I'm torn. If I loved the first book of the series while reading it (it was addictive), my hype dwindled with time. Still, I wanted to read the second book, especially because I was curious to see how Rhys was going to evolve. My expectations were met, and I don't know if I am glad they were.

Rhys is the kind of character with quite a lot of ego and pride, with the other side of the coin : lots and lots of insecurities. It is realistic. 'Ascension' follow his journey as High Priest (it doesn't go well, as should have been expected). Franlky, he annoyed me a lot. Moira did, too, in her own way. Not that they are bad or badly written, or not even because they are incoherent, but because I just couldn't grasp at something I liked enough about them while reading. Even David, who is a more classic annoying guy, ended up annoying me with his decisions. Or rather, how he made his decision.

As for the romance, it works. Was I invested? Not really, not even with David's new exploration. I dont' know why I wasn't really taken this time. Maybe because miscommunication and pride were so much the centrepiece of the trouble, and I don't deal well with it. Again, it's realistic, but it only brings bitterness in me, when a character refuses to get help and isolate themselves. It does say more about me than anything else.
I do think, though, that the reward after the pain wasn't great enough to compensate, and it played it my feeling at the end of the book.

Like the first book, the story is more about the characters' journey and less about plot. It is the kind of story I like better usually, when the plot still carries a bit of the story. Here, it doesn't. Don't get me wrong, it's still a good story, in it's own way. Simply, I don't think it is my kind of story at the moment. The world the intrigue is set in is ours, but with various kind of beliefs and powers. Yet, I can't really see how it all play together, how it fits with the mundane world or anything. Is it bad? Again, no, not for the right reader.

'Ascension' will, I think, please readers who loved the first book and appreciated Rhys's character, as well as everybody's flaws. It is a quick and flowing read, with quite a lot of thought put into the characters' journey, and only for that, I can respect it.

Darkly seductive and emotionally explosive—Ascension is urban fantasy at its most addictive.

S.T. Gibson delivers pure magic in Ascension, the electrifying sequel to Evocation and a masterclass in how to raise both the stakes and the pulse. With Rhys McGowan now stepping into the role of High Priest, this book pulls you deep into a richly conjured world of secret societies, demon pacts, and dangerously complicated love.

Rhys is a mesmerizing protagonist—equal parts ambition and vulnerability—and watching him navigate power, polyamory, and personal demons (both literal and figurative) is nothing short of thrilling. The emotional tension crackles on every page, and Gibson’s prose is as lush and lyrical as ever, weaving dark magic with human frailty in a way that feels almost alchemical.

This isn’t just a supernatural mystery—it’s a brutally honest exploration of love, ambition, and identity. The relationships are messy, the stakes are apocalyptic, and every character feels like they’ve been carved from starlight and blood.

S.T. Gibson proves again why they are one of the most compelling voices in urban fantasy. Ascension doesn’t just expand the world of The Summoner’s Circle—it deepens it, darkens it, and dares you to look away. Spoiler: you won’t be able to.

S.T. Gibson delivers pure magic in Ascension, the electrifying sequel to Evocation and a masterclass in how to raise both the stakes and the pulse. With Rhys now stepping into the role of High Priest, this book pulls you deep into a richly conjured world of secret societies, demon pacts, and dangerously complicated love.

Rhys is a mesmerizing protagonist—equal parts ambition and vulnerability—and watching him navigate power, polyamory, and personal demons (both literal and figurative) is nothing short of thrilling. The emotional tension crackles on every page, and Gibson’s prose is as lush and lyrical as ever, weaving dark magic with human frailty in a way that feels almost alchemical.

This isn’t just a supernatural mystery—it’s a brutally honest exploration of love, ambition, and identity. The relationships are messy, the stakes are apocalyptic, and every character feels like they’ve been carved from starlight and blood.

S.T. Gibson proves again why they are one of the most compelling voices in urban fantasy. Ascension doesn’t just expand the world of The Summoner’s Circle—it deepens it, darkens it, and dares you to look away. Spoiler: you won’t be able to.

ST Gibson can write heartfelt, realistic relationships and complex, complicated people.
In this sense, I would say if you like books by Olivie Blake, you should try ST Gibson!

A polyamorous relationship, the occult, secret societies, and demons - both literal and internal.

<b>If Rhys felt like diving into the ocean, wrapping herself up in enveloping, luscious depth and regulating calm, David felt more like the summer sun beating down on her while she sunbathed topless. He got her drunk on optimism and made feel like the winter would never come, like she could live bold and brazen and free forever.
</b>
This book is more about Rhys and his development as a character. He is someone who craves perfection. He is ambitious and craves control. Now he has achieved the position of High Priest, how much further can he push himself with summoning, running and expanding the society, and managing the balance of a threesome.

<b>He hadn't asked to be born with all this ambition inside him, just in the same way he hadn't asked to be born bisexual, or born with anxiety that flared up at the slightest provocation.
Even as a small child, he had devoted hours to studying the rules of checkers and hopscotch to ensure he could become the best player possible, then dissolved into infuriated tears when other children broke the rules. By twelve, he was a straight-A student with his eye on a select handful of elite colleges, reading at an eleventh-grade level and often lying awake worrying that his science project wasn't up to par. By fifteen, he was the most dedicated altar boy at his parish, not to mention a budding occultist who spent nights reading Agrippa under the covers with flashlight until his eyes stung.</b>

Moira, per usual, is a badass. She has the patience of a saint, but at the same time she won’t let other people run over her. I hope one of the next books focuses on her.

David gets entangled with someone from his past and whilst he is doing better with dealing with his familiar trauma, he must sort out his entangled emotions.

We didn’t get much on the whole passed-on curse which was the plot of book one so this felt slightly filler.
There were more spicy scenes in this one which were more descriptive.

This is set to be a four book series with the novella, Odd Spirits, a bonus!

Physical arc gifted by Angry Robot.

Thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot for the arc!

🌟🌟🌟✨/5

I can't say I didn't have fun with this because I'm really attached to the characters and love David and Moira (Rhys, not so much) with every fibre of my being but this did feel a lot like a filler. The second installment in S. T. Gibson's Summoner's Circle series follows Rhys and his ambitions after he took up the mantle of High Priest in Evocation.

As always, I appreciate Gibson for putting the trigger warnings in the beginning (she's brilliant, I love her, but her books are not for everyone). As with Evocation, Ascension features a wide array of magic systems and occult practices written with respect and sensitivity. I loved reading about them against the backdrop of Boston. Gibson is a master at writing complex relationships and it shows in every book of hers. It reflects not only in prominent romantic scenes but also in tiny gestures of affection and caring between our magical trio. Moira, as always, stole the show. Side characters like Leda, Nathan and Kitty, and Antoni had their moments to shine (I already love Leda so much and I'm very excited for her to be the main focus of book 4!).

Here's where the book let me down: There was a lot less drama and angst in this one. Except for the final two chapters, the relationship between the three doesn't progress anywhere. We do get to see lots of lovely moments of friendship between David and Moira. The plot, too, is a bit uneventful. I don't love or care for Rhys as much as David and Moira so while I could understand his ambitions and thirst for power and his longing to be seen, I couldn't completely resonate with it or feels for him in his moments of despair. It's just a me thing though, and I'm sure there are lots of Rhys fans who'd love this a lot more than I did.

While I enjoyed this a bit less than Evocation, I have high hopes for the next two books! Book 3 follows Moira (my absolute favorite character) and I can't wait to get my hands on it.

Just as good as book 1
Loving this series it’s spooky witchy and all types of adventures if you love a good witchy vibe book this series is for you

Thank you to Angry Robots and Netgalley for the eArc in exchange for a review! (i screamed when i saw this arrived.)

Where do I even begin here? I don't want to keep repeating myself, but Saint has done it again— this time as a sequel to Evocation, one of my favourite books of 2024. I genuinely can't get enough of her writing, which has lead me to try to find everything she's ever published at this point, and I'm so glad that I got to read this one a little bit earlier.

This story follows Rhys this time, he's High Priest, the weight of the world is on his shoulders, and now he has to navigate his relationship with his wife, Moira, and his boyfriend, David. This story explored their relationship incredibly well and my heart was so full of love for all of them; particularly David and Moira's platonic love. (There's a chapter close to the end that made me SO INSANELY EMOTIONAL I LOVE THEM SO MUCH)

Rhys has to struggle through his own ambitions and how they affect his personal life; lots of angsty angst here where my face was hidden behind my hands multiple times. It was brutal to see his downfall and the insane choices he made, but that's made his healing journey that much more delicious to read.

Side characters were incredible once again; Leda was SO GOOD and I found I have so much love for Antoni (yearner), Kitty, and Nathan (my resident stoner couple). I love a slice of found family and honestly, Rhys deserves to have some friends, even if he's really terrible at maintaining them.

Everything was incredibly interesting, including all the types of sorcerer, and just the inner workings of the upkeep of a polyamorous relationship. I particularly enjoyed when a certain character was thrown into the dynamic and how they all reacted to this wrench in the cogs. I honestly wanted to explore more from my boy Max but we vibe honestly.

Anyway, next book is probably Moira's and I'm SO EXCIRED TO READ ABOUT MY WITCHY WIFE!!!!!

I really appreciate the author putting trigger warnings at the beginning of the book. I really enjoyed Evocation so I was so excited when I saw I was given the chance to read Ascension.

I loved that the characters returned for a dark and exciting adventure! Rhys decides to dig dipper into the dark world of demon summoning. Will the strain of managing spirits and his loved ones exploring other people push him to the brink?

This is a great story!! I was hooked the entire time and didn’t see the twist coming at all! I’m looking forward to the next book! I absolutely love S.T. Gibson’s writing!

Thank you so much Angry Robot, NetGalley and S.T. Gibson for the eARC!

Rating: ✨✨✨
Publication Date: July 8 2025

#Ascension #NetGalley

This series is so much fun. The main appeal is the characters and their interpersonal drama. The actual plot points matter much less to me. But the characters are richly developed and watching them dance around each other’s idiosyncrasies is fun.
The only complaint I have is that I think every character gets a little too “therapy-speak” when they’re problem solving relationship dynamics. However, that’s also probably true to life with the queer community tbh.
I like people who go through so much turmoil and angst that they go through a spiritual transformation, so Rhys’ whole arc worked really well for me honestly.

A solid second book in the series. Rhys sometimes made me want rip my hair out with the way he was going but overall enjoyed it very much especially with several of the reveals. Some of the book was awkwardly paced but I enjoyed it overall.

Thank you to Angry Robot Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC!

Rating: 4.5 stars

Ascension picks up from where Evocation left off, this time focusing on Rhys as he navigates the pressures of High Priesthood and adapting to a polyamorous relationship, all whilst a strange public summoning circle appears etched on the ground and fingers point at the city's magicians.

Delving back into Boston's occult scene felt like coming home. Much like Evocation, Ascension focuses on the characters and their relationships, with Rhys, David and Moira all providing points of view. I loved the developments in this book. We see both Rhys/Moira and Rhys/David in some intimate moments and the blossoming love between Moira and David - they've come far from the hatred of book one! When Max, a new character, is thrown into the mix, there's some inevitable tension, boundaries to be drawn and tested, and with it we see David's vulnerability and a rare awestruck quality as he fawns over the older man.

In terms of plot there was certainly enough to keep me engaged, though it is slow paced like Evocation. Much of the interest comes from how Rhys deals with the situation and how it impacts his interpersonal relationships, but I really enjoyed getting more insight into the workings of the sorcerers, new society drama and lots of demon shenanigans.

Whilst the Aristarkhov curse is mentioned, it isn't addressed. I can only assume that it'll be a problem for another book. What we do get is a public spectacle that kickstart's Rhys' need to control everything and everyone around him, tremendous amounts of bad decisions, lots of Catholic guilt and a stable full of hungry demons.

This was such a fun book and I miss the characters already. The ending set up the next installment nicely with some interesting questions, and I can't wait to return to Boston again.

thank you netgalley for the arc! at times "ascension" felt like a retelling of "odd spirits" where rhys does something over his head because of pride and ambition, doesn't communicate with moira (or anyone else for that matter), things get worse, rhys and moira fight and make up. and then repeat. i was fine with it in "odd spirits" because i thought they had fixed their issues but apparently they haven't. this was a repetition and a circle of lack of communication and trust, and a dire need of couples counseling. frankly, i'm disappointed that they didn't get divorced. i liked them as a couple and their dynamic and the polyamory but after "ascension", either go to therapy or break up. you're clearly not good together.

on the other hand, the book reads like the obligatory tying it together second novel in a trilogy. except this isn't a trilogy. things didn't pick up until 60-70% and although the build up to Rhys' ruin was necessary, it left me underwhelmed and bored.

while i understand that it's (kinda) unavoidable to gave a story set in present day without involving technology and social media or pop culture references, it ruined the immersion to constantly read about emails, group chats, influencers, note apps and, worst of all, who is doing what on instagram and tiktok. it was off-putting and unserious.

i liked that we got to see more of leda. her character and vibe were a little different from how we first saw her in "evocation". it feels like there are layers to her which is fine and i look forward to learning more about her (especially since she's getting a whole book to herself) but sometimes the dialogues with her (and david and max) felt like HR was in the room. instead of being vulnerable and sensitive, certain lines felt disingenuous and performative for the sake of going "see, these people understand consent and have emotional intelligence".

max's introduction as a love interest and eventual antagonist was good, and i liked that we saw more of david but i expected M/M/M toxic yaoi and was left with soup. saint could have build up more on it instead of rhys summoning more demons over and over again.

part of the dissatisfaction also comes from the fact that after one novel and prequel novella i still don't know if magic is widely known or not in this fictional world. i thought it was hidden, only visible for the people in the knowhow but in "ascension" newspapers are talking about summoning rituals and know (maybe?) about the different societies and magical practices. i really didn't understand why it was such a problem for a random pentagram and a papier-mâché doll to be reported in the media. why did rhys insist on making a public statement when the whole news report sounded like it was in the funny pages and might be kids playing a prank or something else mundane? if the world doesn't know about sorcerers, why bother make a statement about it and try to clear your name? i didn't see or feel an actual urgency in this, it was strange to have this as the main conflict and trigger to rhys' downfall. i was expecting something more, more pentagrams showing up, weirder things left in the circles, etc. instead it was this one (1) instance and that's it. the whole of boston probably forgot about it by midday but not the society.

the novel had everything i like about a s.t. gibson story but it felt somehow drawn back and editorialized. her work used to be erotic and challenging, here not even the sex scenes made up for the underwhelming conflict. most of them were cut short or briefly mentioned which was weird because the series is advertised as sexy and steamy, and all i got was a few semi-explicit scenes (not counting the one in the finale, i was skeptical if we were ever going to get there, and was so glad saint delivered), and a difference of 6 years labeled as "age play".

i'm giving "ascension" a rating of 3 and hope the next installment picks up the pace and doesn't have the same conflicts and rushed last minute summoning circles to resolve a spirit issue. i'm intrigued to see how rhys/moira/david progress on their relationship after the latest development, and also this new tap in magic which makes sense for rhys' character.

Now the High Priest of Boston's famed and secret Society, Rhys McGowan has a lot on his shoulders. With the help of his adoring witch wife, Moira, and his newly rekindled relationship with psychic boyfriend, David, Rhys is destined to become the most powerful High Priest ever.
♡
I just got to spend the afternoon with Rhys, Moira, and David, and I'm beyond grateful. I knew going in that I'd love this, but love it MORE than Evocation? GASP, I know!

I was four pages deep; Rhys McGowan was trying magic for the first time, hidden away in the sacristy at fifteen, and I was hooked, lined, and sunk before it even started. You all know I have a love affair with Gibson's prose, the way that the images paint themselves like a fully produced movie in front of my eyes, but the religious aspect of this, the details? I swear I could smell the dragon blood incense and myrrh with how the pictures formed in my mind.
Rhys is harder this time around, more sure and steadfast in his ability. Several instances through this story left me with full-on body shivers and goosebumps by the sheer power Rhys was exhibiting, but pride will always be one's downfall, no matter who you are.

Simultaneously, Moira and David? I am so in love with them. The way their relationship evolved during this was a joy to experience. Where Moira is the sunshine, David is the moon. Where she's joy, he's indifference. She's philanthropy to his misanthropy. They evolved in such a beautiful way in this book, sharing a secret language of touches and looks. Being the best of friends, but more intimate. Not only sharing Rhys but sharing life. It has its ups and downs, like the team they were always meant to be. It makes me wildly emotional for some reason.

The plot kept me hooked all the way through; I could not put it down and read it in one sitting. It flows so effortlessly, even with the plot thickening, you won't even see the twist coming. You think you do, but you don't. You know it feels wrong, something is off, but you don't know what until it's way too late.

Thoroughly entertained, completely in love, and slightly obsessed!


Ascension is out July 8th!
Thank you, Angry Robot and S. T. Gibson, for a copy of this ARC!

Did I immediately have to re-read book 1 to jump right into this one? Yes. did I go through every emotion and then some? also yes.
This was one of my most highly anticipated sequels and let me tell you, It deserves every star, it's going to stay with me long after. I wish I could give it a 10.

Thank you to Angry Robot and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC with my most anticipated sequel to date!

I loved this book, even if it put me through a roller coaster of emotions. Saint just has a way with characters that just want me to hold their hand and suffer through the lows of trauma and hardship and the highs of the joy of life and love and every moment in between.

This book follows our (maybe not so always) good little boy Rhys right after the events of book 1, when he is finally in the position of power that he always wanted. While other books may TELL us that the guy is doing the wrong thing for reasons he thinks are right, or TELLING us that really he's being a selfish power hungry asshole, with this being Rhys' story we get it from his mind. Let me tell you, Rhys is an anxious and depressed man. Even if you did not agree with his actions, Saint does such a good job fleshing out these characters that you're like wait...that is Rhys though.

This book is also messssyyyyyy. We see Moira, Rhys, and David trying to settle into their poly relationship, we get the introduction of an new relationship in the dynamic, and there's also drama just with some of the side characters to. Is it the most healthy dynamic I have ever seen? No. But does it make sense for some 20-somethings trying to figure out what their new poly relationship looks like? Yes. There is guilt and jealously and angst and some pettiness, but also moments of compassion (and spicy passion!~) and understanding and love, and that's just on being human.

I love where this book ended and I absolutely cannot wait to pick up the next book!

absolutely incredible, jaw dropping , perfection. i’ve been eagerly awaiting this book and not a single minute of anticipation was wasted. this was dark , sexy , and sad exactly as promised. it wasn’t easy watching rhys go through the wringer but i appreciate the dedication of the author to show that even when angry and disillusioned with him david and moira were always on his side. this trip was no doubt the heart and soul of this book as they were with evocation. i can’t wait to see what other dramatic shenanigans they get into when moiras book comes out.

i would and already have recommend (ed) this book to every single person and stranger i know.

Thank you to both Angry Robot and to NetGalley for the ARC!

I told myself I was ready to be hurt again, and man, did this book hurt in all the right ways. The characters grow and develop, moving from strong, dynamic end of book 1 states to gain even greater complexity, and yet there is still space for a strong supporting cast that I desperately hope get even more development in future books. Not because they need it to make up for being ignored in the past, but because they already feel like full characters who deserve books for themselves.

What I will absolutely recommend is that if you are the kind of person who blushes easily, this might not be the book to read at work. Whether this is from personal experience or not, I'll let you judge.

The writing itself was evocative (heh) as always, and the pacing left me saying "just one more chapter" until I found myself at the end of the book!
(Also, if you decide to release a tarot card set at some point, please tell me because I need that in my life)

****Spoilers****
I really enjoyed Rhys' pivot to theurgy, it really feels in line with his character and seems like the perfect springboard into the next book.

I absolutely adored this book. Thank you to Angry Robot for my advanced copy. ST Gibson has done it again with the second book in the Summoners Circle series. I feel we get more of a backstory on the characters and their flaws. The new plot point was super interesting and I really enjoyed the characters all working it out together, and some characters showing up to be not who they seemed.
I'm really excited for the third in the series.

5⭐️

Lush, dark, and dangerously addictive 🤍

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Angry Robot for the ARC of Ascension! As someone who was completely spellbound by A Dowry of Blood, I had high expectations going into this — and somehow, S.T. Gibson exceeded every single one of them. I loved Ascension even more.

Rhys McGowan is one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve read in a long time.
He’s magnetic, ambitious, deeply flawed, and utterly unforgettable. Watching him navigate his new role as High Priest — with all the power, pressure, and temptation that comes with it — was thrilling.
His relationships with Moira and David are beautifully written: tender, complicated, and full of emotional tension. I was completely invested in all of them.

Gibson’s prose is lyrical without ever slowing the pace. It makes so easy to read through their books, no matter how long they are.
The worldbuilding is rich and atmospheric, balancing the magical and the mundane in a way that feels both grounded and mysterious. Every chapter draws you deeper into the underworld of Boston’s secret Society, and once you’re in, there’s no getting out. I devoured this book in record time because I simply couldn’t stop turning the pages.

If you love urban fantasy with emotional stakes, morally complex characters, a haunting atmosphere, and a touch of the arcane — Ascension is your next obsession. S.T. Gibson has cemented her place as an auto-buy author for me.

I continue to be impressed by Saint's honest exploration of character. She doesn't shy away from the darker parts of Rhys's ambition--which, to be fair, would be a hard thing to do since the plot is driven by Rhys being the architect of his own demise. And though I may have preferred the set up to the trio's dynamic slightly more in book 1 (there's just something about that hesitant will-they-wont-they that I love), there's still a sweetness to watching Rhys, David, and Moira figuring out the new Them (insert trademark symbol). I also really loved how David's character truly blossomed in this one; he's just a charming little badger and I love him. (and I love the further exploration of the non-monogamous romance thread Saint introduced in book one (hello, Max!). I always feel safe in this world--even if it's a bit overrun with demons at the moment--and I can't wait for book 3.