Loved this 5 stars
Enjoyed that we got to read more about the relationship between Rhys David and moira one of my fave authors

I love the first book and was excited to get an opportunity to read the second. I liked seeing the relationships between Rhys, David and Moira grow. Seeing Rhys struggle with his demons, quite literally, and the pressure of the position he's in was interesting and gave the whole book a different vibe and focus than the first one. Overall , a great follow-up to the first

I LOVED the first book, 𝘌𝘷𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. I adored the characters and their various relationships, and really enjoyed the really "believable" occult setting and how it explored a wide range of spiritualities and practices.

Now obviously the wonderful setting and world were still there, but despite having largely the same cast of characters, I just couldn't get behind them in the same way in this book.

The problem, I'm sorry to say, was Rhys. I had no issues with him in the first book, but I'm sorry as the 'main' main character he was just annoying 🙈 I think especially after having read the short story, 𝘖𝘥𝘥 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘴, fairly recently too it felt like he was making too many of the same mistakes and I struggled to empathise this time round!

BUT the great thing about more episodic series like this is that you always get a fresh start! I believe the next book focussed on Moira's POV which despite this little hiccough I am still ABSOLUTELY HYPED for because I think we can all agree that Moira is the absolute best, yes?

Asscension is the sequel to Evocations, which came out in 2024. I really liked the first book so I was excited to get to rad the second in the series as well!
I liked that this was a continuation of the story, and that we see more of the relationship between Rhys, Moira, and David. S. T. Gibson has also created this cool and unique magic system in the series which we continue to see in this book. I feel like her development of characters is great, and what makes this series worth reading. The plot didn't advance as much as I wanted, but I think this is book two in a four book series so it makes sense that not much was given away.

That being said, I'd recommend this book is you like urban fantasy! The writing is great, the characters are interesting, and it's worth a read!

(4.25 Stars rounded down!)

Thankyou Netgalley and Angry Robot for this eARC.

AH I am back in magical Boston and I am so happy to be here! This time we follow Rhys as he battles with the stress of High Priesthood and see how it affects him and his relationships/friends. It was a bit sad at time (to me) and I am convinced Rhys will be the actual death of me at this rate. I really liked seeing how David has progressed in 'being better' in this book and Moira was as always just out here being an absolute witchy legend.

I enjoyed every minute of this but did knock off a bit of a star just because I worked out how the book was going to go and normally I am bamboozled till the end.

I love ST Gibson's writing and how she makes me feel about each character, and can't wait to read the next one.

I've truly fallen in love with this series. It's a great continuation and I loved seeing exactly what made Rhys tick and why he chooses to be who he is. Also love the fact that it's very realistic that relationships don't get fixed that fast and everyone still has issues.

The character developments are amazing. I love that you do feel their growth from the first book, but still have more to learn in this one. And honestly, the ending?? Chef's kiss!

Can't wait for the next one!!

A slightly disappointing follow up to Evocation, which I absolutely loved. I think part of my problem is I just find Rhys, our MC, annoying and tedious. The plot felt repetitive, which probably has to do more with his personality and need to rehash literally everything that happens to him. While I loved being back in this world, this fell a bit flat for me, and feels like a filler book. Did I enjoy it? Yes. Do I think it moved the series overarching plot forward at all? I don't think so. Will I read the next book? You bet!

as a lover of book one, book two did not let me down!! moira, and david, and rhys, my beloveds!!!! the challenges the trio faced in this book made sense for the progression of their relationship, and rhys’s ambitions being the focus of the conflict was so well done. st gibson’s character work and crafting of the magical and all things demonic continues to be one of my favorite things. i can’t wait for book three (the moira book!!!!!!)

I absolutely adore the Summoner’s Circle series, the concept of the world is fascinating, there’s summonings, seances, and tarot reading however, this a very character focuses series.Ascension is the second book and this time we follows Rhys.

Rhys is now the High Priest of Boston’s secret magical Society and managing demons, Society politics, a polyamorous relationship with his witch wife Moira and psychic partner David is a real challenge for him and he very nearly collapsed under the weight of his ambition.

The poly relationship is explored deeper and its messy and intense. What works really well is how the side characters reflect and challenge different parts of Rhys’s identity, his ambition, his guilt, and his need for control. They push the plot forward, raise emotional stakes, and complicate every decision.

I rated this 4 stars however as David is my favourite character, I did enjoy Evocation a lot more. We don’t get to follow the passed on curse from the last book so this felt a bit like filler. The middle third of this book gets a bit repetitive with Society politics and Rhys’ inner turmoil and some scenes felt like emotional retreads. But the character dynamics especially between the core trio kept me invested and I can’t wait for the next book.

Ascension, Book 2 follows the story of where we left off in Book 1, Evocation and builds up on top of it! Ascension has to be my favorite book of the serious thus far, the way I became visibly irate and annoyed at Rhys’s stubbornness but still was able to placate it since he could reel it back a bit. Loved. I loved even more Moira and David not letting Rhys overstep them. This was truly a magnificent display of character development. The Third Act? IMMACULATE. The story with Maximillian (which I still enjoy as a character), the events that happen and the culmination? ALL I COULD ASK FOR. I need book 3 NOW.

This fell a little flat for me, but I love my poly babies so it's still getting 4 stars. It was a little messy, then it wrapped up so quickly as if the problem wasn't all that big. Because it really wasn't? Like just talk to your partners? This just seemed like a completely different Rhys, which I understand is the point, he's dealing with too many demons (literally) but there wasn't a lot of change shown. I don't know I'm still going to read anything from this universe or that S.T. Gibson writes.

Thank you Angry Robot for the ARC.

So, this one wasn't bad, but compared to Evocation? It was disappointing. It felt both rushed and boring, with a predictable cliche and the big bad guy being so easy to identify. It felt like there wasn't really character development for anyone, and everyone wanted to just hate on Rhys (as he deserves) but also they don't take accountability.

I will be considering the series because I love Gibson, but I do think this is my least fave Gibson book.

Rhys McGowan they could never make me like you.

I’m probably going to upset some people with this but unfortunately, as you can tell from the two star rating, I did not love this one. And I’m honestly so sad about it. I absolutely adored Evocation (5 stars) and so I went into this assuming I would love it. I assumed wrong.

Firstly though, I’m going to start with the things that I did enjoy. Moira. David. Moira and David. That’s- yep that’s pretty much it.

I love a book with ‘no plot, just vibes’, but not when the vibes are ‘this character is just going to be so boring and insufferable and give me absolutely nothing but a headache for 349 whole pages’. Not you Moira, nope, not you David, I love you guys. Rhys however, me and the homies can not STAND you. I could not find one redeeming quality about him and believe me I tried. I just could not make myself like that man. Other than the Rhys of it all, I also did not care for Max or his storyline (or much of anything else that was happening actually).

Listen, I didn’t completely hate the book, I think that I just hate Rhys, and unfortunately for me, this book was his. Luckily for me though, book three is Moria’s so I will definitely be picking up that next instalment and praying on my knees that I enjoy it much more than I did this one.

Also, Moira and David I think you should leave Rhys and be with me instead x


Thank you Angry Robot Books and Netgalley for the ARC.

It’s not news I’m obsessed with this series and it’s throuple. I’m currently on the hunt for my physical trophies of the entire series because I loved it so much. I mean, occult urban fantasy with witchy polyamory romance? I didn’t stand a chance! 🖤

After finishing Evocation (book 1) which wrecked the slump I was in at lightning speed, I immediately started this, which then I took longer to read because I didn’t want to be done with the series.

Per my unhinged reading updates on this book, clearly I literally ✨ ASCENDED ✨. Won’t elaborate further, my updates spoke for themselves but I still find myself thinking about it, I need more! Can’t wait for Moira’s book!

Book 1 followed more of David and this one Rhys and his fall from grace. I found Rhys to be so relatable personally, with his internal struggles, religious trauma, hunger for knowledge and high value of his own mind, intellect and ambitions.

We still see David and Moira’s own respective struggles, adjustment to Rhys’ ascension and path to self destruction, and more of their platonic connection and evolving affection for each other, and Rhys’ epiphany of ‘wait…babe, are you in love with my wife?’.

I honestly love how the dynamic between the three of them shifted and kept developing in this book as they each faced their battles and navigated each of their connections, polyamory and boundaries.

There’s secret societies’ drama, smackdown after smackdown, betrayal, lies, secrets and oh to add to the chaos! A new (but technically old) love interest enters the chat. 🔥

Also, I geeked out with the biblical and occult accurate facts. 🖤

Need to read more S. T. Gibson books now.

Thank you Angry Robot Books, S. T. Gibson and NetGalley for this ARC.

I adore anything and everything S.T. Gibson writes, and this one was no exception! A fantastic addition to the Evocation universe that really built on the themes from the first book while giving Rhys his own voice (and crashouts).

It nice to be back with David, Moira, and Rhys. Rhys' ascension comes with troubles, and as someone with ambition, I get the pressure Rhys is putting on himself.It's one of the few books I've read with a negative character arc for the main character. David's journey in the first book is different even though he also has a redemption arc. Rhys got exactly what he needed in the end.

While the character work in this book is good, something is lacking. I can't exactly put my finger on it, though. With two books and a novella currently in the series, we've seen the different sides of (mostly) David and Rhys. And there are sides that are extremely disliked by the other characters (and probably readers too). Sometimes it makes it really hard to root for them, even when it's intended by the author and serves the overall story. It's not really the feeling I want when reading a book. I want to root for the main characters, even in their darkest days.

Overall, the writing is good, it tells the story in a smooth way. The worldbuilding is interesting (I'd love to see more of Moira's witchy world though) and it's one of the biggest reasons I keep coming back to the series. The occult sorcery is like a drug, ask Rhys.

What a great follow up to the first book. I did find we kind of meandered in the middle for a bit, but it was all to help us understand what headspace Rhys was in. Without that slow bit everything that happens to him would have felt rushed.. so this is a case of "trust the process".

I adore this truple, they're so sweet. Again, so happy to see a book about witchcraft, sorcery etc with actual accurate information! Breath of fresh air!

Highly recommend this series for someone looking for a fresh witch themed entry to the genre.

This book lived up to my expectations on every level, it has so much going for it.
Rhys is now High Priest of the Society and the book starts off with him getting settled into the role, but things start to take a turn. He becomes more demanding of everyone, as he settles into a full time position. He is tethered to more demons than ever and as the pressure mounts. He may be more powerful than ever, but fractures begin to appear in his relationship with David, as well as Moira. The further development in the relationship between David and Moira is wonderful to watch. Their friendship is so organic and a beautiful representation of platonic love. Which honestly, is rather fascinating, given that they share the same man. I never thought I would be a fan of polyamory, but Gibson writes it so well in this story, that i really could not see these three as anything else.
The plot is engaging and kept me reading, even though it unfolds at a slow pace. I would definitely categorize this book as character driven, and while we are deeply invested in the main three, the rest are instrumental in their growth and play a great side role as well. I cannot wait to get to spend more time with these characters in future instalments; there really is something special about each and everyone.
I highly recommend this book to people that enjoy fantasy, but set in the real world, and secret societies that dabble in the occult. This is also a book for you if you are looking for a book that lets the reader explore other representations of love.
Many thanks to Angry Robot and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book. The opinions expressed are given freely and are honest and my own.

I think with this sequel to Ascension, Gibson officially cements herself as a auto-read author for me. She has a way of developing characters that makes them feel completely realistic. I think in fantasy, no matter how gray the characters are, they end up embracing their best traits. It makes sense because I think we all want to be the best versions of ourselves, and one way to reflect that in characters is to have them go through an evolution that conveys a positive change in their journey. But Gibson manages to allow her characters to evolve without completely leaving behind their ambitions and more selfish parts of themselves, which I think is a realistic reflection of the complexity of human personality and how we are made up of different layers.

Before starting Ascension, I was a little worried because, while the first book focused more on David, my favorite character, this one was known for being centered around Rhys, probably the character I enjoyed least in Evocation. But, to my surprise, I enjoyed the journey the sorcerer takes in this sequel, struggling to maintain a balance between power, faith, and his relationships. I think his character development was not only good, but also very believable. Without giving away any spoilers, I will say that he needed to be knocked off his high horse.

I like the setting of this series, with the Boston occult underworld as the backdrop for this urban fantasy story, but right now, what I love most are its characters and the different relationships between them, whether familial, romantic, or friendship. And although this is Rhys’s book, Moira and David remain the other main protagonists of the story, and it’s definitely their platonic bond that I liked most within the polyamorous relationship, especially considering how poorly they got along at the beginning of Evocation. I also liked that they both explore other relationships with other people.

Once again, the author intertwines the world of the occult with religion—specifically, Catholicism—and as an atheist, I must say I like how she explores religious conflicts without preaching to the reader. That said, the scene with a certain archangel was a bit much for me; I definitely prefer when the angels and demons act more passively in this series—without even speaking.

In short, Ascension is a sequel that I enjoyed more than its predecessor. The character development and the different relationships between them are the highlights for me, and they definitely keep me more invested in the story than the magical aspects. I’m eager to read more about these characters and what’s in store for them, and I’m excited that the next books will focus on Moira and Leda consecutively.

A perfect sequel. I couldn’t wait to get back into this world. I loved book one. It was not what I was expecting but I fell in love. I love these characters.