I received this book as an advanced audiobook from Net Galley and what originally interested me was other reviewers saying that it was like Fourth Wing, Crescent City, Zodiac Academy and Mortal Instruments. I was not disappointed, The enemies to lovers was a slow burn but done so well and Wen is a great character all over. This book definitely left me wanting more, and I cannot wait for the sequel. I can't believe this is a debut as well, The book is incredibly bingeable & the narration is great.

I thought this book was so engaging. The world building was phenomenal and the banter was top tier. It was a slow burn enemies to lovers, but it was all worth it at the end. The stopper was original. And I can’t wait to finish the series. Thank you for letting me review.

I did not enjoy this book. The characters and the world did not feel fully fleshed out and I think in an age with so much impactful fantasy novels and even romantasy novels being released, this just wasn't up to par.

Definitely entertaining. I loved the angels and demons aspect. The academy was fun. My main gripe with this book is that there was too much banter and sarcasm.. just too much. Even in the most deadly and serious moments. And the book was a bit too long. I feel like some could be cut for a more seamless storyline. Otherwise I had fun. Audiobook narrator was good.

If you’re looking for a dark academia urban fantasy romance series with enemies to lovers and lots of tension this is for you!

things that i liked about this book: the setting! loved the urban fantasy setting, it reminded me of crescent city.
i LOVE academia centric stories and magic schools so i really enjoyed that aspect of it as well. i liked the plot and writing also. i had so many theories and questions all throughout!

i listened to the audiobook and absolutely loved the narrator!

things i disliked: the insta lust from the main characters, personally i wasn’t vibing with it and it felt rushed and icky at times based on some of the comments the main characters would make surrounding consent! however, this could be the perfect read for someone who likes darker romance type of books (i’m not that person)

will i continue to the next book? not sure yet, im intrigued by the plot specially after that epilogue but i don’t like the romance between the main characters and found it icky and triggering.

overall book rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
narrator: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

thank you so much to the author, Olivia Pharos, and NetGalley for providing me with this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review

It is the perfect fantasy read that is set in an Afterworld that is Heaven and Hell on Earth. This contemporary fantasy contains unforgettable characters, enemies-to-lovers trope (who doesn't love an enemies to lovers), mystery that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat, and suspense as an apocalypse stakes.

I cannot wait to read further works in the future.

This audiobook started out odd, but I ended up devouring it. It's an intriguing spin on angels, demons, power, good, and evil. It was entertaining to read about their school, trials, power, and hierarchy. I want more details on how the FMC was claimed and what she really is. This book pulls you in and then ends, so I basically need the next one pronto.

This book was not easy to rate. From the description, I was hoping it would be more of a fantasy rather than another average romantasy. The FMC seemed interesting at first, but then she starts drooling over her “brooding angel-hole captor,” who has a literal leash on her neck, which somehow makes her feel aroused. And, of course, he also has swirling tattoos on his body. Even though this made the FMC’s behavior unbelievable, I still loved her nervous rambling. But then came her insulting rambling, over and over again, and it became too repetitive and annoying.

However, I can’t say I didn’t enjoy the story. Although it was pretty basic, I still had fun. And I was rooting for Ginnifer so hard.

The narration by Amanda Leigh Cobb was enthralling—she really has a talent (side note: of course the posh angels have British accents).

Thank you so much to NetGalley for this free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3 stars seems under fair, but 4 stars seems to high?

My experience with this book has been decidedly mixed. The narrator's ability to bring the characters to life is commendable; her distinct tone and delivery enhance the humor embedded in the narrative, making it more engaging. The story presents a unique blend of beings—humans, angels, demons, fae, and vampires—interwoven within an intricate hierarchy that adds depth to its world-building. However, despite these strengths, I found myself grappling with significant character inconsistencies. The protagonist, Wen, epitomizes the "Mary Sue" archetype. Her background—a history of enslavement and abuse—seems at odds with her astonishing success in running a drug business despite limited education or resources. Overall, while there are compelling elements present in the book, it ultimately feels incomplete and rushed.

This was a fun read. There are angles and deamons, a magical school, and trials. There are found friendships and some sassy banter. I feel like the ages didn't reflect some of the behaviors of the characters. They acted younger, but that's my only complaint. The story got really interesting towards the end, and the ending left me needing to know what happens next!

This book masterfully weaves together found family, forced proximity, hidden heritage, and celestial beings in a way that made it impossible to put down. From the moment I entered Wen's world, I was captivated by her fierce determination to survive for her best friend and sister-at-heart, Sarah. Wen's relentless drive to secure their future—whether by producing a rare drug only she can make or risking everything to sell it—kept me glued to the page. Her sass, wit, fear when she's captured, and disbelief at her sentence set the stage for an enthralling story. Add in a brooding protector tasked with uncovering her secrets, and you've got the perfect recipe for a truly addictive read!

I was hooked from start to finish and can't wait to dive into book 2—and eagerly anticipate book 3!

Overall I did enjoy this book! I did not love the voice actor, but this was a good read for anyone who liked Zodiac Academy!

READ THIS BOOK! I listened to the audiobook version, and it was so good! I feel like I am really picky when it comes to Romantasy books, but this one impressed me. I was immediately drawn to Wen. Her personality is magnetic, and I enjoyed following her journey. The narrator, Amanda Leigh Cobb, did a fantastic job bringing these dynamic characters to life! I look forward to reading the next book in this series. Thank you to NetGalley and Olivia Pharos for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Narrator: 5/5
Story: 2/5

Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC! Amanda Leigh Cobb did an absolutely amazing job capturing each character's personality and voice. Her pacing and emotions really added a whole level to the experience, and I hope to listen to more audiobooks done by her.

Celestial Academy: Essence takes place in a post-Apocalyptic LA where angels and demons live amongst humans. Wen, a 19 year old girl who is a servant to the demons, sells the essence from angels (works like a drug), and is early on arrested by Godric, a high ranking angel who is (of course) the most handsome being Wen has even seen. Godric brings Wen to meet with many angels and is decided she is to attend an angel academy.

Wen is written as if the author read Crescent City, and picked only the worst parts of Bryce. Wen's sarcasm became so unbearably obnoxious I debated DNFing so many times. There was so much unnecessary curing and bitterness that took away from the story line. Godric started out likable; there was that slow burn, enemies to lovers feel, but I couldn't stop cringing at all the talk of his bulge, and maybe I missed parts, but Wen's attraction was way too all over the place and never made sense in whatever moment they were in. Sarah (I had to look up her name because she was so forgettable) was loved by absolutely every character, and I could not figure out why. The world building also was a little confusing (future LA, but apocolyptic, with angels and demons, but also trying to be a fantasy setting) --- I normally enjoy some world building but this one was a little too slow and confusing for my taste.
By 80% through the audiobook, I could not figure out how it was going to end, because it felt like nothing happened. Amanda Leigh Cobb's way of story telling was the only reason I ended up finishing.

Celestial Academy: Essence by Olivia Pharos is a gripping and immersive entry into the world of dark fantasy. With its blend of celestial politics, forbidden romance, and high-stakes action, this novel hooks you from the first page and never lets go.

The protagonist, an orphan and indentured slave, offers a refreshing and gritty perspective in a genre often dominated by more conventional characters. The concept of Angelescence—a drug that only she can produce—adds an intriguing layer to the plot, driving much of the tension. Her struggles to escape her circumstances, her daring venture into the dangerous trade, and her complex relationships make her an exceptionally well-drawn character.

Pharos has created a vividly imagined Afterworld where Heaven and Hell coexist on Earth, and the power dynamics feel tangible. The worldbuilding is meticulous, and you quickly become invested in its hierarchy, rules, and the dangerous balancing act of its celestial beings. The introduction of the Celestial Academy—a high-stakes, perilous institution—adds an element of danger, as lethal trials and apocalyptic threats keep the pacing fast and intense.

The antagonistic chemistry between the protagonist and Godric, her tormentor-turned-mentor, is a major highlight. Their fiery, forbidden attraction is written with great tension, but it doesn't fall into cliché territory. Instead, their relationship is layered with power struggles, resentment, and an almost inevitable pull, which keeps the reader intrigued about how it will evolve. Godric, as Heaven's most ruthless enforcer, is equally fascinating—a dark, brooding character with depth beyond his seemingly cold exterior.

Overall, Celestial Academy: Essence blends romance, fantasy, and action in a way that feels fresh and exciting. Fans of dark academies, celestial politics, and complicated, slow-burn romances will find themselves captivated by this book. The novel sets up a larger arc, leaving you eager to see how the protagonist's journey unfolds as she faces greater mysteries, internal wars, and potentially the end of the world.

If you're looking for a fast-paced, high-stakes fantasy that doesn't shy away from darkness, this book is a must-read.

Celestial Academy: Essence by Olivia Pharos

Book 3/5
Narration 4/5

My first audiobook ARC so this was exciting! I was initially unsure of the narration, but by the end I really enjoyed her. Well done to Amanda Leigh Cobb!

☆ forced proximity
★ enemies to lovers
☆ slow burn

This book is very colloquial with lots of inner monologue which can be frustrating at times, but I appreciate this is a preferred style for other readers. Lots of YA name calling and snide comments. Godric's nickname of God-awful was funny the first time but personally, it should have just been the once, not every chapter.

That said, the plot itself was such an interesting premise, I enjoyed seeing a world where heaven and hell existed on earth. A world full of humans, angels and demons. The slow burn was good. My feeling is this book was inspired by Sarah J Maas Crescent City, Zodiac Academy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but for now I am rating this a 3 star and I couldn't put them on the same level. For me, it needs less sarcasm and more lore and world building to give it that edge, but you can see the inspiration!

Enjoyed the alternative POV at the end too!

Thank you to Olivia Pharos and NetGalley for providing me an e-ARC audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.

I’m sorry, I just could not get into this story! The only thing I thought was cool was the Angelessence. There were just too many things going on at once. Way too much world building packed into one book. Also, it is hard when the real world exists (like living in LA and being human) but Heaven and Hell exist ON EARTH too so then you have Angels and Demons interacting with human real world lives. It just was too much for me. Also the swearing and name calling and rude comments and belittling of each other was like WAY WAY over the top that it became distracting.

Celestial Academy: Essence by Olivia Pharos. Afterworlds #1. Angels and demons working together in a post apocalyptic world. Forced proximity, enemies to lovers, slow burn.

Concept and storyline is interesting, but the execution had missed opportunities. Pacing seemed all over the place and plot seemed to stall halfway through. World building felt a little incomplete. Despite these issues the narration was good and was what kept me on track to finish.

I was provided with a review copy of the audiobook and this is my honest opinion. I gave this book 3 stars. I am unsure if I will continue this series at this time. Thank you again NetGalley and Olivia Pharos.

Wen and Godric were fun characters in an expansive world that is interesting and has the potential to be exciting. As with all first books in the series, this book has a lot going on and in some areas dragged a bit. The banter, though, between Wen and Godric was often hilarious and Wen is a strong character that I enjoyed following. The narration of this audiobook by Amanda Leigh Cobbs was good- she did a great job with the whole story but I wish there was a bit more variance and maybe even a male narrator. I'll be borrowing more books from the series to get deeper into the world and hopefully, to see these characters get their HEA!

Story: 4/5
Narrator: 4.5/5

This book draws you in and gives you all the feels along the way. If you are a person to yell at characters, you'll love this book. If you are a person who loves to be shocked by twists, this book is for you. I did NOT see that one coming. Wen's sassiness no matter what she's going through will have you rooting for her from the beginning until the end. I cannot wait for the next audiobook.