Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC!

I LOVED Evocation, so I was super hyped to read Ascension and it did not disappoint!

This takes place a few months after the events of Evocation with a bigger focus on Rhys, as he navigates his relationships with Moira and David, while adjusting to his new role as High Priest. Not gonna lie, I wasn't super into Rhys in Evocation, like I thought he was just ok, but reading this book made me love him so much more!

Rhys is going through so much shit in this one, as he wrestles with his ambition and all the drama and angst it brings. While not everything is his fault, he definitely brings a lot of it on himself, but it's easy to understand why he is the way he is. As a fellow neurotic over-thinker, I found him super relatable, and his character arc was hard won but so satisfying.

Of course, we also get to read David's and Moira's points of view. David has his own subplot involving a new romance(!!!) No spoilers, but I found his new love interest very interesting, and I'm curious to see how it might get explored in future books. Moira, on the other hand, is contemplating her marriage with Rhys, the sacrifices she has made for it and the ways it has changed her (not necessarily for the better). I'm looking forward to Moira's book because these two books had her dealing with everyone's shit so I hope she gets to go wild and get loose she deserves it!!!!

I also loved how the trio's relationship is explored more. David and Moira's dynamic is so cute, and Rhys's jealousy over David OMG!!! Also, no spoilers, but I LOVED the last chapter iykyk 🤭

I saw the author describe this series as "seasons of your favourite show" and it's sooo true. The episodic chapters and the different ongoing subplots really does make it feel like I'm following a TV show, and I cannot wait for the next season!! 🥰🥰🥰

Thank you to Netgalley and Angry Robot for sending me this E-Arc!

While I’m very attached to the main characters in this book and the complexities of the magic and romance, the plot did not seem as well paced or as engaging to me as the first. If you really loved Evocation, I would still recommend this book, as Rhys as a character is so fascinating to focus more on and the relationship between the three is still a very strong point of the book!

4.5⭐️

Okay wow this book really took me by surprise! After liking but not loving Evocation, I was not sure how I was going to feel about this one, but it honestly exceeded my expectations. Once you make it past the slow start, I was living for the relationship drama, the demons, and Rhys spiraling out of control. I grew to love our throuple so much. I’m looking forward to seeing more of Leda. The side characters are all so unique and lovable. The polygamy and LGBTQ+ rep was so well done.

Thank you to Angry Robot for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Ascension continues the story of Moira, Rhys, and David as they face the growing intricacies of their connection to the occult. While developing their relatiomship, they’re also pulled back into dangerous magic, new-old alliances, and unfinished business that won't stay buried. The balance between love, power, and belief becomes harder to maintain, especially as personal histories resurface and outside threats close in. It’s a story of loyalty, magic, and the lengths people go to protect what matters most.

I loved this book. Moira continues to be one of my favourite characters ever - I adore the way she loves so fiercely and selflessly, yet never loses sight of her own worth. She would walk through fire for the people she loves, but she stands her ground when it matters. Absolutely a goddess, just like Rhys says.

The poly relationship between Moira, Rhys, and David has grown in such a beautiful, complex way. Their care for each other, their openness, and the strength of their emotional bond made every shared scene powerful and compelling. I genuinely loved reading every moment of their dynamic.

The occult plot was just as gripping as in the first book,filled with fascinating lore, high personal stakes, and moments of sharp tension. The supporting cast continues to shine, and the friend group remains one of the book’s biggest strengths in terms of emotional grounding and warmth.

Highly recommended, and I cannot wait for book 3!

Didn’t like this as much as the first one. Or the prequel. I think it was because we spent too much time in Rhys perspective and his pov is exhausting and draining, but also boring. Like him spiraling wasn’t even that interesting just pissed me off. David and Moira both are more interesting. Just overall felt like a perfectly meh book. Some things I liked though, seeing more of the side characters. And the dynamics between everyone are always spicy and dramatic which is fun.

With this instalment, S. T. Gibson has really cemented The Summoner's Circle series as having some of the best character work of any of her books. I'm a very character-driven reader, so this is a dream for me. Gibson lays these characters bare down to the most minute detail of their personalities, making them feel so real. Not only do they feel real from their descriptions, but also by the nature of their flaws and relationship dynamics. The messiness and drama is to die for in this book - if you enjoyed the film 'Conclave', I think you'll love Ascension. Rhys has become my favourite character in this series - he's a devastatingly gorgeous emo sad boy riddled with Catholic guilt. I love that in trying so desperately to be good, he actually ends up bringing collateral damage to everyone around him (my favourite kind of disaster character, but he's trying!)

This book loses a star for the prominence of the modern references (e.g. Tik Tok, Zara, Audi). It's not a dealbreaker for me but it does take me out of the story and I don't think that they were always necessary. This is definitely personal preference and some people may not mind as much. Also, this book definitely has a very loose plot - as a character-driven reader, I don't mind this (I'm here for the vibes and characters) but I feel like I have to mention it!

Overall I loved this and it's definitely my favourite in the series so far <3 Huge thanks to Angry Robot and Netgalley for the e-ARC!

I still remember reading Evocation and being utterly smitten with the characters. I was hoping to get to spend more time with them, so, I was extremely excited to get my hands on the sequel. Unfortunately, it took me surprisingly long to get back into the story.
Moira, David and Rhys are such a formidable trio, but just like his lovers, I sometimes get frustrated with Rhys and his inability to communicate and put his ego aside. All of them have their flaws, but there was a definitive focus on Rhys in Ascension and at times, I got quite annoyed with him. He is the epitome of catholic guilt and his actions make sense as part of who he is, but that doesn't mean I always have to like it.

Still, I'm glad we got to explore the relationships of these characters some more. In the beginning, I was confused about their arrangement, unsure if they had really thought it through to officially go poly. To me, it felt like there were still some talking points and boundaries that needed discussing, but by the end, I was just blissfully enjoying their bond of three alongside them.

Finally, I have to say, that a big issue I had with the first book was carried over to this one as well. It was so evident that there was a larger magical issue, but somehow there's no real sense of urgency to resolve these things. I always feel like I take it more seriously than the characters and then we rush into finding a solution in the last 20% of the book without properly having built that up.

Final rating: 3.5 stars rounded up to 4

In Evocation's aftermath, we rejoin Rhys, David, and Moira. Rhys grapples with his new role as high priest, battling internal guilt and a sense of unworthiness regarding his happiness with Moira and David. He's also biting off more than he can chew, balancing high priesthood with demon hunting, his relationships, and some Catholic guilt just for good measure.

Chaos erupts in the Society when the seeming remains of an occult ritual are left on the Boston Commons, prompting a gathering of occult leaders summoned by Rhys. The core of the story revolves around Rhys's struggle with taking on too much. He keeps secrets from David, Moira, and society, leading him to a breaking point. It was frustrating to see Rhys jeopardize his good fortune through dishonesty.

Additionally, David's encounter with someone from his past sparks jealousy in Rhys. This felt a bit unfair, given Rhys is "having his cake and eating it too", and yet he handles it poorly when David or Moira show interest in others.

Nevertheless, the story concludes with a shocking and interesting twist. The world-building is enjoyable, and ST Gibson's future direction for the series promises to be fascinating. I hope to see more exploration of magic, particularly outside of the Society, in future installments.

Rhys seems to have it all now, the wife, the boyfriend, and the position of power at the head of the Secret Society, but Rhys is too hard on himself and is always striving for more.

When some leaked documents bring scrutiny on the Society, Rhys finds he needs to seek more and more demonic assistance to deal with matter and keep them in his control, or so he thinks.

Can David and Moira bring Rhys back from the troubles he got himself into, or is he too far gone for the two people he loves most to save him.

Rhys is burning bridges, bridges that might just get rebuilt elsewhere with friends old and new. Can they all make it through and preserve the good they have found...

I absolutely adored this book, to be honest I forgot a lot about the underlying plot of the Society being in danger as I was just so invested in the characters.

David, Moria and Rhys have my whole heart, and I can also say that about Davids sister Leda.

ST Gibson writes characters so well I definitely feel like these are my friends and family now and I just want the best for them. Also, the character assessments throughout - good and bad - actually made me think about some of my traits and how I would act etc.

Bravo to the writing and I cannot wait for more books in this series!

Out today! Thanks to NetGalley and Angry Robot for the review copy. All opinions my own.

Character growth and evolution are the stars for Ascension, more-so than the plot which didn't feel like it had a real chance to shine beyond the time spend on exploring and dealing with everyone's relationship. That being said though, I'm so here for it because I am so rooting for each character and I love them all. These complex relationships with what feels like a reality based polyamory - where not everything is easy or straight-forward - are everything! Trauma and endless internal turmoil make these characters feel so real. Even if I end up osculating between the characters which I'm fond of, don't understand, or are no longer rooting for I just love the way S.T. Gibson writes. The focus upon some little details these lingering or casual touches, are swoon-worthy. Moira is a stand-out favorite with her emotional maturity and the endless patience she seems to have for the boys.
Excited about what comes next because I think the plot will come more into focus on this journey - and ultimately thank Angry Robot for this e-ARC!

Oh, I loved this one. Gibson’s writing style is just perfect, I’ve devoured every single one of her books and greedily have want more each time. As I mentioned in my review of Evocation, the polyamorous nature of this series made me weary simply because I have never read it before, but I absolutely love the relationship between Rhys, Moira and David. They flesh together so well, and god, that ending? Phew!

I do love how flawed Rhys is. There are instances when we are not meant to agree with his thought process and yet we understand him. Rhys is conflicted and raw and I loved his inner monologue.

A massive thank you to Angry Robot and NetGalley for an arc of this novel! Cannot wait for Moira’s hot girl summer.

Let me tell you somethinggg, I definitely felt like I ascended while reading this!!! Also thank you to Angry Robot Books for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review! I also of course bought myself a copy because I will literally feed off of anything that S.T. Gibson offers us!! (Literally my favourite author)

My fave lil trio is BACK! And I am somehow even more in love with them? But now I also need more of them immediately! Rhys was absolutely Rhys-ing through this and I deeply connected with him on so many levels. Did someone say Catholic Guilt? Because Rhys was going through it and so was I.

Ascension follows on from Evocation and this time we follow Rhys navigating his new role of High Priest whilst trying to balance it with his relationships and every day life. Spoiler alert: it's not easy. And if that isn't bad enough the secret Boston Society is now under fire following an unexpected public ritual that sparks a whole Satanic panic among the community. Through Rhys trying to calm the flames we are introduced to a whole community of people and really get a proper look inside the inner workings and connections within the Secret Society.

Rhys is absolutely struggling in this book and I absolutely adore how his flaws are laid bare for the reader to see. S.T. Gibson always manages to write the most multi-layered characters that you can't help but fall in love with even through their flaws. In fact their "weaknesses" and human qualities somehow make them even more loveable.

Moira is my literal queen I want to be friends with her sooooo badly! Also Leda is so cool I want to be friends with them both! Let me go clubbing with them pleeeease! They are iconic.

Without spoiling anything, the scene with Rhys and his family absolutely hit me in my feels and made me feel so many emotions in a short span of time because I just understood him so much!

To sum it all up because I feel like I've been a bit all over the place as an ocean of emotions (that's just what S.T. Gibson does to me, please let me drown in them I will be completely fine):

This was a spellbinding addition to The Summoner's Circle that I thoroughly enjoyed (a complete understatement). Getting to see how Moira, David and Rhys' relationship grows and evolves is exactly what I was looking for, along with a whole heap of Society drama and a few demons thrown in along the way. It felt exciting yet comforting at the same time? Cannot wait to pick this up again in the holiday season. What more could a ghoul ask for?

Thank you to S.T. Gibson, Angry Robot, and NetGalley for giving me an eARC of Ascension in exchange for my honest review.

I LOVED this book. Ascension is the second book in the Summoner's Circle. While it does in some ways function as a standalone plot wise, it is very much a sequel and you really should read Evocation first to understand what is going on with characters, magic, and plot points. While both books follow three POV's, unlike Evocation, where the main plot centered around David, in Ascension the main plot follows around Rhys. This book really does feel like a character study on what can happen when someone achieves power. Rhys is now high priest, and is determined to make a name for himself as he now runs a coven where name means everything and Rhys does not come from a powerful family. There is this saying that "power corrupts" and while that is not always the case, for Rhys who is so determined to make this name for himself, it does corrupt. Rhys gets cocky and starts to take on more than he can handle and from early on you can tell that someone is going to have to go VERY wrong for things to turn around. I am a big fan of stories that focus on character development, so being able to witness Rhys' journey and all that he has to go through in this book was addicting to me. I read this book cover-to-cover, which is rare for me with fantasy books. While there is a plot to this book, the main focus of this book is on Rhys' journey and how it effects Moira, David, and their friends. I HIGHLY recommend this book to all lovers of Evocation and would strongly recommend those who were uncertain about Evocation still given this a try, especially if you like character development based books.

I was excited to continue this series, but I have to admit this book didn't live up to Evocation for me. I really struggled to get into the story, because I felt like the story was kind of a mess at first in terms of plot and characterization. It felt all over the place and difficult to make sense of in a way that didn't feel intentional. Thankfully, once the plot started to make more sense, I started to enjoy myself a lot more. By then, the focus was more on Rhys, Moira and David's relationship dynamics as well, which I loved seeing explored further.

S.T. Gibson just writes people so well. We are complicated, chaotic, messy and imperfect and she gets that. Throw in relationships and work and magic all at the same time and watch the chaos unfurl. I think she sees people in such a raw, honest way, and has the uncanny ability to divine who her characters are at their core. The setting of the story is rarely important it's really who is there and what underlying tension there is.
We follow off the back of evocation, where *spoilers* David has passed his Demon on, and seems to be doing considerably better as a person. At least trying to do right even if that's at conflict with his natural instincts. Rhys however, has taken on lead as head priest and it is a lot. To deal with that, his never-ending feelings of guilt, his complicated love life and try and deal with outside interferences. You can imagine how smoothly that goes. And throw in Moira, who's moved from a 'traditional' marriage to polyamory, has a husband dealing with pressure and secrets, and is only 25 dealing with all her own feelings too.
I just loved this. The characters remained true to their core, but also show personal growth which is excellent. It's amazing how Gibson gets across perfectly normal feelings everyone would feel, but with magic, demons and summoning's involved. I loved getting to know more characters, and hints at future issues and set-ups. I actually can not wait for the next one, and to get to know more about our characters and their personal challenges.

I really don't know how to feel after finishing. I feel like I had the same feelings after finishing evocation, but now I'm even more at loss of words. The first 50% of this book went by so slow, and I wasn't sure what was going to be the main plot of the whole book.

My first and basically only issue with this book was Rhys. Moira and David definitely carried this book while Rhys was just blah. I understand the complexity of his character, but he's still so boring, and so dumb. I'm all for characters who don't always act right, but it was much more easier to read about David acting badly than Rhys. Rhys was just acting so childish and not at all how he was at the end of the first book.

Which brings me to my second point. there is 3 adults in this relationship and HOW NO ONE IS TALKING TO EACH OTHER. so many problems in this book would have been solved by open discussion, and I don't really understand how that poly relationship can be healthy is no one is talking. I mean David and Rhys fight and then David suddenly has another boyfriend?? especially when it has been indicated so many times that there might be something between David and Moira as well. It was also a bit yucky that David entered a relationship with a guy he knew as a minor and while they had (probably) both sided crush.

Moira really carries the relationship and gets nothing but too idiots doing stupid things.

I really liked the last 30% but at that point, it couldn't save the book. It's clear how this series is going to continue but I don't think I can manage one more book of Rhys acting like an idiot. 3,5 stars.

4.25⭐ rounded down to 4.
(Note: I rated Evocation 4⭐.)

I’m enjoying this series, despite some irritants in the relationship dynamics department. I can’t wait for Moira and Leda’s books!

It’s not often that I like a book that’s about a character I strongly dislike. Most of the time, if I hate a character (looking at you, Diem and Dianna), I’ll be eyerolling so much it’ll be impossible for me to keep reading. BUT, here, Rhys’ downward spiral was so well done, and I liked how no one was excusing him. (THANK YOU! It’s not often that we see consequences to temper tantrums and bad behaviour, in fiction.) In the end, I enjoyed this sequel even more than Evocation, even though the latter was about a character I actually like. We’ve got gothic / dark academia vibes again, a morally-grey MC burdened with Catholic guilt, more meddling demons, and a great portrayal of addiction. Once again, my main issue with this book is the toxicity between the three MCs. At the end of the day, Moira is the only decent character in the bunch, and I really wonder what she sees in the two men --- especially narcissistic and obsessive Rhys. Also, is the curse from book 1 in the room with us? Why is it barely mentioned?

💙 Side characters
💙 Moira and David
💙 Snowed-in plotline
💙 Flawed characters
💙 Faustian bargains
❌ RHYS, seriously what a jerk
❌ Curse from book 1, hello?
❌ Esoteric details
❌ Rushed “whodunit” resolution

Tropes to expect: age gap romance (sort of), addicted to magic, deterioration into darkness, troublesome demons, Catholic guilt

This one is a little difficult for me because I love ST’s writing, and I love these characters but the book itself felt like filler.

In Ascension we follow Rhys, which might be where my main issue is. He is extremely unlikable to read, and I was way more invested in the scenes without him. Like seriously, David and ESPECIALLY Moira deserve so much better than this guy. I was also a little miffed that the main scandal at the end was totally glossed over. It felt like it never really mattered.

Gibson does strife and drama really well, and there was a lot going on between the characters that kept the book moving and interesting. I like this world where the occult is actively present and I think the different types of magic are really compelling. I hope in Moira’s book there’s a little less stigma around her type of magic, because she seems powerful as hell.

Ultimately, I’m still invested in this series especially since book 3 and 4 follow Moira and Leda (my babies!!)

🕯️‘There was a reason that the word 'occult' was derived from a Latin word for hidden; most magic was not meant for the masses.’ 🕯️

I would rate this book 4.5 ⭐️

Happy Ascension release day!! I was so so excited to be approved to read this ARC and get to enjoy this book early, as this was a book I was eagerly awaiting the release of! And after reading this I can safely say that my anticipation was well warranted 🤎

This is book 2 of The Summoner’s Circle series- this series is an urban fantasy set in modern-day Boston, following Rhys McGowan, the now high priest of a secret society of sorcerers. It has been his biggest life ambition to become high priest, and not just to earn the title, but to become the most powerful and influential high priest there has ever been. He will stop at nothing to become what he has always dreamed of. However, throughout this book he begins to learn that his insatiable ambition may be his biggest downfall- launching his life in to turmoil, and bringing his wife, partner, friends and other society members down with him.

🕯️‘No matter how badly you want it to be true, you're not a God. You're a human, and you're drowning.’ 🕯️

I really enjoyed this book! I loved the modern-day city setting and the way that characters in the book speak about topics that people in society would now, but with a fantastical twist. The way the author combined aspects of the lives of people in 21st century within the book, such as the characters talking about social media groups for societies of sorcerers and talking in group chats was really cool, because it’s fun to imagine and ask what if secretly magical groups like this are hiding out in our cities now and this is what is is like for them.

🕯️‘Rhys had spent most of his life waiting for the other shoe to drop. The moment too many pleasant synchronicities started aligning, he began looking over his shoulder for the looming specter of tragedy.’ 🕯️

I also really enjoyed the characters- the author explores what is like for the main characters to operate through the challenges of new status and power, magic, demons and instability within their environment and society, whilst also working through the difficulties of their polyamorous relationship. I liked the traits of the characters and how they all balanced others out, and in times of hardship could act as one unit and ground each other and use their different strengths to solve the huge problems they were facing. I really enjoyed getting to see all of their POV’s and how they thought about things from their own perspectives too! My favourite character in the book was Moira- I loved that she was smart, compassionate but also had a hidden feisty streak. I liked that though her husband was High Priest and had the title and known power, she had hidden power in her own right, arguably even more than he did. 🕰️

If you love urban fantasy books, dark academia and dark magic, definitely give this book a read! 🩶

Thank you again to Angry Robot and Netgalley for approving me for this e-ARC! This was very exciting 🥰

I received an e-ARC and am giving my honest review. Thank you to Angry Robot for this opportunity!

I absolutely adored Evocation and was thrilled to read this! I love Gibson's writing, especially how Moira, Rhys, and David are written together and apart.

With this book being about Rhys, I had known it wouldn't be as entertaining and fun as David's story, but I was very curious about Rhys' story nonetheless. His slow descent into a somewhat madness, so to speak, was incredibly interesting to read. And seeing Moira and David's reactions to his darkness was even more interesting. I found myself incredibly interested in a lot of the magical aspects of this book, something I don't find myself drawn to usually. Between Rhys' demons and the use of religion with magic, I am dying to know more and more about the magic system. The relationship drama between David, Moira, and Rhys most certainly took precedent in the plot, which I didn't always mind, but I hope to learn more about the magic in Moira's story.

I will be honest, I was not a fan of the relationship with a past crush of David's. The fact they met when David was 16 and the other man 22 did not sit right with me, especially given it was heavily implied the other man had reciprocated David's feelings back then, even if he was adamant he'd never have acted on them. It severely rubbed me the wrong way and did almost cause me to DNF.

In the end, I did enjoy this. The plot itself was a bit lacking, especially compared to Evocation, but it's still a very good continuation of the series. Fans of the relationship between Moira, Rhys, and David will thoroughly enjoy this, and I'd also recommend this for fans of the ship "meljayvik" from Arcane.