Thank you so much to Netgalley and Angry Robot for an eARC of Ascension! Something about the Summoner's Circle series has kept me intrigued enough to continue reaching for each book, but I can't say that this series is one that really sticks with me. I don't feel personally very attached to these characters, although I think Gibson does well with character study and navigating internal conflict. The dynamics and relationships in Ascension built well from Evocation, and I enjoyed getting to see more engagement from side characters (Leda, Antoni, Kitty, etc), but some of the overall plot was a bit lost on me. I also don't typically enjoy modern pop culture references in novels, and unfortunately mentions of TikTok and phrases like "let her cook" do turn me off during my reading experience (which is a personal preference, I know!)

It's likely that I will probably still pick up the third book in this series, as I am intrigued to see where Moira's story goes. Ascension releases on July 8th of this year!

Ascension is a great follow-up to Evocation, now that we know enough about how the magical underworld works and the stakes wrapped up in it, it's really easy to slip in alongside Moira and David as they worry about the very real power struggle and their partner's clear overreacting. It does feel frustrating to read him spiraling, but that is exactly the emotion that should be evoked, and it feels like every one of the character's reactions make sense. I also appreciated a nod to their age, I understand putting yourself under undue weight, but it did feel like a nice moment of introspection. The only aspect suffering from this deepening of details was the pacing. While it's ok to feel frustrated by a character's choices, I did feel like some plot points kept reappearing a bit too often, slowing down the overall pace.
I still really enjoyed it, and can't wait to see where these three end up.

3.5/5
So I quite liked this book, but that’s not me saying it was a great one. Mostly, I enjoyed the characters. I quite like our main three and I liked spending more time with them. But this read quite a bit like a fanfiction set in this universe in that it was extremely character focused and almost entirely filler.
I like Rhys quite a bit and was excited to follow his journey, and while I liked where he ended up at the end, I think the entire novel needed more space to breathe. There was a ton crammed in, especially for him, and the familial story felt entirely shoehorned in—forgotten until it wasn’t. His big life change, too, was very very lightly developed and I wanted much much more of a slow change or even hints of one, not just a huge bang. And then I wanted better follow through. We know it changes his ethos and he’s a huge overthinker but we got very little of it. Maybe that comes in the next one, but even so it left things here feeling incomplete.

The amount of stuff going on with Rhys left no room for David’s plot which was likewise very shoehorned in and altogether unnecessary. We see very little of how the way it concludes actually affects him which makes sense because Rhys’s world is so full there isn’t the time but is ultimately very disappointing. We are also still significantly lacking in David and Rhys’s relationship as a couple—we see them arguing and in the Society and even some with Moira but not alone and that’s frustrating to me.

Moira’s point of view was entirely unnecessary. She had no purpose but to support Rhys here, and presumably to set up her novel, but it felt like a half assed effort and did nothing at all for me.

Leda makes no sense to me. She’s fine but she’s also being treated as more important than she is considering how much we know and honestly I just don’t care about her internal life. Especially in Rhys’s waterfall of issues she was mostly extraneous and lacking depth and purpose. Antoni was the opposite. For someone who isn’t a main character we spend a lot of time with him. I think either he needed to be better developed outside of the context of the society or he needed to have a smaller role. We truly know nothing about him save for some surface things that make him seem entirely perfect. Yet he is everywhere. Investing in him is hard and you have to if you want to like the story.
Honestly all of the main relationship dynamics are lacking, too. There is little domesticity and very rare deep interactions, most especially with David. If you read the book, you’ll see how absolutely ironic this is, and he deserved more. For a character driven book, the characters barely grow the relationships, which is very underwhelming.

It was very fast paced and I read it very quickly but I think ST Gibson took a book out of the pages of her characters and got too ambitious without the ability to back it all up well.

I’ll definitely still read the next one and honestly I might reread Evocation because I love that book, but this one didn’t live up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review

"Sometimes things need to fall apart to come back together again."

S.T. Gibson's second book in the Summoner's Circle series, has the High Priest Rhys shaken by a strange ritual that's affecting Boston's occult community, opening the Society up to sabotage, Rhys delves even deeper into the dark world of demon-summoning. The strain of managing so many spirits (not to mention the stress of his loved ones exploring other people) will push him to the brink. As heaven and hell play tug of war for Rhys' soul, he'll have to face the greatest demon of all: his own insatiable ambition.

I enjoyed reading "Evocation" and "Odd Spirits" to learn about the unique relationship Rhys, Moira and David have. In this book the focus is more on Rhys and how Moira and David are trying to be there for him however his sole focus being on his work has fractured some parts of their dynamic. Rhy's will is truly tested as is his loyalty when faced with challenging situations.

This was a good addition to the series and I'm curious to see where the story will go.

3,75 ⭐ (rounded up to 4⭐)

Evocation was one of my favorite books I read last year and I became utterly obsessed with David, Moira and Rhys and I also adored the prequel Odd Spirits so I was so excited when I got an e-arc for Ascension

I'm sad to say I was a bit disappointed with this one :( I felt like the storyline was way less interesting and thrilling compared to Evocation and I was not as intrigued with everything that was going on. The scenes that deal with the occult were still amazing though!!
Most of the book is about Rhys being an absolute asshole to be honest and I was so frustrated with him. We did have some good character development with him and also with David and Moira relating to him but still I just didn't enjoy reading it at all.

I still love this world and these characters though and I can't wait for the next book because it's going to be focused on the queen herself aka Moira!!!! (it won't be out until 2027 😭) and with the way ascension ended I actually am so excited to see what's next for these characters

This is the sequel to Evocation and features the same POVs (Moira, Rhys, and David), but this time the story focuses on Rhys.

Rhys, now the High Priest of the occult society, becomes consumed by power and insecurity, summoning demons in a desperate bid for fame and respect. As he spirals, he alienates his loved ones, including Moira and David, who sense his downfall but can’t reach him.

Although I had hoped they would deal with the curse from Evocation, I really enjoyed this story—perhaps even more than Evocation. The pacing was a little slow at times, but overall, this was a great read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot for providing a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to both NetGalley and Angry Robot for allowing me access to this ARC in exchange for a honest review.

This is the second book in the Summoners Circle series that is primarily focused on Rhys's storyline. This is still a multiple POV story where we follow our main trio as they navigate the new assigned high priest.

This book really focuses on Rhys's internal struggles which really developed him as a character. It highlighted his flaws while also maintaining his humanity. This really showed how someone can be their own worst enemy.

I love S.T. Gibson's way of making a tapestry of relationships and people that are relatable but also very kind. This shows love in a different lens and I really adored it. This installment in the series was powerful(pun intended)and I can't wait to read the next ones! It comes out on July 8th and I will be grabbing myself a copy.

3.5?? I did enjoy this, and found it to be entertaining. Leaving Evocation I thought we were going to head in one pretty plot heavy direction, and that wasn't even really addressed in this book. So I suppose that plot line will be finished in either Moira or Leda's books, but to see it be addressed in Rhys's book as it affects him the most would have been nice. This is more of a character study in Rhys than anything. I think the author had fun writing this because I could feel the fun in the pages, especially in the last 10% heheh. Anyway, I left Evocation not really liking Rhys and I kind of like him now but his choices are so bizarre to me,. I do like the full circle that the book makes from the first chapter to the last, I suppose I was just expecting something different. The plot in this book isn't bad but it felt very low stakes and tangential to what I would consider to be the main plot, aside from the relationship between the characters. I do love getting to spend time with Moira and David though so I am excited for her book!

Thank you to Angry Robot and Netgalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review :)

There’s no secret that "Evocation" was my favorite book of 2024. I was in a work meeting when I got the email approval for the ARC of the sequel and I wanted to scream so badly. I had to sit on my hands to keep from jumping out of my chair. And let me tell you: it did not sisappoint.

This follow-up to "Evocation" dials everything up in the best way. We step deeper into Rhys McGowan’s world now that he’s High Priest of Boston’s hidden magical society, and the book belongs completely to him. Seeing Rhys take the lead, equal parts devoted, ambitious, and on the edge, was everything I didn’t know I needed. We get a raw look at what power and pressure can do to someone who's terrified of failing the people he loves. And how far that fear can push him.

Speaking of love, one of the best parts of this book is exploring the dynamic between Rhys, Moira, and David. Their poly relationship isn't just a subplot, it’s a full, tender, and honest portrayal of how three people can build something real together. We get to see their vulnerabilities, boundaries, and how their connection evolves, especially with Rhys under so much pressure.

Compared to the first book, this one was extremely kinky, and I am 100% here for it.
The sex scenes are intense, beautifully written, and so tied to the characters’ emotional states that they never feel gratuitous. It’s all heat, power, and intimacy woven into the story's emotional stakes.

"Summoner’s Circle" continues to prove it's one of the most unique and intoxicating urban fantasy series out there. The magic, the tension, the love, the darkness—it’s all here, and it’s only getting better. I need more

The first book was a 5 star read for me and the whole premise of this series is so original. Although it uses topics and elements of things we usually see in books like magic, it does it in a way that is so unique. The exploration of a polyamorous relationship is something we have seen before with S.T. Gibson and once again it shows us the layers and feeling in those types of relationships. There is a bit less drama in this sequel BUT there is no part where it is boring.
I did find the 1st book better but it was over very minor things like pacing. The pacing is too slow for my liking and it did make it feel a bit uneventful at times. I am so excited for the next book in this series!

3.5 ⭐️

First of all, thank you to Angry Robot and NetGalley for ARC access!

This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, I am a sucker for anything Saint writes and I find myself deeply connected to her often flawed characters. This series is no different.

I am so obsessed with David and Moira (and Leda) and absolutely loved how their relationships strengthen and develop throughout this book, however, I did find Rhys insufferable. He’s the one character that I find it hard to relate to, so this book centring around him felt quite tedious at times. I appreciate the book was about him being a power-hungry, egomaniac but I found him infuriating and felt so much sympathy for David and Moira - they deserve better!

The stakes in Ascension definitely felt lower than Evocation, and the plot didn’t really carry on from the ending of Evocation. I understand that time-wise it’s not been that long and they have a few years to solve the problem, but it does feel like it should be a little more imposing than it was in Ascension - hoping we’ll see more of this storyline in the rest of the series.

Overall, I found this book quite slow and lacking character development until the last 25%, which is a shame. Saying this though, I did have a good time with the book and have enough connection to most of the characters to motivate me to continue. I am really looking forward to Divination and seeing more of Moira’s story unfold.

Ugh. I'm so mad right now. I've read evocation and odd spirits and enjoyed them both. However this was boring. I didn't even want to finish it anymore. I thought we'd be starting where we left off in a way. Dealing with that curse from evocation. But it didn't seem to matter. I don't understand.

Ascension is the sequel to Evocation and has the same three POV characters: David, Moira, and Rhys; but while Evocation centered on David, Ascension focuses on Rhys. The book explores the dynamics of the three main characters, Rhys's relationship to power, and the inner workings of the magical community.
I enjoyed this book, but it definitely had some pacing issues. My main complaint was that Moira didn't have a storyline in this book. Rhys was obviously the focus, but David still had a plotline and the same should have been true for her. The few POV chapters she had reolved around Rhys. There should have been a continuation of her spirit abilities plot from the first book, but instead that story was abandoned. The other side of this was that Rhys's plot and chapters should have been edited down. Evocation did a good job of balancing having three POVs but having David still be the main character and that balance was not in play in this book. Rhys's storyline became boring and repetitive and David and especially Moira were neglected in order to make that happen. Overall this was a fun read and I'll definitely keep an eye out for the next installment. But it seems like it was rushed out too fast and could have used more editing.
Thank you Angry Robot and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

Ascension is a lush, emotional, and magical continuation of the Summoner’s Circle series. S.T. Gibson brings back everything I loved from Evocation: complicated relationships, rich urban fantasy, and a touch of danger, and raises the stakes with Rhys stepping into his role as High Priest. The dynamic between Rhys, Moira, and David is a standout. Their connection is full of love, tension, and history, and watching them navigate the push and pull of power, trust, and desire kept me completely engaged. I especially loved how each relationship felt distinct yet interconnected, adding emotional complexity to the story.
Gibson’s writing continues to shine with vivid atmosphere and sharp emotional insight. The magical elements feel grounded and believable, and the way ritual, ambition, and power intersect makes for an enthralling narrative. Boston as a setting comes alive with witchy charm and just the right amount of grit.
A spellbinding sequel that deepens the emotional stakes, expands the world in exciting ways, and leaves me eager for what’s next. Perfect for readers who love modern magic, complicated love stories, and characters who walk the line between light and dark.

This is unequivocally a great book… but just not what I was expecting. Thank you to Angry Robot Books and Net Galley for sending me a review copy in exchange for an honest review!

I really enjoyed Evocation, which set the scene for the secret, occultist society in Boston. It also introduced the three main characters: Rhys, young and ambitious; Moira, his wife, grounded and calm, and David, Rhys’s rival from a rich family embroiled in sorcery.

The plot in Evocation was more pronounced than in Ascension, but they are both character-focused books. They also both share themes of magic, secrecy and spiritualism, and there are queer and polyamorous relationships as well.

I had expected Evocation to set the scene for the characters, and then Ascension to continue to take the plot to the next level. However, Ascension took a step back from the ending of Evocation, and only mild references were made to its conclusion. Ascension instead focused more on the characters, particularly Rhys, and their flaws.

This meant that the pacing was a lot slower than I was expecting, and the plot was quite uneventful until the last 20% or so.

I enjoyed the growth in relationship between the main trio, but I didn’t like how much jealousy and tension there was - it almost defeats the object of a polyamorous relationship.

I am still invested in the series and the characters, and I am definitely expecting there to be another book, as there’s still so much potential in the setting and the story.

When if you thought life was heating up in Evocation, then Ascension ramps the fieriness to a new, hotter & more dangerous level.
Evocation focused on David as a main character and this time, Rhys takes main stage. Rhys has finally achieved a lifelong ambition of becoming the High Priest of their society and in order to maintain his role, Rhys gives into the dark side. And I mean, the Dark side involving demons. As his demons, literally overrun his life, Rhys needs helps from the people that he loves the most but whether or not he will realise and accept their help in time, is a question that drives the narrative.
This is a pacey, racey and atmosphere read. With plenty of spice!

Thank you to Angry Robot and Netgalley for the ARC.

It is safe to say that this book was a massive disappointment. After reading Evocation I was itching for the sequel that would be focused on Rhys, but I have learnt he is the most insufferable man I have ever had to deal with (on page) and I do not think I could handle reading his POV again.

This book starts off with the news reporting about a summoning circle that was made and a paper mache doll that was in the centre, creating panic and tension amongst the Summoners and other magic users. Yet this becomes shoved into the background as the story focuses solely on Rhys as a character and his relationships that he does not deserve.

I found Rhys to be extremely insufferable in his search for power, and I do understand that is the point but I did not care a single bit for this egomanic who was happy to put work and his fame before his wife and boyfriend. He was so far in his own head that I was so happy to escape into Moira and David’s POVs, yet those were still focused and wrapped around Rhys as he is the centre of their worlds. Moira is the emotional weight that holds them together and honestly she and David could leave Rhys and he far happier but that is not how this story goes.

I do adore S.T Gibson’s writing in A Dowry of Blood and An Education in Malice, but in this everything felt choppy and boiled down to a point where it felt like someone else had written it. It did make me wish for that purple prose or anything to add substance, but I was unfortunately left with nothing.

I doubt I will read the rest of the series, as this was an absolute let down for me.

I really fell in love with the characters in the first book and so this one was super exciting to be approved for. I liked the intro to David but I almost started to feel like this was getting a little hard to follow/understand. Overall, I liked this story but not quite as much as I liked the first book.

3.5⭐️ (may change my mind after more time to think.)

The first book in this series, Evocation, was one of my favourite books of last year, so I’m left a little conflicted in my rating of Ascension. I adore the characters and the gothic, occult background, but I just didn’t feel that same magnetic pull that the first book had.

I enjoyed it, and enjoyed the continued exploration of Rhys, David and Moira’s relationships, including a little bit of jealousy and possessiveness from Rhys toward the end. And as always, Moira is everything to me. But this book I just really felt for her, especially as I was reminded that she’s only 24(!!!), for having to constantly be the one to almost regulate the other two.

Also, I love Rhys, I feel for him, but damn. While I know he’s supposed to, and that this was necessary for his character, I was so stressed out while also not feeling much urgency for the other plot in the background—I wanted more from the paranormal/supernatural elements. Everything felt quite slow plot wise until the last 30%. And the last book’s plot? I thought there would be more inclusion of that.

“The vibes were, to put it plainly, fucked.“

However! Once again, S.T. Gibson’s writing is luscious and addictive. Her characters are so real and flawed, and even the side characters that are fleshed out and messy in their own right. I loved the addition of Max, and I hope we see more from him.

I’m still very excited to read the rest of this series, especially Moira’s book. She is undoubtedly my favourite character and deserves a break.

“How could Rhys ever deny her anything, when she looked at him like that?”

I think I’M in love with Moira.

(A huge thanks to Angry Robot for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.)

ST Gibson is the master of the gothic occult novel. As ever, she excels at character development. She uses multiple POVs to great effect, immersing you in the minds of the characters. This is a double-edged sword because Rhys’ life choices make for pretty difficult reading, particularly in the first half of the book.

Indeed, if Evocation was David’s book, Ascension is Rhys’s book. Rhys is finally High Priest of Boston’s secret Society, but power and ambition prove a dangerous cocktail, one that goes straight to Rhys’ head.

I did struggle with the fact that I did not particularly like Rhys in this book, though David and Moira continue to be charming. I think it is quite brave to write an unlikeable character, which creates the conflict necessary drive forward the plot, which is essentially about the inner workings of Rhys, David, and Moira’s relationship – with some more lovable side characters thrown into the mix.

If you love the characters, and their relationship, then you will love Ascension.

*Thank you to Angry Robot Books for the eARC via NetGalley