When I started reading this book I did not expect it to be so good. I finished reading this in two days.
I absolutely love it. It is fast paced, it has enemies to lovers trope and amazing mystery element to it.
I loved Wen, I loved Godric too. I loved the Unitas.
An amazing Fantasy series after a very long time.
The whole series is also available on kindle unlimited which is fantastic as the second book in the series, here I come.

I love this slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romantacy! It's a must read for fans of Rebecca Yarros or SJM. Our plucky(and impulsively snarky) heroine Wen is trying to survive post-apocalyptic earth with her BFF Sarah. She finds herself in trouble with the angels and conscripted into the Celestial Academy and has to do whatever it takes to survive. I was pulled in from the start and managed to finish this 15 hour long audio book in only 3 days!! The narrator was engaging and the story moved quickly. I laughed out loud several times and never knew what was going to happen next. The ending has me chomping at the bit for the next book!

As much as I loved the plot, I couldn't give it a full 5 stars because there were parts that drew me out of the main story line, particularly the constant lusty thoughts reminiscent of a hormonal teenager from both adult MCs that did nothing to further the plot or deepen their relationship.

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

"Amazing. Not even battling a horde of monstrosities, a black hole, and a void slowed down your avalanche of questions."


Celestial Academy: Essence is the first book within the Afterworld series. In this, you will meet Wen, Sarah, and Godric. Wen is a drug dealing demon owned human. She wasn't always on this path, but what can you do when you are four years old. After a deal went sideways, she ends up going to the Celestial Academy. Which, I'm sure is just going to be a piece of cake for her, right?

Wrong. She has all kinds of trust issues and will probably butt heads with mostly everyone there. She's all kinds of stubborn and won't take anyone's shit. So, I'll admit it was very interesting when she runs into Sarah and sort of builds a friendship with her. Sarah is also a demon owned human and is sentenced right along with Wen. They are definitely opposites, but I really enjoyed their friendship and growth throughout the book.

Then there's Godric. My god, I loved him and honestly after how this book ended, I'm not sure what to think. He's an angel and definitely goes by the name Angelhole. Or maybe he just tolerates that nickname? The way he banters with Wen is just amazing. I also liked the slow buildup of their romance. Even though I felt like I was dying at time because of how slow it was going.

In the end, I really liked the audiobook of this. It was easy to listen to and just work on... well, work. I'll have to see if I can get the next book as an audiobook.

So how do I describe this book? Aside from I loved it, that is.
First, it is definitely a New Adult book or Young Adult because there is the constant gushing of the love interest's person and assets. But, unlike the rest of the book in the genre, there is no constant invitation to her 'woe is me' drama and party everywhere. None of the constant angst and moping. Instead, I see the consistency in the main character's tough and survivor personality. She acknowledge how unfair life is and then she buckles in and face what is coming with attitude that makes me root for her to succeed.
And while she is tackling life, she is also raising havoc with her irreverence personality that just cracks me up and made her company a good space to be. (I wish NA books are like this then I would pick more of them.)
Her name is Wen, short for Gwendolyn. (Don't know how the author spelled the names as I had the audiobook). Anyway, she is truly and orphan and to top that a slave to a heartless owner. Her descent to dealing is not surprise to me but her product is one of a kind. I liked her more when she showed that even in her misdeed she has her own line in the sand not to be crossed and that is not selling to kids. She loves and protects her 'people' with all her heart with all the ferocity of her malnourished body and snarky tongue. But wait until you see what she can do that scares all the powers that be.
The created world is also an interesting one for me. At least I haven't seen this set up before and to me it is a perfect world for a lot of story and possibilities. Everyone else see Armageddon as the end of all but this created world surprise me by making it as a beginning of something interesting. To me its a world I like to explore.
Then there is the mystery of who or what the main character is and I love how they slowly peel her out. At the end of the book, although she isn't totally revealed, we know enough to be at peace that she is okay for now as we wait for the next book.
I really hope the author will finish this series. I wish I knew it was an unfinished series before I picked this up but so far, I had a great time with getting to know Wen and exploring her dangerous world. I love this author and would finish the series if she manage to finish writing it.
The book details mentioned Crescent City Series and Zodiac Academy Series and I cannot speak for them because I did not read them. However, the Mortal instruments series....From this one and only book alone I can say that this is way better - for me - than the Mortal Instruments books.
Thanks to netgalley for the audiobook.

I was given an advanced copy in exchange for my review. This is my honest review and I am leaving it voluntarily. Oh my gosh this is so good! This is a long one and I STILL wanted more! What do you mean this is only book one? Where is the rest??? It has amazing world building and great characters. I need a time line on book two please!

"Celestial Academy: Essence" didn't click with me. It felt like a slog due to its wordiness and slow plot development until about 60%. The main character, Wen, annoyed me with her constant questions and inner thoughts, and her relationship with Sarah seemed unhealthy. However, the book did improve towards the end, and characters like Jinny, Lorcan, and Godric stood out. Initially intimidated by its nearly 600-page length, I was pleasantly surprised by the book, which was marketed to fans of "Zodiac Academy." Despite my initial skepticism, it turned out to be a pleasant surprise, With that being said I am unsure If will read the next story in the series.

DNF at 38%. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book through NetGalley but this isn’t for me and I believe I’ve read enough to give an honest review. I liked the premise but the FMC is extremely annoying and has not shown any redeeming qualities. I don’t see myself rooting for her in any sense because all she does is mouths off. The world building is poor. The beginning has way too much info dumping and due to that the reader is immediately working double time to catch up to what the character knows which is usually fine but did not work in this sense. There’s no originality. I like the nickname “God awful” but that’s about all I like. This is also an insta lust story that I don’t find believable nor do I care to see how it develops. The real kicker- if this is marketed as enemies to lovers it is vastly mismarketed. The FMC almost immediately gets arrested and is in peril for the duration of what I read but she’s immediately thirsting for the man who arrested her to the point where she orgasms just by imagining being with him (no touching or anything- JUST imagination). And this is right after she explains how she hasn’t orgasmed before. This story is a mess unfortunately and I wanted to push through but I can’t.

Why did it take me so friggin long to finish this book when it was SO FRIGGIN GOOD?! I have no idea, maybe subconsciously I didn't want it to be over and start the wait for the next one? I don't know but THAT FRIGGIN ENDING! I'm so glad it appears the wait for book 2 isn't going to be too long.

Wen White is the bottom of the barrel. Found as a child in the left over rubble of a building she's sold to a demon to be a slave. Her life is rough but thanks to her one friend, Sarah, she stays grounded and keeps pushing through. One day Wen discovers that she can harness and sell Angel Essence, it's a drug, but if Wen ever wants to buy her and Sarah their freedom this is how she can do it. Wen is extremely careful about who she sells to and when because getting caught or ending up dead isn't going to help get Sarah free of her indenture. One night though, she has a couple deals fall through and gets a little sloppy. Enter Godric/Godawful/Angelhole.

If you enjoy and Academy vibe, Angels/Demons, enemies to lovers, slow burn, etc. then this is for you.

Update 7/05/24 for audio: Amanda Leigh Cobb was FANTASTIC at narrating this one. Perfect choice!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Seventh Wonder Press for the opportunity to read and review this story. Thank you also to Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks for the opportunity to listen to and review the audio of this book.

Celestial Academy gives big Bryce and Hunt vibes with a mix of Basgiath War College and all I can say is YES! I can’t wait to read the next two books in the series and I hope I don't have to wait too long for the next audiobook!

Wen, a demon-owned human, and angel essence dealer, is captured and brought into Celestial Academy by Godric, sorry, God-Awful, when he realizes she has powers that could help end the war. The banter, the enemies to besties, enemies to lovers, the relationships with the supporting characters, *chefs kiss*. I would love to see this made into a movie! I’d absolutely be there with my popcorn, candy and pop at the midnight release!

Also, as a warning, if you're listening to the audiobook, def recommend pausing BEFORE you start your coffee order at the drive through. LMAO.

Thank you, NetGalley and Olivia Pharos for providing me with an ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you for the audiobook copy! I read the ebook copy originally, and the entire time I was reading I thought it would probably be much better if it was audiobook. So when I saw the audio available, I went in for round two. Unfortunately, my thoughts haven’t changed, so I won’t do a second review and I’m attaching my first.

Title: Celestial Academy: Essence

Author: Olivia Pharos
Genre: Romance, Fantasy

Rating: ★★★★


Life couldn't get much worse for a Demon-Owned human in an Afterworld where Hell and Heaven coexist on Earth. For Wen, drudgery, degradation, and mortal danger are just the beginning. Her one slim hope lies in dealing Angelescence—a unique and highly coveted drug that only she can produce. With decommission and execution looming, she's desperate to buy her and her best friend's way out of their Indentures. But increasing her operations only leads to her arrest and a humiliating trial at the Celestial Court, where she is dragged on a leash. Her unexpected sentence? Conscription to Celestial Academy.

Enter Godric, Heaven's most powerful and ruthless nephilim *swoon*. As Heaven's top soldier and assassin, he's tasked with uncovering the secret behind her unprecedented ability to capture Angel Essence. Forced into close proximity, they detest each other, but the explosive emotions and forbidden cravings they both experience complicate matters. Anything between them isn't just taboo—it's potentially catastrophic for all of existence.

As their passionate war simmers, Godric unearths even more terrifying secrets about her. With lethal trials at mid-term and the threat of an internal war and another Apocalypse on the horizon, she finds herself at the centre of it all.

What I Loved:

Listening to Celestial Academy: Essence as an audiobook was an absolute delight. The narrator's performance was spot on, making the story easy to follow and incredibly immersive. The dynamic between the main characters, filled with tension and undeniable chemistry, kept me hooked from start to finish. Their journey from loathing to reluctant allies, and the potential for something more, was masterfully crafted.

The world-building in this book is exceptional. Olivia Pharos creates a vivid Afterworld where Hell and Heaven's realms collide, and the stakes are incredibly high. The concept of Angelescence and the protagonist's unique ability added a fresh twist to the genre, making the story even more intriguing.

Godric is a compelling character, and his interactions with the protagonist are electric. Their relationship is complex, filled with forbidden desires and intense emotions, adding depth to the narrative. The trials and mysteries they face together kept me on the edge of my seat.

Celestial Academy: Essence is a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and suspense.

Highly recommend to anyone who loves a story with high stakes, enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, and a richly imagined world. If you enjoy audiobooks, this one is a must-listen—the narrator truly brings the story to life.

Thank you to Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks, The Author Olivia Pharos & Netgalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

This very much had Crescent City meets Fourth Wing vibes and I was here for it! Lots of snark and intrigue and drama. I NEED to know what happens next!

This is a series starter you can sink into. Dystopian, hidden school, plus a twist on the usual angel, nephilim dynamic that will keep you curious and reading.

Add to this a snarky FMC who just does not have any concept of an inner voice mixed in with a MMC who needs his world upturned, and you have yourself an addictive read.
I enjoyed the world building and the pacing of the book, and of course the found family vibes.

This one comes with some spice and a mystery to be unraveled as the FMC is more than she seems. Grab this one and dive in, you will not regret it!

I literally can’t get enough of Wen! Her sassy mouth and how she stands up against everything. I can’t wait to find out more!

Without giving too much away, I feel like she is a pawn in a game that she doesn’t know anything about.

The narrator did a phenomenal job at varying her voice for each character & giving the attitude/sass when needed. It was very easy to listen to!

Thank you for the opportunity to listen & review

I have turned the review in with Amazon! I can submit the link when it’s live.

Celestial Academy: Essence reminded me of nothing so much as Zodiac Academy if it were written by Jennifer L Armentrout in the style of her Dark Elements and Harbinger series. I had a really good time while reading and felt genuinely engaged throughout, however the world building got off to a bit of a rocky start with some contradictory explanations and unanswered questions at the beginning. I thought the descriptions and imagery were well done for the most part and I was able to fully immerse myself in the setting by the end. While I greatly enjoyed the tension between Wen and Godric, or "God Awful," some of the banter did feel a bit teenager cringy and a few of the supporting characters felt flat to me. I wish there had been a bit more of a dark academia vibe to the school, especially with the roommates, but the contention between them seemed minor compared to other elements of the story and I just haven't connected to them in the way that I wish I had. Even with these minor critiques, the story was engaging and unique and I had a very hard time putting it down. I am very invested in finding out what happens next and discovering how Wens abilities will manifest and what the thing within her means for her life. That ending threw me for a loop. Overall, I am extremely excited to pick up the next book and want to send out a huge thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. I wouldn't have found this series if not for you and I am very excited to see what comes next in this story!

I really enjoy this book, and even purchased the Kindle version for myself, but the narrator was too much. I finally gave up on letting her voice "grow on me" about chapter 23. The voices for the male characters were cringy, and the narration between speaking had inflection that didn't match the text and was just over the top. Book: 5 stars. Audiobook: 3

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Zodiac Academy hangover? Don´t worry, Olivia Pharos is here to save you!
 
For the category books that need all the hype, we have Celestial Academy: Essence, the first book in this new, adventurous, epic, sexy, urban fantasy.
 
First of all thank you NetGalle and IBPA for the ALC, if it weren´t for you I would have never discovered what might be my newest obsession.
 
I loved how Olivia was able to put into this book so many of the vibes I love without copying any other fantasy.
Yes, we have Godric aka Godawful, the broody-powerful-possessive MMC; Wen, the sassy -apparently powerless but actually not- FMC, a deadly school, and many other tropes we all love and cherish.
But the plot, how the story evolves, and the slow burn, are so original and refreshing they immediately trapped me in.
 
I love all the female characters and I can´t wait for them to form the ultimate girlbosses squad and just kill everyone in their path.
 
If you love:
Morally grey characters
Slow burn
Hidden powers
Academy
Angels and Demons
Friendship
Amazing banter
Then what are you waiting for???? RUN!
 
The ALC was splendidly narrated and I had a super fun time listening to it!

From the first sentence this book was sold on me. The main character brought the big guns for me from the get go.

Funny, cheeky, take no BS, and full of great one liners! This is Exactly what I look from in my female mains.

The story kept me interested from the beginning to the end, I couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to the next book!

This is one of the best books I have read in a while!

The characters have depth, the world is well built and the plot had me gripped right from the first chapter!

I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series!

The narrator for this audiobook is also fantastic, I didn't get that awkward male lead voice that happens too often when there is a female narrator voicing male speech! I will be keeping an eye out for their other audi0boks.

Mortal Instruments meets Fourth Wing at a militant Hogwarts?? Yes please! I really liked this. It had all the elements that tickle my fancy and I absolutely cannot wait for book 2! I need a physical copy for my shelves and everything! 😂
The narration was perfect added to the experience. Well done!