Reviews

Evocation by S.T. Gibson

librarytribute's review against another edition

3.75

 

Thank you to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for a free advanced listener’s copy. I received this copy in exchange for my honest review.

This book was a delicious work of character fiction. While I’m very used to Gibson’s work being stand-alone, it wasn’t that hard for me to adjust to. This felt like a loving laying of the foundation for a very interesting series. More than the magic and the world, though, I’m in love with these characters as the relationships they build throughout this book. I’ve always thought character writing was one of Gibson’s strengths and she proves me right once again! In Evocation we see something we rarely see from polyamorous representation and that’s the hard beginnings. I loved the gentle balance that is slowly woven between the three lives of our main characters who, in their own rights, are complex individuals, they read flawed and human and you can see how their sharp edges will slowly slot together in the puzzle of their relationships. 

I keep saying ‘I love’, I realize, but I can’t help myself. This book’s weaknesses, to me, really all lie in the fact that it’s the first in a series (books that usually end weak for me, because I’m not the biggest fan of cliffhangers). It leaves a lot of growth left to be grown which I’m so excited to see come to fruition throughout the rest of the series. Can’t wait for the journey to continue!

If you liked Dowry of Blood, An Education in Malice, or have a book hangover from the Infinity Alchemist by Kacen Callender, I’d recommend Evocation by S.T. Gibson.

 

maysilee_4's review

hopeful reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

indyandkikigoespaperback's review

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

thebookishsarah's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

bostonkatreads's review against another edition

4.0

I was thrilled to receive approval for my last-minute request of the audiobook for Evocation by S.T. Gibson. I listened all the way through it in a matter of two days!

Quick Synopsis: Present-day childhood psychic prodigy David Aristarkhov is a high-powered Boston attorney and skilled medium for his secret society. But power has a price, and as David approaches his 30th birthday, the Devil comes knocking to collect on a 300-year old blood oath. Out of other options, David reluctantly reaches out to his ex-boyfriend and current occultist rival Rhys and Rhys' wife, Moira. David's days are numbered, and buried feelings claw their way to the surface as the trio works tirelessly to save David from his doomed destiny.

Review: The plot in Evocation was compelling and engaging. As a Boston girlie, I loved all of the references to the greater Boston metro sprinkled throughout the book. Additionally, I ADORED Moira's character and how she and David are able to build their own friendship amidst the chaos. I'm always down for some LGBTQIA+ representation, especially bi-rep, so that's another win for Evocation in my book. That being said, it was not overly or unnecessarily smutty. I liked the balance of old flame, newfound friendship, rekindling, and acceptance from all. I would definitely read this again and read the next installment in The Summoner's Circle series.

Narrator review: The narrator for Evocation did a great job! There were distinct voices for both MMCs which made it easy to distinguish whose POV you are listening to. There was also a surprising and lovely accent associated with Moira's character, furthering her endearingly character for me personally.

Thank you to the author S.T. Gibson, publisher Tantor Audio, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

gaynor's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

advictoriam's review against another edition

emotional tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Started out intriguing but began to feel so repetitive in the dynamics of the relationships and that just made no sense. Like forever two steps forward, one step back but in a forced, just-creating-unnecessary-drama way. Everyone was wishy-washy and was annoying me by the end.

mar_ikaaa's review against another edition

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

bookish_olga's review

inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

 

"Evocation" is an ambitious novel that attempts to weave together themes of occultism, complex relationships, and the struggles of identity and autonomy. While the book promises a rich blend of dark academia and supernatural elements, it primarily focuses on the intricate dynamics between its three main characters—David, Rhys, and Moira. 

I have mixed feelings about the character development. David, the central figure, often feels like a clichéd "snarky asshole with a vulnerable underbelly," a trope that seems overdone. However, his interactions with Moira are a highlight for me. Their relationship grows in depth and emotional resonance without relying on sexual intimacy, which I found refreshing. Moira stands out as a well-crafted character, adding complexity and warmth to the story. 

On the other hand, the relationship between David and Rhys, as well as the exploration of their past, feels underdeveloped to me. It lacks the emotional weight needed to fully engage me as a reader. The romantic and emotional tensions are often overshadowed by the book's attempt to juggle multiple plotlines and themes. 

One of the novel's strengths is its atmospheric prose, which effectively sets the tone for the dark, occult world it inhabits. Gibson's writing shines in moments of introspection and emotional revelation, particularly in the nuanced development of David and Moira's friendship. However, I expected more focus on the occult elements from the blurb. I was hoping for something more like "Ninth House," with a stronger emphasis on the supernatural. The Devil's supernatural threat looms large but often takes a backseat to the character-driven drama. 

Despite its flaws, "Evocation" offers a thought-provoking exploration of polyamorous relationships and the emotional complexities involved. The ambitious narrative attempts to balance building a compelling magical world with the intimate, often painful dynamics of its characters' lives. 

"Evocation" is a contemporary dark academia novel that offers a unique blend of occult elements and complex relationship dynamics. While it doesn't fully deliver on the supernatural promise suggested by its blurb, it provides a compelling character study and a thoughtful look at identity and autonomy. Fans of S.T. Gibson's previous works might find it lacking compared to "A Dowry of Blood," but I still found it a worthwhile read for those interested in exploring the emotional intricacies of its characters. Despite its shortcomings, "Evocation" sets the stage for potentially richer developments in future instalments. 

lyssiski's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75