I’d like to thank Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this ARC! This book is scheduled for a March 2026 release.

This YA novel was very well done. Trials, mild enemies-to-lovers (minus spice), magic, and worldbuilding. The author had a unique take with the magic system that I truly enjoyed called Morphie.

Magic users have to undergo a trial between their 18th and 19th birthdays in this world. It helps the judges and counsel know if the person is dangerous. If the person is deemed too dangerous, they have two options. First, they can have their Morphie extracted, or they can work on the Celestial. The Celestial is a cruise ship that the main character’s, Roe, family created to keep the magic away from land. While on the ship, you have the opportunity for a re-trial to get to keep your magic, and return to your home. If after four years you haven’t, your magic is extracted before sending you back home.

Roe ends up failing her trial, and chooses to board the Celestial against her father’s request she doesn’t. While there, she meets people who end up being like found family for her. She also learns more about the ship her family created, and what the true purpose of it is. Her and her friends must work together to stop war from breaking out between the Morphics and non-morphics. Along the way, Roe must deal with betrayal from people she never thought possible, and received help from those she expected least.

Overall, this is a solid 4/5 star read for me. It’s a book I would recommend to anyone who may be starting their fantasy reading journey, and looking for an easy to understand book. Some very mild language, kissing, and visuals are in here, but nothing too concerning.

I thought this book was very imaginative and fresh. This is not an idea I would have thought of and I'm a smidge jealous I didn't write it myself. Well done.

5⭐

Thank you to Julia Alexandra for having me in the Inaugural Sailing STREET Team and Austin Adams from Wednesday Books for this digital review copy!

𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 is about Roe Damarcus, who after failing her realm's trial to keep her magic, flees to the mysterious and luxurious magic cruise ship where staff members — who also happen to be prisoners on the ship — have to compete for votes from guest to earn a retrial. When the true dangers surface at night when the Celestial transforms the halls into nightmares that kills its staff at night, Roe questions the ship and the system of trial. She must use whatever power she has to uncover the truth and change the system before she becomes the next victim of the Celestial . . .

I can never talk enough about this book! It is my most anticipated young adult release for 2026 and it did not disappoint! I could not believe that this was a debut novel because of how well it was written.

This novel was written as a strong standalone but has done space for more tales in this world. Julia Alexandra writing style is whimsically descriptive, with rich prose and plotlines interwoven into this tale. There is so much subtle foreshadowing from the very first page. The lush and dangerous backdrop was lyrical and whimsically written and the author does not sway away from dangers of the world in the descriptions.

The twists were foreshadowed so subtly that I did not realise that they would lead upto the outcome presented. There a re a few red herrings that played a pivotal role until the truth was uncovered — which honestly blew my mind on how brilliantly that was written without rousing any doubts.

Despite being a young adult book, I really loved how the author did not sway away from the dangers created by the flawed and inequality in the government. The flawed system of the world played such a pivotal role in this book that it shaped the book. The injustice, rage, inequality and horrors of this world weren't sugarcoated at all.

The magic system is very unique. There are different types of morphics — who are essentially magic-wielders. Their magic system is based on consequences for magic used, which can range from physical to mental torture and pain.

I was on the edge of my seat the entire time reading — even from the very first chapter. The haunting and dark backdrop along with the claustrophobic and consequential environment created the perfect atmosphere for the thriller and horror setting.

𝐑𝐨𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐬 had me fall for her the second she chose herself, her power over comfort and silence. Even when people saw her only as a privileged and spoiled girl, she did not give up on herself. She's strong willed, with a mind that is willing to do anything to get justice for herself and all those who were imprisoned. Even when her gift is treated and used for performances, she doesn't loose her compassion and hope, the strength to fight for the staff members. She's punished for daring to exist and speak out — which was something that made me respect her character because she did not give up even when she would physically and mentally tortured, even when her mind was riddled with nightmares.

𝐈𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 is the silk aerialist and charmer who could have left the cruise even before his first year but chose to give up his chances so his friends with less chances could make out alive with their magic. He's sarcastic and witty, with a lot of smirks and compassion with a soft heart that not everyone sees. He's initially cold towards Roe but slowly warms up as he sees through her cracks that she's not some spoiled rich girl with privileges that could effect their chances.

Their romance was slow burn, with distant coldness to allies to lovers. Ivander was gentle and perfect for Roe. The found family has to be one of my favourite aspects of this book. Their little group was perfect and their characters were fleshed out. I loved the friendship between Roe and Alana so much.

The commentary and irony in this book cannot go unnoticed. I loved how this was perfectly subtle yet mainstreaming across the entire book.

Overall, if you enjoy a dark romantic fantasy tale with silks and secrets, with commentary and a found family, 𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 is the perfect read!

Midnight on the Celestial is an imaginative and engaging debut that blends high-stakes adventure, lush worldbuilding, and a touch of romance into an atmospheric fantasy. Roe Damarcus, the novel’s determined heroine, is easy to root for—strong-willed, resourceful, and guided by compassion. After failing her realm’s magical trial and facing the loss of her power, she flees aboard the Celestial, a glamorous magic cruise ship that seems like the perfect escape. But at night, the ship transforms into something far more sinister, and survival becomes the only goal.

The premise is undeniably fresh, and Julia Alexandra makes strong use of it. The nightmarish transformations of the ship are suspenseful and well-paced, and the story’s twists are supported by subtle foreshadowing that makes the reveals satisfying. Roe’s relationship with Ivander is a highlight—he’s charming and layered, and their romance grows organically alongside the central mystery. The writing often leans into a cinematic style, making it easy to picture the ship’s shifting opulence and terror.

That said, the novel isn’t without its weaknesses. While the pacing is generally strong, a few middle chapters lose some momentum, lingering on dialogue or description that doesn’t always push the story forward. Some of the worldbuilding, while intriguing, feels underexplored—particularly the magical trial Roe fails at the beginning, which is quickly left behind in favor of the ship’s storyline. Readers who prefer more originality in their romantic subplots may find certain beats familiar, echoing tropes seen in other popular YA fantasies.

Even with these minor drawbacks, Midnight on the Celestial succeeds in delivering a tense, immersive, and character-driven story. It works well as a standalone, tying up its central arc while leaving the sense that there could be more adventures to come. This is a confident and promising debut from Julia Alexandra, one that will appeal to fans of atmospheric fantasy with a strong emotional core.

Midnight on the Celestial is the kind of debut that doesn’t just promise an author to watch—it demands it. Julia Alexandra sweeps readers into a glittering, treacherous dreamscape aboard the Celestial, a luxury cruise ship for the magical elite that conceals a far darker truth. By day, the ship dazzles with performances and illusions; by night, its corridors transform into lethal nightmares that hunt the very staff who keep the spectacle alive.

Our anchor through this kaleidoscopic danger is Roe Damarcus, a young woman who refuses to accept the hand she’s been dealt after failing her realm’s trial. Fleeing disgrace, she joins the Celestial’s ranks, only to discover that its promise of redemption is a rigged game—and the stakes are survival itself. Roe’s voice is sharp, determined, and endlessly compelling; she’s not perfect, but that’s what makes her victories feel earned. Watching her shift from self-preservation to systemic defiance is one of the novel’s great pleasures.

Alexandra’s prose is sumptuous without being overwrought, lacing whimsy into horror so deftly that the transitions feel like a sleight of hand. The worldbuilding is immediately immersive—lush, claustrophobic, and brimming with quiet menace. The magic system stands out for its brutal cost: every spell exacts a consequence, from searing pain to psychological unraveling. That built-in tension infuses every scene with risk.

The supporting cast is no afterthought. Ivander, the silk aerialist whose charm hides a streak of self-sacrifice, emerges as a magnetic foil and eventual ally to Roe. Their romance simmers slowly, growing from wary distance to mutual trust, making every moment of connection feel hard-won. Around them, the found family dynamic blossoms in subtle beats of loyalty, banter, and shared grief, with Roe’s friendship with Alana in particular adding warmth to the novel’s darker turns.

Alexandra doesn’t shy from social commentary, threading a critique of systemic injustice and power imbalance into the very fabric of the plot. The inequality isn’t window dressing—it shapes every choice the characters make, every danger they face. This undercurrent keeps the novel grounded, even as its setting teeters between dream and nightmare.

As a standalone, Midnight on the Celestial satisfies completely, but its world begs for more stories. From the first whispered hints of danger to the final, breath-stealing revelations, it’s a story that refuses to let go.

For readers who like:
-Lush, atmospheric YA fantasy
-Slow-burn romance
-Social commentary

Final Verdict
An intoxicating mix of danger, beauty, and defiance, Midnight on the Celestial is a triumphant debut—one that lingers like the echo of a song you’re not ready to stop hearing.

Grateful to NetGalley, Wednesday Books and Julia Alexandra for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

This debut was pure magic! The worldbuilding is so original think a Titanic-esque magical cruise ship, a creative and powerful magic system, and a rich social structure filled with tension and heart.

Roe’s character growth was one of the strongest elements, she starts off entitled but becomes someone full of empathy and fire. And Ivander? He’s the perfect mix of charm swagger!

The romance was slow and thoughtful, but the real magic was in the layered relationships, friendships, rivalries, and found family moments that felt real.

It wraps up as a standalone, but I’d happily return to this world. Highly recommend for fans of unique fantasy with heart and magic!

Really good world building! I thought the magic system was super original and Roe’s magic was so cool to read about. I got the vibe that this book was a standalone, but I’d love to read another in the same world by this author.

I really enjoyed getting to know Roe and their world perfectly, it uses the overall feel of this book and enjoyed the overall concept and how the use of Roe's powers were used perfectly. I was invested in what was going on and thought the characters were so well written and thought the Celestial was such a strong character in this world. Julia Alexandra was able to create something so beautifully done and glad it worked well together.

This was a unique read! I was drawn in by the arc cover white a titanic'esk ship the back an invitation to board the Celestial in the mood for something piratey but a magic boat seemed enough. The story wasn't what I expected drawn into a new world of interesting magic and the unfair rules that govern it. The main characters were likeable enough and the story kept a good pace. It did really pick up at the very end. I wasn't sure if we'd get a clean wrap up or left on a cliff hanger it was the former. The ending was a bit predictable but not bad. Overall really enjoyed this read! Will definitely recommend it!!!

“The nightmares aren’t real. You’re not the monster. Monsters don’t worry about what they are.”
Roe
A great example of character growth. In the beginning, Roe is a sheltered kid who has internalized prejudice against magic-wielders. Her entitlement as a noble clashes with her bleak situations, and her lack of appreciation for the staff members’ efforts to help her make her an unlikeable character. But as the days pass, she gradually adjusts her attitude, re-evaluates her worldview, and we see the empathy and tenacity that was always within her. She sheds her naivety as naturally as a tree sheds autumn leaves, which is one of the highlights of the book. Her realistic growth and indomitable will make her a great main character.
Ivander
Piercings, check; tattoos, check; nail polish, check! As much as Ivander is witty&snarky, he is even more compassionate to people around him. He has the smooth-talking allure of a bad boy but a heart of gold, what more could you ask for?One thing to note is that the romance arc is not enemies to lovers, but instead two people overcoming their preconceptions of each other, which is more realistic and just as fun.

Plot
-Keeps you on your toes:
I did not see most of the twists in the book! The sense of mystery persists throughout the novel, leaving you longing for more.However, I will say that some ideas introduced make sense but seem out of the blue(could have been set up better).
-Tugs on your heartstrings:
The author is a master at playing with emotions, she wrenches strong feelings from us towards certain characters, then forces you to take it back by humanizing them, pushing the pendulum in the other direction.
There were some faults: the dialogue has unnatural exposition, and parts of background set-up are redundant (Alana’s story is told twice), but it didn’t bother me too much

Theme
It utilizes the tried-and -true trope of “anti-magic” and “survival game” without becoming an X-Men or Hunger Games rip-off. Charmingly, Roe’s crew-mates are supportive of her from the beginning. Their found family provides a beacon of hope that the oppressed can band together, advocating for harmonious co-existence. This decision ties into the theme of systemic oppression and directs the blame at the bosses and not the fellow victims, ultimately elevating the book (in my opinion) above a simple individualist revenge plot. The ending was sweet but felt a bit rushed( again, one of the downsides of telling an independent story in 352 pages)
Prose
Despite being labeled as YA, it doesn’t “read as YA” at all. The prose was smooth and lush: Beautiful, like ocean waves bathed in starlight, but hauntingly so; that particular mixture of awe-inspiring and dread-inducing which makes every moment on the Celestial like a fever dream. You’ll be wanting to escape, but miss it when you’re gone.
Read this if you like:
Lush background with Night Circus vibes, characters who evolve, good writing quality, well-developed romance, found family, standalone books (there could be more after but this story stands on its own)
Thank you to NetGalley and St.Martin’s Press Wednesday Books for this ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ebook ARC of this novel. Unfortunately, I will not be reading it after all, because it is written in present tense. Present tense is fine when reading & writing reviews, but when it comes to novels and longer works, a story has to be something very special for me to stick with it.

Brimming with mystery and personality, Midnight on the Celestial is Ms. Alexandra's magnum opus. I deeply enjoyed this book.

This is an amazing thriller/horror and found myself rooting for the main character, Roe. We find her failing a test, making the hard choice of having to give up her magic forever, or join the Celestial for a chance at a retest. (I'd say the choice is obvious for me.. I'd rather retest as well!) At night the ship shifts and kills someone, putting Roe into the hot seat of blame. She has to use her powers to find out the truth before it's too late.

I've had such a hard time lately properly switching off and getting fully immersed in a book, and that struggle only gets worse with fantasy. As a fantasy author myself, it's almost impossible not to read with a critical eye and to just enjoy a story. So the fact that Midnight on the Celestial (MOTC) managed to sweep me away the way it did feels kind of miraculous. For the first time in ages, I found myself not just reading but living inside a book.

I lost myself completely in this magical, stunningly original world. It's the little details that make it so special—the dazzling, otherworldly food and entertainment aboard the Celestial cruise ship, the little quirks and traits that make each character feel like a real person. Everything felt so alive. Honestly the best kind of book is one that makes you wish you'd written it, and I found myself marvelling at just how wildly creative MOTC is!

There's no way I could list everything I loved without turning this review into a multi-page essay. But if I had to choose one standout element, it would be the relationships. Not just the romance (although I'm thoroughly obsessed with Roe and Ivander), but the friendships, the rivalries, the found family, even the complicated dynamics between staff and guests aboard the Celestial. Every relationship felt layered and real. I can't say much without spoiling things, but just know that your feelings about certain characters will absolutely shift as you go—sometimes more than once!

Also, I have to gush over the love interest, Ivander! He's the perfect combo of two beloved characters—Kaz Brekker and Nikolai Lantsov from Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse. If that means anything to you: don't walk, RUN!

𝐌𝐈𝐃𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐛𝐲 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐚 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚
~ 𝒂 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝒇𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒚 𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 𝐟𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗮 𝗥𝗼𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗺’𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆, 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲: 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘂𝗽 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹, 𝗮 𝗹𝘂𝘅𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗳𝗳 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗳𝗳 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗸. 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱, 𝗥𝗼𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁, 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹’𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝘃𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗺 . . .

This is the author's debut novel and she did not disappoint at all with this marvellous and twisty debut! Midnight on the Celestial is a standalone novel which stands strong and firm as a single installment but has space for more adventures!

I have not stopped thinking about this book ever since I finished it. From the twists and turns, the subtle but brilliant foreshadowing, the world and the magic — everything was marvellous and revelling to read about.

Rosaline — Roe — Damarcus is a brilliant and strong female lead. She's strong mentally and physically, with emotions and thoughts that make her seem and feel human. Her compassion and willingness to do anything to save her friends and the people like her is very admirable.

There are a lot of themes explored in this novel. While romance was an amazing subplot, the themes of representation in the government and the unfairness and inequality in the positions of the morphics and non-morphics, civil disagreements and an almost civil war is explored. There are more themes that are spoilery to talk about but was well done.

The writing style was easy to follow. The descriptions were lyrical and poetic at the perfect times and the prose is written in a way that the descriptions do justice to the situations and landscapes.

If you enjoyed Caraval and Hotel Magnifique, you'll enjoy this Upper YA romantic fantasy debut!

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐚 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐑𝐂.