I loved every second of this book ! I found the premise of this book interesting the female protagonist was bold ,funny and I enjoyed seeing her relationships develop with other characters in the story. The narrator was great and fit the role perfectly ,her voice worked for all the different characters while making them all easy to distinguish each one and it makes this a book I would definitely recommend as an audio book .
The pace was steady and kept my interest throughout, but my favourite bit of the book was the character interaction and banter .

Good narration with interesting world building. I enjoyed the story and it kept me coming back. I want to read the next book in the series to see what happens.

I enjoyed the book but it sid not captivated as many other books have done. I enjoyed the story but it was almost to much to keep up with.

I thank Netgalley, the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), and Members‘ Audiobooks for providing me with this audio review copy.

Synopsis

In a post-apocalyptic world where Angels, Demons, and other fairy tale creatures made themselves known and took control over world governments, Wen White and her best friend Sarah barely scrape by as indented assistants to the demon lords. Wen is determined to buy them out by selling the only-to-her visible substance she dubs ‘Angelesence’ but when a deal goes awry and she is captured by the alluring and almighty nephilim Godric, she is carted off to celestial academy to determine what kind of being she truly is. Under the private tutelage of Godric and her other angelic teachers, she learns to harness her own strength, discovers millennia-old mysteries, and learns to trust in her ‘friends’.

My Experience

As we are thrown into the story it moves at a good pace and the double pack of humour in the writing told through Wen’s snarky personality had me gripped. To see quite serious situations and terrifying people made fun of was a really nice twist to the usually somber dystopian atmosphere. As soon as the plot progressed to the academic setting though, the humor felt overused.

This was also the point where the plot progression halted for a sizeable portion of the book and only picked up again at the end. Instead, we got overly extensive banter and inner thoughts, that took up so much space, that from time to time I forgot that Wen was in an actual conversation at the moment.

As more characters are introduced you get that the author shoots for the found family vibe that may come in book two, as Wen slowly combats her paranoia with strangers (really slowly though). I could have used more flesh to the secondary characters‘ personalities to get this thought across better so that they also mean something to you by the end.

Godric was an interesting character who would have shone with a little more to him than just protecting Wen.

The story was really intriguing in the beginning but the longer it went and nothing was answered with the simple explanation of ‘I can’t tell you’ or ‘I don’t know yet’ was aggravating.

As the end was in sight though the plot progressed again and gave me enough to be curious about the second book. As many plot points were set up and not addressed in this title I hope those to pass in the next one.

As for the spice

This is truly a slow burn with only overly graphic thoughts thrown around.

The Narration

The Narrator gives her all with different tones of voice and accent for every character and she nails Wen’s personality. Fantastic narration.

My Rating

C A W P I L E
5 6 6 6 7 8 6

3.5 ⭐️ | 1 🌶️

This book just isn’t for me. I could get into it and can’t say I found any buy in for finishing it. I found the main characters annoying. Sadly I dnf the book

I did like the narrator

ARC audiobook review from Netgalley: 4 stars!

I absolutely loved the audiobook narrator. I found it so easy to decipher which character was speaking, and for one woman to do it all - that is a task! I would have loved a dual narration for this book... But still she crushed it!

For the book itself, my goodness this slow burn is driving me wild.
I love Wen's sassy attitude!
Wen and Sarah's friendship is precious. I was hoping that this could have been slightly more than a friendship... 💜
Godric and Wen's banter is hilarious, and I just want to know what happens next! Bring on the spice! PLEASE!

I can say that I will gladly continue this series, and hope that I can ARC review the next audiobook!

**5 Stars – An Engaging Fantasy Romance You Won't Want to Put Down**

I thoroughly enjoyed *Celestial Academy: Essence* by Olivia Pharos, so much so that I binged the entire audiobook in just two days! The story pulled me in from the start with its vivid world-building and intriguing characters. Even though some of the character development was a bit predictable—especially the relationship between Wen and Godric—it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the book.

One of the standout aspects for me was the concept of a post-apocalypse where demons and angels coexist with humans. This idea was executed brilliantly, adding depth and a unique twist to the typical fantasy setting. The dynamic between the characters kept me engaged, and the unfolding romance was both satisfying and fun to follow.

I’m eagerly anticipating the next installment to see where the story goes next. If you’re a fan of fantasy and romance, *Celestial Academy: Essence* is definitely worth a listen. Five stars!

My jaw dropped multiple times! I listened to the audio and LOVED IT!! The story pulls you in immediately. I love ALL the morally grey characters. I really hope the second one is done like this with the same narrator as well.

I don’t know what is going on…recently it seems like I’ve found a few more books that have angel/demon dynamics in them. I won’t say that Celestial Academy: Essence the first book in the Afterworld series has large religious intonations, because it definitely does not. It is more like various teams playing on the court. You have team Angels, they appear to be the upper crust of society now and make many of the rules in the human world. Then there is team demons who tend to run some of the shadier happenings in this world. There are also some fey, vampires, shifters, goblins and other supernaturals hanging out too. Then there is the bottom of the food chain so to speak, the humans. Most are sold into slavery to Angels, demons or others. They have been since the world was lost in the magical war twenty-ish years ago. This is the story of one of those Humans, Wen.

Wen, well what can I say I loved her from the beginning. She has sass, an unusual talent, a really high threshold to pain, a mouth that runs away with her when it should just shut up and a propensity to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Owned by a demon she is doing everything to get out of his clutches along with her best friend and roommate Sarah. Wen will do whatever it takes, even if that means selling Angel Essence (something only she seems able to collect) to earn the money needed to buy their freedom. After she is busted by Godrick one of the Nephilim, whom she dubs Angelhole (see sassy), she is swept away to the Celestial school to be trained by none other than the sexy half angel she just can’t help antagonizing. As Godrick tries to whip her into shape, Wen just tries to stay alive in this magical school that seems to want her dead.

There are fights and challenges to move to the next level. Wen, will have a shot to learn what she is capable of and possibly a little bit into the question of who/what she really is. With her bff Sarah also at the school, at least she has one ally.

I hear this is like Zodiac Academy (ZA), but I haven’t read that series yet and so cannot comment on the similarities. Still that said now I want to jump into ZA as well. I always enjoy the magical school set up. Wen is roommate with four other women of various background and the five of them make up one team. They are supposed to learn how to work together to pass the tests coming at them. A little had to do with a demoness, a fey, a paltry human, a Nephilim and whatever Wen is. It was also nice that all the characters are around twenty so them lusting a little here and there felt slightly more mature and less icky. The romance aspect of the story is a really slow burn. The forced proximity wore Godrick down as Wen is likeable overall and her needling of him turned from aggravating to flirtatious. It is a fun relationship to watch.

Come back to me - always

I’m really excited to see what is in story for the characters of this story in the next book. The ending wasn’t a cliff hanger, but the author definitively gave us a tease and dropped a little bomb to get the reader really excited to see where the next story is going to go.

Narration:
I have listened to a few other books that Amanda Leigh Cobb has narrated. I think she is a good pick for this series as it is through Wen's PoV and Amanda delivers Wen's humor and snark really well. She brings out both the tough and the vulnerable sides of the main character while not diminishing the performances of the other characters. I enjoyed her performance of the novel and believe it added to my overall enjoyment of the book. I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed.

Thank you, NetGalley for an advanced ARC and ALC of this book first in a series

Unfortunately I was not able to enjoy this or care about the characters... I listened to 65% before I DNF'D the book.

I can see allot of others liking this book but it wasn't for me

The audiobook was well done with a narrator who was pleasant to listen to

As an avid audiobook enthusiast, I found Celestial Academy: Essence to be an engaging and entertaining listen, particularly for those who enjoy a protagonist with sharp wit and a healthy dose of sarcasm. The narrator excels in bringing Wen, the main character, to life, capturing her snarky and irreverent tone with just the right amount of edge. This is crucial, as much of the story’s humor depends on Wen’s personality.

That said, Wen’s relentless quips can occasionally verge on excessive, which might not sit well with every listener. While her sarcasm often hits the mark, there are moments when it risks becoming grating. However, these instances are balanced by genuinely humorous and entertaining interactions, particularly with Godrick. The playful nicknames Wen gives him add a delightful layer of charm to the narrative, contributing to the slow-burn tension between them. The chemistry between Wen and Godrick simmers throughout the story, though it never quite reaches full "spice"—except in Wen’s fantasies. So, if you’re looking for a very spicy romantasy, this may not fully satisfy that craving, but it remains thoroughly entertaining nonetheless.

One of the novel’s more wholesome elements is the relationship between Wen and Sarah. The narrator skillfully navigates their dynamic, infusing their interactions with warmth and depth. This relationship serves as a grounding force in the story, offering a counterbalance to Wen’s more abrasive tendencies. The emotional resonance between the two characters adds a layer of heart to the book that is both heartwarming and essential.

In terms of pacing and flow, the audiobook maintains a consistent rhythm that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish. The transitions between chapters are smooth, with the narrator ensuring that the listener is never lost or disoriented, making for a seamless listening experience.

Overall, Celestial Academy: Essence is a solid recommendation for those who enjoy a blend of fantasy and humor, led by a protagonist who doesn’t shy away from sarcasm. While Wen’s snark might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the audiobook is a worthwhile experience for listeners who appreciate sharp dialogue and a lively narrative. The narration adds an extra dimension to the story, making it an enjoyable choice for fans of the genre.

The blurb didn't quite prepare me for the style of the book, but it is fair to say this is a good debut. I listened to the audio ad the narrator did a fantastic job re pace, emphasis, intonation and alternate character accents, but I did struggle with the American Accept, which was a little saccharine, come high pitched for my taste.

It did take me a good while to get into the story. I think I struggled with the level of attitude that came from Wen, the main character. She is very sassy, dripping with sarcasm, but her wise ass cracks and insults were a bit of the top. She does settle a bit as the story progresses.

The fantasy twists and turns were absolutely great as they were not predictable and offered some really entertaining gear shifts during the story. The pace was good and the relationships built were entertaining and at times quite endearing.

Post 100 pages, I found the read more enjoyable and absorbing, so did get to enjoy the quests, deliberations and outcomes. There was some tension, but I never felt tense or that the characters were in real danger even though technically they could have died. The relationship development between Wen and Godric was quite heart-warming really.

If you like angels. fae, demons, kick ass characters I am sure you will devour this book. decent enough a read for me

This book hit all my fav tropes: paranormal, academy, secret powers/lineage, fated mates (maybe??), post apocalypse… I could go on), this was a very enjoyable listen! I absolutely recommend this audio!

Synopsis: FMC is a 20ish year old who has a PhD in the Real World, which is set after the war of Angels versus Demons. Wen has been indentured to a demon since she finished 6th grade and lives with her best friend who has had a similar fate. To buy their freedom, she begins a one-woman business with an elite drug, Essence, that only she seems to be able to farm/produce from the Angels roaming the Earth. After a drug deal gone wrong, she finds herself under the attention of the archangels and sent to Celestial Academy until they figure out what to do with her for her crimes.

Celestial Academy: Essence is a solid entry in the magical academy genre. This YA fantasy follows a group of teens as they navigate their newfound powers at a school for the supernaturally gifted.

The magic system is intriguing, centered around the idea of "essence" - a unique energy each student must learn to harness. Pharos does a great job of world-building, creating a vivid and immersive academy setting.

Characters are relatable, if sometimes predictable. The main protagonist's journey of self-discovery is particularly well-crafted, though some side characters could use more depth.

While the plot hits familiar beats, Pharos throws in enough twists to keep things interesting. The pacing is spot-on, balancing classroom drama with more high-stakes magical conflicts.

Celestial Academy: Essence is a fun, engaging read that sets up what could be a promising series. It's not reinventing the wheel, but it's a solid choice for fans of magical school stories.

If you are a fan of Crescent City, The Mortal Instruments, and Zodiac Academy then you will EAT THIS UP!

Right away we are introduced to what has become of the Afterworld - the aftermath of the apocalypse of Hell and Heaven. Who is left to clean up the mess, humans, are at the bottom of the food chain.

We meet Wen, a human, who is demon-owned and a complete underdog FMC with one goal in life to get her best friend (Sarah) and her out of indenture before it is too late. Wen has a talent for stealing and dealing angel-essence - which is a drug she can only make. That is when our story starts to unfold as to why which is what the Archangels want to know. Right away she is thrown under the mentorship of our MMC Godric. The tension between the two is fun throughout the whole book as they both explore answers that lead them to the Celestial Academy.

The side characters are so interesting and have their complexities. Tropes I loved that I found:
🪽 Enemies to lovers
🪽 Grumpy/Sunshine Pairing
🪽 Slow-burn romance
🪽 Friendship/Loyalty
🪽 Forced Proximity
🪽 Chosen One
🪽 Magical Academy

A huge kudos to narrator Amanda Leigh Cobb who has narrated for ACOWAR, ACOSF, and the Crowns of Nyaxia series. They made this so fun to listen to while I was reading.

BIG THANK YOU to NetGalley and of course Olivia Pharos (indie author) for the ARC audio. 💖

The introduction to the characters was amazing and the action has be hooked from the start.
The world building with the Angels, the family tree and the idea of the academy seemed really cool. Once they start training the pace It felt really slow compared to beginning, with not a lot happening, but definitely a lot of world building, making it seemed like this book is the set up for the next one and not necessarily it's own story.
The romance and the sexual tension felt a little out of left field and not really earn but that could just be me.
Over all the problems presented in the last third definitely left me intrigued for the next one. I would just prefer more action and a more earned romance

Mini Review: Celestial Academy: Essence

If you’re searching for your next book addiction, Celestial Academy: Essence is it. I loved it so much!!

This dark academia, enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance plunges you into a vivid post-apocalyptic world where angels, demons, and morally grey characters navigate the treacherous halls of a military academy for supernaturals. The slow-burn romance will have you hooked as the protagonists Wen White battles not just this new and dangerous world but her undeniable attraction to the angel that is likely to be the death of her. With a found family dynamic and apocalyptic stakes, this new-adult fantasy is brimming with suspense, mystery, and soul-searing, swoon-worthy passion. You won’t want to put it down—or leave its world behind.

Cant wait for book 2

NB: The audiobook is brilliant. I loved the narrator.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book I really enjoyed it! Really reminded be of Zodiac Academy with a very strong Female main character. Was amazing and need more!

Surprisingly good. Started off fine, but kept getting more and more interesting. Though it was awful when she got hit by a certain body part (you'll understand when you get there). Some of the twists were a bit obvious, but I still enjoyed it and now want to read the next book!

Also had Cresent city / harry potter-ish vibes and I enjoyed it more than I was expecting to. Though the slow burn nearly killed me! Another reason to read the sequel 😂

I really enjoyed this book. Alot of the fantasy books have been about dragons lately. It was nice to change it up to haven/hell/angels. Wen, the FMC, is my favorite, her inter dialog was hilarious. I will say the enemy to lovers is a slow burn and only seems one sided for most of the book. Totally worth the read and can't wait to get the next book in the series.