The Invocations by Krystal Sutherland Review

Hello Readers,

The Invocations is a dark, thrilling, and beautifully crafted novel that blends magic, mystery, and female empowerment into a gripping, unforgettable experience. Krystal masterfully brings to life three distinct young women. Emer, a fierce witch skilled in both magic and combat; Jude, the snarky, bold queen with sharp wit and charm; and Zara, affectionately called “Jones” by Jude, the quirky, brilliant heart of the group who would do anything to protect those she loves.


Together, these women are thrown into an unusual and perilous situation, working to unravel the identity of a serial killer targeting those who have made soul-binding pacts with a cursewriter. These aren’t just any women they’re those who exchanged pieces of their souls for magical powers, and now their lives are on the line.

The novel is driven by girl power, with brain, strategy, and combat skills coming together in a fierce, action-packed effort to stop the killer and avenge the victims. Krystal weaves a tight, dark narrative that explores the deep bonds of sisterhood forged through shared grief and trauma. Each character’s journey through personal loss adds an emotional layer to the story, making the stakes feel even higher as they fight not only to solve the murders but to heal their own wounds.

The writing is exquisite, like House of Hollow, but The Invocations is even more engaging. It's dark, witchy, filled with moments of sharp humour and razor-sharp dialogue that help lighten the tension without diminishing the gravity of the story. The mixture of body horror, grief, and revenge has echoes Mexican Gothic, all while grounding the supernatural in a contemporary setting.

While the story is filled with gruesome violence, it doesn’t cross into melodrama. The characters feel real  their struggles and pain are palpable, but their resilience and empowerment drive the narrative. The book also thoughtfully explores how grief impacts people in different ways, creating a sense of camaraderie and solidarity among the three women.

Krystal’s exploration of witchcraft feels fresh and exciting, with a clear tie to the historical oppression of women who were labelled witches, amplifying the stakes and tension. The ending is intense and delivers a satisfying, wild payoff that will leave you thinking long after you turn the last page.
A blend of gore, magic, and gorgeous prose, The Invocations is a must-read for fans of paranormal mysteries, empowered female protagonists, and stories with an edge. I couldn’t stop reading  and when it ended, I selfishly wanted more.

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