Book Review: Evocation, S. T. Gibson

If you're a fan of gothic literature that blends contemporary paranormal elements with deeply personal stakes, S.T. Gibson’s Evocation is a must-read.

Fantasy, Adult, LGBT

US, 2024

“Friendship. Genuine, impossible affection between two opposing energies. The sun and the moon orbiting each other in perfect synchronicity.”

David Aristarkhov was once a psychic prodigy under the strict control of his occultist father. Now, as he nears his thirtieth birthday, he's built a high-powered life as a Boston attorney and a powerful medium for a secret society. However, the power he's amassed comes at a steep price, and the Devil is knocking on his door to collect on an ancient family deal.

Desperate and running out of time, David reaches out to his ex-boyfriend Rhys, a fellow Society member and rival. But Rhys isn’t easy to reach, and David must first navigate his way through Rhys’s wife, Moira. As the trio works together to break the curse threatening David’s life, buried emotions resurface, and they must all confront their true feelings before time runs out.

From the moment I picked up Evocation, I knew I was in for a beautifully gothic experience. S.T. Gibson has once again proven to be an auto-buy author for me, delivering a story rich in the gothic aesthetics I adore while exploring themes of power, love, and fate.

The dynamic between David, Rhys, and Moira is complex and captivating, as they navigate the personal curse hanging over David's head. Unlike many stories in this genre, Evocation focuses on the intimate, personal stakes rather than a grand "save-the-world" scenario. This approach allows the characters to breathe, express themselves, and truly evaluate the costs of their actions, making the story feel more personal and immersive.

The magical, astrological, and occultist elements in the book are fascinating, adding depth to the narrative and drawing readers into the dark, mystical world that Gibson has created. It’s refreshing to read a story where the characters are not forced into a straightforward path but instead are given room to explore their emotions and the intricate web of relationships that binds them together.

As I finished Evocation, I found myself eager to see how the series will develop. If you’re looking for a book that combines gothic charm with a contemporary twist and deeply engaging characters, this one should definitely be on your reading list.

Rating: 4/5