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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Drug use, Alcohol
Minor: Emotional abuse
What the heck was this!? Maybe it’s a me problem, but this was terrible compared to the first book. I’m so sorry, but I really don’t like Rhys as a character, didn’t like him in the first book and now I REALLY don’t like him. The story line in this was also not that interesting to me compared to the first book.
I honestly don’t know if I’ll continue with this series. 😕
I honestly don’t know if I’ll continue with this series. 😕
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
This is my self-indulgent "written like good fanfiction" series and while it's not a masterpiece in literature (extremly predictable, no groundbreaking writing, very "pop-culture"y) it is a fun and entertaining read.
I love how flawed all the protagonists are and how they deal with their issues even if they get resolved quite fast.
The worldbuilding + magic system feels more vibe based than acutually thought through (which I don't mind in this one, just don't expect too much from it) and the plot is mainly a vehicle for fun character action.
At times it does pack a punch tho exploring (poly)relationships and the insecurities/complications that come with it, alcoholism and even kink- I always enjoy these moments when the author shows off their care and empathy for these topics.
I love how flawed all the protagonists are and how they deal with their issues even if they get resolved quite fast.
The worldbuilding + magic system feels more vibe based than acutually thought through (which I don't mind in this one, just don't expect too much from it) and the plot is mainly a vehicle for fun character action.
At times it does pack a punch tho exploring (poly)relationships and the insecurities/complications that come with it, alcoholism and even kink- I always enjoy these moments when the author shows off their care and empathy for these topics.
emotional
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:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
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
I loved the first book so much but going from David’s complex issues to Rhys going on an ego trip was really jarring. Lots of useless sex I didn’t care for. The sex was treated as solving the issues the characters were having and it didn’t work. Blech
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
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:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Child abuse, Abandonment
Girl…boooooooooooo. I was promised a poly not whatever the hell this is. Tired of being promised poly’s and not actually getting one.
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
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
Finally, we return to The Summoner's Circle series which began with Evocation -- introducing us to Gibson's leads, David, Rhys, and Moira. A tantalising series opener, that left me wanting more immediately, and the wait was so utterly worth it. Where Evocation began, Ascension continues with a strength dashing any fears of second book syndrome. Without spoiling the first book, Ascension takes off running from where it left off and does not let up.
Rhys is an undeniably fascinating character to focus on in this chapter of the series, as he steps up into the role of High Priest and struggles to balance his desire for power with his responsibilities as a husband, boyfriend, and friend. He is flawed and self-flagellating, he swings from self-assured to self-conscious. Any reservations I may have had of him as a character in Book 1 (fleeting reservations, as I find each lead so interesting) were quickly silenced. He is so interesting, for his complexities are so conflicting. He makes deals with demons and yet believes so strongly in God, he loves so deeply and fears that he is unworthy of that love in return. He is selfish and caring, he can be cruel but so compassionate too. Ascension is a testament to S.T. Gibson's strengths as a writer, presenting these contradictions as they should be presented. Rhys is a whole person, as are David and Moira. They are as interesting separately as they are together. There is tension in this book, there is angst and each of our leads grapples with the past and the present, they fear the future's uncertainty too.
Also, I'm in love with Leda. The ways in which I am so thirsty for her book cannot be articulated. I love a chaos magician, I love a rock star. I love the fact that she's BOTH. The exploration of the side characters was so exciting, Antoni, Kitty, and Nathan especially grabbed me. The tension there was handled with a lot of care, focusing too on the ways in which Rhys struggles extended beyond romantic turmoil and his own decline in health. We also need more Dion expeditiously (I am certain S.T. will deliver, as she always does).
The sensuality and tenderness in this book also took my breath away. We are currently in a climate that sexualises much but there is also a profound sexlessness to so much media. The Summoner's Circle seems the dream opposition to that, a deliberately earnest and delicious approach to polyamory, in all its beautiful and diverse forms. I cannot emphasise how much I love the David/Rhys/Moira of it all, how much I ADORE the David and Moira dynamic and Rhys and David dynamic. They all love each other so fiercely it's amazing. Gibson writes intimacy in a way that warms me from inside out and I cannot wait for the next book, which I know will also be worth the wait. I feel like this series is literally the Parks and Rec meme, "Hi I'm David, this is my boyfriend Rhys and his wife Moira" in the best possible way. Cannot wait to see how they progress as the series does because phew. The way this book ends (excluding the epilogue) was all I've ever wanted from a trio. That's all I'll say lmfao.
Rhys is an undeniably fascinating character to focus on in this chapter of the series, as he steps up into the role of High Priest and struggles to balance his desire for power with his responsibilities as a husband, boyfriend, and friend. He is flawed and self-flagellating, he swings from self-assured to self-conscious. Any reservations I may have had of him as a character in Book 1 (fleeting reservations, as I find each lead so interesting) were quickly silenced. He is so interesting, for his complexities are so conflicting. He makes deals with demons and yet believes so strongly in God, he loves so deeply and fears that he is unworthy of that love in return. He is selfish and caring, he can be cruel but so compassionate too. Ascension is a testament to S.T. Gibson's strengths as a writer, presenting these contradictions as they should be presented. Rhys is a whole person, as are David and Moira. They are as interesting separately as they are together. There is tension in this book, there is angst and each of our leads grapples with the past and the present, they fear the future's uncertainty too.
Also, I'm in love with Leda. The ways in which I am so thirsty for her book cannot be articulated. I love a chaos magician, I love a rock star. I love the fact that she's BOTH. The exploration of the side characters was so exciting, Antoni, Kitty, and Nathan especially grabbed me. The tension there was handled with a lot of care, focusing too on the ways in which Rhys struggles extended beyond romantic turmoil and his own decline in health. We also need more Dion expeditiously (I am certain S.T. will deliver, as she always does).
The sensuality and tenderness in this book also took my breath away. We are currently in a climate that sexualises much but there is also a profound sexlessness to so much media. The Summoner's Circle seems the dream opposition to that, a deliberately earnest and delicious approach to polyamory, in all its beautiful and diverse forms. I cannot emphasise how much I love the David/Rhys/Moira of it all, how much I ADORE the David and Moira dynamic and Rhys and David dynamic. They all love each other so fiercely it's amazing. Gibson writes intimacy in a way that warms me from inside out and I cannot wait for the next book, which I know will also be worth the wait. I feel like this series is literally the Parks and Rec meme, "Hi I'm David, this is my boyfriend Rhys and his wife Moira" in the best possible way. Cannot wait to see how they progress as the series does because phew. The way this book ends (excluding the epilogue) was all I've ever wanted from a trio. That's all I'll say lmfao.