Today’s review is about ASCENSION by S.T. Gibson. It’s the second book in The Summoner’s Circle series. This review contains spoilers for the previous book in the series, EVOCATION.
Author: S.T. Gibson
Series: The Summoner’s Circle #2
Age Category: Adult
Publisher: Angry Robot
Publish Date: July 8, 2025
Print Length: 400
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Ascension Synopsis
Synopsis
From the international bestselling author of Evocation comes its hotly anticipated and spellbinding sequel, where Rhys steps into his new role as High Priest. A magical read for lovers of traditional urban fantasy.
Ever since Rhys McGowan was a boy, he’s only wanted two things: power and love.
Now, as High Priest of Boston’s premiere Secret Society, husband to his adoring witch wife Moira, and partner to David – his psychic rival-turned-boyfriend, Rhys is finally at peace. But when a strange ritual rocks Boston’s occult community, and opens the Society up to sabotage, Rhys delves even deeper into the dark world of demon-summoning. He’s used to carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, but the strain of managing so many spirits (not to mention the stress of his loved ones exploring other people) will push him to the brink.
As heaven and hell play tug of war for Rhys’ soul, he’ll have to face the greatest demon of all: his own insatiable ambition.
The second book in the bestselling Summoner’s Circle series sees beloved characters return for an all new dark and enthralling adventure.
Ascension Review
I received a free, digital, advanced reading copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is my own and reflects my honest opinion about this book.
ASCENSION by S.T. Gibson is the second installment of The Summoner’s Circle. This time the main point of view is that of Rhys. Rhys is now High Priest of the Society and to ensure he can live up to the expectations, he summons a horde of demons to be at his beck and call. As he manages the strain of controlling his literal and figurative demons, a mysterious public occult display makes headlines. This sends Rhys into frenetic damage control mode, threatening his marriage, friendships, and life in the process.
ASCENSION by S.T. Gibson is not exactly a follow up on how to rid Rhys of the demon blood curse he took on from David. Instead, it’s a character study on how anxiety and self worth may drive someone to make poor decisions. In Rhys’s case, this may be due to insecurities from being raised Catholic, hiding his sexuality and polyamory from his parents, and a natural inclincation toward perfection to compensate. Honestly, Rhys was insufferable and I didn’t find the first 50% or so of the book all that entertaining. Had I known this is a slice-of-life in the head of a high-strung individual, I may have passed as historically these aren’t my favorite kinds of stories to read. The time spent in Rhys’s head also made the reading experience feel slow. Only when the figurative pin dropped did I become more interested in the resolution.
However, Gibson continues to deliver character growth and delicious character dynamics. As with EVOCATION, David’s and Moira’s interactions are a delight to read. They continue to be my favorites of the three main characters. Rhys and Moira care deeply about each other and I loved Moira’s fierce protectiveness when events call for it. This book also normalizes polyamory. The trio have a set up that they all agreed upon, signaling the importance of communication. Unfortunately, Rhys still doesn’t fully internalize the importance of this until he finds himself in mortal danger. For those who need to know, there is an open door scene with the trio.
Gibson also incorporates various sects of occultism into the text. This is not something I know anything about. Thankfully, conversation or inner dialogue more or less defines them for the average reader. (It also helps to have access to the dictionary via e-book.) I had no idea how many different sects there are, so that was somewhat eye opening. There is a particular kind of “magic” introduced that I found fascinating and hope to see more of it over the rest of the series.
Overall, ASCENSION by S.T. Gibson is great for anyone who likes to get into an insecure character’s head and psychoanalyze their decisions. However, readers who hope for a more plot-driven story might not derive as much satisfaction from this installment.
Rating: 3.5
Content warnings: sexual content, alcohol, drugs, emotional abuse
Reading format: Kindle e-book
I remember not really liking Rhys in the last book, so I’m not surprised you found his character to be frustrating in this one. Also, the lack of a strong plot might bother me. But I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Yea, he wasn’t my favorite in the first book, so this was a bit much for the first 50% since a lot of it was his own making.
Nice review Celeste. This is the second review I’ve read of this book today and you both make the same points about the character driven nature of the novel and lack of plot. I think that would frustrate me hugely so I’m glad that I didn’t start this series.
Thanks! I’m guessing the other one you read was Chris’s? If so, we buddy read it together. 🙂 I’m kind of on the fence about continuing with the series owing to its character-driven nature. But I think the next book is from Moira’s POV and I like her.
I did wonder if you had buddy read it. 😃
I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy this as much as the first one and can definitely see how this wouldn’t be for everyone based on your review. Hopefully the next one will have a stronger plot, focus on your favourite characters a bit more and let you discover lots about the new magic you mentioned
The next book is supposed to be from the POV of a character I like more, but we’ll see whether I decide to continue. If I do it might be on my own time rather than as an ARC.
That’s promising then, although I do get why you’re still unsure based on what you said about this one plot wise. Borrowing it from a library, if possible, could be a good way to get to it if you do decide to carry on.