Celestial Academy: Essence

This is an epic blend of dystopian, paranormal, and all the good things wrapped up in one great story that hits the ground running. The world building and characters are wonderful. I could not put it down

Olivia Pharos’ Celestial Academy: Essence is a winner. Could we be seeing the beginnings of a new world, ie. Pern, Darkover, Valdemar or Dune? “Wordsmith comes to mind while reading her book! Vocabulary is much like the authors from early, legendary days of science fiction with some of her descriptions being quite unique.
Olivia Pharos has Good vs Evil in a new light in this newly restructured world after the apocalypse. It’s a love story with strong character development. I love it, you get to know all the characters.
I kept reading always holding my breath until the calm which was relatively short in between the chaos. With emotions running high in the characters, my anticipation for what would happen next was extreme.
If you want a post-apocalyptic read, with all the bells and whistles and a great vocabulary, this is the book for you.

This was an amazing book. Well defined characters. Wen is brilliant, funny. You find yourself lol at her antics. Cannot wait for the next book to find out all the secrets they are keeping. 🥇😁

I came for the cover....that GORGEOUS cover....and of course, the description. I'm a sucker for mash ups of fantasy genres. But I stayed...and I mean stayed UP ALL NIGHT AND THE NEXT DAY...for the writing. I tore through the story like a starving woman at a feast. Then when I reached the end, I attacked my kindle, looking for the next book...only to remember this was an ARC...and there's no more of this incredible and ADDICTIVE story to read. Not for months maybe! My heart actually sank at the realization that I was almost sorry I read that book when there's no more of the story, of this world and those characters out there to get my hands on.

What am I going to do now? How can I wait for book two to five? The sane thing to do is to NOT read anymore before this series is complete. But I know I'll pounce on book two the moment it's available, then go through the same withdrawal. This book is THAT good, Olivia Pharos's writing, characters, world building and plot are THAT mesmerizing.

OK...I've ranted long enough. I'm now going to do the only thing I can do...re-read this book over and over...until the next book is out.

Do yourselves a favor, and wait until the book is out and you know when the next is coming, or go through my same frustration. Or...if you're like me, and you're in need of a totally fresh voice and world and a unique set of characters...grab this now...NOW!

“…the Apocalypse didn’t turn out to be about the End of Days.”

“But the world we humans knew did end, if not in the way we thought it would. It’s now a whole new world-Afterworld-because of one tiny difference.
We now have Hell-and Heaven-on earth.”

Survival has a name. And that name is Wen.

This heroine is everything my inner warrior screams for! She is fierce, sarcastic, witty, brave, and loyal! Most importantly, she doesn’t take any crap, angel or demon. 👊 I’m totally fan girling!

Y’all I have giggled out loud and highlighted and bookmarked like every other page 💁🏻‍♀️

HOLY (pun intended) ADDICTING! 😁

This book marks the beginning of an epic journey and series! I need all the books yesterday. 🙇🏻‍♀️🙆🏻‍♀️

Olivia Pharos has created an incredible world filled with mystery and adventure. The imagery takes you there. Her words pull you in with no regard to things like I dunno a job or life outside of Celestial Academy: Essence. #PharosPhanatics

Do yourself a favor and get on the waitlist and mark your calendar to get this book in December!! You can thank me later.

Wow! This book was fantastic, I’ve not had a book captured my attention from the first few words in a very long time. This book did just that! I’ve had 2 very sleepless night because of it and this book is thick!!

The world building is fantastic and the plot flows so well. The characters are likeable and relatable. The banter is so witty I had many laugh out loud moments. I love the main female character- she is feisty and sassy. Love the tension between her and male protagonist. It’s super slow burn but the storytelling is phenomenal.

I can’t wait for the second book. If you enjoy fantasy romance with enemies to lovers, forced proximity and lots of tension you’ll love this book.

Basically, our girl Wen is living in a post apocalyptic America where demons and angels (and other supernatural creatures) are the reigning powers. Wen is owned as a slave to a demon master, but she’s doing her best to get herself and her best friend Sarah out of their indenture by dealing Angelesence, a drug that somehow only she can create. Obviously things don’t go as planned when she gets caught and sent to Celestial Academy to atone for her crimes. Overall, I think if you like the idea of a paranormal boarding school (zodiac academy, the scholomance, crave) but you don’t necessarily need smut you’ll love this. This is very much a slow burn but still a really fun amd creative book.

A gripping and highly entertaining page-turner. Excellently written.

I cannot say what it was that drew me to the book, but as soon as I read the book description, I was intrigued enough to pursue an ARC copy rather than wait for its release next month. By the end of page 1, I was hooked. It is rare for me to come across the book which grips me at the expense of my everyday life, where I would sooner forgo a meal, fake flu-like symptoms so that I can stay in bed and isolation for a few days, and ignore the ringing of my phone, rather than put the story down.

Olivia Pharos has a brilliant gift for storytelling and this is a fantastic debut. The character's voice draws you in and grips you. I loved the wit and humour throughout. There is plenty of it, both subtle and laugh out loud. It is Wen's one defense against the fears, the suffering and pain she endures. She has a unique voice that lingers with you long after you stop reading the book. The world itself is expertly woven. The characters were perfect, each with their own voice, and each one intriguing and interesting, and I wanted to know more about them all. The characters have a staying power long after you finish reading the book.

At the end, the book left me bereft and desperately needing book 2. I am very much looking forward to the next installment of the story.

I honestly cannot recommend this book highly enough. If you love fantasy or romance, or both in one story, this is definitely a book I would highly recommend. On my bookshelf, Celestial Academy:Essence sits comfortably and proudly beside those written by authors such as C.L.Wilson.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!

Overall, I LOVED this book! I was hooked from the first chapter, and I was slightly annoyed with myself that I finished it so quickly! This is a binge-worthy read, and I am definitely going to revisit this in the future.

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, mystery that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat, and suspense as an apocalypse stakes.

I simply cannot wait to reread this in the future!

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. I just fell in love with this wonderful story and it’s wonderful characters. I just couldn’t get enough of it. I will most definitely be reading more books by this wonderful author.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"The world we humans knew did end, if not in the way we thought it would. It’s now a whole new world— Afterworld—because of one tiny difference. We now have Hell— and Heaven— on earth."

Ummm, this was fantastic! Easily one of my favorite Fantasy stories I've read this year!

Olivia Pharos created a highly entertaining (After)world! Every chapter continued to develop and expand this post-apocalyptic society in a way that felt new and exciting. The mystery behind Wen's origin, and basically everything Godric related, kept me glued to my Kindle! The tension between them, and their absolute SLOW BURN chemistry ...chef's kiss🤌! And that epilogue ..... I NEED TO KNOW what happens next! Gonna need book two ASAP, k thanks.

At first, I really wasn't sure what type of read this would be for me. I love these type of books, but when done completely done right. But holy shit, THIS WAS TOTALLY DONE RIGHT!

I've had such mixed thoughts throughout the book. But one thing I have to say - I've never wanted to put this book down! Ever. I've suffered through a little secondhand embarrassment, hated some moments, absolutely fucking loved some (which was most of it, definitely 😊), so the credit totally goes to this author.

It was all so good because of the banter and the snarky af fmc. I adored her, thought she was pigheaded sometimes lmao 😂😂😂 but she really was amazing. Wen went through so much shit her entire life and I thought it was totally stubborn of her as well as totally her to resist the changes in her surrounding environment.

This was totally much longer than I expected, but I flew thru the pages because I had to know what was happening! The romance was so little and slow-burn but just the right amount for them. They had - well, things, to sort out, before actually *coming* together, IYKYK. And the plot? So insanely addictive, I just - I can't. 😮❤️😘

And oh my god I was fangirling so hard for Godric and Wen by the end. Yes, yes, even Godric, for some reason. Who I mostly hated throughout the book because I was totally questioning his motives! 👀😈 But rn I'm loving their relationship because it's so filled with this banter and antagonism? Idk, you guys. But really. Amazing. ❤

Ugh! So frustrating I can't talk about it but that ending. The plot developed at an insane pace and omgg, loved. Floved! It was so frigging romantic and ominous and that premonition from before? Okay, I’m not saying anything, I swear 😉, but just have a feeling it's all so connected. Don't tell me that actually gonna happen, tho 😰😱.

And I loved, absolutely LOVED getting Godric's point of view in the end! I almost wish it had been there throughout as a duel point of view, but it would have totally spoiled it, I now realise. But in the epilogue, I was mostly like - dude, you look like you hate her and want to fuck her at the same time and in your head, you're thinking such romantic things?

jsffdfsfdfdsf. 😂😂😂

I’m so completely in love with this world, oh my gosh.

Oh, and yep - I also made so many notes when I was reading, I just can't remember all of them because this. This was so action-packed and wonderful!

Celestial Academy kept me guessing what was going to happen next. I enjoyed the female lead's banter and the male lead's background was very interesting to me. Fantasy and dystopian clash in a good way here.
I'm excited and look forward to read what happens in the future.

I read this based on reading fans of another series would make this their new book obsession in the description, and was not disappointed. It is not an understatement to say I could not put this book down and read every free minute I could. This is a forced proximity and slow burn fantasy romance that had enough tension between the characters to keep that part of the storyline relevant to the plot. This is definitely my new favorite post apocalypse book and can't wait for the rest of the series!

The FMC Wen is my type of person with her sarcasm and lack of filter. There is no doubt what she is thinking at anytime and all of those around her know exactly how she feels about the situation. While the MMC Godric quickly shot to the top of my book boyfriend list. Hello dark and broody angel with a bad attitude! He is attempting to protect Wen from everything but him, and possessive with just a peak at a soft inside under that hard outside.

This book started out slow, I wasn’t sure I would get into it. But having finished I can say I am impatiently waiting for the next book! This series is truly one I cannot anticipate, such a new story in a world unimagined before. I love it! For anyone starting and saying the world building is slow, just know it is WORTH IT to power through and get to the meat of the story. Amazing first book in a series, sets this world up for wonders.

All fantasy readers know that feeling when you read about a world so incredible that it seems to alter you in some way. When I finally finsihed Celestial Academy: Essence at 3 last night ( no doubt after binging it for 2 days straight) I realised this one did that to me. I picked it up because I like reading about angels and demons and the academy trope is one of my favourites but the story and plot is so unbelievingly brilliant it sucked me right in.

I adore Wen to the point of obsession, she's my baby. I love how vicious she is and can never hold her tongue even with the threat of death or 'fates worse than death' hanging over her. But what branded her character into my heart is that she came from nothing, no powers, no privilege and survived purely on grit, determination and will. And then she got conscripted into the Academy and she became something more. The cherry on top is that this wasn't any divine awakening that gave her muscles of steel overnight, she did all that on her own, with Godric at her side.

Speaking of Godric, that man is the epitome of perfection, I know I say that about every MMC I like but Death Jr (as dubbed by Wen herself) is something else. The sexual tension and slow burn between him and Wen was literally maddening. I haven't read a better enemies to lovers in a long time. Godric, insufferable and godawful (another of Wen's 'endearments') as he is, their interactions have never been of outright hatred. Olivia Pharos did an excellent job of building on mutual resentment that gave way to other emotions. To me, that's what makes or breaks enemies to lovers, there's a fine line to toe. You can't make the MCs be evil to eachother and then just bring them together with a badly written excuse as to why they acted that way, it doesn't work like that. Pharos, like I said, aced it.

I also really loved the Unitas, Jinny, Aela and even Cara. The one person I couldn't stand was Sarah. She didn't even fight and her friends were dying and would've done just that to protect you. It makes me furious at her that Wen and Jinny would worship the ground she walks on if they could. I tell you, I don't like this girl one bit.

Lorcan is cute I guess but I bet there's going to be a dark twist in his story and Gideon and Tory are okay too and they'll probably have more screentime in the next book.

Pharos is a genius with her debut book. Celestial Academy is going to take you on a vivacious, wild ride of heaven and hell, apocalypse and another impending apocalypse (?). I cannot wait to read the next book in the series, Nexus which I hear is going to be available for pre-order soon.

I'm also so happy that Net Galley provided me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Olivia, for providing me with a new series to look forward to!

Olivia Pharos has created a world that is complicated and rich. This world is so different from our own, that it took me a moment to orientate myself, but from the first word, I was unable to put it down.

With a backdrop of a post apocalyptic style world unlike you’ve ever read before, the hate-love-hate relationship with Wen and Godric has a perfect balance that leaves you never quite sure if you should be rooting for their relationship or not.

This book did not feel like a debut novel. It was very rich and full of complex characters. I can’t wait for the other four books in the series. Well done Olivia!

I adored this book!!! 🥰 It’s a very slow burn romance and is fairly plot heavy with lots of world building, which I actually love in a book.

It’s a post apocalyptic adventure. Twenty years before the story begins, angels and demons battled on earth, killing one billion humans in the crossfire. Years later they signed a ceasefire of sorts, and an uneasy truce created a Cold War between the forces of Heaven and Hell. Angels and demons set up shop on Earth, and other supernatural races came out of the woodwork, leaving humans at the bottom of the totem pole.

Enter our heroine, Wen (short for Gwendolyn). Enslaved to a demon and determined to buy freedom for herself and her best friend, Wen discovers a gold mine; she can collect the essence of angels and turn it into a drug. One night her drug deal goes wrong, and Wen is arrested by a Nephilim, Godric (our broody, sexy main character). Taken before the archangels, Wen is sentenced to Celestial Academy to join the army of heaven, and Godric is tasked with finding out how she is able to collect the essence of angels.

My favorite part were the characters. Jinny was my favorite. I think I actually liked her more than Wen. I’m hoping the next books have chapters told from some of the other characters points of view. Almost all of the book was from Wen’s point of view, and her snark could feel like a little bit too much at times. It was usually funny, just too much of a good thing, I guess. One chapter at the end was from another character’s POV, which was really nice. Hopefully we’ll see more of that in future books.

Thank you for the ARC of this book! I’m really looking forward to the next one 😃

This is an absolutely phenomenal debut and the best first installment to a series I've read in years.
I found Wen hilarious, her snark just the right amount and so appropriate for a girl who has nothing but her "big mouth" in a world where she is the weakest being around. It really makes sense that she is mouthing off a lot, since it is her only shield and weapon, and boy, does she use both brilliantly.
Then comes the slow, slooooowwwww burn with Godric. Now THIS is slow burn done right. It is frustratingly spectacular, it has me on tenterhooks waiting for book 2 where I suspect their simmering, agonizing chemistry will ignite and explode. The world building is exquisite, and the characters are all unique and detailed and their interactions are unexpected, and their relationship arcs are going places I didn't expect at all. I expect there will be more twists and suprises to come, and I can't wait! I really am on the edge of my seat with eagerness for more of this wonderful world and characters.
Fully, wholeheartedly recommended.

This book was absolutely phenomenal.
From the first page and reading from Wen’s perspective, I was captivated by the world building. I have always been a fan of books that explore angels and demons but haven’t found one recently that caught my attention. This was not the case for this book. Each character was unique and true to themselves. I really appreciate that consistency. I was really impressed with the suspense in Wen’s journey and I loved Godric!! Two thumbs up for the slow burn and the amazing plot. I can’t wait to read the next book!

If you enjoy fantasy romance with enemies to lovers, forced proximity and lots of tension with a unique mix of urban fantasy, dystopian, paranormal romance and supernatural academy you’ll definitely love this book!

Celestial Academy: Essence by Olivia Pharos is a different take on the end of time and is a very enjoyable read. The book is big but doesn’t seem one page more than needed to tell the story.At first, I really wasn't sure what type of read this would be for me. I love these type of books, but when done completely done right. But omg, this was done trully right!
The writing is chef kiss and Olivia Pharos did a perfect job with the worldbuilding and all this beautiful characters!

Anyway, also the cover is gorgeous!! Literally a piece of art! Who is the designer? You did a wonderful job!

Thank you to NetGalley and Olivia Pharos for providing me with an ARC of this book! Celestial Academy: Essence is out everywhere on December 15, 2022! Don't miss it!

Celestial Academy: Essence is the first book in the Afterworld series, a romance supernatural series by author Olivia Pharos.

Perfect for fans of Zodiac Academy and Crescent City by Sarah J Maas.

• Slow burn romance
• Enemies to lovers
• Epic fantasy world
• Angels and demons
• Plenty of angst and sexual tension

You will love this post-apocalyptic slow burn fantasy romance set at the magical and dangerous celestial academy. The book is told from the POV of Wen, a demon-owned human who has a bit of an attitude and a real problem. Conscripted to celestial academy and placed under the care of Godric (Godawful), Wen must survive while uncovering the truth about who and what she is.

Firstly, this is a long book, I’ve seen other reviews judge the length but for me I found it was all needed and it didn’t drag at all. The world building and complex characters backstories were 100% needed and what made this book really great. I loved the concept of heaven and hell on earth and angels, demons and other supernaturals felt exciting and fresh.

I was really surprised to find this was the authors debut novel. It was exceptionally well written and completely engaging. I felt myself getting hooked very early into the story. The plot was well paced, and the first book didn’t just feel like a introduction or set up book, the storyline was interesting and the characters interesting and unique. The ending leaves enough questions that you really really want to read book two.
The romance is slow burn but not so much that it drags out. Personally, I’m not a fan of insta-love, and I liked that their relationship had depth and growth. I am looking forward to seeing how this develops in the next books. The romance in this one is PG with no steamy scenes at all. Normally this would put me off, but the sexual tension and angst was off the charts and making us wait for more doesn’t put me off at all.
I am really looking forward to reading book 2 and hope it won’t be too far away.

I really enjoyed Olivia Pharos' debut book! It has lovely world building and intricate law, which was definitely interesting. It has a little bit of a slow start but picks up the pace and suddenly you're very invested in Wen's story. Her interactions with Godric were very fun to read, and their enemies-to-lovers storyline was excellently done - with all of the tension you could expect. And the epilogue was amazing - I love reading a chapter or two from the other character's perspective just to really round out the story.

Thank you so much to Olivia Pharos and Seventh Wonder Press for an advanced copy, all opinions are my own.

I admit, getting into the book was a bit slow but holy crumbs it was worth it. Pharos' world building is absolutely fantastic, especially with the lore and small nitty gritty details. I love Wen, and how determined she is to protect Sarah.

Wow just wow. I don't think I have read anything by this author before but I'm hooked. I need more of this book I couldn't put it down at all I was drawn to it by the blurb but man I sincerely couldn't put it down. 5 star book highly recommend it already told a few people that they need this book. might reread it next year

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

This book was so good. I was hooked from the beginning, and I was so impressed with the world building and characters. Wen and Godric were so much fun to read about, their enemies-to-lovers story line was fantastic. The Afterwold, a world with Heaven and Hell on Earth, was such an interesting concept to read about. And the natural progression of Wen's character development was at the most perfect pace.

I loved everything about the book, it was addicting. The description says for fans of Crescent City and Zodiac Academy but if I am to make a very personal opinion, then I'd say Celestial Academy surpasses both in terms of plot, characters and world-building. I cannot wait for the next book!

Oh my god. I have no words. I loved everything about this book. This had everything I want in a fantasy romance novel. I could not put this down. The world building, the characters, THE TENSION, the plot, all top tier. I will be eagerly awaiting the next book in this series and will likely be thinking about this book for at least the next three days.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

I adored this fast paced and vivid fantasy! It's one of those books that makes you want to cancel plans to binge read it. I don't usually enjoy supernatural academy books however I found this one to be unique and more character based so I loved it! Overall a fabulous debut and I am looking forward to reading more by this author.

In a time of the Afterworld, when Heaven and Hell have come to Earth, Wen White has taken to dealing Angelescence to survive and to buy out freedom from the demon who owns them, for her and her friend Sara. With execution coming up, Wen decides to up her ante, but it only stands to get her arrested by Godric, the most powerful Nephilim in history, Heaven’s most ruthless soldier and assassin. After facing trial, Wen's sentence is Conscription to Celestial Academy - with Godric as her tethered mentor. Both hate the outcome, but it is one that it will change both their lives forever—and possibly the fate of existence itself.

Celestial Academy: Essence HAD. IT. ALL!
If you've ever loved the Fallen series by Lauren Kate, Crescent City by Sarah J. Mass, Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead or The Bonds That Tie series by J. Bree - this would be the perfect read for you.
Welcoming a new world with the Afterworld was amazing. The beginning really took it's time shaping and carving out its own new place in our places we would love to see. Our MC's are created to be the perfect enemies to lovers, with a slow burning relationship that left me frustrated for both of them, but chasing down the next interaction with so much anticipation. Olivia Pharos has done a fantastic job with her debut novel and I see her jumping up very quickly into my favourite author slots. This one releases December 15th, 2022. Make sure you add it to your list, this is one you don't want to miss.

What could persuade you more?
✔️ Slow burn romance
✔️ Enemies to lovers
✔️ Forced proximity
✔️ Found powers
✔️ Kickass FMC - who doesn't take crap from anyone!

Thank you so much to Olivia Pharos and Seventh Wonder Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

All those reviewers who said this was a phenomenal book...they're SO right. I adored Wen, the main character and our narrator, and the slow burn enemies-to-lovers between her and that moody, lethal, gorgeous hunk of nephilim Godric is killing me. The writing flows like whitwater, the pace is break-neck yet satisfying and detailed, the chapter endings literally force you to read on, and that EPILOGUE from Godric's POV? A KILLER!

It actually distresses me that this was an ARC and I can't click pre-order a hundred times on the next book. I'm not happy right now knowing I have to wait MONTHS for the upcoming installment, but SO happy I discovered this gem of a series, and my new auto-buy author.

Easily the best and most addictive book I've read in years. I was caught from the very first sentence (I mean.."The angel in the three-piece suit"?" How could I not read on after that?
Pharos has a way with words, of pacing, or ending chapters, that makes it impossible to put down the book. And I didn't, until I gobbled it up (unless you count the kindle falling on my face when I lost the fight to keep my eyes open so I could read just one more chapter...)

Wen, our heroine, is everything. Witty, brave, loyal and and incredible mind to be into and to take us through the series (though I heard will be getting multiple POVs in the next books) Godric is definitely my new book boyfriend. He's everything, too. Grumpy, moody, deadly, sexy as...Heaven, and his slowwwwww burn with WEn is killing me. I can't wait for book two to see the explosive promise of their incendiary chemistry ignite!

All the other characters are unique and vivid, and I can't wait to explore their dynamics and histories further as the story unfolds over the next four books.

Now, the only problem is I have months to wait for the next book, and I honestly don't know how to wait for it. I have already reread this book, and it gets even better the second time. I foresee memorizing it by the time NEXUS comes out.

All I want to say now, hurry and pre-order this. And Pharos, hurry and GET THAT SECOND BOOK OUT!