Let me start by saying the narrator of this audiobook was fantastic. Her pacing, cadence, and inflection were great. I would totally listen to another book narrated by her! That said, the actual content of the book was problematic.

I knew I was in trouble when there was a glossary of terms several pages long. This had such great potential but it had WAY too much stuff going on. I started confused and was confused for all that I read. It just got more convoluted the more I read. The narrator was great and did a great job with all the different characters. I did like the FMC, she had an interesting disposition and was pretty scrappy. I just can't finish this one and would not recommend.

Audiobook Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ✨ SJM & Zodiac Academy had a baby! sound good? This is the one for you..

Firstly, thank you NetGalley & Olivia for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook! To sum up this book it's a Dark Academia, Enemies to Lovers fantasy that you have to have read at least once.

As a dedicated romantasy reader, I stumbled across "Celestial Academy: Essence" and was instantly captivated. This book is an absolute gem that deserves more recognition within the romance fantasy community! From the very first page, I was hooked by the compelling storyline, intricate world-building, and the promise of a grand adventure.

The plot is wonderfully crafted, a weaving of rich magic, mystery, and suspense. With that wonderful VERY slowwww burn romance between the FMC/MMC! Olivia you had me hanging on every word..

The MMC is absolutely perfect.. in my opinion ;). What every woman would envision as a swoon worthy, drop dead gorgeous man that's grumpy and unpredictable. Carved by the gods! The tension between these two is tangible and I loved how the supporting characters emphasized and made this relationship even more compelling!

As the first book in the series, it sets the stage perfectly, hinting at deeper secrets and laying down LOTS of Easter eggs that promise to pay off in future installments. The sense of mystery keeps you engaged, always eager to uncover the next piece of the puzzle..

One of the standout features of CA: Essence, is its formidable female main character. She’s not just strong and determined but also delightfully sassy and full of plenty of attitude. It’s refreshing to see a heroine who is allowed to be unapologetically fierce and angry, breaking the mold of more traditionally demure protagonists. Her complex personality adds depth to the narrative and makes her journey all the more engaging.

The additional characters in this book I really loved! The fact you got a background story to each of them, their past was never a mystery to you! With lots of detail, you couldn't complain at how much Olivia worked on her first debut.

Overall, CA: Essence, is a thrilling start to what promises to be an outstanding series. I’m excited to see where the story goes and how Olivia plans to continue to develop the characters and the world they inhabit. If you're looking for a romance fantasy novel with a dynamic heroine and a plot full of twists and turns, this book is definitely worth a read. I can't wait for the next installment!!

Good gracious where do I even start? How about THIS BOOK IS PERFECT?! 😫😫 the narrator did a perfect job of capturing Wen’s sass! This book had me hooked within the first ten seconds, I swear. Some things I think you all would absolutely love about this book too: slow burn (but not like annoyingly slow!), morally grey characters (which are the freaking best!), powerLESS to powerFUL (cause we love a good plot twist!!), banter and great friendships, angels, demons, the SASS! There’s soo much about this book that I absolutely adored and I finished the entire audiobook embarrassingly fast. I had never even heard of this book, I know it hasn’t been out TOO long but it is INSANELY slept on! So. Freaking. Good!!
I took a chance on this one truthfully not knowing what to expect and I’m so glad I did because it’s amazing. Reading this is the perfect “reading slump” breaker too. Because it is dang near impossible to put down once you start. 100000% going to order the physical copy to add to my shelf. I loved it that much.
If anyone is reading this and is unsure, let me beg of you: PLEASE go read this. I can nearly guarantee you will love it. I promise.
Amazing amazing amazing amazing.

The premise of this book was immediately intriguing to me. The world that Pharos begins to build in this premier is gritty and steeped in familiar lore and previously unthought-of details.

The main character, Wen, came across as a stereotypical "strong, independent woman" at first, with her sarcasm and disregard for danger. However, as I learned more about her and her struggles and insecurities, she definitely grew on me.

My biggest complaint is only that I liked this book so much and now I have to add the rest of the series to my "Want to Read" list!

An exciting magic school style fantasy. Great for fans of Fourth Wing and The Hunger Games. With a strong female character at the head of a wide ensemble. Wen has the ability to harness Angelessence and sells it as a potent drug. When a drug deal goes wrong she finds herself brought before archangels and sentenced to attend Celestial Academy while her captor becomes her tutor. Wen has to navigate the pressures of school while finding answers to all the questions about her rare power.

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of the audiobook!

Thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook Celestial Academy Essence written by Olivia Pharos and narrated by Amanda Leigh Cobb. I love listening to audiobooks and a good narrator makes it like listening to a movie without the picture. Amanda is an excellent narrator, one of my favorites, and did a phenomenal job with this audiobook. The story lent itself to a master of voices and Amanda read it beautifully.

Obviously good content is also paramount to a great audiobook. Celestial Academy held my attention from the beginning to the end. There was suspense and humor throughout the book. Honestly some laugh out loud moments when listening to this. I loved the storyline (angels, demons and humans). I also loved the characters and the countless names that our main character Wen White (aka Walter White) had for Godric and others throughout the book.

Will definitely listen to the next two audiobooks in the series. Hope that Amanda is able to narrate those as well. She did the story proud.

Highly recommend.

3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️.⭐️
First let me start by saying thank you to NetGalley and ibpa and members audiobooks for allowing me to listen to this audiobook for my honest review.
I went into this book completely blind but loved the cover and was drawn in. If you’re looking for lots and lots of banter, a slow burn, and lots of action this book is for you. I have seen this book compared to zodiac academy, crescent city and the mortal instruments series which I have read all but the zodiac series and there are definitely similarities but Olivia has made her own unique story and I ate it up. I really enjoyed the world building and characters in this book. Wen is a bad ass who is brave and loyal to those she loves.
Godrick is our mmc and I was living for the banter between him and Wen. I will say this is a slow slow burn between godrick and Wen which I appreciate because I really am not a fan of insta love.
Overall I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to jumping into book 2 to see what happens.

After finding Olivia Pharos on TikTok (aka BookTok) and having been a longtime huge fan of Zodiac Academy, I was excited to read this and checked it out on Kindle Unlimited. The audiobook is even better! For fans of Zodiac Academy, Hunger Games, Harry Potter, and Vampire Academy - this is for you. The branding knows what it's doing and it is right up our alley. I've already got the second one on my kindle and am (not so) patiently awaiting the third installment of this series!

Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you, netgalley, for the chance to read Olivia Pharos' debut novel Celestial Academy: Essence!!

I was so excited to start this to branch out from my usual fantasy genres into the world of demons, angels, and nephilim, and I could not have started with a better book. The story and characters had me hooked start to end with Wens' inability to back down and creative insults to Godrics intensity. The endless shock this book gave me as the story unfolds was so good I was never 100% sure what was actually going on and going to happen next until the author wanted me to and I loved every second spent reading on finally getting hints and insight.

The slow burn in this book too! It's your classic enemies to lovers which I eat up every time.

I can't wait to start the next book in the series!

Thank you Netgalley for my #gifted audio of this book.

"Come back to me!"

Crescent city meets Divergent in this fast-moving contemporary fantasy world!

Wen is at the bottom of the food chain in a world dominated by Demons, angels, and other monsters. After scavenging for food to survive, she finds a way to sell angel essence drugs to keep her and her friend Sarah alive.

Because they're able to sell angel essence, their financial situation is moving in a better direction for them, until Wen is caught by one of the deadliest assassins in the realm and conscripted to attend the Celestial Academy.

Now her greatest enemy, Godfrey is to be her mentor and trainer.

What you'll find:
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Elements and Magic
Slow burn
Mystery & Suspense

I liked how you jump into the story quickly and learn the world-building as you go. I still have many questions, but the story held a good pace and was entertaining.

I had the opportunity to listen to the audio. The reader had a great voice including accents and did a fantastic job, enhancing the overall story.

Romance content: It alluded to Open-door passion, but only on page kissing.

3.5

I listed to this audible on Netgalley.


I enjoyed this book but had a few issues with it. The main lead was so snarky for no reason, could not keep her mouth closed when eating and just kept up with the one liners which got very tiring to listen to after a while . I’m interested enough to go on to the second book and I finished this book in one day so it was very addicting.

🌟 Book Review: "Afterworld #1 - Celestial Academy: Essence" by Olivia Pharos
✨ Welcome to the Celestial Academy, where magic meets the cosmos! ✨

📚 Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal Romance

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Plot Summary:
"Celestial Academy: Essence" whisks readers away to a world where the mundane and the mystical intertwine. The story follows young and tenacious Wen White, who discovers she’s been accepted into the Celestial Academy—a hidden realm where the gifted train to harness their supernatural abilities. As Wen navigates the challenges of her new life, she uncovers dark secrets, faces dangerous foes, and unravels the enigmatic prophecy tied to her destiny.
Why You'll Love It:

🔮 Magical World-Building: Olivia Pharos crafts a universe that feels both expansive and intimate, filled with stunning imagery and lush descriptions that make the Celestial Academy come alive. The blend of celestial magic and academy life is enchanting, pulling readers into a vivid and immersive experience.

🗝️ Compelling Protagonist: Wen White is a heroine to root for. Her bravery, wit, and determination shine through as she confronts the unknown and uncovers her true potential. Her journey is not just one of self-discovery but of forging powerful bonds and challenging her inner fears.

❤️ Romantic Undertones: The budding romance in the story is sweet and well-paced, adding an emotional depth that complements the action and intrigue. Fans of slow-burn romance will find themselves enchanted by the chemistry between Wen and Godric.

Perfect For:
✨ Fans of magical academies and cosmic adventures.
✨ Readers who enjoy strong, relatable heroines.
✨ Anyone who loves a mix of mystery, magic, and romance.


"Celestial Academy: Essence" is a celestial masterpiece that will captivate your imagination and leave you yearning for the next installment. Olivia Pharos has penned a tale that is both timeless and unique, a perfect addition to any fantasy lover's bookshelf. Thanks to @Netgalley for the ARC.
#CelestialAcademyEssence #NetGalley #ParanormalRomance #ParanormalFantasy #SupernaturalFantasy #romancebook #bookstagram #bookstagrammer

TROPES: Action, Slow Burn, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Mild Spice.

TW: Drug Use, Selling of drugs

So we have a trouble making, demon owned drug dealer Wen, and her friend Sarah attempting to buy their freedom. Wen stumbles onto a substance that she calls Angel Essence that gives the user and unbelievable high. When one of her drug deals goes wrong, she is taken by members of the Celestial Academy for questioning.

Wen is such a spitfire! She does what she wants, when she wants, consequences be damned. She has a mouth that writes checks that her behind can't cash but this doesn't stop her. The only time she really calms down is when her actions will cause harm to the ones she cares for. Her relationship with Godric (Angelhole) is both entertaining and stressful. IT WAS SUCH A SLOOOOOW BURN!!

I recieved the audio-ARC from Netgalley, the voice actor did a great job keeping me engaged and moving each character along their storyline. I enjoyed this book enough to purchase a physical copy and re-enter this world. The world and character building was vivid, detailed and enjoyable to traverse, but Olivia... are you trying to stress us out with that epilouge!?!



This was a great introduction to this author.

This is like zodiac academy minus the very through and deliberate plot and without the spice. I honestly thought there would be much more spice here since it was advertised as such?

But in reality it felt like a cheap fake of Zodiac academy and I didn’t love it. It was an okay read, but I probably wouldn’t recommend it to readers who like ZA

2.5 stars. This book was compared to Fourth Wing, Crescent City, and Harry Potter as a “military Hogwarts” and is intended for mature readers. The writing is decent and the premise was interesting, but this book didn’t hit the mark for me.

Wen is a drug dealing indentured servant to a demon in a post-apocalyptic world full of Angels and Demons on Earth. She is desperate to buy her freedom and that of her best friend, and her unique drug-dealing is on its way to enable this reality. However, she is arrested and brought to the Celestial Academy where she is embroiled in a dramatic enemies-to-lovers situation with her mentor/captor. Somehow her best friend also finds herself at the Celestial Academy.

While the premise was interesting and the post-apocalyptic good vs evil military academy setting was unique, I did not connect with the characters and the world building was lackluster. I found the FMC to be obnoxious and unlikeable and for a book intended for mature readers her dialogue was more tactless petulant teenager. While the other characters apparently find her nonstop outbursts to be endearing, I found that following her arrest, they did not add value to the storyline. There was an opportunity for her character to grow and lose the snideness, but that does not occur.

Her forbidden attraction to her mentor is a major plot point, but it is articulated in an unbelievable way that prevents it from landing and being the spicy story we hope for. It’s more instantaneous “in heat” at his presence than build up to a believable enemies to lovers trope.

I am torn on the narrator for the audiobook because the FMC is an obnoxious, loud-mouthed, petulant character, and the narrator successfully portrayed this character throughout. However, I found this difficult to listen to for the duration of the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Independent Book Publishers Association for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5⭐⭐⭐💫
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with both an e-arc and an audio arc!

This book has a magical academy, angels and demons, a post-apocalyptic urban setting, a slow-burn paranormal romance, epic trials, and mysteries that keep you guessing!

I didn't see the Zodiac Academy comparisons until after finishing this book (haven't read that series), though from what I heard I can understand why. There are aspects of a bully romance with how the male lead, Godric, treats the main character, Wen, particularly in the beginning of the book, but that didn't bother me too much. Still, check trigger warnings!

I started this book with the e-arc. At first, the writing and the main character's personality were a bit off-putting. Wen does a lot of rambling in her inner monologue. The snarky attitude, endless questions, and no-filter chattiness in especially serious situations is a bit rough to get through page to page. I knew I would have to read it via audio eventually to be able to get through it.

Luckily, I was able to get access to the audio arc! When I made the switch, things got a lot easier. The narrator is very good, so getting through the excessive monologue was less irritating. While my issues with Wen's personality stayed consistent throughout the book, the story starts to pick up when she finally gets to the academy. From there, I enjoyed it a lot more.

The side characters are probably my favorite part of this book. Lorcan, who I love with all my heart. Jinny, who, even as a demoness, can do no wrong. Jophiel and Azrael, the mysterious, yet powerful archangels. But, of the Unitas girls, I didn't really like any of individually. Rather, I like their group dynamic with all of them together. Just the idea of a group of girls, who don't get along at all, slowly developing some form of a close-knitt friendship is what kept me reading. The endless banter and bickering between them, whether it's as roommates or working together during the trials, is so entertaining to read. I can't wait to see what this group becomes later in the series.

The love interest, Godric, is someone I've come to really love as the story progressed. His possessive tendencies can be a bit unhinged, but I appreciate the level of trust he and Wen are able to reach, especially towards the end. I was surprised to see the author start their romance by focusing more on their training and having them act as a some-what professional pair (with heavy sexual tension between them). Like some books I read, I was expecting to get spicy action all throughout, in addition to the romantic moments. It felt more like a slow burn which is what made me like this book so much more. Seeing their relationship be more drawn out and them have a friendship first felt more natural.

The last thing I wanna mention is the sort of mystery behind Wen's genetic history (Sarah, too). The whole question of "what is she, if not human?". This is the main thing that got me excited for the next book. Usually this gets revealed by the end of book one (and I have two guesses on what she is), but considering that no one, not even the archangels, knows what's going on, I'm interested to see what the rest of the series has in store.

Ok, wow, I just finished listening to the audio book. First off, the narrator that is being used is absolutely perfect for this book. I really enjoyed listening to her and to heat her voices for the characters. The characters are all so different and have so much conflict but also work together in order to complete a challenge and to keep each other alive. I think the group was such a great one. I loved how they evolved in the book. Wen and Gordrick are just so dang good together. I really can not wait to see what happens with them. The slow burn that is only touched on in the last chapter besides for some hot imagining throughout the book was so good. I have to say I really enjoyed the plot and how the world is explained. All I can say is I am looking forward to the next book, and I truly enjoyed listening to this one.

This was everything I was missing from Zodiac Academy. I'm literally obsessed. This is a must read!

The narration was so so so so so so so so amazing! Everyone needs to go listen to it now!

This magic school fantasy with angels and demons was so good I loved the main characters even though one could be an angelhole the main female character is such a badass and this book has the slowest slowburn I have ever read and it only ends with just a kiss. Please read this book it has romance action adventure drama trials and magical powers

This book is a disappointment. It's the cover and plot is a plagiarized version of The Zodiac academy. Author needs to get their own ideas