using all the social media buzzwords instead of really focusing on what works for the characters. I also never really quite could leave the feeling behind that Moira and Rhys' marriage was set on a much higher pedestal, while Rhys' and David's/ Moira and David's relationships often felt undervalued. It is an issue that the text deals with, David is very self-conscious about his place in the couple, but they ended up in a weirdly imbalanced, unsatisfying way.
But maybe my hopes were just too high.

Still, Gibson's writing is beautiful as ever and I do think that if you liked the first book, you should try this one out - I'm simply still chasing the high from Gibson's "A Dowry of Blood" which remains to this day probably my favourite Dracula kind-of-retelling. There's still a lot to love in "The Summoner's Circle" and "Ascension" specifically, it just didn't give me, personally, what I was looking for in it.