I am DEFINITELY going to need a physical copy of this one.

Midnight on the Celestial is a beautiful, dreadful, hopeful story. There are clear parallels between the Celestial’s structure and the real-life flaws of the U.S. prison system - particularly the idea that no matter the crime, oppressed groups all deserve to be treated as subhuman. This book also doesn’t shy away from the fact that the system can’t be destroyed in a day. Change is gradual, and it starts in the hidden places.

One of my favorite characters ended up being Asralyn, which surprised me. Although she is cruel to Roe most of the time we see her, her story is touching, and the relationship that blossoms between them is both sweet and important to the overall message. (Plus, she has incredible fashion sense.)

On a lighter note, Ivander is definitely getting added to the book boyfriends list. Woo-ee!!

A magically haunting tale reminiscent of The Night Circus, Midnight on the Celestial is the perfect late-night read…as long as you don’t leave your room.

3.5!
Roe Damarcus, brings spirits back from the dead. She faces a trial to keep her power, secrets aboard a ship, and there is a mystery surrounding the death of her brother. When Roe fails her trial she has a choice: lose her gift, or serve on the Celestial for a chance at re-trial. When aboard the Celestial, she discovers the nightmares that emerge from the ship during the dark. As Roe is faced with the true nature of the ship and the system her family has created, she begins to question what is true, and if she will be the next victim.

From the first chapter I was hooked, this book felt like a breath of fresh air. While fantasy is one of my favorite genres, at times it can feel repetitive. The magic system and world felt unique, alive, and vibrant because of how Julia Alexandra painted the world for the reader. It felt like I was there, I could imagine the rooms they were standing in.

Roe is a lead character that you want to root for. After failing her trial she fled to the Celestial rather than give up her power. She is proud, determined, and head-strong, Roe keeps preserving and while she questions things around her, she pushes forward nonetheless. You can see her progression, her questioning of what she thought she knew and the truth of the world around her.

Aboard the Celestial Roe meets Ivander, a charming, silk aerialist who seems to dislike her the moment she is aboard the ship. Despite this initial dislike, their connection grows slowly and a bond becomes forged between them. As misconceptions are unraveled, the true nature of the characters shines through, connecting both them and the reader.

That said, there were moments that felt rushed to me, particularly near the end as all the threads are being woven together. When exploring the powers, some of the richness and depth in the earlier chapters was not as explored. I wish they had been touched upon more in depth and given more room to shine.

Overall, this book was engaging with a vibrant world and characters that you want to succeed. It was a refreshing take on fantasy, and I will definitely read whatever Julia Alexandra writes next.

Thank you so much to netgalley and publishers for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review!

I’ve never read a YA fantasy book and it is far from one of my usual genres, but this is a book whose premise captured me. I had to read it. Now that I have, what I have to say is WOW. I thoroughly enjoyed every second in this book, from the well-developed heroic main character, Roe, to the mind-bending boat, the Celestial, to the talents the staff possessed. I’m absolutely obsessed with the idea of having a “resurrection” gift and omg don’t get me started on the twist toward the end. Another aspect I really enjoyed was Roe’s Humanistic values and the ending (if we only all functioned this beautiful way). This novel was a page-turner from moment one and I can’t wait for more from this new author. YA fantasy reader on board.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books & NetGalley for sending an ARC of this book my way.

I really loved reading Midnight on the Celestial. I read it on an actual cruise which made the experience all the more fun! The world building is fast paced, easy to follow and at the same time interesting. The suspense building keeps you engrossed. Overall the book was a great read in terms of characters, fantasy elements and story. The romance is very sweet, fell in love with Ivander (FYI - no spice). It lacked some complexity in the story line for me, something that would shock you as you’re reading. Overall, a great read that also makes you reflect on the unfairness of societal constructs.

Julia Alexander's debut novel, "Midnight on the Celestial," is a fresh and uniquely compelling take on the whimsical horror genre. The story unfolds on The Celestial, a seemingly luxurious cruise ship with a dark secret: it's a prison for dangerous morphics, whose inherent magic—known as morphia—is siphoned to power the vessel.
The protagonist, Roe, is a resurrector and the daughter of Lord Demarcus, the only morphic on the High Council. On the cusp of her coming-of-age trial, a tragic mishap lands her on The Celestial as a prisoner herself. As she navigates the beautiful but eerie ship, Roe quickly discovers that the glamorous facade hides a sinister and deadly reality. Framed for a murder she didn't commit, she must forge alliances with her fellow morphic prisoners. Together, they work to expose the dark truths of the ship and devise a plan to win their freedom and create a better future for all morphics.
From the very first page, the world-building is immersive and captivating, making you feel as if you are right there on the ship with Roe. Alexander's masterful pacing keeps the plot exciting and unpredictable, with every twist and turn feeling both surprising and inevitable. The characters are expertly crafted, each with a distinct and relatable personality that makes it easy to become invested in their journey. The intricate juxtaposition of the ship's enchanting magic and the macabre horror lurking in its shadowed hallways is truly incredible. It's a testament to Alexander's skill that her prose, dialogue, and plot are woven together with the precision of a seasoned author.
"Midnight on the Celestial" is a standalone novel that leaves you wanting so much more from this talented author. With a perfect blend of magic, mystery, and thrills, it's a must-read for fans of fantasy and horror alike. I wholeheartedly give this book 4.8 out of 5 stars. It's a clean read with zero spice, and it is a fantastic Young Adult novel. Make sure you add to your TBR and preorder now! Releasing March 3, 2026!
Please be aware that it does contain trigger warnings for death, dying, and gore.

+++I have received this eARC in an exchange for an honest review+++

I want to thank @netgalley @juliaalexwrites @stmartinspress for allowing me to read this amazing eARC. I truly feel honored to have had the privilege to read and review it.

<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/64ec3c569505f3d5ffbcfd283fac8e61c5eac3b5" width="80" height="80" alt="25 Book Reviews" title="25 Book Reviews"/>

<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/3e5c9dc49e6e53fec0ee9743175a4d14589ed262" width="80" height="80" alt="Professional Reader" title="Professional Reader"/>

<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/d03e09b48d88c13d50db7f67eb7bf8ab9bbccfce" width="80" height="80" alt="80%" title="80%"/>

<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/6332e512921eff947a2c1ed183b151c0e8ca2f30" width="80" height="80" alt="Camp NetGalley 2025" title="Camp NetGalley 2025"/>

Not sure how I felt about the book but ended definitely then i expected, Interesting to find out if this will be just be a stand alone or will there be another part to it

This was a really solid debut novel and had deeper undertones than I would've thought to expect. Roe was a strong female character and did justice to her role, and the writing was beautiful and easy to follow along with, with imagery I could picture as I read. Really great start to her writing career and an author I'll be watching out for in the future!!

MIDNIGHT ON THE CELESTIAL is a dark, magical story where luxury and wonder morph into the macabre and secret legacies against the thrilling backdrop of a fantasy cruise ship and engaging magic system. This book truly has something for every reader on the spectrum of the YA fantasy genre.
 
Roe Damarcus is the heart of this story, and readers will be stressed right along with her as she navigates the entitled guests aboard. If you’ve ever worked in customer service, you will love the fantasy twist to a luxury vacation. But more than anything, this is a story about a young woman accepting her darker power and finding the courage to face the flaws in a system deeply entwined with her family legacy. Her doubts, fears, and flaws make for a truly compelling heroine.
 
Honestly, this book had me at “found family”. Give me a diverse cast with queer relationships and enticing backstories any day, and Alexandra did a beautiful job incorporating a character’s chronic pain into a fantasy world. She also challenges traditional masculinity with Ivander, a charismatic aerial silks performer who stole my heart from the second he stepped onto the page.
 
It is a disservice to call the Celestial cruise ship a setting in MOTC. It is a character in its own right, seamlessly melding wonder and magic with frightening hallways, macabre illusions, and dangerous secrets. I both want to live aboard and run away screaming, which means Alexandra definitely did something right!
 
The romance in this book is deftly built from a rival co-worker situation to a beautiful medley of trust, vulnerability, and longing. There is no spice in this book, but Alexandra does not sacrifice the complexity of a new love and the bonds that must be tested. In the end, I think the complex relationships of this book are the magic that keeps you invested until the end.
 
The fast pace never sacrifices the complex bonds of this book, from found family to blended family to the love that lingers through loss. This author understands how to use a character arc, whether that’s to make you fall in love from the first aerial silks performance or to make you loath with a passion from the first encounter. And nothing says mastery like forcing a reader to change their mind with a few incredible scenes. No spoilers, but there are lines in this book that make me tear up just thinking about them.
 
Julia Alexandra has crafted a debut that will truly appeal to anyone who loves YA Fantasy. With poignant themes and emotional depth that will speak to mature audiences and excitement and magic for the younger on the YA spectrum, this is a book for every reader of this genre. And while the haunting darkness of the ship is there, the entire point of this book is that the things that scare us may end up being the most beautiful and powerful parts of ourselves.
 
I will reread MIDNIGHT ON THE CELESTIAL until the spine cracks, just to escape into the magical world of the Celestial for a little longer. I will take these characters with me for quite some time, and I know I am not the only one eagerly awaiting more books from this debut author. Thank you for welcoming us aboard, Julia Alexandra.

A magical cruise with a dark secret? Sign me up!

The book has so many great moments, and as someone who loves a cruise, it was fun to see magic in a brand new setting! The best parts of the story was when the author blended the magical with the mundane. A magical afternoon swim or a beverage that shoots fireworks! It was a very nice cozy read, with some shocking reveals throughout the story!

I got to 61% and I had to DNF. I really enjoyed about the first 50% of the book. The plot was great, the magic was unique, I loved Roe. She's a great, strong character who is willing to fight for what she wants. I like the new characters that become her friends on the ship. And the ship itself is awesome. I loved how it came alive, and there was a good amount of gore. I was so hyped!

Where it fell of for me was the pacing. I felt like we got a lot of info dumping that didn't add to the plot. And it became repetitive. Something was stated, in the exact same manner, in two consecutive paragraphs. This happened a few times, and it just became too much.

I really tried to push through to find out what happens at the end. But I just found that I didn't care enough.

**Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press/Wednesday Books for providing this ebook. All opinions are my own.**

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Beautifully captivating from the start! Midnight on the Celestial immediately drew me in with its stunning cover, but the story inside is just as magical. This original fantasy tale features a unique magic system, thrilling twists, and world building that feels like stepping through a door into another realm. Though listed as YA fantasy, it has something for everyone, friendships that shine, a touch of romance, a murder mystery, high stakes action, and even the artistic beauty of aerial acrobatics seamlessly woven into the narrative. The descriptive writing made the setting vivid and immersive, and I could easily picture this as a movie or TV show. I loved everything about this story and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fantastical escape. Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Thank you to @stmartinspress for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#SMPEarlyReaders #FantasyBooks #YAFantasy #BookRecommendation #BookReview #BookTok #Bookstagram #MustRead #ARCReview #FantasyReads #Bookish

Oooo! Midnight on the Celestial is an original fantasy with a unique magic system and atmospheric setting aboard a mysterious ship. Roe, our FMC, has light and dark edges to her complex nature that gave her an authentic character arc. Think found family! Rebellion! Drama! Secrets! And yall know I loveeeee a hospitality industry storyline, I also respect that the book doesn’t end with a major cliffhanger!!

3.5⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this e-arc in exchange for my honest opinions.

“Midnight on the Celestial” was a very enjoyable book. The story contains some twists that I would never have expected. I liked that Roe’s power was resurrection but that she could only bring back spirits temporarily, and that for as scary and disturbing as her power can seem to be, it could also be a source of beauty. The story has an eclectic cast of characters that the reader will enjoy getting to know, even some of the “evil” characters. It is also thought-provoking, as Roe and her fellow Morphics are very much the “other” and subject to the fears and prejudices that burden those branded as “others” in real life, but the fear and prejudice is misguided.

MIDNIGHT ON THE CELESTIAL
By Julia Alexandra
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Resurrection magic, enchanted prison cruise ships, and aerial dancing make for a unique and fresh fantasy. Lady Roe Damarcus is a privileged character who is forced to question everything she’s been taught when she fails her magic trial and accepts a spot on the Celestial. It’s part luxury cruise ship for the wealthy and part prison for magic (morphia) holders who are forced to work there as penance for failing their trials. She thought that they deserved to be punished, only to learn the workers are just normal teens like her who have magic. The only way off the Celestial is by a retrial, but to get a second chance, you have to be one of three magical prisoners to get enough votes out of thousands. The romantic storyline, as well as the friendships made between the workers, were some of my favorite parts of the book. The conclusion was exciting with a few twists. The last chapter was more summary than story. This novel is a dark romantasy with a sweet romance that is sure to sail away with many fans.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Midnight on the Celestial had me hooked from the first page. The idea of a magical cruise ship that turns into a nightmare after midnight is so eerie and unique—I couldn’t stop reading. Roe is such a strong, layered heroine, and her dynamic with Ivander added just the right amount of tension and heart.

The mix of supernatural suspense, romance, and mystery was perfectly balanced, and the worldbuilding felt lush and immersive. I loved how every chapter pulled me deeper into the ship’s secrets. By the time I reached the ending, I was completely breathless.

If you love darkly magical settings, found family, and thrillers with heart, this is a must-read. Julia Alexandra has created something special here.

Midnight on the Celestial was a fast-paced, magical story with twists and turns you won't see coming! I was so intrigued right off the bat by the concept and the setting. I'll absolutely think twice before boarding a cruise ship!

Julia Alexandra does a fantastic job of writing vivid descriptions that send your pulse racing! I could perfectly visualize specific scenes and felt like I had been transported to the Celestial to watch the events take place. Her use of tension is phenomenal! There are some heart-stopping moments that left me not wanting to put the book down!

Ultimately, this was a beautiful story filled with found family, betrayal, and magic!

Thank you to the author and Wednesday Books for the advanced reader's copy.

I found this book in the read now section and the cover instantly drew me in. It was giving me Pirates of the Caribbean vibes, and I am a sucker for those movies so a book that looked like to have the same vibe sounded good!

When it started it, it didn’t pique my interest like I had hoped. I am going to try picking it back up and see if that changes because the cover is stunning, and still drawing me in! I also just want to give it another chance, maybe my mind will be changed 🙈

Great cover and title. Very eyecatching .

I was intrigued and curious from the opening pages ..


The celestial is a magic filled ship.

One of the main characters , Roe , has the power to summon the dead which is what I loved most. Full of suspense and fantasy, love the writing style 💛

Thank you to Julia Alexandria, St. Martin's Press, and Net Galley for this ARC!

What an absolute pleasure to read this book!! The cover drew me in and the story kept me hooked!!

I really enjoyed the plot to this book. The twists are absolute perfection. So satisfying the progression of the story is great! It felt like I was in the dark for most of this book. Kept me guessing in the best way! The world building is awesome! The time period, the magic, the SHIP!! All great! I will say I enjoyed the side characters more than the main character but still great character development and the chemistry with the characters is great. The writing style was amazing!!!!!! It kept me hooked and struggled to put the book down.

In Midnight at the Celestial, Roe Demarcus possesses the power to resurrect spirits with her unique morphia (magic). At her customary morphia trial, she spectacularly fails and is deemed "unsafe" to keep her morphia any longer. Her choice is to either drink a potion to have her morphia removed or to serve on the Celestial--a cruise ship for the wealthy and the powerful that also doubles as a prison for Morphics who have failed their trials. Those who choose to serve on the ship can earn votes to complete a rare retrial and return to society. Unfortunately for Roe, the Demarcus family is the reason the Celestial exists in the first place as her ancestors and her current family members are deeply embedded in the realm's ruling party.

While serving on the ship, Roe realizes that the Celestial represents much more than a mechanism to keep "dangerous" morphia contained. Along with her shipmates, Roe needs to figure out how to overthrow the very system that her family legacy is founded upon.

Overall, this is an entertaining and engrossing YA fantasy. It reminded me of Caraval or The Night Circus, with the unique twist of the cruise ship serving as a prison of sorts. Alexander's imagination in developing this idea is 10/10. The world-building is well thought out, and I found the depictions of the Celestial at night as well as the descriptions of how morphia can be used to bend and corrupt its users as fascinating. So often are world-building elements reused over and over again, but the inventive setting and premise of this book delivers and pulled me in.

With that said, I would have liked to see more conflict--not only in the plot, but also within and between the main characters. Roe is a character you root for; however, I wasn't sure if I could buy into her change of perspective so early in the book. True, she--and her found family shipmates--are generally treated horribly by the guests they serve. Moreover, they all suffer gross abuse by the bosses of the ship. I am not sure though that these aspects are explored thoroughly enough for Roe to go from a somewhat entitled prisoner just biding her time for a retrial to a revolutionary figure. I also thought that, given her family's reputation--something that everyone on the ship is well aware of--the connections Roe makes with the shipmates (aside from Ivander) come too easily. Lastly, as other reviews have indicated, the ending feels a bit rushed, though it does deliver a satisfying resolution to the injustices you read about through the book. Based on the ending, I think this is a standalone, but it might have been more fitting for a duology to give these themes and transformations more time to develop.

Once again, I did enjoy this and applaud Alexander for her inventive and refreshing story. I think this will be a hit with readers who like Caraval and The Night Circus. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this early!