⚠️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.

Gibson does such a fantastic job of characterization and it shows once again in this book. The characters were by far the strongest part and there were times especially in the first half where I felt the plot was a bit of a let down. Felt slightly meandering which for me made the overall story not quite as strong as the first book (which was a 5 star for me). Despite this the book is still very strong especially the last 25% which I absolutely adored.

This is definitely still a first draft and there are plenty of grammar and typing errors throughout but overall a great read for fans of the series.

THEY’RE BACK, AND THEY’RE BETTER (or worse) THAN BEFORE. This book was speedy! Lightning fast and it flew by, but it was longer than Evocation (100 pages). There was never a moment of sitting in the plot, or sitting in the story, or getting comfortable and i LOVE when authors do this. Nothing seemed to happen yet everything seemed to. It was in the nuance, the unspoken things, who characters even talk to- there’s so many details to be found.

I enjoyed the ‘death at 30’ curse from last book not being the forefront of this one (in fact Rhys even says he doesn’t want to think about it yet), since three way too much happening already. Speaking of…lets talk about Mr John Michael Rhys McGowan. The tragically anxious, bisexual, polyamorous mess of a formerly renounced catholic- whom I am an absolute apologist for and believe he can do no wrong and I will continue to love him with all my heart. His relationship with David and Moira has come so far in the short space between the two books- for better or for worse, I can’t say. We’re introduced to a new set of characters all of which do a great job of slotting into Rhys’ life without taking away from how this was *his* book.

I simply have to mention the scene with Rhys in the church begging to repent, yet being unable to. This did almost have me crying, and simply in awe of his power and his faith. The internal and external battle of him versus his demons and wanting all but needing to choose highlights how much Rhys does love his job, and his relationship, and his faith, but there’s power in letting go and making sacrifices that mean nothing in the moment but could mean so much more if you believe. He constantly reminds me of my own experience with faith and religion, so Gibson writing about such a scene ins. powerful way really took me by surprise.

However saying that said…what didnt I like about this book? Gaslight, gatekeep, McGowan. There’s taking a lead on something and being in charge, and then there’s…Rhys. There was so much back and forth over Rhys ‘being better’ and actually not, and him constantly digging himself holes that he doesn’t even try to rectify. I understand that Rhys is anxious, I get that his self esteem isn’t the best, but I cannot understand purposely ignoring help being offered and just how many times he thinks he knows best, despite saying in a previous chapter he doesn’t. I could handle this a few times but the majority of the book was the constant back and forth. All things considered, this was the only major thing I didn’t like, and as said, the thing made sense from a story and character perspective. A minor thing to touch on I think was a bit of an oversight (minor spoiler); “I must have sent that email in my sleep” because no you absolutely didn’t and surely you know that, but in hindsight I liked how it set up the cracks of Rhys slipping.

Rapid fire thoughts:
- I want a Cameron book, give me that ace representation (also him and Moira…?)
- Still no idea why Leda gets a book of all the people mentioned, but im here for it
- ANTONI <3
- Nobody mention Maximilian to me, I will fight you
- It’s interesting seeing David and Leda’s unspoken relationship come to light a bit more. They’re so similar yet so strinkingly different

Im intrigued to see what happens next. This seems like an end to the Society, and the boys, but I can sense something big happening with Moira in the next one. I am truly impressed with Gibsons’ writing, and once again making the very complicated occult very easy to read, even with all the demons Rhys is hiding.

Thanks AngryRobot and NetGalley for the arc, and thank you internet trademail for finding me a physical!

This was a solid 5 stars for me.

I loved every second of this book. So much so that I couldn’t put it down. It’s dark and spellbinding, but it also goes deeper into the emotional and spiritual toll of magic when it’s used too much. You feel the weight of it on the characters. It is also at times frustrating… I wanted to shake Rhys multiple times during this book!

S.T. Gibson’s writing is as beautiful as ever, so intimate and full of emotion. The way she writes polyamory is so soft and complex and real. It never feels forced, it is messy and tender and raw in a way I rarely see done this well.

The introduction of new characters worked perfectly, and watching everyone grow (or unravel a little) was so satisfying. And David… God, I loved him before, but this book made me fall even harder. He’s everything.

There’s an underlying tension in this story… the slow creep of consequences, and the question of how much magic you can take before it starts to unravel you.

I absolutely cannot wait for the next book.

Thank you so much to Angry Robot and NetGalley for the ARC :)

Ascension es una novela de fantasía contemporánea que entrelaza magia ceremonial, relaciones poliamorosas y luchas internas espirituales, a través de la historia de Rhys McGowan, un joven sumo sacerdote ambicioso que desea devolverle la relevancia a su decadente sociedad ocultista.

Rhys quería ser reconocido entre los ocultistas del país. Este anhelo lo lleva a realizar un ritual para convocar a un demonio de la notoriedad, en una escena cargada de tensión, poder y sensualidad. La evocación resulta exitosa, pero este logro es solo el inicio de un viaje más profundo, marcado por el desgaste emocional y espiritual de Rhys, su lucha con el legado de una maldición heredada, y sus intentos por mantener unida y relevante a su organización mágica.

La historia se desarrolla en capas, mostrando la complejidad de las relaciones entre Rhys, su pareja psíquica David y su esposa bruja Moira.




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No me gustó. Esperaba que en este libro Moira también encontrara a otra pareja, pero no fue así. Se me olvidó que aquí todo gira en torno a Rhys y David, y su disfrute como los únicos que pueden tener relaciones poliamorosas. Mientras tanto, Moira, quien es fiel a su esposo a pesar de que él ama a otro. Si me vas a presentar una relación poliamorosa, espero que todas las partes tengan la oportunidad de vincularse con otras personas, pero al parecer eso no aplica para Moira.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest

I requested this book without hesitation because I really enjoyed Evocation and had to know what happened next.

As Rhys steps into his new role as High Priest of Boston’s famed and secret Society, he has a lot resting on his shoulders. With the support of his adoring witch wife, Moira, and his newly rekindled relationship with his psychic boyfriend, David, Rhys seems destined to become the most powerful High Priest the Society has ever seen. 🔮✨

But as we quickly learn… Rhys’s ambition might be his greatest strength or his ultimate downfall. 🕯️

Growing up Catholic and Mexican, I’ve always been fascinated by stories that explore the occult, especially when they blend real-world spiritual themes with fiction. So much of the worldbuilding here, angels, demons, rituals, the blurring lines between good and evil, really spoke to that part of me.

I especially appreciated how the book portrays its polyamorous relationship with realism and tenderness. It felt both grounded and moving. Reading how the three characters navigate their relationship, including its struggles and moments of reconnection, was both honest and beautiful.💔💞 That emotional arc added so much softness to balance the darker spiritual and magical undertones running through the book.

While I personally found Evocation a bit stronger in pacing, Ascension was a satisfying and thoughtful continuation. I’m really hoping we get a third book, because I’m not ready to say goodbye to this world yet. 📖💫

Huge thanks to S. T. Gibson, Angry Robot, and NetGalley for sending this magical book my way! 🖤

𝘠𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘺, 𝘙𝘩𝘺𝘴.

S. T. Gibson has done it again, folks. 𝘈𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 was just as magical and sensual as 𝘌𝘷𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, if not more!

Following Rhys in his devoted search for more power, always, was a wild and emotional ride. I loved to hate him as he hurt others, and then love him some more, for who he is with all his flaws, and through the love and forgiveness Moira and David hold for him. I also very much enjoyed seeing him get what he deserved, though.

The plot was just as tense as in the previous book, what with Rhys trying to take on more demonic 'help' than he should have; but I will say the stakes felt nowhere as high as in 𝘌𝘷𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, and that left me a bit hungry for more. I would have loved for the story to get deeper into the different demons, and the way they were affecting Rhys.

Apart from this, 𝘈𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 was everything I wanted it to be! It had the same heavy focus on the characters and their relationship which made me fall in love with the series in the first place; we got to know the secondary characters more (Leda and Antoni my beloved); and the sex scenes were lovely: none felt out of place or forced, but they all still had that tinge of guilty pleasure which I always enjoy. I also wanted to note the balance between the POV chapters (of Moira, Rhys and David) was perfect!

And, last but certainly not least, I appreciate the depiction and exploration of polyamory and relationship dynamics in this series so much. So lovely to see it represented in a way that doesn't shrink from the realistic mess that is multiple people negotiate a relationship, while still allowing for so much obvious love, tenderness and understanding to shine through. ♡

All in all, 𝘈𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 was so much fun, and I cannot recommend the 𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘳'𝘴 𝘊𝘪𝘳𝘤𝘭𝘦 series enough if you love urban fantasy, character-driven books and relationship trouble (+ Catholic guilt-ridden bisexual mess desperately in love with his badass witch wife and sarcastic-but-with-a-heart-of-gold boyfriend, which is the superior dynamic).

Infinite thanks to Angry Robots and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC of the book!

(4.5 stars rounded down to 4)

hank you Netgalley for the ARC

So, this book is similar to the first in that it is a VERY character driven story. It's all about Rhys's personal growth as a sorcerer, as a Catholic who is also bisexual, and in his relationships with David and Moira.

That being said, I really needed an underlying plot like book one had. This book really lacked action for me. I kept waiting for the demons to be a bigger plot line, but they stayed in the background the entire time. Also very minimal mention of the curse he absorbed in book one and what they plan to do about that?

Honestly, Rhys became insufferable for me, and he's lucky his friends and lovers were so quick to forgive. I just wanted to shake him. A lot.

Overall, it was fine? I feel pretty neutral about the story and the characters as a whole. I can't say I'm invested in any further continuation of the series