𝐄𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 | 𝐒𝐓 𝐆𝐢𝐛𝐬𝐨𝐧
★★★.5

𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
David Aristarkhov, lawyer by day and medium by night, is wealthy and talented beyond reason. So much so, in fact, that perhaps there’s some truth to the centuries old bargain with the Devil his ancestors apparently made. And the Devil is ready to collect.

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟
⟡ romantasy
⟡ polyamory
⟡ lgbt+ rep
⟡ interesting magic systems
⟡ elements of dark academia

𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝
This was a darkly fascinating unconventional romantasy with phenomenal polyamory and LGBT+ representation that is slipped in naturally into the pages. This book depicts a world of psychics, societies and scandal, with a trio of main characters that are flawed and figuring out how to function.

This means that the dynamics between the trio are pretty complex, strongly passionate, and quick to fluctuate. Resentment seemed to easily transcend into affection in this book and the chemistry was worked on a lot through the middle section of this book

I thought that the characterizations were brilliant for each character (see quotation below mentioning Moira) and this gave the characters a level of depth I have come to adore from ST Gibson.

𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝
What lets this book down is its plot. There is a lot of focus on character development and the plot feels like an afterthought. I’d have loved to have known more about the magic system and world building, however, the references to it were quite vague and sometimes a little hard to understand. This ambiguity coupled with the complex dynamics makes this story feel like a shadow that is slipping away from any grasp of reality and understanding.

𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬
“𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯, 𝘔𝘰𝘪𝘳𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘢 𝘬𝘯𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘪𝘦 𝘢 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘦.”

“𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘱𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦. 𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘶𝘱 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘪𝘵 𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦.”

“𝘚𝘰, 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘸𝘢𝘴: 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘣𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯’𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩.”

“𝘐’𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮, 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘶𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵.“

𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬
Reminds me a bit of Tori Bovalino’s The Devil Makes Three with its degree of academia and battling with demons.

This started off so slow, and only picked up towards the end. This book was clearly here for mainly vibes with 10% plot. Really, in the first chapter, David gets maybe-possessed, and it’s not until chapter ten that anything actually high stakes happens or anything gets done about it. That’s not the only dull thing about this book.

The relationship dynamic between David and Rhys & Rhys and Moira was so infuriating. First off, there was no depth to Rhys and Moira’s marriage. Like we know in bullet points how they met, got married some years ago, and sometime six months ago, David did something that drove a conflict between them. Their relationship felt like a cardboard cutout saying, “here we are, this is what love looks like. We are in love.” Rhys always talks about and inner monologues that Moira is super important to him and that she always comes first, but it just comes off as ingenuous, especially since it’s obvious that he still feels something for David.

Now David is supposed to be an asshole, especially at the start of the book. He’s that rich, nepo necromancer-lawyer who struts around all the time, smirking, and always making light fun, never taking anything serious. Even so, he was the most entertaining perspective and I’m kinda obsessed with him. Rhys was so dull and filled with Catholic morals and guilt that I just felt bad for Moira. For how much Rhys thinks about David, it actually annoyed me when 30-40% of the book in, he still treated him antagonistically. Now, I liked Moira, but it honestly felt like more time was built into the relationship between David and Rhys. Sometimes, it felt like she was just there.

Overall 2.5 stars. I desperately wished I loved this, since this seems right up my alley, but sometimes you just gotta take the L.

★★★★★ - 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
Evocation by S.T. Gibson
Book 1 - The Summoner’s Circle
༘Spoiler free ༘
⭐️4/5
🌶️ definitely spicy
Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Horror, LGBTQIAP+
Multi POV
➳ Secret Societies
➳ Lovers to Exes to Rivals to Lovers
➳ Modern Day Boston
➳ Dark Academia
➳ Gothic
➳ Occultism
➳ LGBTQIAP+
➳ Deals w/the Devil


✨Is there anything S.T. Gibson can’t do? If you’re looking for a genre-defying experience that blends elements of paranormal horror, modern occultism, second chance romance and queer comedy you’ve found your match.✨

Gibson’s prose never ceases to impress me and this time she was crackling with wit and energy imbuing the perfect balance of sharp humour and palpable emotion.

Set in the high-powered world of boston’s elite, this novel follows an unexpected trio of characters. David Aristarkhov, a former psychic prodigy (quite literally) haunted by his oppressive father’s legacy; Rhys his scholarly and earnest ex-lover; and Rhys’ enigmatic Wife, Moira who possesses unspoken and formidable magical abilities. The trio team up to help save David from his penchant for trouble when the devil comes calling. David believes himself to be the target of demonic possession, and his time is running out. Amidst the chaos, the characters must puzzle their way through past hurts, navigate tangled emotions, and free themselves from their guilt and shame.

**Fantasy Scoring**
Worldbuilding ➷ ✅ 4/4
Foreshadowing ➷ ✅ 4/4
Plot ➷ ✅ 4/4
Relationships ➷ ✅ 4/4

Thank you to the S.T Gibson, Angry Robot and NetGalley for the opportunity to provide my honest opinion on the ARC of this book.

Thank you to Amy at Angry Robot Books for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

When I first saw the cover I knew I wanted to read it. I had just gotten into tarot so seeing the hanged man on the cover intrigued me. Then, reading the blurb, it only got better. So I was really excited when Amy's email landed in my inbox with an invitation to get an arc.

We follow David as he deals with a demonic curse laid upon his family decades ago. His father passed away without telling him about it so he asks Rhys, his ex-lover, to help. Rhys has his own troubles though. Not in his relationship with his wife, but he can't deny the attraction to David is still there. The push and pull between the two is incredible sweet to watch, especially when Moira also becomes involved with David. She can help him since she has a gift only a few people know about, and it might be the key to help with David's mystery demon.

The highlight of the book has to be the character dynamics between David, Rhys, and Moira. The kindness of Rhys and gentleness of Moira help David become more himself and less his family's curse. David has a different kind of intimacy with Rhys and Moira but with the same intensity. It's beautiful to see blossom. There were chapters where I wanted more of the romance and less of the demon hunting but the two plotlines couldn't do without each other. David's headaches made me sympathize with him a lot as someone who has migraines.

The dynamics with the relationships and the demon gnawing at David's head made me flip the pages faster and faster as I got closer to the end of the book. The ending wasn't at all what I expected but it makes sense since it's going to be a series. I can only hope it won't be too long before it comes out.

I really enjoyed this one and I'm looking forward to the second book. For fans of queer romantasy with a supernatural world as a background.

S.T. Gibson nailed it with Evocation.

From the beginning I loved Rhys and Moria. They are couple goals. They set boundaries for their relationship, they communicate well, and not saying everything is perfect, but when there is an issue, they remember their love for each other and work towards a solution. They are one of the most mature and secure couples I have read. Both are so sweet and loving towards each other, it just makes me swoon.

David, I did not like so much from the beginning, but S.T. Gibson makes you fall for him in the best way. He's a very broken character, and you grow to love him through the eyes of Moria and Rhys. David's relationship with the two is very strained at the beginning of the book, but they are the only ones he can turn to for help. This requires him to be vulnerable, and you get his backstory and why he pushes people away, and you as the reader start to love him just like Rhys and Moria.

This is going down as one of my favorite books in 2024. I am going to be thinking about it for a long time, and I am not ready to leave these characters. I hope the author explores more with them, and I think she can.

If you enjoy relationship driven stories with dark academia vibes, then you will love Evocation.

Thank you so much to S.T. Gibson, Angry Robot, and NetGalley for an eARC of this book. I loved it so much.

Ahhhh this was so good!!!! 🥹 Evocation was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and I’m glad to say it did not disappoint!

What I loved the most about this book are the characters: David, Rhys, and Moira are all well-written, interesting & compelling in their own right, and I enjoyed their dynamics & relationship development immensely.

The plot was also intriguing, although I do feel like the final arc, the climax it was all building up to, was resolved a bit too quickly… However, as someone who puts characters above plot, I didn’t mind it all that much.

I enjoyed the writing style—S.T. Gibson has a beautiful way with words—though it’s noticeably different from Dowry’s, less lyrical and flowery, but still a pleasure to read.

I am happy to say that Evocation lived up to my expectations, and I’m super excited for the sequel!

Thank you Angry Robot Books for the arc 🖤

The way S. T. Gibson is quickly becoming a new favorite author... This is probably my most anticipated book of hers so far. I loved the blurb from the moment I first laid eyes on it. I knew I was going to eat this up.
I particularly enjoyed how it addresses the issue of communication in a couple's relationship, but it also refers to topics such as addiction with the respect and sensitivity it deserves. My only complaint was the dynamic between the main characters. Although I overall liked it, I found it inconsistent at times and borderline unrealistic.
I love how she writes her characters and how you can relate to them even if you have nothing in common.
Highly recommended.

What to expect:
- Queer romance
- Polyamorous rep
- Gothic, dark academia vibes
- Secret societies
- Exes to rivals to lovers
- Tarot cards, magic, curses

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Pub Date 28 May 2024

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

An excellent start to a new series. I was so excited to read Evocation as I love everything that ST Gibson writes. The characters and their relationships were fully fleshed out and the magic system was great.

thank you to angry robots for an arc of this book!!

evocation is a rollercoaster of queer polyamorous occult melodrama and angst. let me tell you it’s all of those things and more. this book is full of delightfully messy and colorful characters. from moira rhys’ take no nonsense astrologer wife (a black witch who is cherished by her husband and not portrayed as a bitch for being defensive and knowing her worth? a 10/10) she is funny and often emotional taking up space as the heart of the trio. constantly by her side is her husband rhys the sorcerer he is pragmatic and endlessly loyal to moira. their marriage and the the tumbles it takes along with the way was delightful to read about because it brought us to david. the witty and debonair psychic ex of rhys was the star of this book in every way. from wondering what demon is plaguing david and his blackouts and rooting for his recovery from his blunder with rhys and subsequently moira all of the twists and turns david’s story took was gripping. the plot was engaging the characters solo were easy to root for her but i would be remiss if i didn’t mention how the expertly crafted romance wasn’t the true center of this book. it is not easy to find books where the author treats all the dynamics in a polyamorous relationship as equals. glaringly and typically there is a overwhelming favorite and a least favorite in the dynamics being explored but saint gibson has managed to avoid that cliche with overwhelming ease. from the steady and devout love taking place with rhys and moira, the passionate and electric mess of david and rhys’ reconnection, to the beautiful and surprising platonic connection between david and moira (queer platonic relationships taking an equal seat to the romance yes please). the connections in this book where expertly crafted and well paced no one’s relationship felt rushed or overly drawn out. cutting myself off here at the risk of spoiling the book by accident but i implore you if there’s a book you pick up this year make it this one. it’s magical it’s sexy and it’s messy and dark in a way this author has perfected.

Thank you NetGalley and Angry Robot for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Evocation, a gothic paranormal story full of demons, childhood trauma, complicated relationships, and broody men, presents three main characters with such full presences and unique dynamics that they jump off the page.

I loved our three mcs and the relationships they had with one another, and I would gladly pick up two more books about them just to see where they go.

However, I felt that the world-building and magic system were sorely under-explored and not well fleshed out so that the paranormal aspect of it all was more of a backdrop than something integral to the storytelling.

I really love S.T. Gibson's prose and I think I'll continue to pick up her books. The pacing made for a quick, engaging read and overall I would recommend to fans of paranormal, gothic, and dark academia reads.

Evocation has a dark academia occult feel, there's different types of magic practised in different ways. David is a strong psychic who was brought up as a prodigy child, he is a high flyer, great job and full of charisma, he's also been cursed by the devil with an old family curse and now the devil is ready to collect. Rhys who is David's ex is a sorcerer who has been working hard and fighting for his place within the occult and then there is Moira, Rhys wife who is witch with strong psychic abilities that she uses to read the tarots. David brings in both to help with the investigations and research of his curse that's taken a sudden deathly turn.

There's a great dynamic between the trio David, Rhys and Moria. They all had a great connections with each other, each one different and complex. I enjoyed seeing them work together while trying to balance out their relationships and feelings.

I enjoyed the story, I'm a big fan of S.T Gibson writing and how they bring the story and characters relationships together.

I do wish the story was a little more fast paced, because there is a slow burn it felt that all aspects of the story were just a little too slow, so it was hard to become fully immersive in the story. The characters do make the book and I loved all three of them and I'm definitely invested enough to continue on with the series, I need to know how the relationship is going to progress between the three main characters.

It would have also been nice to see a little more of the devil and the curse, we only see rumours and hearsay of what its about and we don't really get a confrontation with the devil so I'd love to see more of this built on in the next books.

Thank you to Angry Robot Books for gifting me an e-arc copy of this. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next.

I’m slowly becoming convinced that Saint Gibson can take a plot from literally any genre and write it beautifully! I loved the angsty and dramatic nature of the characters, and inclusion of so many witchy elements!

Evocation was a fun start to a new S.T. Gibson series, but it had a slow beginning. It took me a little longer than I’d hoped to learn and care enough about our three main characters. However, once I did, I flew through the rest! As always, Gibson’s writing is gorgeous—lyrical but not challenging prose. However, there were some parts in the beginning that felt a little heavy-handed and difficult to parse out, like the lengthy descriptions of the Society members.

David, Rhys and Moira each felt well-rounded and interesting, with their own backgrounds and distinct motivations. Although all three are deep in the spiritual world, I appreciated the different “sects” of work they occupied, along with the boundaries and rule-breaking each adhered to. It made the occult elements flow naturally through the story, instead of feeling shoe-horned in for plot purposes.

There was so much tenderness in the novel, too. Topics like childhood abuse, domestic disputes and alcoholism were the undercurrents to the story, and things definitely get heavy at times. I adored Moira’s character for her role in navigating these elements, specifically—she seemed like such a grounded, sweet soul.

Gibson yet again breaks from tradition with a polyamorous relationship that felt genuine and tender. By the end, I had a goofy smile on my face. I’ll eagerly await the next chapter in this series!

S.T. Gibson has such a hold on lush evocative writing intertwined with complex and compelling characters, I have yet to read a book of hers that has left me wanting. Every character is so well fleshed out I loved and hated them in turn at several points, and I can't wait for more in this world.

⭐️ 3
🌶 2

Sadly, this story wasn't for me. Perhaps I went into it with too high expectations, because I feel let down. It's not a bad book, it's just mediocre.

Part of my issue is that I expected a lot more overt use of occult magic, as this is marketed as a fantasy novel. But barring the last 15%, this story felt far more like magical realism to me.

Considering the author researched enough to use specific occultism terminology, very little of it was actually explained for the reader and even less was utilised by the characters. I had to resort to googling certain words as the author neglected to provide details within the story.

If you like books that are more about occultist, dark academia vibes than plot and character-driven, this is probably for you. The characters are messy, angsty and flawed, and their interactions with each other reflect this.

For me, it felt like the plot took almost halfway through to kick in, and it was weak and drawn out unnecessarily. The big plot twist at the end was very obvious and the delivery felt flat to me because of this.

The marketing of a throuple romance is actually (in my opinion) misleading. Without spoiling anything, it's not the MMF relationship I was led to believe. The few times there was spice, it felt like it was added in to appease readers rather than to add to the story (except the last spicy scene, which was loooooong overdue).

Overall, the world building, the magic system, the character growth, the romance and the plot all had the potential to be great but didn't quite get there.

It was a very interesting reading. It’s a very unique dark gothic mystery book with funny banter and quite an exquisite duo but it was a bit lacking concerning the plot that was a bit flat and did not grip me. I think the characters saved the book and don’t get me wrong it’s still a good book but very character driven which I was not expecting so I was a bit disappointed

I’ve loved Gibson’s previous works and Evocation is continuing the trend - blending their sumptuous writing into a modern setting, rife with rumbling tension and a seething character study.
This IS slow paced (until the final 10%) and won’t be for everyone, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’ve seen other reviews comparing it to an adult Raven Cycle and I think that definitely holds up. Excited to see more!

Evocation by S.T. Gibson is due to be released in May 2024 and like everyone who has even heard an inkling about this book, I was desperate to read it. Let’s be honest S.T. Gibson is one of those authors who have that way of building and developing such gothic, atmospheric, occult worlds that you are immediately drawn in and bewitched. In Evocation, Gibson takes on the challenges of everything from the occult and deals with the devil, to polyamory, abuse and so much more however, be warned the characters are the central focus in this first book in the The Summoner’s Circle series, with plot coming as a secondary fast follower.

Central to the whole story are David, a high flying, highly strung, psychic child prodigy, Rhys (David’s ex,) the hard working, determined scholar, determined to make his way through work, grit and determination that far exceed his psychic/occult abilities and Moira, (Ryhys’ wife and goddess!) Moira is truly a grounded, earth nature, witch and psychic with such beautiful abilities, I would challenge anyone not to love her. The story primarily revolves around David and the drawing in of Rhys and Moira into an investigation into a mystery psychic illness that is plaguing David, and ultimately putting his life at risk.

I would say that if you loved The Raven Boys, this is definitely the book for you. Gibson puts the majority of the focus on the characters, how they change and adapt throughout the storyline that begins with true antagonism, passive and micro-agression that blocks their developing relationship until the situation they find themselves in challenges this and opens them up to new dynamics that are very interesting and entertaining to observe.

I can truly say that I totally fell for this family, and whilst I came for the plot of Evocation, I totally stayed for the characters! There were a few bumps in the road but, I’m no expert on polyamory relationships and am definitely not one to judge but, I will be here waiting for the next book in the series, I can’t wait to see where it takes Moira, Rhys and David next.

Thank you so much Angry Robot Books and Netgalley for sharing this arc with me in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Thank you to Netgalley and Angry Robot for the e-ARC!

4.5★’s - this book was a tremendously fun read! I love a good grumpy/mean-to-everyone-to-keep-them-away/martyr type character, and we get that from David here. He’s also clearly not a morally pure guy—his clear flaws of classism and self-centeredness (among others) keep him believable.

The plot and mystery of this book were both interesting and fun, but the stand out moments were the character relationships. Our main trip was heartbreaking and amusing in equal turns - each duo was going through it for different reasons. There was just so much angst potential between all of them that was artfully executed. I could be upset with a character for hurting another one, while fully understanding why they would do that. David was my favorite, because I love that character archetype, but Moira was a surprise stand out, between her bad-assery and her empathy. Rhys was well fleshed out as a character, but not my personal favorite, though I appreciated the interactions with him.

The writing of this book kept me engrossed- relatively straightforward, without flourishes that broke me out of the immersion or slowed down the momentum. As soon as I started the book, I wanted to keep going until the end. We got a satisfying ending, but also an ongoing problem to solve, which leaves me anticipating the next book!

I will be posting my review on my book Instagram within the next week - once that is done, I will update this to reflect the link

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. I absolutely adored this book, Ms. Gibson literally can not do any wrong. Boston? Secret societies? SOLD. I will highly recommend this one, especially to those that loved Ninth House, very similar vibes and I'm here for it. Now just to wait until I can get my hands on a physical copy! A more formal review will be available on my IG/TikTok and Goodreads.