SUMMONED IS the story of Devid Khandelwal, a handsome, young gay man, soon-to-be college graduate, and amateur occultist. Dev has been trying to connect to the supernatural world, referred to as the Shadow Realm, for years without success. His final attempt at piercing the veil is a Summoning Board that grants the user three ultimate desires. Not surprisingly, Dev’s wishes have everything to do with connecting to magick and the Shadow Realm. And these desires are ultimately granted, placing Dev on the path to mystical discoveries he may not be ready for.
Several people get caught up in Dev’s supernatural shenanigans. Chief among them is his best friend, Cam, a sassy hunk who does not share Dev’s occult interests. Cam is a delight to read and so opposite to his best friend. While Dev can come across as a little uptight and anxious, Cam is a true bon-vivant. Their bond of friendship, their loyalty to one another, as close as brothers, is heartening to read. Now, at Dev’s request, Cam makes a few flighty wishes of his own—and they don’t quite manifest as he intended. Let the chaos commence. What fun! There is significant queer representation in this novel, including Tully, a bearlicious red-headed love interest for Dev, husky werewolves, a dreamy college professor with a hidden agenda, and a coven of sexy gay male witches. All of it feels thoughtfully presented and compelling. And did I mention sexy?
Summoned contains an unapologetic homosocial atmosphere that I found enticing. The central coven of witches the novel focuses on is exclusively formed of gay men. Their behaviours, practices, and I might even say power revolves around this intentional homogenization. A world where gay men born with an affinity for magic interact with each other and the supernatural world without fear of outside influences, distractions or any sense of alienated “otherness” is a fascinating and welcome plot element. Jackson’s use of nudity as a conduit for the witches’ magick—as too many layers of fabric between the body and the mystical energy dampen its effectiveness—is a clever way to add titillation without an overt sexual component. The author gives us a true homosocial brotherhood with no gratuitous sexual agenda—just the cooperative use of magick. I found the coven’s view that a lack of inhibitions concerning nudity was essential to focus one’s power to its fullest potential quite intriguing. Especially as we too often see magic users encased in flowing robes. This is a cool take on skyclad neopaganism.
Of course, some elements of the witches’ exchanges with one another are erotically charged—and these are some amusing and sensual moments. However, they come across as the human condition of sexual attraction and flirtation rather than an aspect of Sex-Magick. The sex scenes are hot yet deliver intimacy and connectivity between two people. Dev and his new beau seem perfect for each other. The romance is real.
A major takeaway for me is the concept of villainy in Summoned. There is a villain in this story, but one who is complex and multi-faceted. This person is not an “Oil-Can Harry” archetype twirling a handlebar mustache plotting schemes. I felt conflicted the more I read. Is this person a villain in the true sense of the word? Have they done traditionally villainous things? Yes, but I see counterpoints to nearly every wicked action and selfish decision. It begs the question: Is the intent or outcome of these actions truly villainous or the acts of a leader who believes they are doing what is in the best interests of those around them? Is it ignorance or arrogance? Do those qualities make a villain? Is this person truly a speciesist in their disdain for werewolves? Or are they blocking off their morality due to an overwhelming need to save the life of an important loved one? Do villainous actions make a villain, or must there be an intrinsic sinister nature to the person?
Jackson’s writing is fluid and evocative, especially in describing occult objects, mystical beings, and varied magical practices. While many of the characters don’t get fleshed-out backstories, what he has written about them, their appearances, mannerisms, and personality quirks are absolutely riveting. Each character’s description feels authentic and tangible and captures interest. I know a novel is well-crafted and effective when I keep going back to it, thinking about the themes presented. Summoned (Magus Malefica—The Coven Series Book 1) gives the reader a lot to take away and process. It is a thoroughly enjoyable journey.
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