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.

Wholeheartedly one of the best books, if not the best book, I’ve read this year. This was brilliant start to finish. I’ve not read anything like it.

the three main characters were all so unique and I loved the friendship that blossomed between them. They all had such a big impact to the story and I loved them all. Each one found a part of themselves throughout the book and it was so nice to see their development.

The plot was beyond interesting. There was so much information within the story, I felt I was learning so much as I was reading. I very much liked the feminist element to this book, the women having the most power and being the entrusted ones with magic was very great to read about.

The twists and turns in this were not expected at all, it had me gasping out loud each time I turned the page whilst things were being revealed. I loved loved loved the ending, it felt well rounded and didn’t leave questions unanswered.

I wish I could read this again for the first time. I haven’t felt anything like what I did whilst reading this one.

Krystal Sutherland does it again.

Just like House of Hollow, The Invocations is a dark, dank and creepy tale. It leans into a combination of feminism, nature and witchcraft to create the perfect atmosphere for a slightly older audience and brings forward a story of demons, necromancy and family drama.

Each of the main characters - Emer, Jude and Zara - have a very distinct voice and each brings with them a new dynamic to the story. While she also brings necrotic flesh and more family drama than the Kardashians, Jude is a standout, offering comic relief at all the right points, while Zara and Emer bring complicated notions of knowledge and loss to the story.

From start to finish, the pacing is perfect and the search for the dead women's killer is kept at the forefront of the novel throughout, though each girl has their own sub-plots and tales to experience.

Overall, this is the perfect horror-mystery and a sure fire bestseller.

House of Hollow put this book to the top of my must read list and was delighted to be approved for it on Netgalley.

Three girls bound by horror, determined to reclaim their power and get justice for the women being horrifically murdered across London for their magic. It's gripping, taut and well paced. And I should have loved it.

But it was dark. Too dark. Playing on the Witch Mythos popular in the 17th century in order to gain magic women must bind themselves to demons who consume their soul. And this felt a little on the nose and the fact that the girls choose to allow themselves to remain bound to the demons and even care for them that more women may lose their soul but gain power at the end? It didn't sit right with me.

I wanted so much for them to eff around and find out. And yet this book didn't.

It's undoubtedly brilliant but it's not for me.

Once again Krystal Sutherland has blown me away. I loved House of Hollow and The Invocations has exceeded my expectations. The magical, witchy and dark atmosphere made reading this so fun and I was completed absorbed into this mystery. I truly didn't want to put this down and the plot twists had me completely shocked. Sutherland never fails to disappoint and once I start her books I don't want to put them down until I finish. I can't recommend this enough.

Thank you NetGalley for the E-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book was right up my alley, loved the murder mystery element and the witches. I loved reading Emer’s POV, I thought she was a really interesting character. I had a harder time getting into Zara and Jude’s chapters. But still really enjoyed this book

So I hadn’t read the first book therefore I found it difficult to get into, in fact I gave up and read the first book. Wow once I did this I loved this book way more than the first. I would highly recommend this book

I read the House of Hollow with my book club and we loved it. When I was given the chance to read this early I was very excited. The Invocations did not disappoint and has become my favourite read of this year. It tells the story of Emer, Jude and Zara and the world of demons and witchcraft. It manages to be humorous at times and incredibly dark. Did not see the plot twist! It’s like Alice Hoffman writing as Stephen King! Thank you so much for being able to read and review.

I really enjoyed House of Hollow but this was even better it’s the perfect magical witchy book for fall. I loved the atmosphere and all three of the characters, they were all so unique but worked well together. The mystery was well done, I couldn’t put it down and ended up reading it in one sitting, I definitely did not see the twist coming. Krystal Sutherland is now an auto-buy author for me

Back in 2021 Krystal Sutherland made a seamless move from mainstream teen fiction into much darker YA with House of Hollow, one of the best novels of the year. With The Invocations Sutherland once again ups the ante with a full-blown mystery and gory horror novel. Gone are the dreamy subtleties and ambiguities of House of Hollow and instead we welcome demons, witchcraft, resurrected flesh-eating zombies, bloody mass murder, curses and sweet, sweet revenge. In the opening stages The Invocations is skilfully presented as a thriller, an unnamed woman is being stalked walking home after a party, she is not too scared as she has some unnamed power but is killed anyway. The reader quickly finds out that five women have been murdered in similar circumstances and are connected by the fact that they all had some knowledge of magic. Although The Invocations is a very contemporary novel the idea that some women are able to practice magic (witch covens do exist) is seamlessly filtered into the story. One women even has control over a demon (almost) as a pet! Even if you do not like horror novels this was an incredibly captivating page-turning thriller which was bolstered by three young women who bounced off each beautifully.

We know right from the start that Emer Bryne is an Irish witch who is hiding in the south of London, she is also a very powerful cursewriter who has control of a demon and after she is introduced to Jude Wolf (the daughter of a billionaire) and Zara Jones, a grieving teenager who wants to use the occult to bring her sister back from the dead. Jude herself has been cursed and has sold off a part of her soul and soon the three women are sucked into the mystery killers. The Invocations was a superb supernatural thriller, with engaging characters, a highly developed magical system and does not hold back on the gore in a totally bloodthirsty ending. The three women initially clash as they all have their own particular agendas, with the first half of the book setting the scene, and the second deepening the conspiracy and throwing in some twists and a cute slow-burning LGBTQIA+ storyline. Adults could easily read The Invocations and not be disappointed as some of the demons were so vicious they would not have been out of place in an Adam Nevill novel! AGE RANGE 13/14+

What a brilliantly witchy YA murder mystery! I loved the flip in narrative between the three MCs and how well they all gelled together as they solved the murders. The twist at the end was excellently done and I never saw it coming!

The Invocations had me HOOKED. I loved reading it. Sutherland’s writing was absolutely magnificent, such detailed and atmospheric world building. I was so absorbed in to this, it stayed with me whenever I was away from reading, clawing me to come back.

I loved all three of our main characters: Zara, Jude and Emer. Each of them felt unique, and I loved how they all had their own different motivations. I really enjoyed learning how their stories connected, it was so twisty and messed up. I did end up guessing one of the big plot reveals, but it still put my heart in my throat and made my belly churn (the reveal that someone was THAT someone). It was all kinds of devastating. I really did love how it turned what we — and the characters — were thinking/led to believe and said HA, NOPE.

I loved watching our three main characters learn more each other and becoming friends (and in another instance, more!). It felt so organic and I loved how they all saw each other and gave each other the love that each of them needed and was deserving of. I think Sutherland represented their fears well, also, of getting close to another person and fearing that they’ll leave or see something they don’t like that will send them running. In this, they showed each other the “ugly” and all chose to stay and fight for each other anyways.

This book in between the horror and the gore had some really funny and snarky elements. I loved the flirting and the rivalry and the petty banter.

Oh and trust me, this book is gory. Some of the descriptions aren’t ones you’d like to read when eating, I don’t think.

I loved the use of the settings of London and Ireland and how they both felt so distinct, and almost characters in their own right.

I loved how Sutherland was able to explore male violence, misogyny and toxic masculinity, and how women navigate living in a society that is dominated by these kind of men.

The only downside to this book I would say is that the action towards the end of the book felt a bit too chaotic, so much was going on that it felt overwhelming. While it was a fast paced scene and intense moment, I do wish Sutherland could have slowed down a bit, as it did feel rushed. I also felt at times I felt myself getting lost between the characters with the interchangeable nicknames — while the characters did feel distinct from each other, it did throw me off to hear one character referred to by one name and then another the next moment. So I did find myself getting things mixed up.

Overall though I really and truly loved this. I loved the exploration of womanhood, friendship, found family, and how magic was used as a way to explore the power dynamics between men and women in society.

I'm afraid I couldn't relate to the characters and the story just didn't grip me.

I don't like not being able to finish a book, sorry.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for a copy

3/5

I had read this authors previous offering, House of Hollow, and was a big fan. I went into The Invocations blind, and was expecting something similar, just in time for halloween.

Where House of Hollow is more of a creepy, atmospheric horror read, The Invocations offers more. It is more of a gothic fantasy which was a pleasant surprise. I thought this book was really well written, from the pace to the characters, plot and atmosphere.
The characters of Zara, Jude and Emer are quite distinct and the author does a great job of giving them their own individual voices. This book reminded me slightly of Her Majesty's Royal Coven in its plot, and also its connection to Ireland. However it felt stronger for being (I think?) a standalone. It sits somewhere between House of Earth and Blood and HMRC in the plot of the witch hunting / power sucking bad guys .

Overall I thought this was excellent and it will do really well when released!!

This is a superb fantasy horror murder mystery story, with a gentle sapphic feel running through it. It gripped me from the beginning. Snarky humorous banter lightens and adds to this creepy murder mystery. In fact so brilliantly creepily entertaining I found myself reading this in little snatches because I felt kept feeling the chills run up my back. As you can probably tell I liked all of this book, but especially thought the ending was just right. Read the whole book for yourself and see if you agree. Thank you to Bonnier Books Uk and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

This was a perfectly creepy read for this time of the year. I really enjoyed the 3 main characters and liked how their plot threads wove together by the end of the story - this was well done. It contains a lot of rather grotesque body horror which grossed me out too no end so beware of that going into the story.