📚 - “Ascension” by S.T. Gibson:

Thank you so much netgalley and Angry Robot for the ARC of this Novel. I would be willing to take on my own generational demon for the rest of this series.

She’s done it again ladies and gentlemen. S.T. Gibson has turned one of my least favorite tropes in a book into one of my faves. Polyamorous relationships AND a new character in the mix causing angst? Chef’s kiss.

I fell in love with our dysfunctional little occult circle when first introduced in Evocation. Ascension takes an already beloved story for me and makes me fall in love with our main characters even more.

Also, character growth? LOVE HER!! The exploration Rhys has with religious guilt/trauma? David becoming more personable and being able to deal with his emotions? Moira being the BADASS queen that she is with the two men in her life? I LOVE this little love circle.

Ascension is an incredible sequel where a lot of second books in series tend to fall flat especially after such a successful first book! I loved seeing David, Moira, and Rhys navigating the story right where we left off in Evocation. I enjoyed that this book was less dramatic and angsty than Odd Spirits and Evocation because it gives the reader room to breathe if they are reading these books in succession. Since the next book follows Moira, Ascension left me anticipating the third installment of the series. S. T. Gibson hasn't disappointed yet!

S.T. Gibson and I have a long-standing history for years now. I loved A Dowry of Blood, like an Education in Malice and was intrigued by Divination. Ascension was a solid book and you can clearly tell the love she has for Rhys as a character. That said, I loved David in the first book and I'm still a little salty about how he was treated by Rhys for the majority of it. I still haven't forgiven him, but I can say this book has made appreciate the character more. I'd still love more David though.

As a person that ranked Evocation really high on her list of favorite books, I had quite high expectations for this one. But they've all been met.
I love S.T. Gibson's style, I love the characters and the whole universe around them. It's so fresh yet feels so cosy to me. It is something that I've never had with any other author.
For people that enjoy paranormal and romance, this series is a really great pick. I would probably suggest it to anyone who's always loved horror stories!

Ascension, the second book in the Summoner’s Circle, is exactly what I hoped to see as a sequel to Evocation. This book did an incredible job building on the relationships that formed the basis of the previous installment while addressing it’s predecessor’s weaknesses. Altogether, despite having some criticisms of Evocation, I can gladly say that Ascension redeemed the series and has made me super excited to see what ST Gibson writes next. While this review will not contain spoilers for Ascension, it will contain mild spoilers for Evocation.

The series uses the format of focusing on a big moment of personal development for one of its main characters at a time. The first was driven by David’s storyline: his family curse, a changing role in the Society, and opening up to a relationship with Rhys and Moira. While Rhys and Moira had plenty of development in this book, David was its driving force. In this book, the central conflict revolves around Rhys: what lengths will he go to for success and notoriety now that he is High Priest of the Society? How will his relationships change when he is under so much pressure that he can barely function? The book is a strong investigation of hubris, the pursuit of fame and knowledge, and perfectionism. As someone in academia, I found these themes to be deeply relatable: the imposter syndrome, the tying of self-worth to some external metric of success, the belief that every mistake is a personal failure. After the first book, I thought Rhys was likable, but definitely the least likable out of the three main characters. Despite that, I thought his plights in this book were incredibly compelling. He is allowed to be a complex, messy, and self-contradicting character—in other words, he is allowed to be very human and have very human problems.

I also appreciated that this book had both a far better development of its magic and worldbuilding and a far more driving plot. My biggest critiques of its predecessors were that the magic felt underutilized and the plot had a tendency to drag, only to jump forward due to somewhat random conversations. This book improved in both of these areas. We now see and have a good understanding of how and why a Summoner’s Circle uses its magic. There is greater insight into how the broader magical community functions in society: what non-magical people think about the various societies and practitioners, how magical societies interact, and how different kinds of magic complement each other. I hugely appreciated these developments. While this book does not have the deeply technical worldbuilding you’d expect in a high fantasy, it has exactly as much worldbuilding as it needs. There’s no need to get into the nitty gritty because, as in the previous installment, the focus is on character development and complex relationships. This book builds a world that can perfectly hold the story it wants to tell. Furthermore, the plot of this book is internal coherent and drives the story forward in a really satisfying way. In short, my two biggest critiques of the first book were addressed, and I found this book far superior to its predecessor because of it.

I really enjoyed Ascension. It’s a great urban fantasy book that focuses on complex human emotions and relationships. It does an amazing job of exploring the messy reality of being human—being flawed, hurting each other, but also empathy, understanding, and acceptance. Though the first book has some flaws, I strongly recommend this series to readers seeking fantasy reads a strong focus on character development. I am rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars, rounded up.

Thank you Angry Robot and Netgalley for the ARC.

I wanna say right off the bat that ST Gibson knew how to continue this world. I genuinely love seeing more of the cult? Religion? However seeing that tie into the relationship between our MCs makes the story so much more interesting. I cannot wait to see more of this world especially as we focus on the rest of the MCs.

A solid follow-up to Evocation, but one that didn’t sweep me away like the first book did. I still absolutely love our central trio—Rhys, Moira, and David. Their dynamic continues to be the heart of this series. The author’s writing is also as immersive and atmospheric as ever. The plot of this book just didn’t hit for me. It felt a bit thin and stretched, whereas Evocation felt full and layered. That said, nothing about this book was bad. It just didn’t have the emotional impact and investment that I was anticipating. I’m still very invested in these characters so I will 100% read the next one

Thank you so much to Angry Robot and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review!

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4,75 stars - the deliciously angsty finding out stage after Rhys’ fucking around

“It was finally working. Rhys was finally the universe’s favorite, and all it had taken was pinning the universe’s arms behind its back and commanding it to obey him.”

Hey speaker, play GØD by KiNG MALA

Once again proving why she's one of my favourite authors, Gibson has delivered the messy, romantic, angsty, magical continuation of what is officially now one of my favourite series (a good first book is one thing, but a banger second solidifies it for me). Sorry not sorry to most of my friends who've had to listen to me ramble about this lately, I am not about to stop any time soon.

“He wished that he was composed of anything but a hurricane of dark, demanding emotions that clawed at everyone around him.”

In this book we get to see Rhys’ continued spiral towards power, both magically and politically, and its consequences. I loved seeing more of the politics and workings of the other magical groups/practitioners in Boston and the surrounding area, and learning more about the various disciplines.
This series has amazing side characters that I'm almost as invested in as I am the main characters, and it makes their communities feel all the more real, vibrant and intriguing.

“David had learned over the years that, sometimes, you had to let Rhys get a little megalomaniacal.”

Rhys, Moira and David are such a fun and messy trio, and I love them so much. Their wildly different personalities mix so well, and they fill each other's gaps nearly perfectly. I especially love how Moira doesn't take any of the boys’ shit, and calls them out on their bullshit while still offering loving support and help (at least when deserved).
I also loved seeing how much David has grown since the start of the story, and how he actually did learn from his previous mistakes - he comes across as a lot more mature and stable now, and I love that for him (even if I do also adore his catty bratty side).
And Rhys, my beloved dramatic angst-filled mess. He goes through some rough patches, and that makes it all the more rewarding when he finally seems to learn his lesson (though it remains to be seen if it sticks).

“But he was trying to learn what it meant to exist in the world without doing damage to his surroundings, what it felt like to hold the ones he loved without squeezing so tight that he choked them.”

The polyamorous representation in this series makes me so happy to see. It's messy and imperfect, but also so full of love and growth. The characters try to communicate and be better, but it's a journey - and it makes for a good story. I also love that it's a more intricate and open form of poly dynamics, it's something I haven't seen a lot of in fiction yet and I'm so excited and happy that I get to now have it on my shelves. I can't wait to see where things go as their various relationships evolve and new ones form.

“Sometimes things need to fall apart to come back together again.”

3.5
The second installment in the series wasn’t as enchanting as its predecessor to me and that may be because I personally found David to be the most enigmatic of the trio. The portrayal of the magic system was as impressive as in book one and I enjoyed the relationship of the trio. The plot tackles some heavy, dark, and relevant themes but is not as memorable as the first book, Evocation.

Ascension by S.T. Gibson plunges readers back into the intricate and darkly alluring world of the Summoner's Circle series, delivering a richly textured urban fantasy that deepens the mythology and challenges its beloved protagonist. Picking up after the events of Evocation, this sequel sees Rhys McGowan grappling with the complexities of his newfound equilibrium. He's achieved the power he craved as High Priest and seemingly found love with both his wife, Moira, and his boyfriend, David. However, as Gibson masterfully demonstrates, peace in the occult world is a fleeting illusion.

The narrative thrust of Ascension kicks off with a mysterious ritual that sends ripples of unease through Boston's supernatural community, leaving the Secret Society vulnerable. Rhys, ever the one to shoulder immense burdens, is immediately drawn into a dangerous investigation that pulls him further into the forbidden art of demon-summoning. Gibson excels at crafting a sense of escalating stakes, with each discovery and confrontation adding another layer of tension. The internal and external pressures on Rhys are palpable – from managing a growing number of spirits to navigating the evolving dynamics of his unconventional relationships.

One of the most compelling aspects of Ascension is the exploration of Rhys's internal struggles. The summary hints at "his own insatiable ambition," and Gibson delves into this with unflinching honesty. Rhys's drive for power is a double-edged sword, a source of his strength but also a potential path to ruin. The tug-of-war between heaven and hell for his soul is not just an external conflict, but a mirror to the moral and ethical dilemmas he faces. This psychological depth elevates the narrative beyond typical urban fantasy tropes.

Fans of Evocation will be thrilled to see familiar faces return, and Gibson skillfully develops these characters further, allowing them to grow and evolve in unexpected ways. The exploration of Rhys's loved ones exploring other people adds a layer of emotional complexity and maturity to the relationships, showcasing a nuanced understanding of modern romance within a magical context.

S.T. Gibson's prose is as spellbinding as ever, creating a vivid and immersive world that feels both fantastical and grounded. The pacing is expertly handled, building suspense and delivering thrilling action sequences while allowing space for character development and thematic exploration. For lovers of traditional urban fantasy who appreciate rich world-building, complex characters, and a touch of darkness, Ascension is a powerful and enthralling read that solidifies S.T. Gibson's place as a master of the genre. It's a worthy successor to Evocation and leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Summoner's Circle series.

I really wanted to like this book more than I liked Evocation, but sadly it disappointed me as well. The advertising for the book (specifically the trope maps that were made) made it sound fantastic and exciting but in practice the book was somewhat shallow and bland. I’m not sure how a writer can go from A Dowry of Blood and An Education in Malice to treating a 6 year age gap as if it’s the most profane and problematic thing that a person could engage in. Also, the ending where the whole magical scandal was wrapped up made the whole story feel like the story didn’t even need to happen.
The way Moira and Lorena’s magic is treated compared to the way the more western magic is treated rubs me the wrong way. There’s always an air of skepticism regarding “folk magic” and “folk saints”, yet the whiter, western versions of those things (like catholic saints or Greek magic) are treated as fact. This just compounds on the issue of how POC, specifically non-Asian, non-rich, dark skinned women are treated in these books. My main issue with book 1 was Moira’s character, and that continued in this book. She’s almost like a parent for these two white men, constantly looking after them and giving them therapy about their separate relationship while being neglected. This type of shortfall tends to happen a lot in books by white authors, and I support efforts to make books more diverse with POC characters being included, but turning a 25 year old black woman into an emotional caretaker for her white husband and his boyfriend felt so off to me.
The constant reaffirming of consent and ethics was also irksome, it felt like they were stopping the action to turn to the camera and say “Hey! Don’t call us problematic!”
A lot of the advertising for this book centers around polyamory and how the main three characters are in a throuple, but Moira and David make it clear constantly throughout the story that they are friends and what they have is a friendship even after other characters ask if they’re in love, so it feels like a let-down when you read the actual book.

I was really excited to read that this was a way better book that the first! That being said, it is a lot of the same dynamics from the first book, very focused on the mundane life of the occult but not quite cozy. If you enjoyed the first, you are probably going to love this one.

Rhys McGowan his finally achieved his dream of becoming the High Priest of Boston's premiere Secret Society, but his obsession with power threatens to corrupt his relationship both with the Society members and with his wife, Moira, and partner David. Picking up where Evocation left off, Ascension focuses on Rhys as he fights with his, sometimes literal, demons.

I absolutely love S.T. Gibson's writing, she approaches her characters with such care and I am fascinated by the relationship exploration between Moira, David, and Rhys. Ascension's focus on Rhys really gets to the roots of his character and why he is so singularly focused on maintaining and amassing power. But unlike potential other novels, Rhys is not villainized, and instead we get a peek behind the curtain of his psyche, while also getting him the support he needs from his partners.

I definitely recommend Ascension and the rest of the Summoner's Circle for anyone who wants a modern magical novel, enjoys thoughtful explorations of polyamory, and flawed, but lovable, characters.

Thank you to Angry Robot and to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

See, this was once one of my favourite authors. This series, however, does not intrigue me as much as her other earlier books. It was nice enough, but the first book in the series progressed slow and this one had me struggle to want to keep on reading.

A captivating read! I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this, considering I wasn't a big fan of the first. I did feel like the pace was on the slower end for the majority of the book, but it didn't drag or fail to capture my attention. It was slightly uneventful as far as external conflicts go; it was very character-driven with heavy internal conflict. Intricate, morally gray characters with strong character development. I really enjoyed the complex and messy relationships, but I just wanted more in the romance department. While the romance was more believable than it was in the previous installment, it was still lacking emotion and depth. I'm definitely intrigued to see where the next book will go.

Loveeeee! I absolutely LOVED this!! Got a free ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, which I am so excited by!!!!! So happy to get this a month early!

ST Gibson continues to impress me! I liked this even more than Evocation. The characters all feel so fleshed out, even beyond the main trio those our bfs and gf feel so real to me it’s like they could walk right off the page.

The pacing and sort of setup to this is very similar to #1 so that’s partly why I enjoyed it more. I knew what to expect. These books are definitely not plot-driven, but they are a really deep rich gritty character analysis that had me hooked from the start.

I realized who David and Rhys remind me of and it’s Victor and Eli from Vicious but if they just succumbed to their feelings for each other and were boyfriends 🙂‍↕️ and that’s the best compliment I can give! Also where some of the VE Schwab comparisons come to mind but again that’s a huge compliment!

These books are sexy, steamy, intentional, interesting, and FUN! But also diverse, inclusive, vulnerable, and serious when needed. I love these so much and want the next one IMMEDIATELY!

3 stars

(Don't look at me, I'm in pain *cries*)

I hate the feeling that both David and Moira are settling for Rhys because he has (somehow) gaslight them into thinking he is the best person for them because let me tell you... I hated Rhys in this book.
omg *shakes fist* What a whiny man. He was exhausting! The ego in this man *facepalms*
There is a new love interest in this book, and I wasn't mad about it. actually, I liked him more than Rhys even with his "villainous" ways.
Still, with me hating on Rhys aside, this was fun and very entertaining, and Leda is my queen, and I'm so excited she's getting a book (yay *throws confetti*) and so a win is a win.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

When I've read Evocation last year, it literally changed my world and it became one my book references.
I was so excited to come back to David, Rhys and Moira. Their growth, their evolution, both individually and within their relationship, is even deeper here.

I finished the book, full of goosebumps all other my body AND my soul. That what this series makes me feel.

Catholic guilt, demon summoning, and megalomania! This book has it all! In all honesty, Ascension really does have a little bit of everything - Society politics, romance, drama, and occult stuff galore. I’ve been looking forward to this gorgeous sequel to Evocation since I closed the last page of that book in 2024 and I’m delighted that Ascension lived up to my personal hype/expectations.
This picks up soon after the events of Evocation, with Rhys now High Priest of the Society and David his second in command. Rhys, Moira, and David are happily co-existing in their relationship and Rhys is mostly confident they can break the blood curse he took on from David. It seems as if all should be copacetic, but Rhys’s personal need for more really puts things into a tailspin from the get-go. He starts pushing himself to the point of exhaustion, constantly overextending himself and neglecting both David and Moira, and at some point he turns full on megalomaniac. He has too many demons picking at him, demanding offerings and he is no longer the one holding the reins which quickly becomes a problem when another practitioner is injured at his hands.
While there is some excellent plot going on in Ascension, ultimately this book is about the relationships between Rhys, Moira, David, and even extends to members of the Society that they call friends. It’s a study in what happens when work or any other passion project consumes a person to the point they don’t know who they are anymore. The consequences harm those we love who we should be loathe to hurt in such a way, but Rhys does this time and time again, learning to what extent his beloved Moira and David will tolerate his behaviour. Fortunately it also shows that a person can come back from this and be forgiven with sufficient remorse and groveling. Rhys fucked around, found out, and became a changed man.
S.T. Gibson is a master at complicated characters and the chemistry between everyone - friends, spouses, enemies, and otherwise – really make this series something special. I also love the way Gibson writes the occult aspects of the story, making it such a normal part of the characters’ everyday lives but also maintaining this sense of mysticism. I would highly recommend this series for fans of Leigh Bardugo’s Ninth House and I have my fingers crossed there will be more installments!

⚠️Please note that this is the second book in the series. This review will contain spoilers if you have not read the first book.⚠️

We are back! To the occult, to the magic, to the witchcraft that draaaaws us in with this series.

Rhys now has it all. Moira by his side, David by his side, he is now High Priest of the Society, and he has a few fickle demons at his beck and call. Life is great!.

Until it is not.

Someone has left pieces of a ritual in a public place. It has the community worried. Well, Rhys, at least.

David Aristarkov is now the chief scryer of the Society, and he seems content with that until a blast from the past from his past emerges.

Moira, on the other hand, is less happy with seeing less of Rhys. Still, she seems like her old self.
I can totally see Moira reading a scared server's hand in a restaurant... just because she can. 😁😂

The pressure Rhys has as the High Priest is starting to take its toll. What is one more demon, right? Just one to make sure every occultists in the country knows his name.

For me, this book was more emotional to read than the last for some reason, betrayal, fights, and amends needing to be made.
Not to mention emotional turmoil from someone I did not know was capable of such. Then a story from Lorna. 💙

I had almost forgotten the Aristakov deal.
I have forgotten how long it is until Rhys' thirtieth. How long until the next book, you say?🤭

The seven of swords card shows up
What in the blue blazes will happen next?