S.T. Gibson the genius that you are. I had a marvellous time reading Evocation and could not wait for this book and it absolutely delivered. The continuation of the relationships, the growth of our characters and the communication!!!! It was everything, I am screaming for more!

Thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot Books for this ARC! All thoughts are my own and left voluntarily.

Themes: Spiritualism; Relationships; Fortune-Telling; Tarot; Queer; Polyamory; Secret Societies; Magical Systems; Religious Traditions; Divinity; Magical Communities.

Ascension offers a much slower continuation of the series, shifting focus from David to Rhys and diving deeply into his internal struggles, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome with realistic honesty. Unlike Evocation's fast-paced plot, Ascension leans heavily into character psychology. Hence, the narrative is character-driven than plot-driven. Rhys’s rise to High Priest is less about power and more about pressure and weight of expectations (basically, imo he gaslights himself a lot). He’s a difficult character - arrogant, self-destructive and often frustrating, but I can appreciate his complexity and character growth nonetheless. Yet sadly, after reading his book, I understand that I'm still not one of the target audience members who are in love with him (which is ironic for me as it's his book for crying out loud haha). The worldbuilding feels richer here, and I appreciate the aspect of magic/non-magic community dynamics.

Even though it's a solid sequel and holds its own, I was more invested by drama, magic and mayhem in Evocation. There were also some moments that puzzled me here. And as I mentioned in my previous reviews (Evocation and Odd Spirits), I much more preferred Moira and David's chapters than Rhys's. A lot of times it felt like his thoughts and actions are going back-and-forth, and a lot of problems are dragged out. Plus, as I was annoyed with him since the first 2 stories, the feeling was still persistent here.

EVOCATION (David), ASCENSION (Rhys), DIVINATION (Moira, 2027), and TRANSMUTATION (Leda, 2028).

Actual rating: 3.5

I really wanted to like this one but it just wasn't as good as the first one. I struggled to get into it and kept putting it down to read something else instead. My favorite part was the throuple stuff that really took a backseat until the last 5%. I didn't really care for the mystery plot and the resolution was meh. All of the characters felt like they lost any of the growth they made in the first book so it was frustrating to go back to dumb conflicts and lack of communication. I think I still would read another book in the series since I like the characters just hoping for a better plot.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Admittedly, Rhys wasn’t my favorite in Evocation. He felt like the chaotic side character I loved watching implode from a safe distance. But in Ascension, with the spotlight squarely on him, I found myself unexpectedly invested. This is very much his book, for better and for worse.
As the newly crowned High Priest, Rhys is juggling political power, magical responsibility, a psychic boyfriend, and a witch wife, plus a few too many demons, both literal and personal. The result is a high-stakes, high-drama ride through Boston’s occult underworld, dripping with arcane detail and sharp emotional edges.
This sequel leans into everything that made the first book work: secret societies, messy relationships, morally questionable rituals. The writing is confident and stylish, with some deliciously dark set pieces and a few scenes that genuinely surprised me. And while Rhys’s ego still grated at times, his vulnerability and ambition made for a compelling and occasionally tragic portrait of a man who just might destroy himself in the name of love.
Pacing lags slightly in the middle, and not every emotional beat hit as hard as I hoped, but the final act more than made up for it. A satisfying continuation that deepens the world and raises the stakes without losing its core charm.
I’ll definitely be reading book three. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Having read the first book in this series, (and every other book S.T Gibson has ever published) I had high hopes going into this sequel. And my god were they met. This book does such a good job of adding to the established world of the first without feeling repetitive. It can be difficult to add new characters in a sequel and make them compelling, but I felt that all additions were just as compelling as our core cast. And now I have to patiently wait for the next installment.

Thanks so much to Angry Robot and Netgalley for the arc!

This book deals with Rhys having to shoulder the pressure of being what he always wanted to be: High Priest of the Society. We see all the struggles he goes through, all the doubt and anxiety that he has about filling up this role. The immense power that he has to carry to be able to be the leader to a whole society of magical people. He also struggles a lot with his ambition, to amount even more power, to be the most powerful sorcerer.

And admist all of this Rhys, Moira and David also go through changes in their relationship. Navigating polyamory, and how it affects other parts of their respective lives.

I do also love that we got to see more of side-characters like Leda, Antoni, Nathan and Kitty. And i´m really excited to see more of Leda in her own book, book 4 Transmutation!

Overall i think i liked Ascension a bit less than Evocation or Odd Spirits. The main reason for that is that the plot of the book was underwhelming to me. This book mainly focused on the evolving relationship between Rhys, Moira and David. And where i do like that ( i will ALWAYS eat up cozy scenes between Moira and David ), i do also wish that the overall plot would have been a little more entertaining. I especially have to know more about a certain Mephisto ... hint hint

There are a few things I know for sure: the moon controls the tides, carbs are sacred, and I would read Saint Gibson’s shopping list if she let me. I’ve already offered to bribe her for it. Honestly, it might be the only thing that could tide me over between releases. Because there is nothing — I repeat, nothing — that this woman writes that I won’t devour like a witch-starved gremlin with a library card and a blood pact.

Ascension is poetic chaos at its finest. This series already had me by the throat, but Rhys’s descent into ambition-fueled meltdown territory? Inject it directly into my veins. Saint doesn’t just write books — she writes emotional autopsies. Every line feels like a quiet blade under the skin, exposing desire, resentment, devotion, grief, and the messy grey of being human. And she somehow makes it sexy.

Yes, Rhys is insufferable. He’s moody, broody, obsessed with control and convinced no one can carry the weight but him. So naturally, I loved him even more. Watching him spiral under the pressure of leadership, love, and demonic deals felt like watching a lit candle burn at both ends while pretending it’s just ambiance. And don’t get me started on David and Moira — chaotic good and ethereal rage and holy compassion all wrapped up in glorious queer magic. Their dynamic is so well written I forgot I was reading a book and not eavesdropping on sacred pillow talk.

Look, I know I’m biased. This series is pure soul-food for the queer, witchy, overachieving heart. The prose? Lush. The pacing? Perfect. The character arcs? Devastating in all the right ways. It is my life’s mission to earn a seat in Saint’s coven, or at the very least be granted visitation rights to her character outlines.

Ascension is everything I hoped for and more — dark, devastating, reverent, and real. If you need me, I’ll be rereading the last chapter and trying to hex time into speeding up until the next book.

I was so excited to dive back into this mystical world with Moira, David and Rhys. Their polyamorous coupledom alone is a captivating plot, but adding the Boston magical underground, a snowy trip to VT and a shout-out to my favorite real life coffee shop in Salem and it's a given that this book is going to be 5-stars for me.

There's so many plot elements this book outside the complex relationship aspects: internal conflict within Rhys, jealously with Max/David/Rhys, how to be a leader, managing reputation, and solving a little who did it mystery. It sounds overwhelming but you have to trust the storytelling that ST Gibson weaves together and just enjoy the ride. And it's so worth it. I've been waiting since the early pages of book one for the damn last chapter in this book and the wait was so worth it.

While the first part of this book did drag for me, I did enjoy it. I love the characters of Moria, David & Rhys and at this point if they are in it I will read it. This isn’t a series that’s going to be for everyone but I think those who love it will be in it for the long haul. I do wish we could see more of Max however.

I was so unbelievably happy that the incredible characters and intriguing plot continue in full force. In my opinion the reason this series continues to haunt my mind is the complex character dynamics. I don't think I've seen polyamorous relationships done so well in a series and im so excited to see how Moria, Rhys and David relationships will evolve. How will I survive until the next installment in do not know.

This was a great book!
I was dying to read this the minute I finished Evocation, as I wasn’t ready to let these characters go. I loved the change in Rhys, how he literally faced his demons and overcame them, and how his relationships came out stronger because of it.
I still love David—he was so much happier in this book than in the first, and I was happy he was still so much a part of this story.
I would love to see more of Moria, as I don’t feel these two books went into very much depth about her.

The story here was exciting, and I loved the way it all came to an end. There were some tense moments where I wasn’t sure everything was going to be okay, but through love and hard work, the three made it happen.

I really hope there’s more to this series—I still want to know how they overcome David’s family curse!

This was absolutely amazing! 5/5 stars! I was a little scared at first that I wouldn't enjoy this as much as the first book but I was happy to be wrong! I really enjoyed the main three's character development and also the development of their relationship with one another. It was also nice to get more interaction with the other important people in their lives such as Kitty, Antoni, Nathan, and Leda. I enjoyed this book and can't wait to see everyone in Moira's book! 🥰

I enjoyed much less than I enjoyed Evocation. I have it rated 4 stars because I did enjoy it, but I feel like after sitting with it my rating might change. I really did enjoy seeing Rhys, David, and Moira progress as a throuple and did like the insight we got into the different magic sects. However I just thought the plot was lacking. It was super hard to get into until about 60% of the way through the book. I found Rhys to be very annoying, and I understand that was the point to show his progression of demon overload but it just reaches a point where his self-sacrificing just got too much. The plot of the book was literally Rhys miscommunicating or refusing entirely to communicate with everyone. I did not care for David's relationship with Max AT ALL, It just made me feel very icky, despite knowing that technically nothing wrong was occurring with it. Moira was perfect as always and really shined throughout the book. I am so excited for her book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot for allowing me to read this ARC in return for my review. All opinions are my own.

Rhys McGowan, now as High Priest of Boston's premiere Secret Society, husband to his adoring witch wife Moira, and partner to David - his psychic rival-turned-boyfriend, Rhys is finally at peace. But when a strange ritual rocks Boston's occult community, and opens the Society up to sabotage, Rhys delves even deeper into the dark world of demon-summoning. He's used to carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, but 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 was so excited to be back with David, Rhys and Moira and I had anticipated this release. I really enjoyed the way S.T Gibson explored polyamory as it is something that doesn’t really appear in other books that I read. It was very realistic how the characters navigated it and how it affects other aspects within their lives and other characters. The ending was satisfying and I am really excited for Moira’s book.

Even though this is Rhys’s book, he is not my favourite character. I much preferred when it was David or Moira’s chapters. I just found myself getting annoyed and frustrated with him and how he handled things. Also Max, I actually really enjoyed his character until the revelation (which I didn’t see coming) and that annoyed me because I did genuinely liked him and David.

The array of magic systems and occult practices are very well written and I love reading about them. Be sure to read the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book as there are quite a lot of them. Think I preferred Evocation to this one but it was still good nonetheless. I look forward to book 3!

Again, thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot for allowing me to read this ARC.

Rhys McGowan has it all: his hard-earned High Priesthood, the steadfast love of his wife Moira and his newly rediscovered romance with David, and his own iron-clad will and ambition. But as he sets out to make his name known and the Society a respected force to be reckoned with, has he taken on more than he can handle?

Full of the usual carefully constructed introspection, take a deep dive with Saint into the rich inner lives of these characters as we explore their relationships and the tension of their emotions. The build is subtle, the release is sublime as she plays out the threads to conclusion, pulling her characters through growth into transformation.

Deep and hard-hitting topics: reckoning with the aftermath of trauma and how your childhood never really leaves you; the fragility and beauty of trust; and how love is ultimately, transformatively holy. Beautiful stuff.

I was not totally convinced by “Evocation” so I was dubious about this book. Instead, this second instalment in the series convinced me. It’s funny and so powerful.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.

Ascension, the second instalment of the Summoner's Circle tetralogy, follows Rhys navigating the balance between being a powerful High Priest, a supportive and present husband, and a loving boyfriend. You will have to read the series to know the rest - conscious some of my follows may not have even read the first instalment. 🔮

I really enjoyed this book! It was such a fun read with wonderful characters and definitely felt like I was watching a magical CW show (as described by S.T. Gibson - I am BEGGING a studio to please adapt the series 🙏) The book is filled with so much tension, drama, magic, religious guilt, and societal exceptions. The best part is, it has a very, very, very satisfying ending, imo! 👀🤭

I gave this book 4 stars. The reason it is not a 5, for me, is because I would have liked more descriptions on certain things. However, I know that is a personal preference, and long, lengthy descriptions would not fit the vibe of a fun magic CW show. Everything else was perfect vibes, and I would definitely recommend it. Plus, bonus points for mentioning My Chem! 🖤

I honestly miss Moria, Rhys, David, and Leda so much - I NEED book three ASAP 😭 If for any reason you have not started the series, you have some time to catch up. Ascension releases July ✨️

Thank you to @stgibsonauthor , @netgalley , & @angryrobotbooks

I quite enjoyed Evocation last year, and while I didn't like the follow up as much (I'm giving this 3.5 star rounded up to 4), I do think it's a solid follow up to the first book.

Where Evocation focuses primarily on David, Ascension focuses on Rhys after he's assumed the role of high priest. In the first book, Rhys was already not my favorite character, but here he truly was trying at times. I do think it worked out in the end and this book is really about delving deep into his flaws to build him back up again at the end.

This book is a bit more character focused than Evocation. Where Evocation had clear stakes with David's curse and his impending death, Ascension is more quiet and at times I wasn't really sure where the plot was going. It really is focused on Rhys becoming high priest and taking on all the responsibilities and not doing well. There isn't as much of an external force they're up against here, it's more Rhys vs Rhys, and also his demons. As in, literal demons he bound to himself as a sorcerer that are starting to cause trouble. In the middle there were definitely moments where I was completely done with Rhys, but I do think the book works as showing this horrible person who is also crumbling under the weight of responsibilities and then having him learn to do better.

My main criticism is that the book goes on for a bit too long after the main climax. I think these scenes do add to the character arc as it is Rhys doing some more things he was avoiding due to his issues, but because the main climax already happened I was kind of ready for the book to wrap up and might have moved some of these things to the sequel.

Our favourite magical love triangle is back and this time round we;re mainly focussed on Rhys, newly crowned high Priest of their magical order, wife to Moira and David's boyfriend. There was more of the same I've come to expect from this series, side characters are getting more fleshed out, internal struggles of Rhys are amplified (my goodness that man is a Debbie Downer on himself). A good addition and I'm ready for book 3 now please!

Ascension by S.T. Gibson ARC: 4/5 ⭐️ Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this eARC!

If your review for Evocation was anything like mine (my exact reaction was “I love messy gays”), buckle up because book two is even GAYER and MESSIER!!!

Loved:
- I absolutely loved reading from Rhys’s POV. I can so deeply relate to Rhys and his fears, anxieties, and motivations. Ascension was written for the anxiety-ridden overachievers who are afraid to rest and will never quite feel content with their accomplishments, because it’s not really an accomplishment if you expected it of yourself.
- When I think of Rhys in “Ascension,” I think of the lyrics to “this is me trying” by TS, and that quote “everything I have ever let go of has claw marks on it.”
- This book takes on a darker tone than the first of the series, and I loved this change. Book 1 was good, but I really appreciated the more mysterious, sinister, and higher-stakes vibes of book 2.
- I was not expecting Max but I loved the chemistry, drama, and tension he brought to the story!
- Gibson continues to develop each of the characters and their gloriously messy and chaotic relationships (platonic, romantic, and everything in between) with one another. I loved seeing Moira come into her self more in this book, and after this book I am dying to read Leda’s book!!

Didn’t love:
- I’ll keep this point vague because of spoilers, but I expected to get some sort of clarification about what came of a plot line from book 1. I was a bit disappointed that this plot point was only briefly mentioned near the end. I was under the impression that it was still a present issue but it wasn’t really addressed much and only in passing.
- A lot of events take place off page and are summarized to readers second-hand from the POVs of our main characters, which is kind of a bummer. I was really hoping to see more plot-wise regarding the news issue.

Overall though, this was a really great sequel to the series that adds some fascinating new developments and characters to the Society, and I’m so excited for the world to experience and love Rhys as much as I did in this book. 🖤