Many thanks to Angry Robot for a complimentary eARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Ascension picks up the story from Evocation, focusing on Rhys McGowan. Rhys, ambitious beyond measure, seemingly has it all: magical power galore, a stable of demons at his beck and call, and brooding good looks. Having faced one of the most powerful demons to save his once-and-again boyfriend, the dashing and rakish David Aristarkov, he now has everything beyond his wildest dreams: High Priesthood of the magical society to which he belongs and the love of his wife, Moira, and his again-boyfriend David. But of course, Rhys wants more: more demons to empower him, grand plans to reform the society, and finally to come out to his parents about his bisexuality. It all comes to a head when a sudden and senseless ritual threatens to expose Boston's magical communities, forcing Rhys to act decisively.

This book does not disappoint, particularly for those (like me) who loved Evocation. We shift perspectives in Ascension to focus on Rhys's story and perspective, but there is plenty of David and Moira chapters to enjoy as well. The plot moves briskly and the characterisation builds on what we already know, love, and hate about Rhys, David, and Moira. I particularly enjoyed observing how Rhys navigated his Catholic guilt with his obvious longing to be with both Moira and David. Bisexual representation in fiction is often sorely lacking but Ascension does a great job of showing how this works in terms of love, longing, and lust. And if we support bisexual rights, boy does Rhys excel in showing us bisexual wrongs: he makes a right mess of everything -- from his relationships to the society, from his lovers to his closest confidants. You still support Rhys, of course, but you get frustrated at how he just gets so much wrong. Still, he falls only to rise again -- seeing him on his literal knees seeking forgiveness and repentance from everyone shows that he can be sympathetic and redeemed. The villainy displayed is not of a particularly sophisticated sort; the antagonist is more an opportunist than a mastermind and Rhys's own flaws are mostly to blame for his trouble. Still, the tensions feel very real and the stakes are high enough to worry about our favourite occult polycule.

If it sounds like I am gushing, it's because I am. I loved Evocation and am so happy to see the story continue in Ascension. The plot decidedly focuses on Rhys's demons (metaphorical and literal) and we learn so much more about not only David and Moira, but also the amazing cast of side characters like Antoni, Cameron, and Kitty (each of whom could probably carry their own novel in this series). If there's one thing I can criticise it's only that villainy is all really rather quickly dispensed with -- demons miraculously handled, the hidden threat to the society quickly neutralised, all is forgiven. I don't expect Rhys and the others to be raked over the coals for an extended period but it all felt a little tidy and neatly wrapped up! Still, there is much to enjoy here and if you aren't already a fan of S.T. Gibson's Summoner's Circle series, you will be after reading Ascension.

Thank you endlessly to Angry Robot for the advanced copy of Ascension and the chance to return to one of my all-time favorite worlds a little early.

I fell for this world the moment I cracked open my arc of Odd Spirits. I read one chapter, put it down, preordered a physical copy, immediately ordered Evocation, and never looked back! If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for books set in Boston—but a Boston full of magic?! That’s an instant yes from me.

And don’t even get me started on these characters as I am truly and deeply obsessed with them. Rhys and Moira in Odd Spirits were already everything, and then we added David into the mix giving us the most perfect little messy magical family! Each book has added so much depth to their world: Odd Spirits gives us Rhys and Moira’s roots, Evocation dives into David’s layers, and now Ascension turns the focus back to our sad boy, Rhys.

Rhys’s journey in Ascension is tender, chaotic, powerful, and deeply personal. He’s stepping into a new role of power, trying to balance his relationships with Rhys and Moira, putting all the pressure on himself, hiding his identity from his family, trying to make sense of it all, and (of course) making quite a mess along the way! And I loved every second of it. The emotional turmoil, the tension, the growth- it’s all done so well.

Saint continues to portray polyamory with such care and intention, never losing sight of the love that binds this trio together. The magic, the mayhem, the emotional stakes—this series has it all. I love all of these characters, but Moira is my number one girl. I will be holding my breath until 2027 for her story. But until then, I’ll be rereading this series like it’s a comfort spell.

My favorite throuple! A great continuation from Evocation - my only complaint is that the characters are so well developed that the plot gets strung along behind them.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, S.T. Gibson is doing the most for LGBTQ+ supernaturals and I will not hear a word against it.

Ascension picks up where Evocation left us, with our favourite polyamourous magic people getting into all sorts of mishaps. David has mellowed out, Rhys is now High Priest and Moira is just being an absolute angel as per usual.

To make this a spoiler free review: I hate Max, Rhys needs to chill out and Moira, just keep doing what you're doing sweetie. You're doing a fantastic job.

Huge thanks to S.T. Gibson, Netgalley, and Angry Robot for this eARC. Massively enjoyed and will be absolutely devouring the rest of the series when it comes out.

Gibson does such a fantastic job of characterization and it shows once again in this book. The characters were by far the strongest part and there were times especially in the first half where I felt the plot was a bit of a let down. Felt slightly meandering which for me made the overall story not quite as strong as the first book (which was a 5 star for me). Despite this the book is still very strong especially the last 25% which I absolutely adored.

This is definitely still a first draft and there are plenty of grammar and typing errors throughout but overall a great read for fans of the series.

THEY’RE BACK, AND THEY’RE BETTER (or worse) THAN BEFORE. This book was speedy! Lightning fast and it flew by, but it was longer than Evocation (100 pages). There was never a moment of sitting in the plot, or sitting in the story, or getting comfortable and i LOVE when authors do this. Nothing seemed to happen yet everything seemed to. It was in the nuance, the unspoken things, who characters even talk to- there’s so many details to be found.

I enjoyed the ‘death at 30’ curse from last book not being the forefront of this one (in fact Rhys even says he doesn’t want to think about it yet), since three way too much happening already. Speaking of…lets talk about Mr John Michael Rhys McGowan. The tragically anxious, bisexual, polyamorous mess of a formerly renounced catholic- whom I am an absolute apologist for and believe he can do no wrong and I will continue to love him with all my heart. His relationship with David and Moira has come so far in the short space between the two books- for better or for worse, I can’t say. We’re introduced to a new set of characters all of which do a great job of slotting into Rhys’ life without taking away from how this was *his* book.

I simply have to mention the scene with Rhys in the church begging to repent, yet being unable to. This did almost have me crying, and simply in awe of his power and his faith. The internal and external battle of him versus his demons and wanting all but needing to choose highlights how much Rhys does love his job, and his relationship, and his faith, but there’s power in letting go and making sacrifices that mean nothing in the moment but could mean so much more if you believe. He constantly reminds me of my own experience with faith and religion, so Gibson writing about such a scene ins. powerful way really took me by surprise.

However saying that said…what didnt I like about this book? Gaslight, gatekeep, McGowan. There’s taking a lead on something and being in charge, and then there’s…Rhys. There was so much back and forth over Rhys ‘being better’ and actually not, and him constantly digging himself holes that he doesn’t even try to rectify. I understand that Rhys is anxious, I get that his self esteem isn’t the best, but I cannot understand purposely ignoring help being offered and just how many times he thinks he knows best, despite saying in a previous chapter he doesn’t. I could handle this a few times but the majority of the book was the constant back and forth. All things considered, this was the only major thing I didn’t like, and as said, the thing made sense from a story and character perspective. A minor thing to touch on I think was a bit of an oversight (minor spoiler); “I must have sent that email in my sleep” because no you absolutely didn’t and surely you know that, but in hindsight I liked how it set up the cracks of Rhys slipping.

Rapid fire thoughts:
- I want a Cameron book, give me that ace representation (also him and Moira…?)
- Still no idea why Leda gets a book of all the people mentioned, but im here for it
- ANTONI <3
- Nobody mention Maximilian to me, I will fight you
- It’s interesting seeing David and Leda’s unspoken relationship come to light a bit more. They’re so similar yet so strinkingly different

Im intrigued to see what happens next. This seems like an end to the Society, and the boys, but I can sense something big happening with Moira in the next one. I am truly impressed with Gibsons’ writing, and once again making the very complicated occult very easy to read, even with all the demons Rhys is hiding.

Thanks AngryRobot and NetGalley for the arc, and thank you internet trademail for finding me a physical!

This was a solid 5 stars for me.

I loved every second of this book. So much so that I couldn’t put it down. It’s dark and spellbinding, but it also goes deeper into the emotional and spiritual toll of magic when it’s used too much. You feel the weight of it on the characters. It is also at times frustrating… I wanted to shake Rhys multiple times during this book!

S.T. Gibson’s writing is as beautiful as ever, so intimate and full of emotion. The way she writes polyamory is so soft and complex and real. It never feels forced, it is messy and tender and raw in a way I rarely see done this well.

The introduction of new characters worked perfectly, and watching everyone grow (or unravel a little) was so satisfying. And David… God, I loved him before, but this book made me fall even harder. He’s everything.

There’s an underlying tension in this story… the slow creep of consequences, and the question of how much magic you can take before it starts to unravel you.

I absolutely cannot wait for the next book.

Thank you so much to Angry Robot and NetGalley for the ARC :)

Ascension es una novela de fantasía contemporánea que entrelaza magia ceremonial, relaciones poliamorosas y luchas internas espirituales, a través de la historia de Rhys McGowan, un joven sumo sacerdote ambicioso que desea devolverle la relevancia a su decadente sociedad ocultista.

Rhys quería ser reconocido entre los ocultistas del país. Este anhelo lo lleva a realizar un ritual para convocar a un demonio de la notoriedad, en una escena cargada de tensión, poder y sensualidad. La evocación resulta exitosa, pero este logro es solo el inicio de un viaje más profundo, marcado por el desgaste emocional y espiritual de Rhys, su lucha con el legado de una maldición heredada, y sus intentos por mantener unida y relevante a su organización mágica.

La historia se desarrolla en capas, mostrando la complejidad de las relaciones entre Rhys, su pareja psíquica David y su esposa bruja Moira.




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No me gustó. Esperaba que en este libro Moira también encontrara a otra pareja, pero no fue así. Se me olvidó que aquí todo gira en torno a Rhys y David, y su disfrute como los únicos que pueden tener relaciones poliamorosas. Mientras tanto, Moira, quien es fiel a su esposo a pesar de que él ama a otro. Si me vas a presentar una relación poliamorosa, espero que todas las partes tengan la oportunidad de vincularse con otras personas, pero al parecer eso no aplica para Moira.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest

I requested this book without hesitation because I really enjoyed Evocation and had to know what happened next.

As Rhys steps into his new role as High Priest of Boston’s famed and secret Society, he has a lot resting on his shoulders. With the support of his adoring witch wife, Moira, and his newly rekindled relationship with his psychic boyfriend, David, Rhys seems destined to become the most powerful High Priest the Society has ever seen. 🔮✨

But as we quickly learn… Rhys’s ambition might be his greatest strength or his ultimate downfall. 🕯️

Growing up Catholic and Mexican, I’ve always been fascinated by stories that explore the occult, especially when they blend real-world spiritual themes with fiction. So much of the worldbuilding here, angels, demons, rituals, the blurring lines between good and evil, really spoke to that part of me.

I especially appreciated how the book portrays its polyamorous relationship with realism and tenderness. It felt both grounded and moving. Reading how the three characters navigate their relationship, including its struggles and moments of reconnection, was both honest and beautiful.💔💞 That emotional arc added so much softness to balance the darker spiritual and magical undertones running through the book.

While I personally found Evocation a bit stronger in pacing, Ascension was a satisfying and thoughtful continuation. I’m really hoping we get a third book, because I’m not ready to say goodbye to this world yet. 📖💫

Huge thanks to S. T. Gibson, Angry Robot, and NetGalley for sending this magical book my way! 🖤

𝘠𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘺, 𝘙𝘩𝘺𝘴.

S. T. Gibson has done it again, folks. 𝘈𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 was just as magical and sensual as 𝘌𝘷𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, if not more!

Following Rhys in his devoted search for more power, always, was a wild and emotional ride. I loved to hate him as he hurt others, and then love him some more, for who he is with all his flaws, and through the love and forgiveness Moira and David hold for him. I also very much enjoyed seeing him get what he deserved, though.

The plot was just as tense as in the previous book, what with Rhys trying to take on more demonic 'help' than he should have; but I will say the stakes felt nowhere as high as in 𝘌𝘷𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, and that left me a bit hungry for more. I would have loved for the story to get deeper into the different demons, and the way they were affecting Rhys.

Apart from this, 𝘈𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 was everything I wanted it to be! It had the same heavy focus on the characters and their relationship which made me fall in love with the series in the first place; we got to know the secondary characters more (Leda and Antoni my beloved); and the sex scenes were lovely: none felt out of place or forced, but they all still had that tinge of guilty pleasure which I always enjoy. I also wanted to note the balance between the POV chapters (of Moira, Rhys and David) was perfect!

And, last but certainly not least, I appreciate the depiction and exploration of polyamory and relationship dynamics in this series so much. So lovely to see it represented in a way that doesn't shrink from the realistic mess that is multiple people negotiate a relationship, while still allowing for so much obvious love, tenderness and understanding to shine through. ♡

All in all, 𝘈𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 was so much fun, and I cannot recommend the 𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘳'𝘴 𝘊𝘪𝘳𝘤𝘭𝘦 series enough if you love urban fantasy, character-driven books and relationship trouble (+ Catholic guilt-ridden bisexual mess desperately in love with his badass witch wife and sarcastic-but-with-a-heart-of-gold boyfriend, which is the superior dynamic).

Infinite thanks to Angry Robots and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC of the book!

(4.5 stars rounded down to 4)

hank you Netgalley for the ARC

So, this book is similar to the first in that it is a VERY character driven story. It's all about Rhys's personal growth as a sorcerer, as a Catholic who is also bisexual, and in his relationships with David and Moira.

That being said, I really needed an underlying plot like book one had. This book really lacked action for me. I kept waiting for the demons to be a bigger plot line, but they stayed in the background the entire time. Also very minimal mention of the curse he absorbed in book one and what they plan to do about that?

Honestly, Rhys became insufferable for me, and he's lucky his friends and lovers were so quick to forgive. I just wanted to shake him. A lot.

Overall, it was fine? I feel pretty neutral about the story and the characters as a whole. I can't say I'm invested in any further continuation of the series

S. T. Gibson has done it again! This book was a decadent delight. Absolutely luscious, sexy, and everything I come to her books for. Already anxious for the next installment!

S.T. Gibson never disappoints. Such a good story. Ascension is another masterpiece from this genious! I rated this book 5 stars... and I totally recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can.

Ascension, the second book in The Summoner’s Circle series, is a dark, engaging sequel that deepens both the magic and the messiness of its characters’ lives. Rhys’s struggle to balance power, love, and the creeping shadow of his own ambition is compelling, and the occult world S.T. Gibson has built feels rich and immersive. The blend of ritual magic, interpersonal drama, and looming supernatural threats keeps the tension high, though the pacing does stumble at times—particularly when character introspection slows the plot. Some secondary characters deserved more attention, but overall, this is a strong, addictive continuation that delivers on the promise of the first book while leaving plenty to look forward to.

ARC review- 4⭐️
The second book in the series! I have been waiting to see how this dynamic was going to continue. David continues to be my favorite character (tho I do still adore Rhys and Moira in their own ways). I am very curious how the Society is going to evolve in the series with the ending. Eagerly awaiting book 3!!🧡

I loved Evocation but I think Ascension tops it for me. Rhys is just such a brilliant multi facetted character and I adored watching his story develop.

I love the main relationship in this book. David/Rhys/Moira shouldn't work but they absolutely do and it was just a total joy to read.

If you're looking for an urban fantasy romance series that feels fresh and unique, I would highly recommend picking up these books. They are a huge breath of fresh air in the genre.

A brilliant brilliant sequel!

Full review coming on my tiktok later today.

Fantastic sequel by the equally fantastic ST Gibson. I loved the first book and this one didn’t disappoint. Packed with mystery and magic and all things great that should be in a book.

Ascension was filled with the same dark occult aesthetic I love so much in Evocation. This time around we got to follow the ambitious perfectionist, Rhys as he spirals out of control. I also really enjoyed the further development of Moira and David's relationship, especially the emphasis on their relationship outside of their relationships with Rhys. They have such an open and wholesome dynamic, in contrast to the darkness and tension throughout the rest of the book.

Ascension by S.T. Gibson brings us back to the intriguing world of The Summoner’s Circle, and while returning to these characters was comforting, the book left me conflicted. There were moments I genuinely enjoyed—especially the deeper exploration of Rhys’s struggles as High Priest and the continued development of the polyamorous dynamic between him, Moira, and David. However, much of the story felt like a retread of old conflicts, particularly the recurring communication issues that never seem to fully resolve. Just as the relationships take a step forward, they stumble back, making the emotional payoff feel uneven.

The plot itself had potential—I appreciated the societal tensions and the mystery of the summoning circle—but it often took a backseat to the characters’ internal dramas. While I understand the appeal of character-driven stories, this one leaned too heavily into repetitive relationship struggles without enough forward momentum to keep me fully engaged. Moira, in particular, felt underutilized; her role often reduced to soothing everyone else’s problems rather than getting her own meaningful arc.

That said, Gibson’s writing remains engaging, and there were still sweet, tender moments that reminded me why I loved the first book. Fans of slow-burn, emotionally messy relationships might enjoy this more than I did, but if you’re hoping for significant plot progression or fresh dynamics, Ascension might leave you wanting. I’ll keep reading the series—there’s enough here to stay curious—but I hope the next installment takes bigger risks.

This was lovely. I relate to Rhys so bad - his anxieties, his obsession with having his name remembered in the history of sorcerers. David was as hot as ever and Moira as lovely as in the first book.
There’s not particularly a lot of plot But if you like character driven stories with the backdrop of secret magical societies this one is for you.