This was alright.

I had really high hopes for Gibson, after really enjoying Dowry of Blood, but this tarot-infused, occult-inspired polyamorous fantasy romance fell a bit flat for me.

I was intrigued by our main character, David Aristarkhov, a psychic prodigy who was raised by a cold and calculating father, and then grew into both a gifted member of an occult brotherhood and a recovering alcoholic. His ex-boyfriend Rhys, and Rhys' wife Moira were a lot more two-dimensional. They were very clearly good people, but they weren't very interesting and I never felt like they were worth getting to know (which is good, because exposition on them felt incredibly surface level.) When David is plagued by having to pay the price for a deal his ancestor made with a demon, I was invested in how they were going to break this generational curse. This was, after all, the conflict of the book and the primary motivator for David to get back in touch with Rhys.

Gibson seems to forget that she has this plot, because most of the book devolves into David, Rhys and Moira figuring out if they're polyamorous, what those feelings could mean and how they can go about it ethically. If this sounds really interesting to you and you could care less about curses and demons, then you are the target audience for this book. Gibson even goes so far as to name drop "Polysecure" by Jessica Fern, as a good book on the subject. This is all great, if you are looking for a book teaching you how to navigate polyamorous relationships. It did make for a much less interesting story however, since it took away from the characters figuring out how to break David's curse, and realistically, interesting characters are fallible, make mistakes, and don't have to be shining examples of what a polyamorous relationship is like.

In the end, this was fine. I was happy when the book ended, because as a fan of Gibson's, this was a disappointment. Sadly, I will go back to just recommending Dowry of Blood.

Thank you NetGalley and Angry Robot for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I unfortunately found that this book was nothing special and not very memorable. The plot follows David Aristarkhov, who is a well developed character, having to seek help from old friends to survive his deal with the devil.

I am a massive fan of dark academia, but for me this was my least favourite book I’ve read from S.T. Gibson as I found it slightly boring at times, however it did pick up towards the end.

3.7

I liked this a lot. More than I liked An Education in Malice. This kept my attention the whole time. Didn’t go into detail on sorcery aspect. Good relationship development. I really liked each character.

I expected this to lean towards a throuple and not polyamory. Relationships were really interesting and intriguing. A couple spicy scenes. Not very long and not explicitly descriptive. Vague terminology.

Didn’t feel like a high climax story. Doesn’t give full closure. Gives relationship closure/HEA.

I didn’t turn the pages because of the plot. Good storytelling and characters.

First of all, I wanted to thank NetGalley and Angry Robot for sending me an e-arc of Saint Gibson's latest release.

4.5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨

I'm kind of falling behind on my reviews, but I'm slowly getting back on the tracks (I'll hopefully be more consistent from now on).

Saint Gibson is slowly but surely becoming one of my favourite authors. I'd read anything she writes, even if it's her grocery shopping list. She just has a great way of portraying the intricacies of relationships that I find fascinating: whether it is obsession, lust, friendship, love... I think they're pretty spot on and shine specially in Evocation, where David's bargain with the devil is not the most important part of the plot but the relationships between all the characters: Moira, Rhys and David. Looooved them all to pieces (Moira you're the brightest star), and can't wait to read the following book of the series! Might also even consider buying myself a second-hand physical copy, those special editions have me foaming at the mouth. Also, I hope on the next installment we can see a bit more magic, even if it's just for show since I'm a sucker for witches.

I love A Dowry of Blood and An Education in Malice so much, so Evocation was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024. The cover is gorgeous, as well as, the special editions that have come out. This had excellent marketing.

Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I felt no attachment to the characters. They came off as flat and boring. I was not invested in the story or interested in the relationship dynamics of the characters. I tried to pause this book and go back to it, but I simply could not get into it or get through it. I decided to DNF it..

I'm sure there are readers out there who will enjoy this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Angry Robot for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I received an e-arc and audioarc through Netgalley all opinions are my own.

Sadly this book was not for me. I did not enjoy the narrators different voices for the characters.

I didn't really like the characters or the story. I'm sad since I loved Dowry of Blood, but I also didn't like Education in Malice. What that says about me I dunno.

The book was boring and didn't grip me. I didn't like any of the relationships or dynamics in this book.

LOVE LOVE LOVE S.T. Gibson, and was so excited to read this new series from her. Overall, I did enjoy this, there was just something missing? I just couldn't get fully immersed in the story, the characters were all a bit too... perfect? They were all flawed, but felt like walking tropes at times? I'm having trouble putting my finger on it... I just expected Rhys, Moira and David to be a hell of a lot more messy (and to be honest) toxic than they were. Their coming together was almost too easy. I did like the overall story though, and enjoyed their dynamics with one another. I am intrigued about the prequel Odd Spirits, and am hoping I get all the messiness I was expecting in this book there lol. I am still invested enough to see where this series will go, and will prob read the sequel as well when it's released.

dnf unfortunately
i’ve read a few reviews that the polyamory was not done the way i expected, gutted because i love gibson’s works and was looking forward to it
thank you for the arc!!

I had a lot of hype going into this book and I really wanted to love it, but unfortunately, it missed the mark for me. I didn’t feel invested in the relationships and I had a hard time staying engaged during the book. Not a fan of cheating in relationships and it seemed so neatly packaged how they suddenly move on??? I got so annoyed that I ended up DNFing. I think this book and its tropes were not for me, but other readers may enjoy this book more.

(4.5) 🌟

Evocation is a story of connection, of human relationships that intertwine with each other, of raw confrontations and dynamics that will leave the reader with a feeling of comfort. The author's prose is what manages to connect all these points in a fascinating way. S. T. Gibson has a special touch for portraying unforgettable characters and with this work it has been no different.

This story carries an impenetrable energy. Sharp and fresh, it is original and rich in plot. A secret society that attributes the power of divinity, of magic, for its own purposes, but also for knowledge. And that is what the characters, the author, manage to highlight. That dark tint that melts between the volumes of learning, of memories, of demons and visions. It is fascinating to read. I admit that I feel that it lacked a bit of the academic vision that all readers were waiting for. This cool, gothic tinge that could have stood out a little more and balanced it with the main concept: David's curse.

But what stands out most about Evocation are the characters. Moira, Rhys & David. Three incredible people who are opposite poles, but who converge in the same chaos, the same feeling that leads them to coexist. Three characters that leave the reader hungry for more, hungry for knowledge about their future.

Evocation is a book that I will recommend without hesitation. And I'm dying to know what other secrets S. T. Gibson has up her sleeve.

Thank you to NetGalley & Angry Robot Books for this ARC.

A huge thank you to @netgalley and @angryrobotbooks for gifting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Let me preface this review by saying that this was my first book by Gibson and it hasn’t deterred me from her other works.

Gibson’s character work is incredible and her ability to create realistic dynamics is an incredible gift. David was my favourite character because I am nothing if not a sucker for a sarcastic asshole with a hidden vulnerability.

I just didn’t feel overly thrilled by this, but I wasn’t overly bored. The writing style and slower pace just didn’t work for me and I felt the plot to be rather lacklustre, opting to concentrate more on the romance aspect of the book. If the characters had been weak I’d have DNF’ed very quickly.

An incredible example of incredible character work which has me intrigued enough to venture into Gibson’s other work, I might revisit this once I’ve explored the rest!

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

still not sure how i felt about this one. i honestly think i have to go back and give it a reread because i don't think i fully understood what was going on. i enjoyed the dark, gothic vibes and the writing was well done. but i think i just wasn't grasping the entire story.

This story follows David as he tries to reconnect with his ex-boyfriend Rhys, when strange things start happening. Rhys is now married to Moira and they are all trying to get past something that happened six months prior in order to save David's life. The reader goes through a secret society, tarot reading and unexpected bonds.
I didn’t find this as intense as the author’s other books, but it was captivating all the same.

This was an okay book, I was expecting more but I didn’t love the way it was written, it felt a bit juvenile.

This was a brilliant read. A gorgeously written love-triangle with a "why choose?" twist. I adored the relationships, the characters, the world. This was an easy 5/5 for me and I'll be suggesting it to our book club ASAP!

"Evocation" by S.T. Gibson is a spellbinding entry into the "Summoner's Circle" series, drawing readers into a world where magic, love, and danger intertwine. The story centers on David Aristarkhov, a psychic medium and lawyer who finds himself cursed and facing demonic possession. To save himself, David reaches out to his ex-boyfriend Rhys, a secret society rival, and Rhys's wife, Moira. Their journey to break the curse is as much about rekindling old emotions and navigating complex relationships as it is about battling dark forces.

What sets this book apart is its character-driven narrative. David is a flawed yet compelling protagonist whose growth and vulnerability are explored in depth. His interactions with Rhys and Moira add layers of emotional complexity, making their evolving relationships both captivating and authentic. Moira, in particular, stands out with her strength and influence over the dynamic, becoming a linchpin for the trio.

The setting—a blend of dark academia and arcane mysticism—adds to the book’s allure, creating a rich, atmospheric backdrop that enhances the tension and stakes of the plot. Gibson’s love for the occult is evident, and it lends a genuine, immersive quality to the story.

While the plot may take a backseat to character development at times, this doesn't detract from the overall experience. The slow-burn romance and the exploration of polyamory are handled with sensitivity and depth, making the emotional journey just as gripping as the supernatural elements. The book’s conclusion is a bit rushed, leaving some threads untied, but it sets the stage for future installments and leaves readers eager for more.

In summary, "Evocation" is a dark, engaging tale that masterfully blends magic, romance, and complex human relationships. It’s a must-read for fans of character-focused narratives with a touch of the supernatural.

I am normally an ST Gibson stan but this was not it for me. Perhaps my expectations were too high or I misunderstood what the book was trying to do but I struggled my way through this one.

First things first, this is a romance novel. It is set in a slightly fantastical world but I would not call this a fantasy novel. I think readers need to know that before going in and adjust their expectations accordingly.

I say this because I started this story excited for a demon-filled urban fantasy with a side of polyam romance and Gibson’s character work that I typically love. Instead, the characters spent the majority of the story sitting in a room reading books angsting over each other and blushing.

There were so many opportunities for this book to soar but it never got off the ground. The base structure of the world-building was fascinating but we barely scratched the surface in the end. The characters are all extremely powerful in their own right but you never see them use their power. The big bad demon antagonist does nothing except give our boy a fever. And the polyam romance reads a little misguided and a whole lot of toxic.

This book was all vibes and so little sustenance. I will read the follow-up because I have so much faith that ST Gibson will be able to pull it off the ground but as it stands now, Evocation was a slow read that fizzled when it could have sparked.

Evocation is a gothic tale of magic, curses, polyamory and deals with the devil. The book follows David, an attorney and medium, Rhys, his ex-boyfriend and secret society rival, and Moira, Rhys’ powerful wife, as their lives get intertwined when a century-old curse awakens. Evocation is a witty, paranormal novel filled to the brim with magic, secret societies, and relationship drama. The messy dynamic between the three main characters is the driving force of the book and is what kept me hooked throughout. My only wish is that the book was longer, but it is set to be a series, so I am eagerly awaiting the next instalment. I would recommend Evocation to anyone wanting a funny, queer, magical story.

*Thank you to the publisher for sending me an early copy in exchange for an honest review*

Okay, so I have mixed feelings about this one, I gotta admit. Not my favorite S. T. Gibson unfortunately!

In S.T. Gibson we trust.

Having read A Dowry of Blood and An Education in Malice, reading an S.T. Gibson book set in modern day was a big shift. I wasn't sure if I would like it as much, as I love me some historical romantic gothic vibes. But I shouldn't have doubted her for a second. She was still able to lace that gothic atmosphere into Evocation with ease.
This was my first book with poly rep and I enjoyed it! I will say I think the focus was much more on the relationship between David and Rhys, and Moira wasn't given quite the same treatment that I would have enjoyed. I also think some of the plot took a backseat to the poly romance, which is fine, except that I'm not as much a fan of romance as I am of fantasy. So maybe that's just a personal preference thing.
I loved how the author clearly did her research into the occult and different kinds of magic. The secret society stuff was some of my favourite parts to read. I'm excited to see where things go in book 2, and to read the prequel this fall!
Overall this was a really good book, not my favourite by Gibson but still good. I will be talking it up to customers at work who are regulars of the paranormal romance genre, and who want some fantasy but aren't as into a historical setting.