Member Reviews

5 TAROT STARS!!!

The throuple I never knew I needed, honestly. I also love the dynamic of this throuple—that not all of them are intimately involved in /that/ manner. I felt for all of them, especially with all their struggles. An ex who was so self-destructive that they’d never ask for help, but you love them so much you can’t leave them alone. A significant other with said ex and you can see how the worry is wearing them down ragged. An ex of yours that is finally living a happy life and you don’t want to get in the way of that, but you’re bitter as hell that it was never with you. God, how can we not all relate??

Them slowly opening up and finding what works in their dynamic was such a treat! I really love this book and honestly, I wish I could read it for the first time all over again.

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this book!! This was my first book by S. T. Gibson and it was SO good!!

Set in Boston, David comes from a long line of successful, rich men entrenched in the secret underground world of magic users. David himself was a teenage psychic prodigy and has some major baggage when it comes to his Dad and his family tree. He’s living his best life (although a lonely one) until suddenly he hears an uninvited voice in his head and realizes that something’s very, very wrong and it’s only going to get worse if he doesn’t get some help. Rhys is in the same secret society as David, his ex, and quite possibly the only person that can help David. Unfortunately things ended badly between them and Rhys is now married to a woman, Moira, who has some of the same psychic abilities as David. David realizes that he’ll need both of them to help him if he’s going to survive.

The sexual tension btw David and Rhys and the complexity of their shared past was the driving force behind this book, but I also really really loved the deep platonic relationship that develops between David and Moira too. And of course Rhys treats his wife like a literal goddess which is so sweet, when he’s not caught up in his work. Moira was a BAMF and I want more of this universe because she’s the best. The pacing was a bit slow in the beginning, but the last stretch of this book was so intense as the clock ticked down and the way the ending came together was so satisfying. I want to know more about the Society and what they do. I really liked the way the author brought magic into the Boston area and the side characters like Kitty, Nathan and Antoni were well-written. I loved how David, Rhys and Moira all showed character growth. Although the ending was more than satisfying I would love to see these characters again and return to this world!! Fantastic book!!

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In Evocation by S.T. Gibson, we follow David, a powerful medium part of an occultist society, as an ancient family curse - a fact previously unbeknownst to him - begins to rear its ugly head as he fast approaches his thirtieth birthday. He grudgingly realises he must ask the help of Rhys, a sorcerer, ambitious society rival and his ex-boyfriend. However, they’ve been no-contact for months and the only way David can get through to him is by reaching out to Rhys’s wife, Moira. Some fun little shenanigans ensue thereafter.

An aspect of the novel which worked quite well was the character-driven narrative the author weaved. I adored the dynamic between all three characters. The clear devotion Moira and Rhys have for one another (I melted when he referred to her as his little goddess), the palpable tension between David and Rhys, and the growing familial bond between Moira and David warmed my heart. I found the novel utterly captivating and difficult to put down each time I returned to it. I can’t wait for the next instalment in the series.

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Really enjoyed reading this book but for some reason it was a little hard to follow the further it went. It also felt like a huge build up for not a big resolution. I really enjoyed the relationship growth was very interesting and moved very fast that it kinda felt off a little but other than that I really enjoyed this book!

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This book seems more deeply personal than the two previous books I’ve read from Gibson. While I did enjoy this one it wasn’t my favorite – that crown goes to An Education in Malice. That being said, this book is a wildly different kind of book than her previous two. I am hoping that more of the magical side will be brought forward in the next book – it took a backseat to everything going on. David’s possession didn’t really feel as terrifying as I figured it would be and felt a little glossed over other than all of the research.

I honestly can’t recall a book where all three points of view are so, SO incredibly bull-headed. It was quite comical to read and Moira being the voice of reason while staying strong and true to herself was perfect. All of them have their own secrets and baggage but David definitely takes the cake. David and Rhys were interesting enough but I gravitated towards Moira – she definitely reminded me the most of myself.

"She was tired of averting her eyes and keeping herself small. She wanted to unfurl her wings and see how far she could fly."

I am excited to see where David, Rhys, and Moira’s story progresses from where the book ended. I can only imagine it gets progressively darker, more dangerous, and more delicious from here on. Especially now that the three have (mostly) worked the kinks out between them and everyone knows where they stand. I would like to thank Angry Robot Books and S.T. Gibson for the opportunity to read this one. I would definitely recommend this to those who love S.T.’s previous works, dark fantasy, LGBTQ+ characters, and the occult.

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Ooooh I enjoyed the vibes of this. Had elements of dark academia, fantasy, horror, mystery and queer romance all mashed together. Very cool.

The writing was great, which made it so easy to visualise and get lost in. I loved the way the romantic and sexual tension was weaved in alongside all the action, lots of subtle looks, touches and inner longings! Big yes!

The main characters are all so fascinating, multi-layered and flawed. Whilst sometimes you want to shake them, the way their vulnerabilities were presented made any questionable actions make so much sense. Plus, it made it even more satisfying when they actually all communicated and connected in a more healthy way.

I connected with them all, but I think Moyra was my favourite. The way she is very caring and affectionate, but also doesn’t take any sh*t and tells it like it is, very much appealed to me. I’d have liked even more of her and her inner thoughts…guess I’ll have to wait for the next book.

In all honesty, I was way more invested in the characters’ relationships and dynamics than the possession and plot, but it all weaved together well. I’m so intrigued as to what’s next for these three and hope we get lots more of the side characters as well!

Thank you to Angry Robot books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this.

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The book felt rushed in areas as she strove to tackle so much and became a little convoluted. the Magic and world building helped to bring this book up in my mind as well as David, who is by far one of my favorite characters.

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Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this eARC.
I have to say that I absolutely devoured this book. Evocation doesn't let you down. It grips you tight and doesn't let you go. S.T. Gibson is a genius.

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I wasn't sure of this book at first, but once it grabbed me, I was sold. An atmospheric adventure that you will love every moment of.

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Review: Review copy given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Novel Review: Evocation is not like any of S.T. Gibson’s other books. So, if you are picking this up with the expectation of it being similar to A Dowery of Blood or An Education in Malice, you are going to be let down so let go of that before you start this novel. I would say this book is for fans of S.T. Gibson who want to know more parts of her as an author.

It’s hard to define what this story is about. It’s a love story at it’s core. It reminds me of cozy, romantasy in a way but even that doesn’t feel quite what it is. Let me spout off a few things and see what comes out. It’s a slow burn possession story, it’s about the occult and origins of secret societies, its about family and belonging, identity and complicated relationships. It’s about so much. If you are going in expecting a plot heavy book, this won’t be it.

I feel the need to defend this book, just because of the expectations of S.T. Gibson has just been in the position of A Dowery of Blood. I want you to know what you’re getting into so that you don’t have unrealistic hopes.

Evocation may push your belief system about love and relationships. I really enjoyed the three main characters, we get the story told from three different people and how they are intertwined by magic and the occult. This book reminds me of Olivie Blake’s stories in some ways. We zoom in to a lot of small moments and interactions between the characters and really examine what it means to be human.

I really loved this book. I gave it 4.5 stars. Some small things are that at times it does feel a little slow in the middle and because of that a tiny bit repetitive. A little bit more adventures would have made it a 5 star or even a new favorite for me. That’s all personal preference. I will continue with this series and it’s a book I would love to read again.

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It is the year of S.T. Gibson!!! Having already read a copy of Odd Spirits when it was originally self-published, I was absolutely thrilled with Gibson announced this book. The characters, the setting, and the set up for the next book... I loved every second of it. Moira is a complete vibe, and I think if I were to complain about anything, it would be that I wish there was an entire book dedicated to just her character and story. I seriously think Gibson can do no wrong. I can't wait for the republication of Odd Spirits so we can get a deeper glimpse into David and Rhys' relationship.

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This started off as an exciting read as we are thrown into the world of the supernatural and the occult. Summonings. Possession. Demons. Sorcerors. Ghosts. The opening line had me hooked. A haunted house? Oh yes bring it on!

A strong character driven read, this is the first in a series and is centred around David’s story. As well as his thriving sideline occult practice he is also a prosecutor for the City of Boston. His ex boyfriend Rhys and Rhys’ wife Moira are the other main characters and the story is told from the three POV’s. Quite a complicated relationship between the three with lingering feelings coming back to the surface. And plenty of spice. However my favourite character was Leda, David’s sister, a chaos magician. While the others are quite bland she is a jump off the page larger than life personality. ‘A bit of a hedonist’ as she describes herself.

David and Rhys are competing for the best position at their secret society and I would love to have read more details about what goes on at their weekly meetings.

When David hears a voice at a seance which appears to come from inside of him he is concerned he has accidentally let himself be possessed and reaches out to Rhys and Moira for help. Could it be the devil himself? Could the fabled family curse be real?

It is obvious the author is very interested in the occult, being a tarot reader, and has done a lot of research. I watched a very interesting interview on Instagram with Fairyloot I would recommend you watch if you are thinking of reading this book, or have already read it.

I would have really liked more focus on the plot and more of the supernatural rather than the relationships but that is just my preference. The plot took a back seat which is a shame as that’s what I was hoping to read. Perhaps book two will be more plot focussed.

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A brand new series by S. T. Gibson called The Summoner’s Circle. It’s an urban gothic fantasy that shines light on a polyamrous relationship. We mainly follow 3 characters in Boston who are occult practitioners. So we have some dark academia and demonology, curses, supernatural elements in the story. It’s actually reminded me a lot of Ninth House but with it's own unique elements of course. Very secret society, some reviewers have mentioned it's slower paced, but with it came a really character driven story. Adored it!

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I'm starting to thing that only A Dowry of Blood worked for me...

This book didn't really work for me. I hated the writing style, I felt really distant from the narrative and I couldn't really connect to any of the characters nor did I care about any of them. In regards to the relationship, I didn't really see any chemistry between them.

Thank you Netgalley, author, and publisher for the ARC.

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love S.T. Gibson books so much - they’re the perfect mix of the supernatural, dark academia vibes, and the best queer representation. Evocation was not at all what I was expecting, but somehow even better. I had such a good time in this world, and I’m hoping there is second story about the society coming.

David - powerful medium and a workaholic - has been good about leaving his ex alone. Until during a routine medium appointment, he’s possessed by a demon and can’t quite shake it. He then reaches out to his ex, Rhys. Rhys doesn’t want to, but eventually he and his wife - Moira - agree to help David get to the root of his sickness and banish his demons. What starts out as reluctant aid giving, grows to be deep love between David and Moira and a rekindling of love between David and Rhys.

This truly has it all - demons and ancient curses and patriarchal warlock associations and haunted houses and true platonic love and polyamory. The characterization of all three main characters - Rhys, David, and Moira - could have felt undone, but they’re all so distinct and unique and I loved them all so much. There’s also so much growth in what is a relatively short time frame. Rhys and David have a history, and when it’s brought up it doesn’t feel shoehorned in at all, instead a natural part of the story. Anyway this was fun, but also so heartfelt. Lots of TW including active sobriety and childhood abuse plus demon things, but definitely worth a read!!

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For me, this book was very average. I enjoyed the occult themes and LGBTQ representation. However, this story just couldn't hold my interest for some reason. Sadly, I don't think this will be a memorable plot or characters for me this year.

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This is a gripping and very entertaining read, a urban fantasy according to my heart mixing secret society, something that could have happended in the past, ghosts, past lovers and much more.
I loved all the characters and loved Moira. It kept me reading even the more steamiest part and I'm the Queen-of-Skipping-Steamy-Pages.
I can't wait to read the next novel, I bought the prequel to pass time.
Had a lot of fun and read it
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

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Boasting psychics, secret societies and a haunted mansion, Evocation is an emotional, queer romance that is character-driven and aesthetically pleasing.

The characters are wonderfully well-built individually. David, Moira, and Rhys all felt like fully fleshed-out real people to me. I found their relationships to not be quite as believable, however. With a throuple relationship, there’s a lot to unpack and convince readers of in only 300 pages. While highly ambitious, I don’t know if this quite hit the mark. I applaud the attempt, but I just needed a bit more of them together.

With the story so focused on character work, I found the plot rather slow and lacking. The basic storyline didn’t seem unique enough to really stand out at me.

Stylistically, I enjoyed the author’s diction and syntax. This appears that it’s going to be a series, and I’d like to give book two another chance.

Overall, it took me a little longer than usual to get through, but there were still aspects I definitely enjoyed.

If you’re looking for a moody, gothic, occult story that focuses mainly on romance and aesthetic, then this is just for you!

7 out of 10 / 3.5 stars

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I loved this book! And hellloooo, finally some accurate divination! The characters were fabulous, and I am so invested in the story and relationships.

I can't wait for book two, such a strong start to this world.

Slow clap for a thruple!!!

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I adored the romance in this book, I couldn’t get enough, I mean obviously I’m here for all of the occult aspects too, but I just can’t help loving love in a story, I did feel a touch disappointed with the end I have to say, but no spoilers here, if it was a bit better it would be 5 stars from me, but it’s a solid 4.5 from me

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