Thank you to the publisher for yet another great arc from S.T. Gibson, I just can’t get enough of her writing and I can always count on her to deliver a great story. I adored the first book and novella, and this was everything I could have asked for in a sequel.
After the way the first book ended I thought this one would just be a repeat of it, but this plot went in a different direction than I expected which was great. We got to see a new depth to the characters and how they navigate their relationship with such emotional intelligence. I also loved how the author expanded upon the different occult beliefs and styles and how they can even coincide with Catholicism which was rather shocking to me. There is a very big detail left unanswered, though, about a certain curse that I hope we get to read about at some point. But the ending wrapped things up in a happy bow so maybe the author leaves it up to our interpretation. Either way, as always I’m excited to keep reading anything this author has to throw at us.

The second novel of The Summoner's Circle starts off by putting leadership power in the hands of a power-hungry, self-centered, demon-magnate...that sounds like something that doesn't have any potential for trouble, right? So Rhys's ascension is the seed of this brew, but add some leftover financial troubles, and some unwanted media attention to spice up the blend for their secret society, stir in a few new characters especially one with a strong power of his own and history with one of the main characters and this distillation is on its way to a powder keg. On a personal front the dynamic of the trio is also affected by the stirrings. As with Evocation, this is a character-driven story and these characters certainly create drama at every turn. There is a good balance between story telling and spicy scenes for anyone who likes some plot in their romantasy. And the story has a gratifying ending. (3.5/5)
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Angry Robot) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

this book felt mostly like filler to me in terms of how the plot moved forward and all the contrivances that come with that. however, the characterization as with other s.t. gibson novels is what i'm reading for anyway so i don't mind. rhys specifically grows so much in ascension from flashbacks of him not feeling good enough in comparison to his peers who grew up rich to his current role as the high priest, which includes both the highs and the lows. i loved how gibson wrote his mental health journey especially in terms of how his actions affect others and how relationships are rebuilt in the aftermath. i'm still excited to read the last book and will absolutely read anything gibson writes in the future.

This is hands-down my favorite in-progress series right now! I was immediately hooked after reading Evocation, more so after reading Odd Spirits, and now even more after completing Ascension. I absolutely adore these characters and am totally invested in their storylines. Within this book, specifically, I fell even more in love with the characters and the deep relationships and bonds they have with each other. There were so many times while reading that I found myself forgetting to breathe because I was too busy eating up every word of what was happening in the book. I cannot wait for the rest of the books in the series, as I am on the edge of my seat to see how certain things play out.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest rating and review.