This absolutely lives up to the first book for me. Moira, Rhys, and David continue to explore their polyamorous relationship, and this installment brings even more emotional depth. All while still keeping the magic and mystery I loved. If you're into queer occult vibes, secret societies, this is a must read.

Ascension continues the story that Evocation starts. We rejoin our main characters, David, Rhys and Moira; and see what happens now, after all that happened in the first book. While the first book focuses especially on David, this second book focuses on Rhys. We learn more about his family, his mindset and his demons, literal and metaphorical.
The arc this book takes does make sense, it is not that it feels disconnected from the first at all, but I missed that sense of academic pursuit the first one included, especially with Rhys being this book's focus, the 'academic' one.
I don't want to cast judgement before the series is completed (because of the loose ends and because it'd make sense for a series with three narrators to have one book focusing on each) about why that thread completely banishes throughout this book but, while I enjoyed the book and I didn't think it was slow-going as I read, I do have to admit that around 450 pages for a book where not much happens is a bit much. There are many plotlines: Rhys' demons and his mental state, the trio's relationship, how a new person influences them and the mysterious ritual; however, now that I've finished it and think about it, I could probably summarize the relevant plot in two sentences.
Overall, the book is good, the character interactions are funny and their personalities have not mysteriously shifted to create conflicts.
Finally, I'm not sure if this is because the ARC version I got is older, but there were too many typos for a book that's getting published tomorrow. There were repeated or missing punctuation marks and even once or twice, a missing word.

I was blown away by the gothic, morally grey, dark richness of Evocation by S.T. Gibson, so of course I have to read Ascension as soon as I could get my hands on it, especially when I found out that it would be told from the OCD, hyper-independent, total perfectionist viewpoint of Rhys! I’m not admitting to anything, although I know some of you will have opinions!

Once again, S.T. Gibson delivers a tome packed to the brim with secret societies, witchcraft, magic, dark demon summonings within the most gothic, rich atmospheric environments! Gibson delivers, there is no question about that! Challenge me! I dare you! The vibes are gothic, the characters are beautifully complex, perfectly messy and enduringly real in their humanity!

Gibson further explores the development of the relationship between Rhys, Moira, and David, with such relatable and understandable focus on the progression and development of the relationship between the outliers on the trio, Moira and David. I absolutely loved the painstaking attention and effort that Gibson put into the development of these core relationships and the focus that was also place on the supporting characters. I was truly intrigued as we got to know them better throughout the book.
Unfortunately, there’s usually a price to be paid for such excellent work and for me, it felt like the limelight had truly been placed on the characters rather than the plot, which whilst solid, just didn’t feel as engaging as the first book in the series – Evocation. Irrespective of this, I was truly gripped from cover to cover and immersed in the dark, gothic atmosphere that Gibson created.

Ascension by S.T. Gibson is ideal for readers who crave dark, emotionally charged urban fantasy with complex LGBTQIA+ relationships and morally ambitious characters.

Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy!

This is a 3.5 for me.

I've really enjoyed this book. I really enjoy a book where the most important part are the characters and this is one of those but the main Character in this one is Rhys and he's the one I enjoy the less so that's why is not a 4 stars, I didn't like the new characters too much.

I loved all the characters development, the relationship between Moira and David is cheff kiss (and of course between the three of them).

The book is really easy to read and visualize, I read it in no time (just a couple of days) and the world has everything I like.

I also liked that the ending is closed, but still I look forward for the third book.

I’m a sucker for megalomanic hyper independent perfectionists, so naturally Rhys is one of my favourite fictional characters and I loved following him in this book!

S.T. Gibson just manages to write the most beautifully atmospheric books with immaculately gothic vibes and perfectly complex and messy characters and relationships.

Once again, this book is full of demon summonings, secret societies, yearning and complex characters. Rhys, Moira, and David are some of my favourite characters and I loved seeing how their relationship developed, especially the relationship between David and Moira. Following Rhys was also so exciting but a bit too relatable at the same time, as we share many faults and getting a mirror held up to yourself is rarely fun. Even the side characters are so well developed and I wouldn’t mind getting love to read more about them in the future as well!

The only critique I have (which was also my critique for Evocation), is that the plot got neglected a bit in favour to focus on the character’s relationships, which I don’t necessarily mind because I love these characters so much, but I just would love for the plot to be a bit more developed because I think it has a lot of potential.

The only reason why I’m rating this slightly lower than Evocation despite not finding any drastic flaws is that I was just not quite as enamoured as I was with Evocation but I honestly think that is mainly due to my mood and not the book and a reread might even push it up to 5 stars in the future.

If you’re looking for dark and atmospheric books with well developed, imperfect characters, I strongly recommend picking up S.T. Gibson’s books. In my opinion, she writes some of the best messy and complex characters and dynamics and I will never shut up about them.

Uggghhhh thank you so so so much to NetGalley and the author for allowing me the opportunity to review this book!! I was beyond excited when I got the email to say it had been approved and I absolutely devoured it immediately!

I first came across this series when Fairyloot released Evocation as part of one of their monthly subscriptions and the cover just pulled me in straight away! I absolutely love the whole aesthetic and how the second matches so well. I know they say don’t judge a book by it’s cover but this is 100% what led me to pick it up at the time. It sets the mood so well for what is expected.

Ascension picks up from where we left off in Evocation focusing in on Rhys and his new role as High Priest. The shift from David to Rhys took some getting used to for me as I formed such a bond with David in the first book. However, Rhys was an excellent MMC with a lot of depth and complex emotions to deal with. I’m Irish so we tend to connect to a good old dose of Catholic guilt like you wouldn’t believe (lol).

I’m giving this book an overall of 4 stars. I honestly did thoroughly enjoy it, but Evocation was just a bit better for me. I honestly cannot wait to see what is in store with S.T. Gibson next and believe she is an author who will become a regular on my bookshelf.

It was nice to read about these characters again (especially David; I like his sassiness) and about the occult practices they get entangled in.

We mostly follow Rhys and his ambitions of proving himself as a newly-instated High Priest and the conflicts that arise during his "reign".
Right from the get go this is more character focused than the first book.
This is where my expectations weren't met. There was a lot less "plot", and drama and excitement than in the first book. When I think about the occult, I really want to see demons and rituals, but this wasn't really it. Compared to the first book, this one was a bit uneventful.
It was reassuring to see their friendship hasn't wavered and the side characters that get a lot more stage time were also fun; Leda was memorable from book 1. But just like in "Evocation", I couldn't feel any chemistry between Moira and Rhys; it might be me, but I still think they're well-built thanks to David. He keeps them together and makes them shine.

I really wish the author would focus a bit more on the plot. She always builds these fascinating backdrops for her stories and gives us crumbs to an interesting premise, only for these to take a back seat while the main focus falls on the characters and their struggles.

While I'm aware her books might not be for everybody (check the trigger warnings), I like them and especially her writing style. She writes beautifully even when it's not the poetic style she gave us in "A dowry of blood"; it's very easy to understand. I just wish she would let the romance be a sublot and let the story truly unfold. The gothic elements would be amazing if only she would allow them to step into the light a bit more.

Very excited about the next installment to this series!

I loved this book so much. I adore the characters and the way all their perspectives are portrayed in the writing. Rhys was so frustrating but I also love him so held empathy for him throughout it. David’s journey in this book was complex and challenging. I also adore him, he grew so much post-Evocation and I’m proud of him.

I’m looking forward to getting more of a focus on Moria in the next book. She’s so amazing and also young considering all she is holding.

There were a few things that felt a little predictable but that didn’t impact my enjoyment one bit. There were plenty of twists that kept you engaged.

ST Gibson doesn’t leave you on a cliffhanger but definitely excited for the next book. (We actually get a lil treat at the end of Ascension 😉)

"Sequel to Evocation, where Rhys steps into his new role as High Priest. A magical read for lovers of traditional urban fantasy."

As always author delivers with immaculate vibes and our favorite characters. Their writing has always felt very "visual" to me. I love this universe and time and time again am happy to come back to it. Can't wait for Moira's book!

I really appreciate getting to read a copy of this book. I enjoyed Evocation and thought it was a really unique idea - magic societies set in modern day Boston.

If you’re interested in polyamorous or bisexual representation then this is also for you.

Sadly, I didn't enjoy this as much as the first book. It just felt lacking in plot and despite all the trigger warnings at the beginning, pretty tame. The main plot was to do with the admin of running a society. It was just so mundane. I wanted more demons and danger.

Also the mishmash of all the different types of magic and religions felt strange. Rhys is a catholic who dabbled with Wicca in college, and now summons demons, married to a tarot card-reading astrologer who uses essential oils. Then he summons an archangel.

However, there was some interesting character development and if you like books about magic there are lots of little details to enjoy.

This was one of my most anticipated reads for 2025, and this book did not disappoint. I connected with Moira and David more than Rhys in Evocation and was wondering how that would influence going into "his" book.... and I loved it. I love his catholic guilt, and his crazy tendency to take on way too much. His rituals, and obsessions and desires. How he tries to protect everyone around him to his own detriment, while also being extremely tenacious and hungry for more power and influence.

And his love for David and Moira, and how smitten he is with both. The way their poly relationship is written is absolutely SWOON worthy. I love them! And I loved MAX and I really hope we get more of him! I know I need to be mad at him, but he did make some solid points, and I hope he comes around with some kind of redemption arc.

Great ending. No cliffhanger. Perfectly rounded and set-up a great foundation for when we get Moira's book.

Again, I will gush about these characters until the end of days.

EVOCATION was one of my favorite reads of last year and, thankfully, this sequel is even better (I know, it surprised even me). At this point, I will gleefully read anything and everything that S.T. Gibson writes, because everything I pick up just keeps getting better and better.

3.75/ While I enjoyed this far more than the first in this series, I still feel like something is just missing. The idea is just as great as the first, but the execution leaves just a little something to be desired. This was a character-driven novel and normally I love getting in the minds of such characters, but Rhys was utterly insufferable, which I believe was the point. That said the overarching journey that all the characters went on was interesting and I like the direction that this series is going.

**3,5/5**

Thank you Angry Robot Books for the arc!

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

🕯️secret magic societies
🕯️religious traditions
🕯️poly representation

What I liked:
- The characters! I just love character-driven stories and as always in S.T. Gibson‘s books, everyone has their own internal struggles. In this book you especially follow Rhys‘s internal turmoil from overambition to guilt and self-doubt.
- As in the first book, I’m obsessed with the world the author has created. Contemporary Boston with secret magical societies, demon summonings, and all types of occult practices! Right up my alley!

What I didn’t like:
- The characters together. I just don’t feel their relationship and especially Moira feels often too mature and emotionally intelligent for the two men. It’s more like this young woman is acting as the therapist and caretaker for her husband and his boyfriend.

Ascension by S.T.Gibson
Review coming today
Book 2 of The Summoners Circle Series

4.5/5 Stars 🌟

Thank you NetGalley, Angry Robot and everyone else involved.

I loved the first book Evocation so much and I was so happy that this book was just as fantastic and lived up to all my expectations.

I couldn’t stop reading this once I started and it basically became my whole personality for the past 3 days!

*Please remember to read the triggers at the start of the book for those who are sensitive to certain topics*

This book focuses on Rhy’s while the next two will focus on Moira and Leda from what I’ve seen promoted on Instagram etc.

We once again find ourselves looking into the life of David, Rhys and Moira. We see that Rhys is having a hard time with his new position as High Priest and is beginning to put more and more time into work rather than the people he loves.

Rhys starts calling forth more demonic entities to help him which turns out to not be the best idea, we see people from David’s past appear and see more and more stress on relationships.

There’s some smut, some love and some new dynamics and most importantly GROWTH! This book comes out tomorrow on July 8th and I’m so excited for you all to read it!

I don’t want to spoil anything for you all so I leave this here.

Gibsons writing is as always beautiful and well thought about and made polyamory representation stand out and work so well I’m super excited for the next book and I’m excited for my copy to arrive from Waterstones ❤️

I tought Evocation was good.
But Holy fucking bread was I absolutely wrong.

This book left me completely speachless and desperate for more.

Ascension was everything and nothing I expected.
It was just a whole fucking masterpiece that will live rent free in my head.

I don't even know where to start, because there was sooo much good going on in this book!

It was just... wow.
All the relationship dynamics, all the drama etc took a complete turn and either had me giggling and kicking my feet or screaming and cursing at the characters.

The storyline was so insanely good and like nothing like I expected. It was so different from book 1 and had me gasping for air about what was going to happen next.
If I had to describe it in one word it would be 'rollercoaster' because this took insanely steep turns.

I could go on for hours gushing about this masterpiece trying to convince you to read it, but at the same time I have no words to put my feelings into.

A very much deserved 5 put of 5 stars.

Thank you to Netgally, the publisher and the author
for the chance to read this book early!

In the second book of The Summoner's Circle, Rhys McGowan delves even deeper into the dark world of demon-summoning. His insatiable ambition is going to be his undoing. And when a strange ritual rocks Boston's occult community, and opens the Society up to sabotage, it pushes Rhys to the brink trying to uncover who is behind it.
I had not read book one, but I was not at all lost, so I feel like each book can be read as a standalone. This showed just what happens when a person gets handed too much power and can't handle it responsibly. I didn't care much for Rhys - he was too power-hungry and selfish to be likeable, but I did like his wife Moira, and even if I didn't particularly care for him, I respected David for trying to keep Rhys in check. Overall I give this a solid 4 out of 5.

After enjoying book 1 and feeling let down by the prequel novella I was slightly nervous about going into this one, and I was right to be worried, this is another book where the plot is good but the execution is just missing.
We have 3 main characters who are all annoying and insufferable and I don’t even think they like each other let alone love each other like they claim too, they all act like fussy petulant children (with the leg stomping and everything) then they admit they hurt each other because they were hurt. Hello childish.

The whole book is about Rhys and his self pity party where his self destruction and self pity is described as ‘ anxiety’ I’m sorry having anxiety isn’t an excuse to be a douche canoe. Then Moira is one page a damsel in distress then another a badass who is super powerful. The constant flip was annoying. Then David all he cared about was is Macros.

Even the opening plot point was pointless and lead to nothing in the end. Mayaswell not been included for all the good it did.

My second arc (advanced reader copy) and it was for the sequel to a book I absolutely loved last year! Thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot!

In this book, Rhys is dealing with the pressures of his new role in the Society balancing his professional aspirations with his relationships (both romantic and platonic with those in the Society).

I liked being back with our three main characters (for the most part), spending more time with some fun side characters, and the setting of the book (reading about a magic society in Boston as a Massachusetts girl? Very fun).

However this book was very character driven and Rhys is not an easy character to be in the mind of. I was always happy to get to Moira and David’s POVS for a bit of a reprieve. While I didn’t necessarily enjoy the journey we went on to get there, I think the character development in this book was much needed and sets our characters up even better for the next books.

One of the things I really loved about Evocation was the developing dynamic between our main characters and seeing their relationships turn from sour to sweet but unfortunately that dynamic was flipped for a good part of this book.

I was hoping the plot would follow more of the looming conflict that was introduced at the end of book 1 but it was never addressed in any meaningful way. I’m hoping that is more of a through-line in the remaining books but clearly they had bigger issues to deal with in this one first.

There was a solid quarter of this book where I was anger reading and stressed out because of how one character was acting. I really hate watching a desperate downward spiral in any media so did I “enjoy” my reading experience during that part? No- but also I know I wasn’t supposed to.

One thing I really appreciated was that this plot point happened relatively early on instead of being the third act conflict. This meant we had more pages to better resolve the interpersonal issues that were going on and I was glad that had some more time to be resolved, it was much needed.

But by the end I was glad to be able to spend more time with these characters and I’m really excited to see how things develop even more as the series continues.