Evocation by S.T. Gibson

The Devil knows your name, David Aristarkhov.

As a teen, David Aristarkhov was a psychic prodigy, operating under the shadow of his oppressive occultist father. Now, years after his father’s death and rapidly approaching his thirtieth birthday, he is content with the high-powered life he’s curated as a Boston attorney, moonlighting as a powerful medium for his secret society.

But with power comes a price, and the Devil has come to collect on an ancestral deal. David’s days are numbered, and death looms at his door.

Reluctantly, he reaches out to the only person he’s ever trusted, his ex-boyfriend and secret Society rival Rhys, for help. However, the only way to get to Rhys is through his wife, Moira. Thrust into each other’s care, emotions once buried deep resurface, and the trio race to figure out their feelings for one another before the Devil steals David away for good…

The first book in a spellbinding and vibrant new series from The Sunday Times bestselling author of A Dowry of Blood.

Review:

I had so much fun with this book and these characters that I read it in one day! If you’re a fan of dark and twisty supernatural stories with a touch of polyamorous romance, this book is for you.

The story focuses on the struggles of David Aristarkhov, a former psychic prodigy and Boston lawyer who finds himself facing his own mortality as the Devil comes knocking on his door to collect on a decades-old family curse. After a scary encounter while doing some spiritual work with a client, David calls upon the one person he trusts – his ex, Rhys. Rhys is also a powerful practitioner in his own right, but he and David ended things on bad terms, and Rhys is now married to the absolutely wonderful Moira. But when David comes begging for help, Rhys can’t say no, and Moira – a powerful witch herself – is there to help out.

At the core of the narrative are three captivating characters, and their emotional journeys are the true gems of this book. All flawed and deeply human, David, Rhys, and Moira are wrestling with their own personal demons (in David’s case, quite literally) and desires. As they confront the impossible choices before them, readers are inevitably drawn into their emotional turmoil. David, Rhys, and Moira find themselves thrust together in a desperate race against time to outsmart the Devil and save David’s soul. As they navigate their tangled emotions and conflicting loyalties, readers are ensnared in a web of complex feelings and intriguing relationship dynamics.

The author skillfully intertwines elements of magic, mystery, and forbidden love to craft a narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. What was particularly captivating about this book was the complex relationship dynamics. I found myself rooting for Moira and Rhys’s relationship, yet also yearning for David and Rhys to reconcile. It’s a complicated dynamic, but that’s what makes it so intriguing (even if it is unconventional by heteronormative standards).

From the creepy things happening to David to the steamy encounters between the characters, every scene is deftly crafted, and the world-building is superb. The secret society that David and Rhys are a part of is fleshed out in intricate detail, with its own set of rules, rituals, and power dynamics. I loved how it was all set in a modern world, yet the fantasy elements were pretty light and accessible to those who don’t like high fantasy. I consider myself a spiritualist, and dabble in tarot and crystals, and work with various deities, so I felt right at home with these characters.

As the suspense escalated and the stakes soared, the novel hurtled towards a heart-pounding climax that kept me eagerly turning pages. The revelation of why David is being targeted and the final showdown between the three characters and the Devil is gripping, although my one critique is that it seemed to pass by a little too quickly. Perhaps it’s because these scenes in movies always tend to be incredibly intense and intricate, so perhaps watching it is more captivating than reading about it. Whatever the case, it wasn’t enough to detract from my overall enjoyment.

If you are a fan of a supernatural story that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining, and you like a complicated character dynamic (with an M/M/F polyamorous relationship at its core), look no further than this book! It’s a fast-paced and very entertaining read. I’m definitely looking forward to the next in the series!

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