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The Summoner's Circle #2
Ascension
From bestselling author of Evocation comes it's hotly anticipated and spellbinding sequel, where Rhys steps into his new role as High Priest. A perfect read for lovers of urban fantasy.
Now the High Priest of Boston's famed and secret Society, Rhys McGowan has a lot on his shoulders. With the help of his adoring witch wife, Moira, and his newly rekindled relationship with psychic boyfriend, David, Rhys is destined to become the most powerful High Priest ever.
However, Rhys's insatiable ambition may be his undoing...
The second book in the bestselling Summoner's Circle series sees beloved characters return for an all new dark and enthralling adventure.
Now the High Priest of Boston's famed and secret Society, Rhys McGowan has a lot on his shoulders. With the help of his adoring witch wife, Moira, and his newly rekindled relationship with psychic boyfriend, David, Rhys is destined to become the most powerful High Priest ever.
However, Rhys's insatiable ambition may be his undoing...
The second book in the bestselling Summoner's Circle series sees beloved characters return for an all new dark and enthralling adventure.
349 pages, Hardcover
First published July 8, 2025
160 people are currently reading
10473 people want to read
About the author
S.T. Gibson
12 books4,699 followersS.T. Gibson is a poet, author, and village wise woman in training.
She holds a Bachelors degree in Creative Writing from the University of North Carolina at Asheville, and a Masters of Theological Studies from Princeton Theological Seminary.
She holds a Bachelors degree in Creative Writing from the University of North Carolina at Asheville, and a Masters of Theological Studies from Princeton Theological Seminary.
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August 15, 2025I didn’t foresee this being a DNF but I’m too angry to continue. I figured out the twist early on, and I’m just not at all in the mood for The PEAR of anguish for you AND your Uber driver!!
Also, lmfao (in a humourless way) at David saying “That was the only time we ever put hands on each other” referring to the fight when Rhys sicced a demon on him before. Because that’s not true. Rhys threw David into a wall in the first book. Am I supposed to not remember that?
Oh and this book also calls it “age play” when one guy is 30 and the other is 36. Age play. When the age gap is SIX YEARS. And 36 is apparently “pushing 40”. I’m so done with this. The overbaked corporate therapy speak, the hideous outfits, the insinuation that 16 year old David provoked his father to beat him or that he didn’t “deserve” kindness from adults, treating being a fuckin catholic like it's some rare special marginalised identity, enshrining the heterosexual side of the polyamorous relationship while treating the gay side of it like it’s worthless, doing this fuckass thing where the love of a good woman can entice a gay man away from his lonely whorish life and bring him closer to the idyllic domestic existence of a wholesome hetero (fucking PLEASE!! 🤮), treating addiction like it’s a personality flaw, and about a million other things that made this unbearable to read. If I wanted to watch a narcissist get away with treating everyone around them like dogshit I would book a flight and go spend the weekend with my mother.
FIN
Also, lmfao (in a humourless way) at David saying “That was the only time we ever put hands on each other” referring to the fight when Rhys sicced a demon on him before. Because that’s not true. Rhys threw David into a wall in the first book. Am I supposed to not remember that?
Oh and this book also calls it “age play” when one guy is 30 and the other is 36. Age play. When the age gap is SIX YEARS. And 36 is apparently “pushing 40”. I’m so done with this. The overbaked corporate therapy speak, the hideous outfits, the insinuation that 16 year old David provoked his father to beat him or that he didn’t “deserve” kindness from adults, treating being a fuckin catholic like it's some rare special marginalised identity, enshrining the heterosexual side of the polyamorous relationship while treating the gay side of it like it’s worthless, doing this fuckass thing where the love of a good woman can entice a gay man away from his lonely whorish life and bring him closer to the idyllic domestic existence of a wholesome hetero (fucking PLEASE!! 🤮), treating addiction like it’s a personality flaw, and about a million other things that made this unbearable to read. If I wanted to watch a narcissist get away with treating everyone around them like dogshit I would book a flight and go spend the weekend with my mother.
FIN
January 16, 2025
ASCENSION is a novel that explores the dark night of the soul, both spiritually and
interpersonally. Some material within the novel may be distressing for some readers. If you
choose to read, I hope you do so with self-compassion and curious engagement with experiences
that may be challenging to read about.
ASCENSION depicts:
- Religious struggle and distress
- Self-harm
- References to past child abuse
- Biphobia and polyphobia and coming out to parents
- Explicit sexual content
- Light ageplay
- Sexual themes of dominance and submission
- Disordered eating behaviors
- Attempted blackmail
- Marijuana use
- Drinking and smoking
interpersonally. Some material within the novel may be distressing for some readers. If you
choose to read, I hope you do so with self-compassion and curious engagement with experiences
that may be challenging to read about.
ASCENSION depicts:
- Religious struggle and distress
- Self-harm
- References to past child abuse
- Biphobia and polyphobia and coming out to parents
- Explicit sexual content
- Light ageplay
- Sexual themes of dominance and submission
- Disordered eating behaviors
- Attempted blackmail
- Marijuana use
- Drinking and smoking
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2025
Fight your inner demons…and maybe your outer ones too 😂 This book is Rhys getting thoroughly scolded by literally everyone he meets and I loved it
Currently reading
September 9, 2025i loved evocation, so i have high expectations 🥺🤞🏽
August 23, 2025
Fast paced and fun!
May 9, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot for the arc!
🌟🌟🌟✨/5
I can't say I didn't have fun with this because I'm really attached to the characters and love David and Moira (Rhys, not so much) with every fibre of my being but this did feel a lot like a filler. The second installment in S. T. Gibson's Summoner's Circle series follows Rhys and his ambitions after he took up the mantle of High Priest in Evocation.
As always, I appreciate Gibson for putting the trigger warnings in the beginning (she's brilliant, I love her, but her books are not for everyone). As with Evocation, Ascension features a wide array of magic systems and occult practices written with respect and sensitivity. I loved reading about them against the backdrop of Boston. Gibson is a master at writing complex relationships and it shows in every book of hers. It reflects not only in prominent romantic scenes but also in tiny gestures of affection and caring between our magical trio. Moira, as always, stole the show. Side characters like Leda, Nathan and Kitty, and Antoni had their moments to shine (I already love Leda so much and I'm very excited for her to be the main focus of book 4!).
Here's where the book let me down: There was a lot less drama and angst in this one. Except for the final two chapters, the relationship between the three doesn't progress anywhere. We do get to see lots of lovely moments of friendship between David and Moira. The plot, too, is a bit uneventful. I don't love or care for Rhys as much as David and Moira so while I could understand his ambitions and thirst for power and his longing to be seen, I couldn't completely resonate with it or feels for him in his moments of despair. It's just a me thing though, and I'm sure there are lots of Rhys fans who'd love this a lot more than I did.
While I enjoyed this a bit less than Evocation, I have high hopes for the next two books! Book 3 follows Moira (my absolute favorite character) and I can't wait to get my hands on it.
🌟🌟🌟✨/5
I can't say I didn't have fun with this because I'm really attached to the characters and love David and Moira (Rhys, not so much) with every fibre of my being but this did feel a lot like a filler. The second installment in S. T. Gibson's Summoner's Circle series follows Rhys and his ambitions after he took up the mantle of High Priest in Evocation.
As always, I appreciate Gibson for putting the trigger warnings in the beginning (she's brilliant, I love her, but her books are not for everyone). As with Evocation, Ascension features a wide array of magic systems and occult practices written with respect and sensitivity. I loved reading about them against the backdrop of Boston. Gibson is a master at writing complex relationships and it shows in every book of hers. It reflects not only in prominent romantic scenes but also in tiny gestures of affection and caring between our magical trio. Moira, as always, stole the show. Side characters like Leda, Nathan and Kitty, and Antoni had their moments to shine (I already love Leda so much and I'm very excited for her to be the main focus of book 4!).
Here's where the book let me down: There was a lot less drama and angst in this one. Except for the final two chapters, the relationship between the three doesn't progress anywhere. We do get to see lots of lovely moments of friendship between David and Moira. The plot, too, is a bit uneventful. I don't love or care for Rhys as much as David and Moira so while I could understand his ambitions and thirst for power and his longing to be seen, I couldn't completely resonate with it or feels for him in his moments of despair. It's just a me thing though, and I'm sure there are lots of Rhys fans who'd love this a lot more than I did.
While I enjoyed this a bit less than Evocation, I have high hopes for the next two books! Book 3 follows Moira (my absolute favorite character) and I can't wait to get my hands on it.
May 6, 2025
Evocations was one of my favourite reads of last year so I was beyond excited to get approved for this ARC. As always, all opinions are my own.
This is perfect for fans of Ninth House(the magic system is in the same vein) and Olivie Blake(the complex characters and complicated relationships), so I would highly recommend you read it if you like books like that.
(Just to clarify, since this is a sequel this review will have spoilers from the first book)
I was nervous to start this because I wasn't sure how it would live up to the previous book but S.T. Gibson pleasantly surprised me. This has everything I loved in Evocations: the great magic system, the amazing characters and the evolution of their relationship.
I don't think I've ever read a book like this, it is a very fresh story in a sea of sameness. I really enjoyed Gibson's take in polyamory, how the characters navigate their relationship and how it affects other aspects of their lives. I particularly loved the ending, it was really satisfying and even though I'm almost certain there will be a third book(first focused on David, second on Rhys so I'm expecting Moira next) I'm okay with waiting for it.
We pick up where we left off in the previous book, Rhys is now High Priest and we see how he deals with that. A big part of it is about David, Moira and Rhys' relationship, and I loved how it was handled.
I am so excited to see where Gibson takes us next, and how the mystery will be resolved. And to be honest I can't get enough of these characters, I will miss them every moment until the next book.
Thank you so much Angry Robot and Netgalley for the e-ARC!
This is perfect for fans of Ninth House(the magic system is in the same vein) and Olivie Blake(the complex characters and complicated relationships), so I would highly recommend you read it if you like books like that.
(Just to clarify, since this is a sequel this review will have spoilers from the first book)
I was nervous to start this because I wasn't sure how it would live up to the previous book but S.T. Gibson pleasantly surprised me. This has everything I loved in Evocations: the great magic system, the amazing characters and the evolution of their relationship.
I don't think I've ever read a book like this, it is a very fresh story in a sea of sameness. I really enjoyed Gibson's take in polyamory, how the characters navigate their relationship and how it affects other aspects of their lives. I particularly loved the ending, it was really satisfying and even though I'm almost certain there will be a third book(first focused on David, second on Rhys so I'm expecting Moira next) I'm okay with waiting for it.
We pick up where we left off in the previous book, Rhys is now High Priest and we see how he deals with that. A big part of it is about David, Moira and Rhys' relationship, and I loved how it was handled.
I am so excited to see where Gibson takes us next, and how the mystery will be resolved. And to be honest I can't get enough of these characters, I will miss them every moment until the next book.
Thank you so much Angry Robot and Netgalley for the e-ARC!
Want to read
April 18, 2025I’m literally geeking out!!!! So excited I got approved for this arc🥹🤯😭
June 11, 2025
4.25 stars
it felt like Christmas finding this book in my mailbox. thank you SO much angry robot for sending me an arc of this sequel that i’m going insane over (send me book three already)
similar to evocation, where the story is set on david, we are thrown into rhys’ world. as always, my favorite part of this series has to be the characters. Gibson does an AMAZING job at creating such wonderful characters and relationships that you cant help but fall in love.
ascension puts us in rhys’ shoes as the new high priest balancing his role as well as who he is around the people he loves. there was drama, there was chaos, but most importantly, there was growth. if i didn’t love rhys already, this book solidified it!
reading this felt like watching a tv show in the best way possible because there is always so much going on between the characters in the midst of the occult world. this series is very much character based rather than plot based, but if done well (which it is) the story sucks you in until the very end (which it did).
i’m excited for moiras story because she is that girl and im pumped for what gibson has in store for her.
it felt like Christmas finding this book in my mailbox. thank you SO much angry robot for sending me an arc of this sequel that i’m going insane over (send me book three already)
similar to evocation, where the story is set on david, we are thrown into rhys’ world. as always, my favorite part of this series has to be the characters. Gibson does an AMAZING job at creating such wonderful characters and relationships that you cant help but fall in love.
ascension puts us in rhys’ shoes as the new high priest balancing his role as well as who he is around the people he loves. there was drama, there was chaos, but most importantly, there was growth. if i didn’t love rhys already, this book solidified it!
reading this felt like watching a tv show in the best way possible because there is always so much going on between the characters in the midst of the occult world. this series is very much character based rather than plot based, but if done well (which it is) the story sucks you in until the very end (which it did).
i’m excited for moiras story because she is that girl and im pumped for what gibson has in store for her.
April 9, 2025
ST Gibson can write heartfelt, realistic relationships and complex, complicated people.
In this sense, I would say if you like books by Olivie Blake, you should try ST Gibson!
A polyamorous relationship, the occult, secret societies, and demons - both literal and internal.
If Rhys felt like diving into the ocean, wrapping herself up in enveloping, luscious depth and regulating calm, David felt more like the summer sun beating down on her while she sunbathed topless. He got her drunk on optimism and made feel like the winter would never come, like she could live bold and brazen and free forever.
This book is more about Rhys and his development as a character. He is someone who craves perfection. He is ambitious and craves control. Now he has achieved the position of High Priest, how much further can he push himself with summoning, running and expanding the society, and managing the balance of a threesome.
He hadn't asked to be born with all this ambition inside him, just in the same way he hadn't asked to be born bisexual, or born with anxiety that flared up at the slightest provocation.
Even as a small child, he had devoted hours to studying the rules of checkers and hopscotch to ensure he could become the best player possible, then dissolved into infuriated tears when other children broke the rules. By twelve, he was a straight-A student with his eye on a select handful of elite colleges, reading at an eleventh-grade level and often lying awake worrying that his science project wasn't up to par. By fifteen, he was the most dedicated altar boy at his parish, not to mention a budding occultist who spent nights reading Agrippa under the covers with flashlight until his eyes stung.
Moira, per usual, is a badass. She has the patience of a saint, but at the same time she won’t let other people run over her. I hope one of the next books focuses on her.
David gets entangled with someone from his past and whilst he is doing better with dealing with his familiar trauma, he must sort out his entangled emotions.
We didn’t get much on the whole passed-on curse which was the plot of book one so this felt slightly filler.
There were more spicy scenes in this one which were more descriptive.
This is set to be a four book series with the novella, Odd Spirits, a bonus!
Physical arc gifted by Angry Robot.
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In this sense, I would say if you like books by Olivie Blake, you should try ST Gibson!
A polyamorous relationship, the occult, secret societies, and demons - both literal and internal.
If Rhys felt like diving into the ocean, wrapping herself up in enveloping, luscious depth and regulating calm, David felt more like the summer sun beating down on her while she sunbathed topless. He got her drunk on optimism and made feel like the winter would never come, like she could live bold and brazen and free forever.
This book is more about Rhys and his development as a character. He is someone who craves perfection. He is ambitious and craves control. Now he has achieved the position of High Priest, how much further can he push himself with summoning, running and expanding the society, and managing the balance of a threesome.
He hadn't asked to be born with all this ambition inside him, just in the same way he hadn't asked to be born bisexual, or born with anxiety that flared up at the slightest provocation.
Even as a small child, he had devoted hours to studying the rules of checkers and hopscotch to ensure he could become the best player possible, then dissolved into infuriated tears when other children broke the rules. By twelve, he was a straight-A student with his eye on a select handful of elite colleges, reading at an eleventh-grade level and often lying awake worrying that his science project wasn't up to par. By fifteen, he was the most dedicated altar boy at his parish, not to mention a budding occultist who spent nights reading Agrippa under the covers with flashlight until his eyes stung.
Moira, per usual, is a badass. She has the patience of a saint, but at the same time she won’t let other people run over her. I hope one of the next books focuses on her.
David gets entangled with someone from his past and whilst he is doing better with dealing with his familiar trauma, he must sort out his entangled emotions.
We didn’t get much on the whole passed-on curse which was the plot of book one so this felt slightly filler.
There were more spicy scenes in this one which were more descriptive.
This is set to be a four book series with the novella, Odd Spirits, a bonus!
Physical arc gifted by Angry Robot.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
July 3, 2025
Getting back together with our favorite summoners for even more demons, angels and treachery.
Book Stats:
📖: 400 pages
Genre: Occult Fantasy
Publisher: Angry Robot
Format: Ebook
Series: 2/2 The Summoners Circle
Themes:
💫: Corruption of power
💫: Accepting Help from others
💫: The power of love and trust
Representation:
🪽: bisexual MMC/gay MMC
🪽: polyamorous relationship
Tropes:
💗: secret society
💗: trust no one
🥵: Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Potential Triggers: **check authors page/socials for full list.
Short Synopsis:
Having newly ascended to high priest, Rhys is discovering that leadership may not be as cut and dry as he previously anticipated. The delicate balance of social life, evocation, and personal life violently tipping out of alignment. Can he bring things back to harmony before they all come crashing down?
General Thoughts:
This book picks up fairly close to where the previous novel, Evocation, left off. The suspense and tension following Rhys starts immediately and definitely grasps the readers attention. David and Moira take a bit of a backseat role, which I was a little disappointed about. The three of them as main characters is what solidified me in the first book as a fan.
I feel like the side characters are really shining through. Even though they are mostly underdeveloped plot movers, they give me "trust no one" vibes. They are doing what is intended to be done within the novel, even being a little one-dimensional. They're only heightening my interest in the book by creating mystery, making it hard to put down.
This book gets a little heavy on religious aspects, including Catholicism and the church. It didn't really come across as preachy, even though it is framed in a positive light.
Disclaimer: I read this book as a ebook from Angry Robot and NetGalley. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Book Stats:
📖: 400 pages
Genre: Occult Fantasy
Publisher: Angry Robot
Format: Ebook
Series: 2/2 The Summoners Circle
Themes:
💫: Corruption of power
💫: Accepting Help from others
💫: The power of love and trust
Representation:
🪽: bisexual MMC/gay MMC
🪽: polyamorous relationship
Tropes:
💗: secret society
💗: trust no one
🥵: Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Potential Triggers: **check authors page/socials for full list.
Short Synopsis:
Having newly ascended to high priest, Rhys is discovering that leadership may not be as cut and dry as he previously anticipated. The delicate balance of social life, evocation, and personal life violently tipping out of alignment. Can he bring things back to harmony before they all come crashing down?
General Thoughts:
This book picks up fairly close to where the previous novel, Evocation, left off. The suspense and tension following Rhys starts immediately and definitely grasps the readers attention. David and Moira take a bit of a backseat role, which I was a little disappointed about. The three of them as main characters is what solidified me in the first book as a fan.
I feel like the side characters are really shining through. Even though they are mostly underdeveloped plot movers, they give me "trust no one" vibes. They are doing what is intended to be done within the novel, even being a little one-dimensional. They're only heightening my interest in the book by creating mystery, making it hard to put down.
This book gets a little heavy on religious aspects, including Catholicism and the church. It didn't really come across as preachy, even though it is framed in a positive light.
Disclaimer: I read this book as a ebook from Angry Robot and NetGalley. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.
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July 21, 2025This will undoubtedly be one of my top reads of 2025. Ascension by S.T. Gibson is a 5 star book that truly takes you on a journey through the dark night of the soul and to say I am blown away is an understatement. This is a beautiful gothic story with secret societies, demons, the occult, absolutely phenomenal characters with incredible development, polyamorous relationships and an in depth look into one character's descent due to ambition. If you follow me you probably know that S.T. Gibson is one of my favorite authors; I think her writing style is unmatched and her ability to create layered complex characters and relationships should be studied and this book far exceeded my expectations.
Ascension is book 2 in The Summoner's Circle Series, book 1 is Evocation, and this officially comes out On July 8th. Listen, I loved book 1..but this was so incredible I am almost at a loss for words. I was lucky enough to receive an early arc of this and I am not kidding, I felt like a little kid on Christmas, this is a dream come true.
We start off right where Evocation left off, however, here the story really surrounds Rhys because he has been promoted to High Priest of the society and let's just say he goes on quite the journey. All of the character arcs are really exceptional in this book, but Rhys' story really moved me and I found myself relating to his character in quite a few ways throughout my reading. Since this is spoiler free, I am just going to go through a few of the themes from this book that truly moved my heart and soul.
A little background: Rhys comes from an extremely religious and conservative, lower middle class, traditional Catholic family who have absolutely no idea about the intricacies of his life and work. With his promotion, we follow him down a dangerous quest for power, infamy, knowledge and ability that may have started with good intentions, but of course, leads him down a terrible path both with his demon work and within his personal life. We are able to see all of the ramifications within his relationships as well as in the spirit world. Rhys is a phenomenally well written character and I was extremely touched going through his journey with this as well as seeing him deal with "Catholic guilt," inadequacy, judgment, resentment, and self acceptance.
His downfall was brutal, but the redemption of his character arc at the end of this book legitimately made me tear up, especially because S.T. Gibson tied it all together with his Catholic upbringing and it really was stunning.
David and Moira continue to be absolute stand out characters, like if I could be best friends with any fictional characters in real life it would probably be these two.
David's growth from book 1 to this book was phenomenal and I loved how he was able to help save the person that had saved him in the last book. He is also hilarious and I thoroughly enjoy every second he is on page. Moira is such a star of a character and I have a feeling her book will be book 3, which I am so excited for, but I loved seeing her continue to come into her own in this book and stand up for herself more.
I also am so obsessed with the growing relationship between David and Moira; their love for each other is precious and melts my heart. As for the relationship between all three, I genuinely loved it in this book. Book 1 left me feeling a bit unsure, but after reading the trio's dynamic in book 2, I am obsessed with them all individually and together.
Also, a huge shout out to the side characters here. We got much more of them and they are all so well rounded and interesting. I can't wait to get to know them more in this series.
S.T. Gibson's character work in this book is legitimately astounding. The complexity of the individuals as well as their interconnected stories and relationships is incredible.
If you guys have not started this series, I highly recommend it. It is so unique and this book in particular moved me so much emotionally and I feel incredibly grateful to have been able to read it.
Thank you so much to the author and Angry Robot for the advanced copy, I don't think I will ever get over this!
Ascension is book 2 in The Summoner's Circle Series, book 1 is Evocation, and this officially comes out On July 8th. Listen, I loved book 1..but this was so incredible I am almost at a loss for words. I was lucky enough to receive an early arc of this and I am not kidding, I felt like a little kid on Christmas, this is a dream come true.
We start off right where Evocation left off, however, here the story really surrounds Rhys because he has been promoted to High Priest of the society and let's just say he goes on quite the journey. All of the character arcs are really exceptional in this book, but Rhys' story really moved me and I found myself relating to his character in quite a few ways throughout my reading. Since this is spoiler free, I am just going to go through a few of the themes from this book that truly moved my heart and soul.
A little background: Rhys comes from an extremely religious and conservative, lower middle class, traditional Catholic family who have absolutely no idea about the intricacies of his life and work. With his promotion, we follow him down a dangerous quest for power, infamy, knowledge and ability that may have started with good intentions, but of course, leads him down a terrible path both with his demon work and within his personal life. We are able to see all of the ramifications within his relationships as well as in the spirit world. Rhys is a phenomenally well written character and I was extremely touched going through his journey with this as well as seeing him deal with "Catholic guilt," inadequacy, judgment, resentment, and self acceptance.
His downfall was brutal, but the redemption of his character arc at the end of this book legitimately made me tear up, especially because S.T. Gibson tied it all together with his Catholic upbringing and it really was stunning.
David and Moira continue to be absolute stand out characters, like if I could be best friends with any fictional characters in real life it would probably be these two.
David's growth from book 1 to this book was phenomenal and I loved how he was able to help save the person that had saved him in the last book. He is also hilarious and I thoroughly enjoy every second he is on page. Moira is such a star of a character and I have a feeling her book will be book 3, which I am so excited for, but I loved seeing her continue to come into her own in this book and stand up for herself more.
I also am so obsessed with the growing relationship between David and Moira; their love for each other is precious and melts my heart. As for the relationship between all three, I genuinely loved it in this book. Book 1 left me feeling a bit unsure, but after reading the trio's dynamic in book 2, I am obsessed with them all individually and together.
Also, a huge shout out to the side characters here. We got much more of them and they are all so well rounded and interesting. I can't wait to get to know them more in this series.
S.T. Gibson's character work in this book is legitimately astounding. The complexity of the individuals as well as their interconnected stories and relationships is incredible.
If you guys have not started this series, I highly recommend it. It is so unique and this book in particular moved me so much emotionally and I feel incredibly grateful to have been able to read it.
Thank you so much to the author and Angry Robot for the advanced copy, I don't think I will ever get over this!
June 19, 2025
Thank you to Angry Robot and Netgalley for the ARC.
It is safe to say that this book was a massive disappointment. After reading Evocation I was itching for the sequel that would be focused on Rhys, but I have learnt he is the most insufferable man I have ever had to deal with (on page) and I do not think I could handle reading his POV again.
This book starts off with the news reporting about a summoning circle that was made and a paper mache doll that was in the centre, creating panic and tension amongst the Summoners and other magic users. Yet this becomes shoved into the background as the story focuses solely on Rhys as a character and his relationships that he does not deserve.
I found Rhys to be extremely insufferable in his search for power, and I do understand that is the point but I did not care a single bit for this egomanic who was happy to put work and his fame before his wife and boyfriend. He was so far in his own head that I was so happy to escape into Moira and David’s POVs, yet those were still focused and wrapped around Rhys as he is the centre of their worlds. Moira is the emotional weight that holds them together and honestly she and David could leave Rhys and he far happier but that is not how this story goes.
I do adore S.T Gibson’s writing in A Dowry of Blood and An Education in Malice, but in this everything felt choppy and boiled down to a point where it felt like someone else had written it. It did make me wish for that purple prose or anything to add substance, but I was unfortunately left with nothing.
I doubt I will read the rest of the series, as this was an absolute let down for me.
It is safe to say that this book was a massive disappointment. After reading Evocation I was itching for the sequel that would be focused on Rhys, but I have learnt he is the most insufferable man I have ever had to deal with (on page) and I do not think I could handle reading his POV again.
This book starts off with the news reporting about a summoning circle that was made and a paper mache doll that was in the centre, creating panic and tension amongst the Summoners and other magic users. Yet this becomes shoved into the background as the story focuses solely on Rhys as a character and his relationships that he does not deserve.
I found Rhys to be extremely insufferable in his search for power, and I do understand that is the point but I did not care a single bit for this egomanic who was happy to put work and his fame before his wife and boyfriend. He was so far in his own head that I was so happy to escape into Moira and David’s POVs, yet those were still focused and wrapped around Rhys as he is the centre of their worlds. Moira is the emotional weight that holds them together and honestly she and David could leave Rhys and he far happier but that is not how this story goes.
I do adore S.T Gibson’s writing in A Dowry of Blood and An Education in Malice, but in this everything felt choppy and boiled down to a point where it felt like someone else had written it. It did make me wish for that purple prose or anything to add substance, but I was unfortunately left with nothing.
I doubt I will read the rest of the series, as this was an absolute let down for me.
July 9, 2025
This was a great sequel to Evocation, building upon Rhys' character in ways that weren't previously this deeply explored. I liked coming to understand the inner workings of his mind more intimately as he shouldered the role of High Priest, and how his ambition often clashed with what he could reasonably endure on his own as an occultist with more limited gifts than other members of the society. S.T. Gibson's writing is really well refined, creating great intrigue in even the more mundane scenes between Rhys, Moira and David. It was a pleasure to get more scenes of the three of them navigating their newfound relationship; I love how they communicate with one another and share different kinds of love that intertwine beautifully. While this instalment might not have been as high tension as the last, given the previous plot with David and his possession, this was an immersive read nonetheless!
June 1, 2025
I really wanted to like this book more than I liked Evocation, but sadly it disappointed me as well. The advertising for the book (specifically the trope maps that were made) made it sound fantastic and exciting but in practice the book was somewhat shallow and bland. I’m not sure how a writer can go from A Dowry of Blood and An Education in Malice to treating a 6 year age gap as if it’s the most profane and problematic thing that a person could engage in. Also, the ending where the whole magical scandal was wrapped up in an “oops! it didn’t even matter!” way made the whole story feel like the story didn’t even need to happen.
The way Moira and Lorena’s magic is treated compared to the way the more western magic is treated rubs me the wrong way. There’s always an air of skepticism regarding “folk magic” and “folk saints”, yet the whiter, western versions of those things (like catholic saints or Greek magic) are treated as fact. This just compounds on the issue of how POC, specifically non-Asian, non-rich, dark skinned women are treated in these books. My main issue with book 1 was Moira’s character, and that continued in this book. She’s almost like a parent for these two white men, constantly looking after them and giving them therapy about their separate relationship while being neglected. This type of shortfall tends to happen a lot in books by white authors, and I support efforts to make books more diverse with POC characters being included, but turning a 25 year old black woman into an emotional caretaker for her white husband and his boyfriend felt so off to me.
The constant reaffirming of consent and ethics was also irksome, it felt like they were stopping the action to turn to the camera and say “Hey! Don’t call us problematic!”
A lot of the advertising for this book centers around polyamory and how the main three characters are in a throuple, but Moira and David make it clear constantly throughout the story that they are friends and what they have is a friendship even after other characters ask if they’re in love, so it feels like a let-down when you read the actual book.
The way Moira and Lorena’s magic is treated compared to the way the more western magic is treated rubs me the wrong way. There’s always an air of skepticism regarding “folk magic” and “folk saints”, yet the whiter, western versions of those things (like catholic saints or Greek magic) are treated as fact. This just compounds on the issue of how POC, specifically non-Asian, non-rich, dark skinned women are treated in these books. My main issue with book 1 was Moira’s character, and that continued in this book. She’s almost like a parent for these two white men, constantly looking after them and giving them therapy about their separate relationship while being neglected. This type of shortfall tends to happen a lot in books by white authors, and I support efforts to make books more diverse with POC characters being included, but turning a 25 year old black woman into an emotional caretaker for her white husband and his boyfriend felt so off to me.
The constant reaffirming of consent and ethics was also irksome, it felt like they were stopping the action to turn to the camera and say “Hey! Don’t call us problematic!”
A lot of the advertising for this book centers around polyamory and how the main three characters are in a throuple, but Moira and David make it clear constantly throughout the story that they are friends and what they have is a friendship even after other characters ask if they’re in love, so it feels like a let-down when you read the actual book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2025
"love for rhys was a practice, very much like a prayer, something to be done everyday, with quiet consistency and attention to detail." ⊹₊⟡⋆
sadly, this book pretty much did nothing for me. i was really looking forward to this new release, partly because the cover is gorgeous and mostly because of how much i enjoyed evocation, but this book just really missed its mark with me.
i understand that this was a more rhys-centered book, given that the first was david's and then it will be moira's and then leda's, but at least with the first book it wasn’t solely about david - it was about his relationship with rhys and his sobriety and his relationship with moira and it was about rhy's relationship with david and moira and it was about moira's relationship with david and rhys. the alternative pov's made it seem like it wasn’t solely centered around david, which i really enjoyed. this book, however, solely focused on rhys. his inner turmoil and his guilt and his "woe is me" behavior. david's chapters were about rhys. moira's chapters were about rhys. i, quite frankly, became increasingly annoyed with rhys's character and found him to be just incredibly insufferable.
this book felt like the characters i grew to love took an ice bath and completely changed personalities. many of david's scenes felt out of character for him compared to the first book, and moira was a shell of herself. i loved s.t. gibson's characterization in the first book; it's the reason i enjoyed it so much. that characterization was not within this book whatsoever, except for to lament on how pathetic rhys was.
and the plot was incredibly disappointing; mostly just about how rhys couldn't handle power and how greedy he was. the big plot point turned out to not be a big deal, which made all of the events surrounding it seem kind of unnecessary. and truthfully i just got to a point where i couldn't stand rhys, didn't care about him or his demons whatsoever, so the whole resolution at the end just didn't mean much to me!
overall, this was really a miss for me. the writing was wonderful, but that's about it. it's safe to say i'm more interested in david and moira at this point, so there's a chance i pick up the third book? not too sure at this point :(
cawpile system┊characters 3/10, atmosphere/setting 2/10, writing 8/10, plot 3/10, intrigue 2/10, logic/relationships 2/10, enjoyment 2/10 ⊹₊⟡⋆
sadly, this book pretty much did nothing for me. i was really looking forward to this new release, partly because the cover is gorgeous and mostly because of how much i enjoyed evocation, but this book just really missed its mark with me.
i understand that this was a more rhys-centered book, given that the first was david's and then it will be moira's and then leda's, but at least with the first book it wasn’t solely about david - it was about his relationship with rhys and his sobriety and his relationship with moira and it was about rhy's relationship with david and moira and it was about moira's relationship with david and rhys. the alternative pov's made it seem like it wasn’t solely centered around david, which i really enjoyed. this book, however, solely focused on rhys. his inner turmoil and his guilt and his "woe is me" behavior. david's chapters were about rhys. moira's chapters were about rhys. i, quite frankly, became increasingly annoyed with rhys's character and found him to be just incredibly insufferable.
this book felt like the characters i grew to love took an ice bath and completely changed personalities. many of david's scenes felt out of character for him compared to the first book, and moira was a shell of herself. i loved s.t. gibson's characterization in the first book; it's the reason i enjoyed it so much. that characterization was not within this book whatsoever, except for to lament on how pathetic rhys was.
and the plot was incredibly disappointing; mostly just about how rhys couldn't handle power and how greedy he was. the big plot point turned out to not be a big deal, which made all of the events surrounding it seem kind of unnecessary. and truthfully i just got to a point where i couldn't stand rhys, didn't care about him or his demons whatsoever, so the whole resolution at the end just didn't mean much to me!
overall, this was really a miss for me. the writing was wonderful, but that's about it. it's safe to say i'm more interested in david and moira at this point, so there's a chance i pick up the third book? not too sure at this point :(
cawpile system┊characters 3/10, atmosphere/setting 2/10, writing 8/10, plot 3/10, intrigue 2/10, logic/relationships 2/10, enjoyment 2/10 ⊹₊⟡⋆
August 19, 2025
*. Odd Spirits ★★★
1. Evocation ★★★
1. Evocation ★★★
“You don’t get to throw your hands up in the air and abdicate responsibility for the hurt you’ve caused. That’s just another punishment, not penance.”
I think with this sequel to Evocation, Gibson officially cements herself as a auto-read author for me. She has a way of developing characters that makes them feel completely realistic. I think in fantasy, no matter how gray the characters are, they end up embracing their best traits. It makes sense because I think we all want to be the best versions of ourselves, and one way to reflect that in characters is to have them go through an evolution that conveys a positive change in their journey. But Gibson manages to allow her characters to evolve without completely leaving behind their ambitions and more selfish parts of themselves, which I think is a realistic reflection of the complexity of human personality and how we are made up of different layers.
Before starting Ascension, I was a little worried because, while the first book focused more on David, my favorite character, this one was known for being centered around Rhys, probably the character I enjoyed least in Evocation. But, to my surprise, I enjoyed the journey the sorcerer takes in this sequel, struggling to maintain a balance between power, faith, and his relationships. I think his character development was not only good, but also very believable. Without giving away any spoilers, I will say that he needed to be knocked off his high horse.
I like the setting of this series, with the Boston occult underworld as the backdrop for this urban fantasy story, but right now, what I love most are its characters and the different relationships between them, whether familial, romantic, or friendship. And although this is Rhys’s book, Moira and David remain the other main protagonists of the story, and it’s definitely their platonic bond that I liked most within the polyamorous relationship, especially considering how poorly they got along at the beginning of Evocation. I also liked that they both explore other relationships with other people.
Once again, the author intertwines the world of the occult with religion—specifically, Catholicism—and as an atheist, I must say I like how she explores religious conflicts without preaching to the reader. That said, the scene with a certain archangel was a bit much for me; I definitely prefer when the angels and demons act more passively in this series—without even speaking.
In short, Ascension is a sequel that I enjoyed more than its predecessor. The character development and the different relationships between them are the highlights for me, and they definitely keep me more invested in the story than the magical aspects. I’m eager to read more about these characters and what’s in store for them, and I’m excited that the next books will focus on Moira and Leda consecutively.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2025
yes please let’s see where this queer magical spoopy journey goes with our favourite magical trio
*** edit to add actual review
Rhys McGowan has it all: his hard-earned High Priesthood, the steadfast love of his wife Moira and his newly rediscovered romance with David, and his own iron-clad will and ambition. But as he sets out to make his name known and the Society a respected force to be reckoned with, has he taken on more than he can handle?
Full of the usual carefully constructed introspection, take a deep dive with Saint into the rich inner lives of these characters as we explore their relationships and the tension of their emotions. The build is subtle, the release is sublime as she plays out the threads to conclusion, pulling her characters through growth into transformation.
Deep and hard-hitting topics: reckoning with the aftermath of trauma and how your childhood never really leaves you; the fragility and beauty of trust; and how love is ultimately, transformatively holy. Beautiful stuff.
*** edit to add actual review
Rhys McGowan has it all: his hard-earned High Priesthood, the steadfast love of his wife Moira and his newly rediscovered romance with David, and his own iron-clad will and ambition. But as he sets out to make his name known and the Society a respected force to be reckoned with, has he taken on more than he can handle?
Full of the usual carefully constructed introspection, take a deep dive with Saint into the rich inner lives of these characters as we explore their relationships and the tension of their emotions. The build is subtle, the release is sublime as she plays out the threads to conclusion, pulling her characters through growth into transformation.
Deep and hard-hitting topics: reckoning with the aftermath of trauma and how your childhood never really leaves you; the fragility and beauty of trust; and how love is ultimately, transformatively holy. Beautiful stuff.
July 6, 2025
**3,5/5**
Thank you Angry Robot Books for the arc!
„He wished that he was composed of anything but a hurricane of dark, demanding emotions that clawed at everyone around him.“
🕯️secret magic societies
🕯️religious traditions
🕯️poly representation
What I liked:
- The characters! I just love character-driven stories and as always in S.T. Gibson‘s books, everyone has their own internal struggles. In this book you especially follow Rhys‘s internal turmoil from overambition to guilt and self-doubt.
- As in the first book, I’m obsessed with the world the author has created. Contemporary Boston with secret magical societies, demon summonings, and all types of occult practices! Right up my alley!
What I didn’t like:
- The characters together. I just don’t feel their relationship and especially Moira feels often too mature and emotionally intelligent for the two men. It’s more like this young woman is acting as the therapist and caretaker for her husband and his boyfriend.
Thank you Angry Robot Books for the arc!
„He wished that he was composed of anything but a hurricane of dark, demanding emotions that clawed at everyone around him.“
🕯️secret magic societies
🕯️religious traditions
🕯️poly representation
What I liked:
- The characters! I just love character-driven stories and as always in S.T. Gibson‘s books, everyone has their own internal struggles. In this book you especially follow Rhys‘s internal turmoil from overambition to guilt and self-doubt.
- As in the first book, I’m obsessed with the world the author has created. Contemporary Boston with secret magical societies, demon summonings, and all types of occult practices! Right up my alley!
What I didn’t like:
- The characters together. I just don’t feel their relationship and especially Moira feels often too mature and emotionally intelligent for the two men. It’s more like this young woman is acting as the therapist and caretaker for her husband and his boyfriend.
July 21, 2025
this series is the epitome of 'no plot just vibes', except the vibes are very unlikeable
dnf
August 26, 2025 DNF at 20%) … because as much as I want to love this series it just isn’t working for me.
July 26, 2025
Next book is Moria’s POV and I’m personally hoping that Rhys gets possessed and killed off fast otherwise I probably won’t read on with the series, which is a shame because I like most the stuff I’ve read by the author.
There are books where the main characters are terrible but you still want to read on for the plot and love to hate them. In this case Rhys was so egotistical and power hungry constantly, that it ruined what there was of a plot.
Only finished it because I listened to it and went out on a walk.
There are books where the main characters are terrible but you still want to read on for the plot and love to hate them. In this case Rhys was so egotistical and power hungry constantly, that it ruined what there was of a plot.
Only finished it because I listened to it and went out on a walk.
June 1, 2025
3.75 stars
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.
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.
April 5, 2025
If you see me crying, no you don’t
June 10, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot Books for this ARC! All thoughts are my own and left voluntarily.
Themes: Spiritualism; Relationships; Fortune-Telling; Tarot; Queer; Polyamory; Secret Societies; Magical Systems; Religious Traditions; Divinity; Magical Communities.
Ascension offers a much slower continuation of the series, shifting focus from David to Rhys and diving deeply into his internal struggles, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome with realistic honesty. Unlike Evocation's fast-paced plot, Ascension leans heavily into character psychology. Hence, the narrative is character-driven than plot-driven.
Rhys’s rise to High Priest is less about power and more about pressure and weight of expectations (basically, imo he gaslights himself a lot). He’s a difficult character - arrogant, self-destructive and often frustrating, but I can appreciate his complexity and character growth nonetheless. Yet sadly, after reading his book, I understand that I'm still not one of the target audience members who are in love with him (which is ironic for me as it's his book for crying out loud haha). The worldbuilding feels richer here, and I appreciate the aspect of magic/non-magic community dynamics.
Even though it's a solid sequel and holds its own, I was more invested by drama, magic and mayhem in Evocation. There were also some moments that puzzled me here. And as I mentioned in my previous reviews (Evocation and Odd Spirits), I much more preferred Moira and David's chapters than Rhys's. A lot of times it felt like his thoughts and actions are going back-and-forth, and a lot of problems are dragged out. Plus, as I was annoyed with him since the first 2 stories, the feeling was still persistent here.
EVOCATION (David), ASCENSION (Rhys), DIVINATION (Moira, 2027), and TRANSMUTATION (Leda, 2028).
Actual rating: 3.5
Themes: Spiritualism; Relationships; Fortune-Telling; Tarot; Queer; Polyamory; Secret Societies; Magical Systems; Religious Traditions; Divinity; Magical Communities.
Ascension offers a much slower continuation of the series, shifting focus from David to Rhys and diving deeply into his internal struggles, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome with realistic honesty. Unlike Evocation's fast-paced plot, Ascension leans heavily into character psychology. Hence, the narrative is character-driven than plot-driven.
Rhys’s rise to High Priest is less about power and more about pressure and weight of expectations (basically, imo he gaslights himself a lot). He’s a difficult character - arrogant, self-destructive and often frustrating, but I can appreciate his complexity and character growth nonetheless. Yet sadly, after reading his book, I understand that I'm still not one of the target audience members who are in love with him (which is ironic for me as it's his book for crying out loud haha). The worldbuilding feels richer here, and I appreciate the aspect of magic/non-magic community dynamics.
Even though it's a solid sequel and holds its own, I was more invested by drama, magic and mayhem in Evocation. There were also some moments that puzzled me here. And as I mentioned in my previous reviews (Evocation and Odd Spirits), I much more preferred Moira and David's chapters than Rhys's. A lot of times it felt like his thoughts and actions are going back-and-forth, and a lot of problems are dragged out. Plus, as I was annoyed with him since the first 2 stories, the feeling was still persistent here.
EVOCATION (David), ASCENSION (Rhys), DIVINATION (Moira, 2027), and TRANSMUTATION (Leda, 2028).
Actual rating: 3.5
July 16, 2025
I really loved evocation and odd spirits so I was really excited for ascension and the only thing that ascended was my blood pressure. Rhys sucks and if I never have to read his POV again it’ll be too soon.
2 stars for all the lovely side characters and no stars for David, Rhys or Moira.
Go to therapy
2 stars for all the lovely side characters and no stars for David, Rhys or Moira.
Go to therapy
August 9, 2025
Girl…boooooooooooo. I was promised a poly not whatever the hell this is. Tired of being promised poly’s and not actually getting one.
June 21, 2025
Ugh. I'm so mad right now. I've read evocation and odd spirits and enjoyed them both. However this was boring. I didn't even want to finish it anymore. I thought we'd be starting where we left off in a way. Dealing with that curse from evocation. But it didn't seem to matter. I don't understand.
July 17, 2025
The first book (Evocation) focused more on David and Ascension focuses more on Rhys. It picks up after the events of the first book. Rhys is a perfectionist and he’s always striving for control. It was interesting to get into his thought process in this one. He really had a lot of growth in this and I loved to see it. Like with Evocation, the characters are what makes this series special. They’re all so different but lovable! You get to see Rhys, David, and Moira setting boundaries and adjust to their relationship. It’s complicated and there’s definitely growing pains. This book was spicier than the first too! Moira is my fav though and I can’t wait for her book!
If you enjoy a book with cozy occult vibes and summoning demons, then pick up this series!
If you enjoy a book with cozy occult vibes and summoning demons, then pick up this series!
June 18, 2025
Got an arc from the publisher 4.5/5
I love this series so much! I’m a sucker for a good contemporary fantasy so this is catnip to my brain. Book 2 did a great job of furthering the character relationships and interiority and expanding on the world to give the series new places to go. Also I lost count of the number of times I laughed out loud reading this, my god does Saint know how to string a sentence together, her prose is always lovely.
I do wish we’d touched a smidge more on the Big Thing that happened to Rhys at the end of Evocation and how to unfuck that can of worms, but I figure we’re building towards something and I’m happily along for the ride!
I love this series so much! I’m a sucker for a good contemporary fantasy so this is catnip to my brain. Book 2 did a great job of furthering the character relationships and interiority and expanding on the world to give the series new places to go. Also I lost count of the number of times I laughed out loud reading this, my god does Saint know how to string a sentence together, her prose is always lovely.
I do wish we’d touched a smidge more on the Big Thing that happened to Rhys at the end of Evocation and how to unfuck that can of worms, but I figure we’re building towards something and I’m happily along for the ride!
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