The Invocations

Publication Date: January 2024 |Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A beautifully written but ultimately unsatisfying story revolving around witches and the occult.

3/5

Book Summary: Zara Jones will do anything to bring back her murdered sister, even if that means partaking in the occult to raise the dead. Jude Wolf is cursed after a deal with a demon went horribly wrong, and she has been suffering the consequences ever since. Emer Byrne is a cursewriter, helping desperate women exchange part of their soul for power. As these three paths cross, the more each realizes they must work together for their goals to succeed. When Emer’s clients start to be murdered, they turn to one another for answers.

My Analysis: Sutherland’s writing is beautiful. The imagery she provides is outstanding. The story however- absolutely boring. I had hoped this one would be an improvement over House of Hollow, but to me it wasn’t. Both written elegantly but the plots just aren’t interesting enough. I’m not sure if she’s just trying to hard to make it this gruesome story that has shock value and is failing, but the overall story is not satisfying. The characters she portrays are well developed, and I did appreciate their relationships with one another. Especially given the fact that these characters are pushed together as strangers who become friends. If you’re really into witches and the occult, it’s worth a read, but if not I say it’s one to skip.