Celestial Academy was entertaining but nothing new. This reminds me very much of Fortune Academy, so if you have read and like that series this would be a good series to read next!

While this one wasn't for me, it wasn't bad, so I won't judge it unfairly. Sometimes a story just wasn't made for you, but that doesn't mean others won't enjoy it.

Okay let me start by saying I have a lot to say about this book... yes it is criticism but Oh my Stars!!! this is a 5-star read, addictive, hilarious and so, so compelling.


But...
The first two-thirds of the novel gave Act 1 vibes.

Spoiler Alert!

There is a string and hilarious kick-off, and you immediately know you have a badass chick on your hands. Had a shitty and has almost freed herself and her bestie... cue a disaster, right? But I dig it! We love tropes for a reason. The female characters in this novel are amazing! I find that in so many novels the "character arc" shows itself in an almost total reversal of personality traits. That is not the case in this book at all! and you still have an enemies to lover theme happening.

These girls know themselves and refuse to change to suit anyone! But they still learn and grow.

There is so, so much humour in this book but the majority of it feels like a training montage from a movie and then we get Act 2 action in the last 5 chapters. The found family bond not clicking until it's far too late and then it all rushes to an ending that feels too much like the author was really trying to leave too much to make us want to read book 2! But we want 2 from chapter 15. This book feels unfinished and the ending was a little too rushed for me.

But!!! none to this is going to stop me from reading the rest of the series because WOW!!!!!

Also, the audio book narrator is incredible!

Celestial Academy: Essence by Olivia Pharos
Afterworld Book 1
Narrated by Amanda Leigh Cobb
Rating: 4.5/5
Release Date: 19 July 2024

Honestly, I am not even sure where to begin with this book.

This book stands out as a remarkable blend of multiple genres—urban fantasy, dystopia, paranormal romance, and supernatural academy—all intricately woven into a mesmerising narrative. Its pages unfold like scenes from a movie, offering a rich tapestry of complex characters and unexpected twists that delve into their relationships, ultimately culminating in a deeply engaging romance.

At its heart, the enemies-to-lovers trope is skilfully handled, capturing the believable tension and authentic evolution of interactions between Wen and Godric. Wen emerges as a compelling female protagonist, initially flawed but growing steadily through the guidance and encouragement of her peers. Her journey is marked by moments of sharp wit and profound development, resonating deeply with readers as she navigates challenges and discovers her inner strength.

Even characters like Jinny, initially portrayed as antagonistic, surprise with layers of redeeming qualities that add depth and charm to the story. These nuanced dynamics not only enrich the narrative but also reflect the complexities of human nature and relationships.

Overall, if you're a fan of Zodiac Academy and Crescent City, this series is a perfect fit for you. I thoroughly enjoyed it and encourage you to dive into its captivating world and characters, as I did. The audio narration was exceptionally well-done, and Amanda's performance truly brought the story to life, keeping me thoroughly engaged throughout.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, the author, Olivia Pharos, and the narrator, Amanda Leigh Cobb, for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Celestial Academy: Essence is a dark academia enemies to lovers romance by Olivia Pharos. I absolutely loved the worldbuilding

Wen is a slave who is owned by a demon - and she was an amazing FMC. She is a human in a world where angels and demons abound. Her best friend Sarah is someone whom Wen would do anything for. Godric (aka angelhole) is an archangel who is tasked with ensuring that Wen grows into her power as a fighter.

I laughed out loud with the snarky banter and the burn was sllloooow, but so, so sweet. I will read book two as soon as I can!

Amanda Leigh Cobb did a fabulous job with narration - perfect pitch, diction, and pace.

I’ve been on an audiobook and dystopian fiction binge and this one did not disappoint. A demon owned human was a different twist to the current fae and fairy novels that have been trending. Olivia did a wonderful job drawing the reader or in this case listener in.

Heaven and Hell battle on earth bringing the apocalypse.
This book is witty, action packed and the snarky humor from the main character kept me laughing!
First fantasy book I've listened to and it will not be my last.

Olivia Pharos is remarkable in her first book in this series.

Highly recommend.

The premise of this book was so damn intriguing, and I got myself so excited for nothing. However, the writing style is absolutely not for me. I sincerely dislike every character, and almost every piece of dialogue had me rolling my eyes. This might be a good fit for a more juvenile audience, but this was a swing and a miss for me. I DNF’d at the 25% mark.

Thank you NetgGalley for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
No spice yet (but there clearly will be)
5⭐️ narrator

I had such a fun time reading this book. I LOVE stories where the FMC is from current times in the real world and makes snarky jokes to the magic MMC (The FMC in this book reminded me a lot of Tory from Zodiac Academy and I loved it) having a magical fantasy element going on with the main character being from “our world” brings in so much opportunity for a more relatable type of comedy and snarkiness so I was a big fan of that from the beginning.

I really liked all of the side characters, and I’m excited to see more of them in the rest of the series. I have a feeling that the FMC and Ginny the demon are gonna end up being better friends and I can’t wait to see that. I also really liked that this was an Angels and Demons story as there have been a lot of Fae books lately and it was nice to read something different.

I was a little disappointed that the FMC and the MMC didn’t get together in this book, but I guess it’s more of a slow burn and it’ll be all the better when they do in a later book.

The Audiobook narrator was fantastic. She does a male voice really well and is also great at accents.

Overall I loved the book and will definitely be continuing the series.

I. Loved. This.

In the vein of Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Crescent City, and Fourth Wing - Pharos brings us a so-called “unremarkable” woman with some mystery surrounding her.
Enter a dark and brooding enemy/love interest, and that’s a sure fire recipe for success!
Loved to see how Wen ever so slowly began to like (or at least sort of trust) her Unitas.

Can not wait to get my hands on the second installment & see how Wen’s story continues to unfold!

Wow the Banter was Banting!

This is probably the most I’ve heard fictional people argue in my life. Wen is intense, and very protective over those she cares about to an almost harmful degree. I think the mystery around her was well done, and I’m interested in seeing how this all plays out.

Godric was just kinda mean, I couldn’t really tell if he liked her at all. If he was trying to hide his feelings completely, he did a very good job because I wasn’t completely sure until the epilogue, it was mostly just Wen drooling over him 24/7.

Otherwise I thought the plot was interesting and I would like to see more of Jenni and Sara’s friendship I think it’s cute.

Thank you to the Author Olivia Pharos, and the Narrator Amanda Leigh Cobb for sharing your hard work with us.

Also big thank you to Independent Book Publishers Association and NetGalley for my free audiobook copy of “Celestial Academy: Essence”

I got this advance review copy for free and I am leaving this voluntarily.

Why aren't more people talking about this?! The comparison to Zodiac Academy is what drew me at first and let me tell y'all it well and truly surpassed my expectations. I was hooked from the very beginning and ate this entire book up! I mean.. the writing, the characters, the TENSION, the BANTER!!! I couldn't get enough and honestly the only reason I'm not crying that it's over is because I am about to dive head first into the second book!

If you liked Zodiac Academy you will love this.. and for all those that did NOT like Zodiac Academy: read this, because I guarantee this is everything you wanted ZA to be and more! I highly recommend giving the Afterworld series a read. Also, Amanda Leigh Cobb knocked this audio out of the park (like always)!

Unputdownable, enthralling audiobook. The Mortal Instruments meets The fourth Wing in this beautifully written plot & highlighted by the great narration.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ALC.

For the first few chapters, I thought I was going to hate this book. However, I’m glad I stuck with it. It was so good, and I couldn’t stop listening. Wen got less annoying and more likable as the story progressed.

This was a fun popcorn sort of story. I would consider continuing via audio. This reminds me of zodiac academy but without the toxic bully aspect.

I absolutely loved this book and the way this world was presented. Wen worded things, especially about humanity, in a way that all of us can relate. Cannot wait for Null!

Amanda Leigh Cobb really did an AMAZING job narrating this action-packed story. I hope she will return for future books.