after having read s.t. gibson's absolutely amazing a dowry of blood (which instantly became one of my all-time favorite books), i was on the edge of my seat for any and all news about her upcoming novels. thanks to angry robot books (& netgalley) i was able to get my hands on an arc copy of this book (which is set to be released in may of 2024) in exchange for an honest review. and i have to say, i really enjoyed it! 

while a dowry of blood is lot more poetic in its prose and deftly deals with some heavy topics, evocation (the first in the summoner's circle series) is sure to appeal to a broader audience, even those who may not have found a dowry of blood to be their cup of tea. it is an adult, urban fantasy novel with lgbt+ characters, plenty of dabblings in magic & the occult, an eventual polyamorous couple, and equally wonderful writing as s.t. gibson's previous works. the strongest, most enjoyable aspect of this story, to me, were the characters and their relationships to one another. s.t. gibson definitely has a way of writing and characterizing her protagonists that makes them feel very real and lived in. especially our protagonist, david -- who reminded me a lot of john constantine from dc comics (and i mean this in a very positive way). our other main characters, rhys and moira, are also given compelling characterizations and serve as a great counter to david -- especially when the lines of their relationship begin to become more muddled. she also does an amazing job writing the chemistry and more heated moments between the three characters in a way that feels genuine, and not forced or cringeworthy -- especially when it comes to any suggestive/sex scenes. 

another aspect i enjoyed reading in evocation was the handling of the polyamory. though i do feel like the transition to the three characters being in a polycule could've been a bit smoother, i also understand that not every journey is perfect. in fact, the characters expressing hesitation and voicing their concerns with each other about this arrangement was a wonderful touch, because it showed how important trust and communication are in not only polyamorous relationships, but in any relationship! so i really appreciated s.t. gibson's commitment to showing a more realistic portrayal of how three people like david, rhys, and moira may come to find themselves as a "throuple". especially considering the baggage and histories that they each bring to the table. i can't wait to see how their relationship develops and functions in future installments to the series!

overall, since i can't give away too much yet, evocation was a really fun ride! it is a very character-driven story, with the relationships between the characters (both platonic and otherwise) serving as the backbone and focus of this first novel. though this means you won't be bombarded with demons and fast-paced action at every turn, that doesn't mean it's not without its magical intrigue and gripping interpersonal drama and development. i found evocation to be both a compelling read on its own, as well as one that perfectly set the stage (in terms of its worldbuilding and characters) for future books to come in the series. i seriously can't wait for more david, rhys and moira adventures! 💗

I absolutely enjoyed this book. I loved the character dynamics and their relationships, as well as their development.

3.5 ✰ “I’d rather be exceptional than average.“

Thank you to the publishing team of Angry Robot Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

S. T. Gibson has a great talent to portray complicated characters and Evocation acts as proof of that. The novel is character driven, with queer representation and sprinkles of magic.

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“𝐆𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐦𝐚 𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝, 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠, 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐬 𝐑𝐡𝐲𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞.“

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: As a teen, David Aristarkhov was a psychic prodigy, operating under the shadow of his oppressive occultist father. Now, years after his father’s death and rapidly approaching his thirtieth birthday, he is content with the high-powered life he’s curated as a Boston attorney, moonlighting as a powerful medium for his secret society. But with power comes a price, and the Devil has come to collect on an ancestral deal. David’s days are numbered, and death looms at his door. Reluctantly, he reaches out to the only person he’s ever trusted, his ex-boyfriend and secret Society rival Rhys, for help. However, the only way to get to Rhys is through his wife, Moira. Thrust into each other’s care, emotions once buried deep resurface, and the trio race to figure out their feelings for one another before the Devil steals David away for good.

𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐬: 𝐞𝐱𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐜 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐠𝐨𝐥𝐝, 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐚, 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲, 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐲𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬 “𝐕“.

Gibson’s writing feels a bit different in this one, if you’ve read A Dowry of Blood, you know that one of the main characteristics is the purple prose, which intimidates a lot of people. Evocation, on the other hand, it’s easier on the reader.

David, complicated and bad tempered as he is, was by far my favorite character. His family history was compelling and I found myself wanting for more of it all the time. Moira was a close second, the way she makes everyone around her feel at ease, and her dynamic with David were some of my favorite things in the book.

The world-building is easy to grasp, and yet, fascinating. If you love reading about scrying, the horoscope, and demons definitely check this out once it’s released in May of 2024.

Now, the romance was what lost me a little, mainly for two reasons. One, it was clear from the very beginning that one of the characters was in love with the other, but it didn’t feel reciprocated, and I didn’t see the chemistry between them at all, in fact, their whole relationship and interactions felt toxic, at best. But of course, I will be here reading the second book because I desperately need to know what is going to happen with them.

If you love a book with no plot just vibes (like me), you’re going to adore this.

Lots of things in this one, magic, tarot cards with demons and possession. When a man is in trouble the only person he can call is his ex, who is now married. David and Rhys have this tense relationship, when David becomes possessed and needs Rhys and his wife to save him, I love this trio with their complicated relationship, the characters stay the same from start to finish, but it is set over a relatively short time period. There are a few side characters thrown in there too.

This is a mix between literary fiction and fantasy, there is this low running plot line but for me it was all about the characters. I think the author has been clever in the way this is written as it will appeal to those who like literary fiction and those who want a fantasy plot line.

My sincerest thanks to Angry Robot Books and NetGalley for a copy of "Evocation" in exchange for an honest review.

I'm obsessed. I'm floored. I love it. And I will be very, very sad if this book doesn't get an edgier, longer sequel. There is so much material in here for an emotional urban fantasy trilogy.

"Evocation" is set in the Boston occultist underground and the quiet grittiness of the world was one of my favourite parts of the novel. The story revolves around a cast of psychics, occultists, sorcerers, witches, mediums, and more. One such medium, a rich asshole named David, gets possessed by a demon that may have just made a deal with one of his great-great-great Russian grandfathers in the 16th century, and now said demon is trying to kill David. So David has to enlist the help of his ex-boyfriend, Rhys, and Rhys's current wife, Moira, to undemonify himself. And of course, this leads to juicy *shenanigans* which I don't want to spoil but I was definitely biting my nails. Yeah, had a great time with this. Heavy emphasis on urban magic and religious superstition in here, coupled with a delicious and angsty dynamic between the three main characters who are quite lovable as individuals and are also well fleshed-out (see: the asshole, the nerd, and the sunshine). Observing David's character arc develop throughout the story was especially satisfying for me.

I think the text needs another round of copy edits. And I'd maybe like to see a bit more worldbuilding, just to raise the stakes of the whole shebang. But overall, I adored this book. Probably one of my favourite ARCs from 2023. "Evocation" is very much in the vein of Olivie Blake's SFF books, so check it out when it hits the shelves if you're into that (like I am).

And I don't want to be that person, but this absolutely clears "An Education In Malice", lol.

Evocation strength resides in its characters. You’ll fall in love with David, Rhys and Moira. You have to. David is our MC, a psychic who clearly has some issues (but he’s working on them). Rhys is David's ex-boyfriend, and Moira’s husband. He’s a sorcerer, while Moira is an astrologer/witch. I loved to see how their dynamic evolved throughout the book. S.T. Gibson has a talent to blur the edges between friendship and love!

In Evocation, you’ll find secret societies, a family curse, traumas, demons and magic. But don’t forget that it’s really character-driven. They stole the show, and even though I’m deeply attached to the plot when I read a book, I couldn’t help myself. I was drawn to them, to their chemistry.

My fav is Moira, she was like a sun to me. I didn’t expect to love her this much, but I craved for more ! A bit like our two male characters haha. I can’t wait to see how they all fit together in the next book.

Read Evocation if you want a queer story with a gothic setting, a polyamorous relationship, and beautiful writing

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

There was a lot that I liked about this book. The writing was as impeccable as I have come to expect from this author and I was immediately intrigued by the premise of a secret society of magicians working out of Boston. The magic system was very interesting to me but I did find myself wishing a little more time and focus was spent on it, as much of the book was spent instead on the relationship between the three main characters. I’m hoping as the series progresses there will be a bit more balance between those two elements. All in all in was an entertaining read and I am curious to know what will happen next.

This novel is truly a testament to Gibson’s incredible skill when it comes to character work. I spent a large portion of my time reading wondering if she was going to be able to pull off making these characters fall in love, and if so, how. She not only managed to make them fall in love, but she did so in a convincing way that felt real, all while making me fall in love with the characters at the same time. The climax of the novel felt a little, well, anti-climactic, but I think the relationships built during the story more than make up for it. A quick read that I greatly enjoyed, I will be recommending!

Have you ever started reading a book and realized, “I didn’t know I needed a book like this.”? Evocation was that book for me.

I started Evocation with little knowledge of the main plot or its characters, but it’s a story written by Gibson, so I had a good feeling I would like it. Well, Gibson knocked it out of the park with this one.

Evocation has one of my all-time favorite tropes, one that I don’t see enough of, and that’s faustian bargains. It serves as one of the crucial plot devices, and the way Gibson connects it to the occult is fantastic. Brimming with dark academia elements, tarot cards, and astrology, all executed splendidly, but oh, the characters!!!

Chaotic and messy, it was beguiling to watch David, Rhys, and Moira work through their entanglement. I can’t help but applaud Gibson for writing a fantastic complex dynamic between the three of them. I’m excited to see how each of them develops as individuals, especially darling sweet David, and their relationships with one another.

This book does not end on a cliffhanger. (Thank you, Gibson, for sparing our hearts.) But after falling in love with the irresistible triad, I fear I’ll never get enough of them and desperately need book 2.

Thank you, NetGalley and Angry Robot, for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What an absolutely fascinating and captivating story! This book really takes the reader on a journey,

The characters are all relevant to the story, and I appreciated the very complex dynamic between David, Rhys and Moira. The type of magic was intriguing, however I do think this could've been teased out a little more - I was definitely looking for a little more magic within the story.

Overall an excellent book and I am VERY keen to see where the second book goes (secret society, yes please!)

trouple with a black girl, exes to rivals to lovers, tarot cards, magic and astrology… this book was literally MADE for me. the astrology was written so well. usually when astrology is written in books it’s very surface level. the tarot were written good as well, you can tell the author really does this shit fr! i liked that rhys and moira had a really good relationship with each and always set boundaries. this was also just genuinely very fun and all around well written.

Evocation is a surprisingly warm fantasy that would appeal to fans of Masters of Death – it’s full of love, lust, longing and characters learning to be their fullest selves. It’s full of all the hallmarks I’m coming to expect of a ST Gibson book, including a seamless blend of religious iconography and magic. David, Moira and Rhys are well-drawn, loveable characters with realistic flaws and the story barrels along at a breathless pace. Can’t wait to see what comes next!

A lush contemporary fantasy set against the old brick of Boston, this series starter is sure to cast a spell on readers.

Trying to describe this one is more difficult than anticipated because Saint manages to weave a gorgeous world that feels organic and alive from the first page. All three POV characters are fresh and leap off the page. Whether it's David; a high-powered attorney from an old magic family who is also a powerful psychic vying for power at his secret society, Rhys David's ex and another powerful occultist in the society albeit from the wrong background, or Moira; Rhys's wife and a powerful witch and operator in her own right.

When David is hit by strange headaches he reaches out to his ex for help, only to realize Rhys and Moira are a package deal. As Rhys researches, David's headaches grow worse as they realize there is a very nasty supernatural element involved. None of them are expecting what dealing with this problem will reveal, about David's family, or their own ties to each other.

This is a beautiful, lush, and provocative paranormal novel that breaks the expectations of the genre to deliver something fresh and delectable. If you love paranormal novels but are tired of the detective trope, you shouldn't pass up Evocation when it arrives.

Dark academia with a pinch of occultism? Sign me up! ‘Evocation’ is the first volume in a new series written by S.T. Gibson and it does not disappoint - this novel tells the intricate story of David, Rhys and Moira who find themselves battling an ancient family curse.
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Even though it’s a multiple POV novel, being David’s book, we’ve got a private view to his thoughts and feelings throughout it all. He and Rhys used to be lovers, but being two forces of nature (literally and figuratively), they turn into rivals and snap at each other every time the opportunity arises. However, deep down, their feelings are not gone and when things start going south, David goes back to his number 1 person. Only, this time, there’s also lovely Moira who affects him in a very unexpected way and becomes so important for him that he can’t stay away. I loved how genuine their interactions were and how love takes priority to physical attraction, but low key I feel that there’s a lot more chemistry we’re going to see in the following volumes. Chapter sixteen lives in my mind rent free and you can’t tell me otherwise.
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I’m happy the novel didn’t end in a cliffhanger, my heart is not strong enough for those, but I still can’t wait to see how the story unfolds and how will these dynamics work between the three of them. Thank you @angryrobotbooks and @stgibson for the copy!

Evocation fell somewhat flat for me and I'm so bummed because I've been really hyped for this book!

There was so much promise but it's like nothing fully managed to get there. The characters were interesting but a bit lacking, their chemistry didn't work for me, the poly aspect felt really toxic and full of jealousy until the last few chapters, and I would've loved more insight into the magic.

My favourite part of the book was Moira and David's friendship in the latter half of the book. I could've probably done without Rhys entirely though, he didn't really add anything and felt like a bad husband to Moira and bad friend to David.

3.5 but I round up because I did thoroughly enjoy reading it.
I loved the setting, the characters and the dynamic between them.
But, I am left on my hunger. I wanted more magic, more foul play. More exploration when it came to the relationship.

Thank you so much to Angry Robot and ST Gibson for this ARC!

Well, I must say, this book lived up to my excitement! It's the first book I read from the authour, what I saw on social media about the book hooked me up instantly. Like I said , I wasn't disappointed.
The book doesn't wait to reveal its plot (or the why of David ill being). I tend to prefer slower book on that regard, but since Evocation is more focused around the relationships (at least it is how I understood it), it didn't bother me that much. Seeing David, Rhys and Moira navigate their feelings, past and present, all the while figuring out what is going on with David was fascinating to me. The love between Rhys and Moira, husband and wife, was warm and touching, beautiful in their openness and their boundaries, too. Rhys and David, with their shared past history, full of shards... they touched me a lot, I wanted them to work through this and get close again. And David and Moira! Such kindness seeping through as time passed! I love them and their friendship, how they build it bit by bit. This tryptic of a relationship was really well managed, I must say, with balance and no one left behind. It is hard to find that kind of book.
The characters are well enough constructed to my taste, with their strenghths and weaknesses, each of them, inner and outer struggle. Rhys annoyed me in his reaction and how he reacts to David, especially when David needs him, but since I felt it was something done on purpose and something he has to work on, I accept it like that. Moira was a peculiar delight, given than female characters as protagonists are often annoying to me. Moira wasn't. Like, at all. I love her and her kindness and strength, how she navigated her bond with David and the one between David and Rhys, with emotions and intelligence. I need more female characters like that.
The universe and the magic were interesting too, diverse, picking things into various faith, traditions and belief. I would have liked more of it, more development.
Side characters are nice too, feeling like they exists on their own.
The writing was easy to read, flowing effortlessly, conveyed the characters' emotions like it should.
Some moment were a bit too quick for me, but not as too annoy too much, it's a minor enough thing.
I liked the ending too, how it felt like closing a chapter on their life before opening for the next.
I have to admit I anticipated more magic and plot around it, with a stronger univers development. I had the shift that excpectation to focus on the relationship side, which was good enough to hold by itslef fortunately.
I'll be happy to see more of Rhys, Moira and David !

Thank you to the publisher for sending me an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book.

Evocation is a dark academic book that deals with the occult, a secret society and a trio of characters that are easy to fall in love with. I would be reading this book on my lunch break and would hate the fact that I had to return to work instead of continuing to read. The setting is absolutely perfect for snuggling with a blanket and hot drink.

Speaking of the characters, they were such a delight to read about! David is the medium and you may have thoughts about him in the beginning, but trust me, that will change. Rhys is a research king and is also David’s ex. I personally am a fan of exes having to work together, as well as being rivals. The final addition to this trio is Moira, she is Rhys’ wife but more importantly an astrologer. The dynamic between the three is complicated and messy but then you watch them all grow and it is magnificent. I giggled a few times during some of these conversations.

What I felt did let the book down, is there is this rivalry for high priest but we do not see too much of the society outside of meetings where they chat within their clique. I would have liked to see more variation or additional plot in regards to the society, for me this would have created more tension in the rivalry. Hoping this is the case in the sequel.

Whilst I was invested in this book and the characters, I did not feel as much intensity in the plot as I would have expected with this synopsis. This is very much a personal preference of mine and the writing is excellent. You really get to deep dive into the lives of these characters and their backgrounds whilst being slowly introduced to the occult world.

I highly recommend this book and I cannot wait for everyone to be introduced to these characters.

Unquestionably beautiful! S.T. Gibson never disappoints with their stellar romance and amazing character dynamics. I've never seen an author do such an outstanding job at crafting captivating and intricate relationships with diverse dynamics. This book features polyamorous relationships, and that is one of the best examples of polyamory in fiction. The characters are not perfect, and how to work towards the relationships.
Call through the main characters feature meaningful character traits and backstories. I really connected with David as we see how his upbringing and trauma led him to be the man he is today. He had a very difficult life, and we see that reflected in the way he treats others and himself. His development throughout the story is profound and meaningful. He doesn't have change for the sake of the plot; you see actual growth in his actions, especially towards Rhys. I love that the characters meant that they were bad for each other and needed this growth and time to be able to come back to each other.
So excited for more books in this world. I NEED to know what happens next!

A huge thank you to the publishers and the author!!! I was beside myself when I realized I would get to read this early.

I inhaled this book and wrecked my eyes staying up too late reading.

It’s been a long time since a book grabbed me like this

S.t. Gibson is everything atmospheric and poetic that I need in my messy/loving relationship books that serve a compelling system of magiks and mysticism.

Do I have a new problem child to love? Yes I do. And I would dare anyone to take him away from me

A little blurb

when the Devil comes to collect on a deal David’s ancestor made, he reluctantly reaches out to his ex-boyfriend Rhys for help. However, to get to Rhys, David will have to befriend Moira, Rhys’s wife. The trio gets a little too close for comfort as they combine their powers to unravel the century-old curse, and if they don’t break the curse by David’s thirtieth birthday, he won’t live long enough for everyone to figure out their feelings for each other.


Truly a great book in a time where I think we often find the market saturated in xyz books but this one stands alone for me in this field

Best Magiks, Tarot, Witchy, Mysticism book taking place in academia in a while