Readalongs

Evocation Readalong: Day 4!

Shannon

Stunning photo by @a.readeresque.diary!

Hey fairies!

Welcome back to day 4 of our readalong of Evocation by S.T. Gibson! Let’s get comfy and get reading!

Yesterdays section finished at what felt like a turning point so I’m nervous and excited to see what’s going to happen!

Today we’re reading from Chapter 20 to the end of Chapter 27.


Please be warned, the following section will include spoilers for Evocation by S.T. Gibson, from chapters 20 to 27. Please only read on if you’ve finished this section!

Rhys feels guilty, I’m not surprised. David thought he was the obvious choice, he was born into the occult life. Rhys definitely should’ve given him a heads up!

Not that David is perfect… Rhys hasn’t realised yet that he’s drunk.

“Power looks good on you.” with that line uttered between them… David makes his move and kisses him.

That’s all it takes, though. Rhys can taste the alcohol on him and finally it clicks, David is drunk and now Rhys is furious.

Moira is a LOT more understanding than Rhys, seems like she’s considering his hurt feelings may be the reason he turned back to alcohol and she’s a lot gentler! In fact, she almost acts mad at Rhys for his reaction to it all?

Either way, she helps David into bed and when she and Rhys return home, he tells her about the kiss. She’s not surprised at all! She knows that he loves them both and she isn’t angry at him for that, she just wants him to be honest with her at all times. A very fair request!

David meets with Wayne and kinda lets out his annoyance. He felt like Wayne led him on. To be honest, from our point of view… he really did, right? He basically told David who he was picking and the description between that someone and David definitely lined up, even without names.

He accepts the position of Chief Scryer instead, and whilst he has him he asks the current High Priest if he knows anything about the deal his family made. Wayne speaks of a fairytale where a member of the Aristarkhov family sold their soul for the power to charm but says that’s all it is, a fairy tale… But, it’s not? David DOES have the power to charm and it’s evident some funky demon stuff is going on, so… I’m waging that it’s not a fairytale. This is what’s making him ill!

I can’t with David texting Moira to apologise. He does seem really sorry. They end up unintentionally meeting and it’s clear now they’re friends, drawn to each other even though they had no intention to be. He likes her, in a different way to how he likes Rhys but, he does. I think they both really needed this moment of honesty. When she cosies up to him, he’s not worried about how it may be perceived. Our boy has GROWN since that time someone insinuated they were married and he freaked out!

The High Priesthood is taking up more of Rhys’s time than he ever intended and his marriage is feeling the weight of it. He realises quite quickly that he needs a second in command… not only that, but he needs David.

David seems confused about it all but Rhys tells him to be real with him. They’re BOTH being real… and Rhys reaches across to kiss him… with no alcohol involved this time!

Again, the first thing Rhys does is come clean and tell Moira. She’s not angry, he kept to his promise and was honest with her, in fact… I think she likes it. I love how communicative these two are BUT I also love that Moira’s quick to set her boundaries. I agree with Rhys, she is a little goddess! In turn, she’s honest with him and tells Rhys of the connection she has with David. It’s not the same by any means, a very different kind of relationship, but I love how things are shaping up for this trio!

David is in court, and that wave of demonic… something… is coming over him again. It seems worse this time too, he has a vision. He’s not sure whose dream he’s in, but whoever it is does seem to be making a deal. Is he seeing a memory from his ancestor? He rushes out of the room knowing how bad this will look for him, that it’ll look likes he’s crumbled under pressure, and calls the person who always turns up for him: Rhys!


That last episode of David’s seemed so much worse, I’m worried for him! Also stressed that we had to stop at such an intense moment, but it’s made me even more excited to keep reading tomorrow!

If this is a result of a family deal, how do you think David can fix it? IF he can even fix it!
Any theories for what will go down in the last section?
Out of our main three, who’s your favourite character? I think David and Moira are battling for the top spot for me!

Love,
Shannon

Conversation

12 Comments

Comment

  • dnjreads

    If this is a result of a family deal, how do you think David can fix it? IF he can even fix it!
    I think when the deal was made for the youngest it means the last living youngest, and since he doesn’t have any heirs at the moment that means it’s him.

    Any theories for what will go down in the last section?
    I think David is going to have to take more time off to figure out what’s going on with him. I also think they won’t fully figure it out in this book unfortunately.

    Out of our main three, who’s your favourite character? I think David and Moira are battling for the top spot for me!
    I’m the same, David and Moira and it’s really hard to just pick one. I want to like Rhys more but he needs to do something really big for that to happen.

  • karen.holmes.w

    Loved these chapters and how communication seems to be an important part of the relationship for the three of them. I like how they talk about themselves and how they feel and it does feel that David has grown a lot since he’s met Moira.

    I can’t think of breaking the deal, more in the sense of killing the demon who took the deal in the first place if it’s ever something it could be done. Because if by breaking his place he needs to give someone else (like his dad did with him) it wouldn’t be fair.

    My fave is Moira but David is a close second. She’s been a fave from the start.

  • Ronan55

    If this is a result of a family deal, how do you think David can fix it? IF he can even fix it!

    My guess is that the curse is somehow shifted to an heir and each time the bargain is up, every Aristarkhov has found a loophole on how to pass it down. It is giving some vibes from a certain show about a family who makes a bargain and their heirs pay the price. I think a sacrifice will need to be made and David is going to have to either accept his fate, or doom someone else to bear his burden.

    Any theories for what will go down in the last section?

    The trio will solidify their relationship and work it out. They are going to draw their magic and attempt to exorcise the demon and try to save David. If all else fails, either find a loophole themselves or banish the demon.

    Out of our main three, who’s your favourite character?

    David and Moira are my top favorites but I really wish Moira had a bit more development. I am hoping later books will help this. David is a bit shady but I definitely enjoy his character and his attitude is kind of fascinating to see in his actions. I am curious to his path to sobriety again with the help of his friends.

    1
  • Tiffany Salangsang

    I also like David and Moira! I don’t have any theories of how David will fix this, but he’ll definately need the help from Rys and Moira.

  • Licia Carlesi

    I feel like the relationships between the trio are developing quite quickly now, including the new friendship between Moira and David and whatever is going on between David and Rhys. I like how Moora communicates and sets boundaries.

    It’s not clear what the demon wants or gets our of this deal… is it basically David’s soul? That’s scary! I wonder how they’ll get how of this, I’m thinking some kind of exorcism?

    I really like David, can’t resist his charm, and I’m rooting for him to overcome this somehow.

    I posted the photo for the giveaway and my Instagram is @Licia27 💕

  • Autumn Pawlikowski

    I definitely think he’s seeing a vision of his ancestor making the deal with the Devil. It seems like it’s something passed down to heirs, which would make sense with Evgeni being a terrible father and not telling David about the deal being real. I can’t imagine David being willing to pass this on to another child, so perhaps he’ll make a new deal, or even give up his charming powers.

    Any theories for what will go down in the last section?

    Definitely some kind of summoning, whether spirits or demons or both to help the trio figure this out. I’m anticipating a probably violent showdown with the Devil.

    Moira is definitely my favourite, though David is a close second which is awesome considering I didn’t like him at the start of the book.

  • Caitie @readbycaitie

    Loving how this polycule is developing <3

  • holly

    1 – If this is a result of a family deal, how do you think David can fix it? IF he can even fix it!

    A very tough question with only speculation in response. The only way forward would be for the three of them to come together with their expertise to address the demon. David may be able to draw strength from Moira as they share similar magical abilities. Meanwhile, Rhys can use his capabilities to bend the demon to his command or discover a ritual that will send the demon on its way without a return ticket.

    2 – Any theories for what will go down in the last section?

    Beyond what I stated above – the three of them have such a strong connection that they will become a kickass trio in more ways than one. However, I can’t see this book ending without a cliffhanger. I am crossing my fingers and toes that we aren’t going to end on a full possession. Moira does seem to foreshadow Rhys’s wants may “swallow him whole.”

    3 – Out of our main three, who’s your favourite character? I think David and Moira are battling for the top spot for me!

    I have adored Moira from the beginning. David has really started to grow on me though. Initially, I thought I would have more of an attachment to Rhys, but he hasn’t changed too terribly much from the start.

    I’m also curious – does anything happen when David blacks out for longer periods of time?

  • Tasha

    Any theories for what will go down in the last section? – I think David will realise his family deal / curse is real and try to find a way out of it or a loophole. Hope it doesn’t end on a cliff hanger!

    Out of our main three, who’s your favourite character? I think David and Moira are battling for the top spot for me! – David has been my favourite for a while now. Moira is second because of her friendship with David. Rhys is last – I don’t really like him at all.

  • Katie

    I’m not sure how they’ll get out of it but I kinda wish the balance was slightly more on the plot of the demon possession rather than the developing relationships… I know people go to this author for poly rep though and so it makes sense for the relationships to be a focus.

    I wonder if David will have to give up his magical charm to be set free. Not sure on the legalities of the contract from the 1500s lol

  • ASHLEY KALATUSHA

    If this is a result of a family deal, how do you think David can fix it? IF he can even fix it!
    I think fixing it lies in the deal itself. He needs to read the contract and see if there is a loop hole.

    Any theories for what will go down in the last section?
    I think the curse will be solved and they will become a poly couple that is happy.

    Out of our main three, who’s your favourite character? I think David and Moira are battling for the top spot for me!
    I like Moira. There is a lot of dimension to her.

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Shannon

24th June 2024

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