Krystal Sutherland had a lot to live up to after House of Hollow, and while The Invocations wasn’t quite as good, it was still suitably dark and creepy. When I picked this up, I expected it the magic to be a bit more prevalent in the world, but it’s more of a secret and rare thing. That’s no bad thing, I loved how different the magic system was.

To gain magic, a woman must make a deal with a demon, the details of the curse tattooed to their skin by a cursewriter. Their magic isn’t limitless, each curse can give one ability. They must choose wisely. Only women can have magic, because demons won’t make deals with men, they don’t want to tether themselves to them, even if mortal lives are short.

Jude’s leg is literally rotting, the result of a carelessly written curse before she knew magic was really real. In a bid to lessen her pain, she’s made bargains with other demons, but what she needs is a proper cursewriter to sort the mess out. Her once opulent house is now decaying, like her body, dank with mould and the stench of demons. They won’t let her rest quietly. Her side of the story comes with a big dose of body horror, if her wound wasn’t magical she’d certainly be dead.

Zara’s life couldn’t be more different, her family all gone except for the uncle who begrudgingly houses her, who looks through her stuff, takes her money. She doesn’t quite feel safe in his home. Once a star pupil, her grades have been failing since her sister died, all her focus going into finding if necromancy is real. It must be, otherwise her sister is really gone.

Both their investigations lead them to each other, and to the business card of Emer Byrne. Cursewriter.

Intriguing mystery, great pacing and a dark atmosphere. I found Zara a little on the annoying side with her single-minded pursuit of necromancy, like has she not seen Buffy? However, she felt like she was the younger of group so could be forgiven. I really liked Jude as a character, and I usually hate rich kids.

It’s a story of violence against women, of the entitlement of those who have it all already, but it’s also a story of found family, of finding friendship in the darkest places. People who won’t judge the stink of sulphur that follows you around, and demons that aren’t as bad as they seem.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for sending me a copy in exchange for a review.

I loved House of Hollow, so when I heard Sutherland had another creepy book but this time with witchcraft in it, I had to get my hands on it!
The writing style was top notch in this book, as well as the plot which had me hooked from the first page.
It was dark and gritty, and had some of the best body horror I've read in a while. I will say that when we do find the serial killer, I was a little disappointed but that's always the way with me; I build up killers or masked bad guys to be this massive fearsome foe when it's always just a man.

Jude was my favourite character; probably because I could connect with her due to her chronic pain which I also suffer from (although mine isn't because of an invocation with a demon). She had charm, wit and humour to her, which was hilarious when she was with Zara who was a very strait laced character on a mission.
Emer was so mysterious and tragic, and the way these girls created a little found family with each other was so beautiful to watch unfold.

This is a book you do not want to miss - I've preordered my physical copy and I'm so excited to have it in my hands soon!

I really liked the premise of this book and it read very well. The characters were interesting and likeable and the plot developed steadily, with a few surprises along the way. I thought the pace was very good and I enjoyed the surprise elements which came out in the concluding chapters. A really strong trio of main female characters, supported by a cast of wider characters who I thought genuinely added to the story. Not sure if this will be a series but I for one would be interested in a next instalment!

Thankyou to Netgalley for an arc of this book! I was absolutely obsessed with The house of hollow, so as soon as I heard about another dark gruesome story but this time with witches I was so excited! Similar to house of hollow I felt like this book was a slow starter especially having 3 POVs but once I got to the 20% mark it felt like the story suddenly took all sorts of twists and turns and I didn’t see the plot twist coming at all, but then again I feel like I never do even when it’s obvious 😅 I’m just happy to be there, if you’re looking for a spooky, dark book about feminine rage this is the one for you! I loved all the characters and felt that our 3 main POVs were all vastly different but it was nice to see how far their bond progressed throughout the story, will defo be following all future works of this author she simply does not miss 🤌

Thankyou to Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK for a free e-arc in exchange of an honest review.

I was dubious going into this book as i was in love with the authors first, however i still wanted to give it a go because it sounds SO good... and it was!

I struggled with the first chapter but wasn't sure if it was because of my previous experience with the authors books- i pushed through and quickly became hooked. I enjoyed the different POV's and liked it even more once they came together. The found family aspect was endearing and i really enjoyed the magic system in this and the way the magic worked.

The mystery element was i big hit with me as i did find myself musing all the way through... a little predictable at times but overall that did not bother me at all!

Jude Wolf is the cursed daughter of a billionaire. A deal with a demon gone wrong, her soul is rotting and if she doesn't find a certain someone to help she will die soon. Zara is searching for a way to bring back her murdered sister. They both need a witch and Emer fits the bill. A daughter of a witch, she sells spells to women in difficult situations who are willing to sacrifice a bit of their soul. Emer's former clients are being murdered. The girls must work together to stop the killer or be next.

Spine-chilling is the color of the atmosphere, as the book starts with an ominous prologue that sinks its claws into your attention and holds fast. There is a dark quality to the nuanced narrative—plenty of gruesome flourishes. The writing is sharp though spooky ethereal when it needs to be. But also inviting as it piques your curiosity and gears you to solve the mystery. Evocative, spurting gut-wrenching or melancholic, but always of quiet intensity, images and emotions. Full of demons and witches and curses, oh my! I loved the supernatural vibe.

All the girls are connected in loneliness and sadness, though unrestrained Jude's cynicism crashes studious Zara's practicality and always in hiding Emer's bluntness. They are an unexpected team-up but it works. You end up caring for the girls without realizing it. Enjoyed Jude's sometimes black always snarky humor and how others reacted to it.

I feel that the magic system is sometimes confusing or a little iffy and there are parts where too much is going on and I would have appreciated a more extensive though 'quieter' breakdown. But the cleverness of the plot, the sometimes outrageous plans the girls come up with, is undeniable. don't you just love the Aha! moments when you realize what is really going on. In this story, they carry you through brilliant, edge-of-your-seat scenes culminating in an absolutely breath-stealing finale.

Unapologetically feminist to the umpteenth degree (Sutherland I applaud you). It is about power and how enticing it can be. About grief, of a life lost of the life you've lost. Losing and finding your purpose. A deliciously dark, modern-day, occult-driven murder mystery so twisty you get dizzy on the awesomeness.

In The Invocations we follow three characters. Jude, daughter to a rich and powerful man who has been cut off from her family and has cursed herself and is now at the mercy of demons. Emer, an Irish witch with her sights set on avenging the deaths of her family and coven. And Zara, determined to raise her sister from the dead and discover who killed her and many more women like her.

This was such a fun and at times horrifying book about friendship, family and female rage. It hooks you in from the start and I could not put it down.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bonnier Books for the chance to read The Invocations.

I did not come this far to only come this

Emer was fluent in Latin and a dozen other old languages, and spent her time stalking Oxford College Hall’s, a ghost - trying not to be noticed or remembered. She’s one of the last of her kind, a cursewriter, a witch.

Jude is the daughter of a rich and influential man, but she has been outcast, one of the side effects of having accidentally yoked an angry demon to herself against its will. Now there’s a battle raging for her very soul.

Zara was the smart one, the brilliant one, the girl genius. Then her sister died, and she changed. Now, she spends all her time reading about curses and demons in the books she steals, all to bring her sister back from the dead.

The three girls come together by chance as a serial killer starts killing women. More specifically, witches. Jack the Magical Freakin' Ripper.

He's a slip of shadow, nothing more. No face, no weapon, nothing to indicate that he might do her harm. Just a man. But she is a girl. And she is alone. And it is night And that is enough. She ducks her head and takes the stairs two at a time, but tries to do it casually, the way women do when they're afraid but trying not to look rude.

This is no doubt a horror read. A moving book about fear, power, danger, family, friendship, and identity.
Thrilling, pulse-pounding, gruesome, monstrous.

This would make a wicked movie.

This queer, witchy, mystery follows 3 girls whose paths seem to cross following a stream of murders of various women in London. The circumstances of the murders are odd and each of the victims just happen to be witches.

We do not know who has committed the murders but our 3 main characters decide to work together to try to work out what is going on.

After loving House of Hollow in 2022 I was really excited to read this and it did not disappoint. It was creepy at times and explored perfectly how feared powerful woman can be in society in the past and present.

I didn’t really know where this was going most of the way through and it seemed to change direction a few times but in the end it almost ended up predictable.

There are quite a few pop culture references but I don’t really like, I’d have liked it if there was less of those.

Overall I can’t fault it as it was highly entertaining, fast paced and kept me guessing!

Slightly hoped for a stronger conclusion but it was wrapped up nicely.

After House of Hollow being one of my favourite reads of last year, I just knew I needed to read this one

A killer is on the loose and it brings together 3 women, all with their own issues and stakes in matters.

Jude comes from a rich family but has wound up with an angry demon tethered to her and will do anything to get her life, and her fathers approval, back.

Zaras sister was murdred and she has spent everyday since following the other murders and trying to find a way to bring her sister back

Then there is Emer, who is a witch and might just be able to help the other two get what they want

I was a bit unsure where it was going at the start, however still very much enjoying the journey but as the plots all started coming together it was totally a bravo moment.

Absolutely loved this book, highly recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hot Key Books for the early review copy, all opinions my own regardless, and this is out end of this month!

I absolutely adored Krystal Sutherland’s House of Hollow so I knew I had to read this as soon as I saw it.

The Invocations has the same lush and atmospheric writing style that I loved in HoH. The story gripped me from the start and balances horror and fantasy elements so well.
What really worked for me was the 3 main characters which each had a very distinct voice in their POV chapters. Each of the characters stories were tangled together in a very fun and satisfying way.

I can’t wait to read anything this author comes up with next.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK/Hot Key Books for the eARC copy

Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books for the advance reader copy.

I went into reading this with a lot of expectations based off the summary and feel like the story fell flat.

There felt like so much that could have been done within the story and even with the characters backgrounds that I didn’t feel any connection for the main characters.

There were a couple of ‘twists’, some were predictable and one was a ‘huh’ moment.

The ending did round things off well and closed off the story for the main characters which was nice to see.

This was a really dark, edgy and entertaining read from the author of House of Hollow. I loved the inventive way the witchcraft and invocations are dealt with. There's loads of lore in the story and the plot is tight and exciting, with some excellent twists. Jude is a great character, with just the right amount of snarky charm. The only thing that didn't quite work for me is that sometimes things felt a little too easy for the protagonists - information just falls into their laps when they need it, for example. And I wish Zara had been a little more developed. I expected her to learn something through her experiences but I don't feel she did. But overall I would definitely recommend this book to House of Hollow fans, and anyone who loves witchcraft and dark academia.

Wow! I enjoyed Krystals last book so was intrigued when I saw this new one, this one was even better!! It was gruesome and gory and the twists and turns were fantastic! I loved the dynamic of the trio and how they worked together.
The writing was fantastic and the plot was fascinating!

Rating 4.5

Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for sending me this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, what an emotional rollercoaster. I was engrossed in this book from page 1 and struggled to put it down. Such a rich, intricate and fascinating world building and magic system.

After reading House of Hollow, which I thoroughly enjoyed, I was really excited going into this book. I went into this book blind and just left my faith with the author. I'm glad I went into this book blind as everything was just a pleasant, emotional and thrilling surprise.
I really enjoyed this story, it was so gripping!

Sutherland did not come to play. The Invocations was a wicked, witchy and wonderful YA fantasy thriller packed to the brim with tricks and twists.

In 2023 and going into 2024, there have been a lot of books I have read that are soaked in the fire and fury of feminine rage. This is one such book - scorching hot with the kind of anger that bristles under your skin and bubbles up from the inside, spilling over into wonderfully written narratives like this. Sutherland’s horror here is so effective because it plays on the exact scenarios we recognise. For example, the scene of a woman walking home alone at night instantly sent shivers through my body. Yet Sutherland plays with this and upends your expectations. This is a story about confronting that anger within and seeing the potential of darkness within yourself. It is concerned with vengeance, retribution and how to redirect that anger. However it does not minimise that anger - it wields it as a weapon throughout.

There were sequences in this book that have not left my mind since I turned the final page. This is effective, chilling horror. Some of the most powerful were reading from the perspectives of the victims, but it never felt sensationalised - rather just tragic losses of lives cut too short in a violent manner. Jude, Zara and Emer were also all extremely compelling characters with their narrative voices feeling distinctive and heavily laden with their own emotions and trauma. They all offer differing perspectives on magic and the murders - allowing for character growth and development over the course of the book. Also, the romantic threads were a lovely source of light amidst the darkness, while definitely not taking away the focus from Sutherland’s impactful storytelling.

The Invocations was an intense, fast paced read dripping with blood and bile at a world that seeks to crush power it does not understand.

4.5 star rounded to 5 for Netgally.

Krystal Sutherland is really proving herself to be the exception to the rule when it comes to Young Adult literature for me. House of Hollow was excellent and this probably even exceeds that. This book really had that "one more chapter" feel, especially after the 80% mark; I've not stayed up late just to finish a book for so long but this truly had me hooked.

I loved all of the fantasy aspects, the interesting take on witchcraft was a highlight for me, particularly the world building around demons.

The main characters all felt very realistic, which I think is an achievement when you consider their extreme (and extremely different) upbringings. Their flaws felt real, done really well, and created an excellent dynamic between them as well. There was just enough of the romance subplot too, it never took over and I thought it was cute.

Some twists were a bit obvious, while others made me gasp as I only realised connections a couple of lines before our characters did. This to me is the perfect balance, I'm not against obvious twists but also enjoy being completely surprised. I've seen people comparing the 'obviousness' of the twist(s) here to the one in House of Hollow but I saw the HoH one coming a mile off too lol

It's not quite a 5 star read for me, partly because of the amount of convenience they experienced, for example Saul the PI available on the phone to provide whatever information they needed at the crucial plot point.

This was such an enjoyable read all the way through and I think that young women and girls will really enjoy this for its (albeit slightly heavyhanded) introduction to some fundamentals of feminism and the history of witch burning. I think the book created a really good balance between "witches are real in this world and they were persecuted" and "witch hunting was a tool used to oppress and control women". I think Zara's motivations too are a really great message and I love how her grief and the results of bringing her sister back were handled.

Overall I really loved this and I'd absolutely recommend this to urban/contemporary fantasy fans as well as young adult readers.

This is a properly gruesome and creepy horror thriller, with magic and murder throughout. I couldn't put it down, but at the same time couldn't keep going except when it was daytime and I was not home alone!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗩𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦
—𝗸𝗿𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 | 𝟰🌟

“𝘔𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘹 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘺𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘤. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘪𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘴𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘺.”

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
✨YA horror
✨Witches
✨Queer rep
✨Gory magic systems

𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆:
Two young women are plagued by demons, Jude is literally plagued by demons after accidentally tethering her soul and cursing herself, and Zara is figuratively plagued by demons after her sister is murdered at the hands of a serial killer. Both are in dire need of magic, and Emer: spell-seller, cursewriter, and daughter of a witch, needs to track down the serial killer who is killing her clients.

𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:
Honestly I’m not quite sure if this book was trying to entertain me or send me into cardiac arrest.

This was described as a dark thriller but is definitely more suited for the YA horror fans. There is a wonderfully large element of mystery in this book too which made the story much more immersive when the three main characters converge at around the 30% mark.

The descriptions are gruesome, the magic system is bloodthirsty, and the plot is macabre. I loved it. There was even roots that stemmed from historic facts such as the evil of Elizabeth Báthory that felt relevant to the story. The prose is so graphic, horror infests every corner of this book and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t cringe with distaste every once in a while.

I also enjoyed not only the queer representation, but the consideration towards trans women with regards to a magic system that favours women. In fact, there was a strong undercurrent of violence against women in this book and subsequently, an emotional arc of fear and retribution led to feelings of empowerment for characters that had been cut down their entire lives.

𝗞𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵 | 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗵 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘆

I came into this story with some reservations as there seems to be a very distinct gender binary with the magic system and those stories are not always the most inclusive HOWEVER I am happy to confirm that this book clearly states that it is trans-inclusive within the narrative. It is a simple thing but it truly means the world!

This is a book that will make you mad. Not at the book, let me be clear, you will be angry because it so accurately and bitingly holds up a mirror to the society that we live in and reflects the lived experiences of anyone that has ever experienced the world either as a woman, a girl, or someone perceives to be femme. This book is not subtle in its messaging but that was clearly never the intention.

I had a positive experience with this book and overall found that there were some great, satisfying moments and some twists that I did not predict. I think I would have liked it to have gone in a slightly darker direction however I do feel like a door has been left open a crack for a sequel where the reader can truly get the "women's wrongs" book we all deserve.

Highly, highly recommend but be incredibly mindful of triggers before beginning this book.