What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
18 days and 16:40:59
48 copies available
U.S. only
Celestial Lights
Win a free print copy of this book!
18 days and 16:40:59
48 copies available
U.S. only
A beautiful, heartbreaking novel about ambition, love, and space from the award-winning author of the Women’s Prize longlisted Wandering Souls
January 28, 1986: Soon after launch, the Challenger shuttle falls out of the sky and into the sea. At the same time, Oliver Ines is born. Celestial Lights is his story.
Ollie spends his childhood in an English village where his bedroom is covered in glow-in-the-dark wallpaper bearing the planets and stars. Decades later, he has become one of the most renowned astronauts of his time. When an enterprising billionaire taps him to lead a landmark mission to the distant moon Europa, Ollie makes a choice that will send his whole world spinning.
As the mission advances deeper into unchartered territory, Ollie finds himself retreating into the past: his university days in London and years in the navy, relationships found and lost, becoming a husband and father. But will the world he remembers still be waiting for him when he returns?
Cecile Pin’s novel is a portrait of a complicated man whose unparalleled understanding of the universe doesn’t always translate into stellar relationships on Earth. A breathtaking tale of memory, personal choices, and the relationships that define us, Celestial Lights is an unforgettable story of fate, love, and sacrifice that questions what we owe ourselves and our loved ones when our ambitions and loyalties collide.
January 28, 1986: Soon after launch, the Challenger shuttle falls out of the sky and into the sea. At the same time, Oliver Ines is born. Celestial Lights is his story.
Ollie spends his childhood in an English village where his bedroom is covered in glow-in-the-dark wallpaper bearing the planets and stars. Decades later, he has become one of the most renowned astronauts of his time. When an enterprising billionaire taps him to lead a landmark mission to the distant moon Europa, Ollie makes a choice that will send his whole world spinning.
As the mission advances deeper into unchartered territory, Ollie finds himself retreating into the past: his university days in London and years in the navy, relationships found and lost, becoming a husband and father. But will the world he remembers still be waiting for him when he returns?
Cecile Pin’s novel is a portrait of a complicated man whose unparalleled understanding of the universe doesn’t always translate into stellar relationships on Earth. A breathtaking tale of memory, personal choices, and the relationships that define us, Celestial Lights is an unforgettable story of fate, love, and sacrifice that questions what we owe ourselves and our loved ones when our ambitions and loyalties collide.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published March 24, 2026
101 people are currently reading
19509 people want to read
About the author
Cecile Pin
2 books317 followersCecile Pin grew up in Paris and New York City. She moved to London at eighteen to study philosophy at University College London and received an MA at King’s College London. She writes for Bad Form Review, was long-listed for their Young Writers’ Prize, and is a 2021 London Writers Award winner. Wandering Souls is her first novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
March 27, 2026
“I suspect that the answer lies partly in feelings: in an urge I had to push the boundaries of what I thought would be available to me. An insatiable curiosity to see how far I could go, how much I could achieve.”
Commander Oliver Ines’ personal log while on the spaceship Talos around 2032 on the way to Europa, Jupiter’s moon alternates with reflections on his past years on earth. Born on the day of The Challenger crash, an obsession for the stars - was it fate that he would become an astronaut and take this ten year mission? The heart of the story is not about space exploration, but about self exploration. The novel raises thought provoking questions about ambition, desire to become something bigger, better than where you came from, but for whom and at what cost?
“Perhaps our whole lives were just a series of letting go-of certain values and beliefs, of people and memories. We let go of certain things, quietly or with a thud, in the hope of reaching greater, better ones, while the rest wilts away.”
Ollie is a complex character and I can’t say that I liked him nor can I say that I totally disliked him . At times I understood why he made the decisions that he did but I wondered how he could leave behind a loving wife, a young son and a dying mother . Ultimately a well written and sad story reflecting on the choices people make.
I received a copy of this book from Henry Holt/Macmillan through Edelweiss
Commander Oliver Ines’ personal log while on the spaceship Talos around 2032 on the way to Europa, Jupiter’s moon alternates with reflections on his past years on earth. Born on the day of The Challenger crash, an obsession for the stars - was it fate that he would become an astronaut and take this ten year mission? The heart of the story is not about space exploration, but about self exploration. The novel raises thought provoking questions about ambition, desire to become something bigger, better than where you came from, but for whom and at what cost?
“Perhaps our whole lives were just a series of letting go-of certain values and beliefs, of people and memories. We let go of certain things, quietly or with a thud, in the hope of reaching greater, better ones, while the rest wilts away.”
Ollie is a complex character and I can’t say that I liked him nor can I say that I totally disliked him . At times I understood why he made the decisions that he did but I wondered how he could leave behind a loving wife, a young son and a dying mother . Ultimately a well written and sad story reflecting on the choices people make.
I received a copy of this book from Henry Holt/Macmillan through Edelweiss
March 24, 2026
A stellar, quietly breathtaking novel about ambition, responsibility, and the cost of reaching for the stars.
Happy publication day to this absolutely stellar novel!🪐 💫 🌙
"Sometimes, when I've done my tasks for the day and Talos is quiet, I try and imagine my life had I followed her path. But then, I look out of the viewing port. I see the crescent moon and the faint shimmers of Venus and Mars. I see the deepest dark that surrounds us infinitely, awash with stars and the misty hues of nebulas, their rich purples, their vibrant reds. I see the Milky Way in all its glory, untainted by city lights, and the sun rising over Earth's atmosphere. I see them all, those celestial lights, and I know that no other path would have shown them to me."
In a slightly varied timeline, mankind has already gone to Mars and is planning to build the first colonies on the moon when, sometime around the year 2030, Oliver Ines is leading a mission aboard the Talos, a spaceship making a ten-year journey to Jupiter's moon, Europa. Born on the day of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster - a symbolic beginning for a life shaped by the pull of the stars - and raised in an English village with a bedroom lit by glow-in-the-dark constellations, Ollie has grown into one of the world's most renowned astronauts. By the time we meet him aboard the Talos, he is reflecting on his journey to space while facing the realities of life onboard.
Even though Oliver is traveling through space, Celestial Lights is not, at its core, a story about space exploration. Instead, Cecile Pin has written an eloquent and elegant novel filled with lyrical prose and thoughtful observations about responsibility and duty, dreams and ambition, and the weight of the paths we choose.
Interspersed with logbook entries from the Talos, the novel unfolds through Oliver's memories - his university years, his time in the navy, the relationships that shaped him, and the family he built along the way. It becomes a deeply introspective portrait of a man reckoning with the choices that led him here, and what those choices have cost him.
There is, obviously, a sci-fi aspect to the story, but it takes a backseat to Oliver's reflections, focusing less on the mechanics of space and more on the emotional cost of getting there. Like Orbital (which I also loved!), the novel is far more concerned with the emotional and philosophical gravity of space travel than the technical details.
This is also a fairly short novel, and I personally would have loved spending more time in Oliver's orbit - so gorgeous is the prose. That said, the length works beautifully. It keeps the story poignant and impactful without becoming overextended, reflective without losing momentum.
There is an undercurrent of heartbreak running throughout. Ollie is a complicated man - driven and thoughtful, yet marked by a quiet emotional distance. His story is not just about reaching for the stars, but about what that pursuit asks of him in return. The novel gently but persistently asks what we are willing to sacrifice for our ambitions - and whether those sacrifices are ever truly worth it.
The audiobook, narrated by Dane Williams and Leah Marks, is a beautiful companion to the text. Both narrators capture the introspective tone of the novel, bringing warmth and emotional nuance to Oliver and Philly's reflections and enhancing the story without overpowering it.
Heartbreaking, thought-provoking, and deeply immersive, Celestial Lights is a marvel - a story about a man drawn to the furthest reaches of the universe, and the life he leaves behind in the process. Quite simply, unforgettable.
One of the best books of the year.
Many thanks to Henry Holt & Company | Henry Holt and Co. and Macmillan Audio for providing me with ARCs of the book and the audiobook via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"Celestial Lights" published today, March 24, 2026, and is available now.
Happy publication day to this absolutely stellar novel!🪐 💫 🌙
"Sometimes, when I've done my tasks for the day and Talos is quiet, I try and imagine my life had I followed her path. But then, I look out of the viewing port. I see the crescent moon and the faint shimmers of Venus and Mars. I see the deepest dark that surrounds us infinitely, awash with stars and the misty hues of nebulas, their rich purples, their vibrant reds. I see the Milky Way in all its glory, untainted by city lights, and the sun rising over Earth's atmosphere. I see them all, those celestial lights, and I know that no other path would have shown them to me."
In a slightly varied timeline, mankind has already gone to Mars and is planning to build the first colonies on the moon when, sometime around the year 2030, Oliver Ines is leading a mission aboard the Talos, a spaceship making a ten-year journey to Jupiter's moon, Europa. Born on the day of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster - a symbolic beginning for a life shaped by the pull of the stars - and raised in an English village with a bedroom lit by glow-in-the-dark constellations, Ollie has grown into one of the world's most renowned astronauts. By the time we meet him aboard the Talos, he is reflecting on his journey to space while facing the realities of life onboard.
Even though Oliver is traveling through space, Celestial Lights is not, at its core, a story about space exploration. Instead, Cecile Pin has written an eloquent and elegant novel filled with lyrical prose and thoughtful observations about responsibility and duty, dreams and ambition, and the weight of the paths we choose.
Interspersed with logbook entries from the Talos, the novel unfolds through Oliver's memories - his university years, his time in the navy, the relationships that shaped him, and the family he built along the way. It becomes a deeply introspective portrait of a man reckoning with the choices that led him here, and what those choices have cost him.
There is, obviously, a sci-fi aspect to the story, but it takes a backseat to Oliver's reflections, focusing less on the mechanics of space and more on the emotional cost of getting there. Like Orbital (which I also loved!), the novel is far more concerned with the emotional and philosophical gravity of space travel than the technical details.
This is also a fairly short novel, and I personally would have loved spending more time in Oliver's orbit - so gorgeous is the prose. That said, the length works beautifully. It keeps the story poignant and impactful without becoming overextended, reflective without losing momentum.
There is an undercurrent of heartbreak running throughout. Ollie is a complicated man - driven and thoughtful, yet marked by a quiet emotional distance. His story is not just about reaching for the stars, but about what that pursuit asks of him in return. The novel gently but persistently asks what we are willing to sacrifice for our ambitions - and whether those sacrifices are ever truly worth it.
The audiobook, narrated by Dane Williams and Leah Marks, is a beautiful companion to the text. Both narrators capture the introspective tone of the novel, bringing warmth and emotional nuance to Oliver and Philly's reflections and enhancing the story without overpowering it.
Heartbreaking, thought-provoking, and deeply immersive, Celestial Lights is a marvel - a story about a man drawn to the furthest reaches of the universe, and the life he leaves behind in the process. Quite simply, unforgettable.
One of the best books of the year.
Many thanks to Henry Holt & Company | Henry Holt and Co. and Macmillan Audio for providing me with ARCs of the book and the audiobook via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"Celestial Lights" published today, March 24, 2026, and is available now.
Did not finish
March 24, 2026I was deeply moved by Cecile Pin's debut, Wandering Souls, so I had high hopes for Celestial Lights. However, 50 pages in, I find that I'm not invested in the characters. Further, the story (which doesn't focus on Ollie's four-year journey to Europa as much as anticipated) is too quiet for my needs at this time, so I'm setting this book aside.
December 15, 2025
Having adored Cecile Pin's debut Wandering Souls, I was surprised and delighted to be sent an advance copy of this follow-up. It's even better than its predecessor and confirms her status as one of my favourite authors working today.
Celestial Lights tells the story of Ollie, an astronaut on a decade-long mission to Jupiter's moon Europa. It intersperses his mission logs with reminiscences on his life as he ponders what led him to leave behind his wife, child and family to embark on a dangerous and isolating journey through the cosmos. While there's plenty of sci-fi goodness, the novel's beating heart is the genius way in which Pin captures our personalities and relationships. I don't tend to be interested in family stories or romances, but I was gripped by this side of Celestial Lights just as much as the spacefaring, if not even more so. The tale of Ollie and Philly's childhood, how they drifted apart before being reunited and finally falling for each other, is one of the most compelling and realistic depictions of love I've ever encountered. It also makes Ollie's inevitable departure even more tragically moving.
Each of the minor characters is also expertly drawn (Shane being my favourite) and they all add something to the story as well as being a joy to spend time with. The novel's deeper themes are also wonderfully developed, ranging from the ethics of space exploration to the role of chance in our lives and the dichotomy between what you are and what you do with yourself and which is more important in shaping you as an individual. This is all delivered in Pin's spare but masterful writing style; she distils each line of description or dialogue down to its bare essence and ensures the reader connects with every character on an almost spiritual level.
After the astoundingly accomplished debut that was Wandering Souls, it's such a joy to see Cecile Pin delivering another brilliant work. Celestial Lights stands as a humane and immersive masterpiece. Pin may have only written two books so far but given the consistently high standard of her oeuvre I can only eagerly await many more. She's a unique talent and joins the fabled ranks of authors whose every word I will obsess over.
Celestial Lights tells the story of Ollie, an astronaut on a decade-long mission to Jupiter's moon Europa. It intersperses his mission logs with reminiscences on his life as he ponders what led him to leave behind his wife, child and family to embark on a dangerous and isolating journey through the cosmos. While there's plenty of sci-fi goodness, the novel's beating heart is the genius way in which Pin captures our personalities and relationships. I don't tend to be interested in family stories or romances, but I was gripped by this side of Celestial Lights just as much as the spacefaring, if not even more so. The tale of Ollie and Philly's childhood, how they drifted apart before being reunited and finally falling for each other, is one of the most compelling and realistic depictions of love I've ever encountered. It also makes Ollie's inevitable departure even more tragically moving.
Each of the minor characters is also expertly drawn (Shane being my favourite) and they all add something to the story as well as being a joy to spend time with. The novel's deeper themes are also wonderfully developed, ranging from the ethics of space exploration to the role of chance in our lives and the dichotomy between what you are and what you do with yourself and which is more important in shaping you as an individual. This is all delivered in Pin's spare but masterful writing style; she distils each line of description or dialogue down to its bare essence and ensures the reader connects with every character on an almost spiritual level.
After the astoundingly accomplished debut that was Wandering Souls, it's such a joy to see Cecile Pin delivering another brilliant work. Celestial Lights stands as a humane and immersive masterpiece. Pin may have only written two books so far but given the consistently high standard of her oeuvre I can only eagerly await many more. She's a unique talent and joins the fabled ranks of authors whose every word I will obsess over.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Got an ARC of this through the bookshop where I work!
Between experiential descriptions and tangible senses, Celestial Lights explores the cost of hubris, even when acted upon under the guise of “best intentions.” How could someone expect to land among the stars in their infinitude when that's where they came from in the first place? Reconciling what's important to us with what we feel our life’s work is for is a sisyphean task and evolves alongside us; this book questions what we recall and what we choose to remember when faced with the questions “Was everything I did in my life worth it?” and “Am I enough?” This book feels like a modern classic to me, and I imagine it'll make me cry for different reasons each time I revisit it.
Between experiential descriptions and tangible senses, Celestial Lights explores the cost of hubris, even when acted upon under the guise of “best intentions.” How could someone expect to land among the stars in their infinitude when that's where they came from in the first place? Reconciling what's important to us with what we feel our life’s work is for is a sisyphean task and evolves alongside us; this book questions what we recall and what we choose to remember when faced with the questions “Was everything I did in my life worth it?” and “Am I enough?” This book feels like a modern classic to me, and I imagine it'll make me cry for different reasons each time I revisit it.
December 26, 2025
This book was not as I expected, but in this case that's a good thing. First and foremost: the bulk of this book is not actually about space, but rather the life story of Ollie Ines recounted in the large volume of time he has available during a long journey in space.
While I did enjoy the chronicling of the space travel, and the impact it had on the greater story, my favorite part was undoubtedly the narrator's life outside of the mission. The author, Cecile Pin, does a really nice job telling a cozy and calm story that manages to retain interest, and it was easy to return to multiple times a day to read. Especially closer to the end of the book, I found myself upset with the main character for the decisions he made — but these decisions enabled Pin to explore some highly emotional and complicated interactions between characters which not only allow for Ollie's reflection but for the reader as well. It definitely forced me to think through aspects of my own life, and how I believe I'd act if placed into the same circumstances he was.
Philly, who you're introduced to early in the story, is my favorite character. She reminds me of several friends of mine growing up, none of which I'm in contact with anymore but nevertheless recall for the same "strange" mannerisms they had. She would definitely have been made fun of at the schools I attended, but she could easily have been a great friend. Ollie and Philly interacting with one another was the source of the most emotion for me in reading this, and that contains both pleasant and difficult feelings. I know they aren't real, of course, but I feel for Philly nonetheless.
On the flipside, Mark is my least favorite character. He's written well — well enough to instantly make me think of irritating tech billionaires indulging themselves throughout their lives by throwing money around to get whatever (and whomever) they want - and he reminds me a lot of a specific billionaire who is particularly infuriating and owns a very similar start-up to Mark's. (Hint: his last name is the same length, and both starts and ends with the same letters, as the fictional character's first name. Was that intentional?)
While it's not particularly lengthy, Celestial Lights is a worthwhile read and I can easily recommend it to other readers. Think of this as a "realistic fiction — science fiction hybrid" title, if you will.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to enjoy this book's ARC ahead of release. My review is my honest opinion of the book and is not affected by my selection to receive an early copy. All opinions expressed herein are my own. I will likely purchase a print copy of Celestial Lights when it officially releases.
While I did enjoy the chronicling of the space travel, and the impact it had on the greater story, my favorite part was undoubtedly the narrator's life outside of the mission. The author, Cecile Pin, does a really nice job telling a cozy and calm story that manages to retain interest, and it was easy to return to multiple times a day to read. Especially closer to the end of the book, I found myself upset with the main character for the decisions he made — but these decisions enabled Pin to explore some highly emotional and complicated interactions between characters which not only allow for Ollie's reflection but for the reader as well. It definitely forced me to think through aspects of my own life, and how I believe I'd act if placed into the same circumstances he was.
Philly, who you're introduced to early in the story, is my favorite character. She reminds me of several friends of mine growing up, none of which I'm in contact with anymore but nevertheless recall for the same "strange" mannerisms they had. She would definitely have been made fun of at the schools I attended, but she could easily have been a great friend. Ollie and Philly interacting with one another was the source of the most emotion for me in reading this, and that contains both pleasant and difficult feelings. I know they aren't real, of course, but I feel for Philly nonetheless.
On the flipside, Mark is my least favorite character. He's written well — well enough to instantly make me think of irritating tech billionaires indulging themselves throughout their lives by throwing money around to get whatever (and whomever) they want - and he reminds me a lot of a specific billionaire who is particularly infuriating and owns a very similar start-up to Mark's. (Hint: his last name is the same length, and both starts and ends with the same letters, as the fictional character's first name. Was that intentional?)
While it's not particularly lengthy, Celestial Lights is a worthwhile read and I can easily recommend it to other readers. Think of this as a "realistic fiction — science fiction hybrid" title, if you will.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to enjoy this book's ARC ahead of release. My review is my honest opinion of the book and is not affected by my selection to receive an early copy. All opinions expressed herein are my own. I will likely purchase a print copy of Celestial Lights when it officially releases.
March 28, 2026
Cecile Pin can do what few writers can do, similar to Lily King, which is write an epic novel, in less than 300 pages.
My main issue: I need more Cecile Pin books.
My main issue: I need more Cecile Pin books.
January 5, 2026
Pin’s Celestial Lights was well written and had an interesting story and characters, but I never grew attached to any of them. I was left feeling slightly bored, and while there was nothing wrong with the work, I can’t imagine picking it up or recommending it to a friend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was beautiful. With the backdrop of Commander Oliver Ines on his mission to Europa, we absorb his life, the relationships formed and lost, the selfish coldness required to be deemed 'special' to the world, the sacrifices both forced on him and chosen by him. Rather than a sci-fi with human relationships, this is a story about human relationships with a sci-fi backdrop. This book beautifully evoked being a child in the UK, it also captured the coldness and warmth of humanity. I just ate this up!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I read this author's previous title, Wandering Souls when it was long listed for the Women's Prize for fiction. I found it thoughtful and I liked what she was interrogating about the human response to other humans. I knew I wanted to read more of her work so I'm thrilled to have been given a copy of this for review purposes. Thanks to Eidelweiss and the publisher.
Europa, the pearlescent moon of Jupiter that has caught the attention of space agencies for it's seawater ocean and the potential for extraterrestrial life. A 10 year mission to boldly go, where no man has gone before.
This is the story of Oliver Ines, quiet and studious village boy and future commander, his childhood sweetheart, and the people who have made them.
If you ever wondered what kind of person would sign up for an ultra long range mission to space, a trip where return is not guaranteed, you may expand that thought to wonder about the type of person who could leave friends and family behind, for years, maybe forever. What motivates that person? Is it drive, ambition, curiosity? Is it heroic? Intrepid? Or does it lean into something a bit more self serving or vain?
Another exploration of the human condition by this compelling storyteller who manages to pack the emotional load of a tome into a slim novel, and somehow to make it feel both meditative and fast paced.
Europa, the pearlescent moon of Jupiter that has caught the attention of space agencies for it's seawater ocean and the potential for extraterrestrial life. A 10 year mission to boldly go, where no man has gone before.
This is the story of Oliver Ines, quiet and studious village boy and future commander, his childhood sweetheart, and the people who have made them.
If you ever wondered what kind of person would sign up for an ultra long range mission to space, a trip where return is not guaranteed, you may expand that thought to wonder about the type of person who could leave friends and family behind, for years, maybe forever. What motivates that person? Is it drive, ambition, curiosity? Is it heroic? Intrepid? Or does it lean into something a bit more self serving or vain?
Another exploration of the human condition by this compelling storyteller who manages to pack the emotional load of a tome into a slim novel, and somehow to make it feel both meditative and fast paced.
Did not finish
March 22, 2026DNF @ 15%. It’s time to admit this book hasn’t gripped me. I suspect it’s more me than the book itself, which isn’t *bad* - I’m just not invested. I kept hoping I would find the will to finish but I haven’t yet. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Fourth Estate and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Oliver Ines is born the day of the Challenger shuttle disaster, and spends his childhood fascinated by the stars. As he grows up, having spent time in the navy on a submarine, he is headhunted by a billionaire with the ambition to send people into space.
While navigating relationships on the ground, Ollie prepares for a ten year mission to Europa on the first manned crew.
The story is told in both real time in space, and then in flashbacks to Ollie's life growing up. It focuses on the difficult decisions astronauts or anyone working away for a long time face, rather than the actual space travel.
I found it hard to get to grips with Ollie as a character, as he always feels fairly distant, and perhaps this was a deliberate decision in the part of the author, but I would have loved a deeper dive of his psyche.
This was a very readable book and I definitely enjoyed it, I just would have liked a little more.
Oliver Ines is born the day of the Challenger shuttle disaster, and spends his childhood fascinated by the stars. As he grows up, having spent time in the navy on a submarine, he is headhunted by a billionaire with the ambition to send people into space.
While navigating relationships on the ground, Ollie prepares for a ten year mission to Europa on the first manned crew.
The story is told in both real time in space, and then in flashbacks to Ollie's life growing up. It focuses on the difficult decisions astronauts or anyone working away for a long time face, rather than the actual space travel.
I found it hard to get to grips with Ollie as a character, as he always feels fairly distant, and perhaps this was a deliberate decision in the part of the author, but I would have loved a deeper dive of his psyche.
This was a very readable book and I definitely enjoyed it, I just would have liked a little more.
November 17, 2025
beautifully written with so much character and warmth 🧡 I flew through this one - I just couldn’t put it down
‘celestial lights’ is about childhood friends who reunite and a marriage torn apart by a ten-year space mission. what it means to leave your family behind whilst searching for answers about this world.
it’s about how ambition and family collide and how seeking externally for a greater purpose sometimes means you forget all the wonderful things that lie right in front of you - something universally profound.
it’s one of those books that’s quite hard to put into words, but it’s like a slow tear to the heart - knowing that the magic of space is never going to be enough, and the magic was on earth all along 😥💔
‘celestial lights’ is about childhood friends who reunite and a marriage torn apart by a ten-year space mission. what it means to leave your family behind whilst searching for answers about this world.
it’s about how ambition and family collide and how seeking externally for a greater purpose sometimes means you forget all the wonderful things that lie right in front of you - something universally profound.
it’s one of those books that’s quite hard to put into words, but it’s like a slow tear to the heart - knowing that the magic of space is never going to be enough, and the magic was on earth all along 😥💔
March 29, 2026
“I took in Earth below us, insignificant against the vastness beyond it, yet encompassing everything that I held dear, and everything that had led me away from her.”
Celestial Lights follows Oliver Ines, born the day the Challenger fell from the sky, from his childhood in an English village through his ascent to becoming one of the world’s most renowned astronauts. Haunted by a deep sense of not belonging anywhere, Ollie spends his life reaching for something bigger, only to find that the hunger follows him all the way to space. It’s a quiet, devastating portrait of what it costs to become legendary when the price is everything and everyone you love.
Cecile Pin does a beautiful job setting the thread of Ollie’s blueness early and never letting it go. Every moment, no matter how small, has a purpose. It all serves to show how Ollie’s deep sadness and insecurity has woven itself through his entire life.
The reason I rated this a three is because the themes are so well connected that the story becomes repetitive. Pin writes it beautifully but you can tell how it’s going to end. While come to understand Ollie very well, I never really liked him. The only person I really rooted for was Philly so when we see her presence reduce I had a hard time wanting to finish. The other characters aren’t deep enough to fill in that gap.
If you like short, easy reads that make your heart clench, Celestial Lights is for you.
Thank you Henry Holt Books for the ARC copy!
Celestial Lights follows Oliver Ines, born the day the Challenger fell from the sky, from his childhood in an English village through his ascent to becoming one of the world’s most renowned astronauts. Haunted by a deep sense of not belonging anywhere, Ollie spends his life reaching for something bigger, only to find that the hunger follows him all the way to space. It’s a quiet, devastating portrait of what it costs to become legendary when the price is everything and everyone you love.
Cecile Pin does a beautiful job setting the thread of Ollie’s blueness early and never letting it go. Every moment, no matter how small, has a purpose. It all serves to show how Ollie’s deep sadness and insecurity has woven itself through his entire life.
The reason I rated this a three is because the themes are so well connected that the story becomes repetitive. Pin writes it beautifully but you can tell how it’s going to end. While come to understand Ollie very well, I never really liked him. The only person I really rooted for was Philly so when we see her presence reduce I had a hard time wanting to finish. The other characters aren’t deep enough to fill in that gap.
If you like short, easy reads that make your heart clench, Celestial Lights is for you.
Thank you Henry Holt Books for the ARC copy!
March 28, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley, Henry Holt and Company (eARC) and Macmillan Audio (ALC) for providing me with advanced copies.
This was a very well written book with beautiful prose. It took me a while to get into it. I didn't care too much for Oliver's childhood but it started getting interesting from his university days. I really liked the chapters with his personal log from space. Those felt so deep and I wish it could have been longer. It had very little about the actual space exploration and a lot about relationships, obligations, ambition and regret. It was a depiction of how family is affected by choices made purely due to ambition or what makes one feel good overall. I loved the way the author linked everything Oliver was feeling to the loneliness of outer space. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a slow paced, coming of age character study with some space travel.
The audiobook was narrated well. It took me a while to get used to the voice but after that it was quite smooth sailing.
This was a very well written book with beautiful prose. It took me a while to get into it. I didn't care too much for Oliver's childhood but it started getting interesting from his university days. I really liked the chapters with his personal log from space. Those felt so deep and I wish it could have been longer. It had very little about the actual space exploration and a lot about relationships, obligations, ambition and regret. It was a depiction of how family is affected by choices made purely due to ambition or what makes one feel good overall. I loved the way the author linked everything Oliver was feeling to the loneliness of outer space. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a slow paced, coming of age character study with some space travel.
The audiobook was narrated well. It took me a while to get used to the voice but after that it was quite smooth sailing.
March 26, 2026
A fine story, whatever, but I have to know, does anyone know how to tell a linear story anymore? I'm just so damn tired of alternating chapters between NOW and WHAT LED TO NOW. Pin wasn't more egregious than others but for some reason it just pissed me off to the point of distraction. Yet another story where we have to stop the progress of the story to jump back months/years, for crying out loud. Just TELL a STORY, for the love of God.
March 23, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5. Reaching for the stars does not come without sacrifice.
I loved this book!
In this alternate present day, we have developed the ability to travel deep into space – we’ve set foot on Mars, we’re colonizing our own Moon, and we are planning a mission to Jupiter’s moon, Europa, where we might even find signs of life. Everything else about daily existence in this world is the same, as is the past – the novel opens with the Challenger explosion, an event whose significance to the story reveals itself later on.
We follow Oliver Ines, a driven and ambitious submariner turned astronaut, who accepts a tech billionaire’s offer to go on a ten-year-long mission to Europa, despite having a wife, young son, and ailing mother. He makes this choice because he believes he will be leaving an even larger legacy behind. But by the end of the book, we are left questioning whether his sacrifice was worth it. Ollie’s exploration of space is juxtaposed by his wife’s career studying cicadas and microscopic nature here on earth.
This is not a sci-fi action adventure, but rather a meditative and profound exploration of the human condition. This novel was definitely food for thought for me, as a stay at home mom who often wonders if she is making her mark on the world.
Thank you to @henryholtbooks for the ARC!
I loved this book!
In this alternate present day, we have developed the ability to travel deep into space – we’ve set foot on Mars, we’re colonizing our own Moon, and we are planning a mission to Jupiter’s moon, Europa, where we might even find signs of life. Everything else about daily existence in this world is the same, as is the past – the novel opens with the Challenger explosion, an event whose significance to the story reveals itself later on.
We follow Oliver Ines, a driven and ambitious submariner turned astronaut, who accepts a tech billionaire’s offer to go on a ten-year-long mission to Europa, despite having a wife, young son, and ailing mother. He makes this choice because he believes he will be leaving an even larger legacy behind. But by the end of the book, we are left questioning whether his sacrifice was worth it. Ollie’s exploration of space is juxtaposed by his wife’s career studying cicadas and microscopic nature here on earth.
This is not a sci-fi action adventure, but rather a meditative and profound exploration of the human condition. This novel was definitely food for thought for me, as a stay at home mom who often wonders if she is making her mark on the world.
Thank you to @henryholtbooks for the ARC!
February 17, 2026
Unfortunately all I can really think of to say about this book is that it is a giant nothing burger. It is not particularly well written, and it has nothing novel to say about any of its themes. I was very frustrated and bored.
March 14, 2026
I can't recall why I requested this ARC, but I trust my past self to know what she was doing. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed. This surprised me in so many ways.
Ollie struck me as intelligent, curious, and ambitious. I loved how vulnerable he was when he went to university - a relatable experience for anyone who thought they were the best in high school only to realize the competition was fierce in a much bigger scholarly world. His character made me think. As he reflected on memories and the decisions that shaped his life, he made me ponder the what-ifs too.
The writing was beautiful. I knew this because I breezed through the book. I started reading the first four chapters before bed - I highly recommend you don't because it was tough to put down. The prose flowed smoothly between Ollie's life and his log notes, which were straight to the point, authentic, and revealed so much about his experience in space.
The synopsis doesn't lie when it says it's unforgettable. This book will be living rent-free in my head for a while. Beautiful storytelling, a character who burrowed deep beyond understanding, and themes exploring what one is willing to sacrifice for ambition and the aftermath of those decisions.
You'll love this if: You want character-driven science fiction about astronauts, beautifully written stories about memory and choices, and books that make you think about what-ifs.
Thanks to Henry Holt and Co. for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
March 24, 2026
#ad much love for my finished copy @henryholtbooks #partner
& @macmillan.audio #partner for the ALc
Celestial Lights
< @
𝐾𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑙𝑒𝑑𝑔𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑗𝑎𝑚: 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑖𝑡… (45).
He was born the same day the Challenger crashed from the sky. Maybe it was a warning or foreshadowing, either way, it wasn’t a coincidence.
Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin is told in alternating timelines. We follow the main character, Oliver Ines as he grows up, and then get glimpses from the future, where he is on a space mission.
🎧: Also followed along with the audio and recommend it. It’s a flawless narration and Dane Williams + Leah Marks both made it a great listen. But 99% of it is narrated by Dane Williams.
I loved the space log chapters, so much so that I found myself wishing they were longer. Also enjoyed those classroom discussions. The nerds will be nerding reading this one.
I was expecting more of a space book and while it is, it also isn’t. However, I really enjoyed getting to know Oliver - and it’s definitely a more emotional read. Obviously as the story progresses we get more deeper into the story. Just a fabulous read overall.
Not sure how I feel about that ending.
& @macmillan.audio #partner for the ALc
Celestial Lights
< @
𝐾𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑙𝑒𝑑𝑔𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑗𝑎𝑚: 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑖𝑡… (45).
He was born the same day the Challenger crashed from the sky. Maybe it was a warning or foreshadowing, either way, it wasn’t a coincidence.
Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin is told in alternating timelines. We follow the main character, Oliver Ines as he grows up, and then get glimpses from the future, where he is on a space mission.
🎧: Also followed along with the audio and recommend it. It’s a flawless narration and Dane Williams + Leah Marks both made it a great listen. But 99% of it is narrated by Dane Williams.
I loved the space log chapters, so much so that I found myself wishing they were longer. Also enjoyed those classroom discussions. The nerds will be nerding reading this one.
I was expecting more of a space book and while it is, it also isn’t. However, I really enjoyed getting to know Oliver - and it’s definitely a more emotional read. Obviously as the story progresses we get more deeper into the story. Just a fabulous read overall.
Not sure how I feel about that ending.
March 25, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ALC/ARC.
I REALLY wanted to like this book, as I loved Cecile Pin's Wandering Souls, but sadly, with this book, I just felt... bored, really. I struggled so hard to focus on it, even though I was in the park exercising and there was literally nothing else to focus on. This book promises something that doesn't really happen, in my opinion, as there is very little space happening in this book. It feels very vibe-based, and sadly, it just completely failed to engage me. I thought at first that maybe this book just doesn't work for me as an audiobook, but my eyes also basically skimmed over the text when reading the written version, so I think this book and I just weren't meant to be friends. It's very... everyday, dealing with family and tough decisions and Ollie's life course more generally, and while there were certainly some passages that were quite emotionally touching, majority of this book was just... kind of something I read. There really isn't a better way to describe it. It's just something I read.
The narration also felt very average, but I think this might be because I struggled to stay engaged with the plot, so I don't think the narrator could've done much to improve my impression other than just... narrate a different book that was more engaging to me.
I REALLY wanted to like this book, as I loved Cecile Pin's Wandering Souls, but sadly, with this book, I just felt... bored, really. I struggled so hard to focus on it, even though I was in the park exercising and there was literally nothing else to focus on. This book promises something that doesn't really happen, in my opinion, as there is very little space happening in this book. It feels very vibe-based, and sadly, it just completely failed to engage me. I thought at first that maybe this book just doesn't work for me as an audiobook, but my eyes also basically skimmed over the text when reading the written version, so I think this book and I just weren't meant to be friends. It's very... everyday, dealing with family and tough decisions and Ollie's life course more generally, and while there were certainly some passages that were quite emotionally touching, majority of this book was just... kind of something I read. There really isn't a better way to describe it. It's just something I read.
The narration also felt very average, but I think this might be because I struggled to stay engaged with the plot, so I don't think the narrator could've done much to improve my impression other than just... narrate a different book that was more engaging to me.
March 28, 2026
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
In Celestial Lights, Oliver "Ollie" Ines follows his childhood dreams of becoming an astronaut, eventually being approached to lead a mission to Europa, but having to trade a decade of his life on earth for the opportunity. Through the mission, Ollie considers his past life and relationships, understanding he can't go back and change them, and wondering what (and who) will be waiting for him upon his return. It's introspective without pretension.
This story blends sci-fi with the elegance of elite literary fiction, a combination of genres I would read so much more of, if given the opportunity. In fact, my only critique of this book is the brevity of it (rare, I know). I feel that Pin could've added 20% more to the story without creating any lag with readers; the story is rich in characters and atmosphere.
The narration is so perfect, reminiscent of my childhood listening to The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis on audiobook, along with Orbital, one of my favorite space-themed books.
In Celestial Lights, Oliver "Ollie" Ines follows his childhood dreams of becoming an astronaut, eventually being approached to lead a mission to Europa, but having to trade a decade of his life on earth for the opportunity. Through the mission, Ollie considers his past life and relationships, understanding he can't go back and change them, and wondering what (and who) will be waiting for him upon his return. It's introspective without pretension.
This story blends sci-fi with the elegance of elite literary fiction, a combination of genres I would read so much more of, if given the opportunity. In fact, my only critique of this book is the brevity of it (rare, I know). I feel that Pin could've added 20% more to the story without creating any lag with readers; the story is rich in characters and atmosphere.
The narration is so perfect, reminiscent of my childhood listening to The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis on audiobook, along with Orbital, one of my favorite space-themed books.
March 27, 2026
Rating : (3,5/5)
Celestial Lights isn’t about big dramatic twists it’s about feelings, memories, and the delicate inner lives of its characters.
There’s a subtle emotional tension throughout the story that keeps you connected, even when not much is happening on the surface.
Overall, Celestial Lights is a thoughtful and touching read. It may not break you emotionally, but it definitely makes you feel something.
Celestial Lights isn’t about big dramatic twists it’s about feelings, memories, and the delicate inner lives of its characters.
There’s a subtle emotional tension throughout the story that keeps you connected, even when not much is happening on the surface.
Overall, Celestial Lights is a thoughtful and touching read. It may not break you emotionally, but it definitely makes you feel something.
March 24, 2026
This book moved me so much.
March 19, 2026
4.5⭐️ rounded up. Full review: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWEEbeIDp...
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
hmmmm
drtc
drtc
December 21, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review 💐
4.5 stars 🌟
The first thing I thought when I finished the last page was, 'I want more'. That is a testament to how much I enjoyed this. I was invested in the story and Ollie and his life right from the first page. Some very interesting concepts were explored in this. Both in the relationships (romantic and otherwise) Oliie had with various characters, and in the overall messages that I took away from this. It was a perfect mixture of fascinating, and painful. It also very much scratched my need to read a book involving space. Having read both of her currently published works, I know Cecile Pin is a brilliant writer, and I'm looking forward to seeing more from her in the future!
4.5 stars 🌟
The first thing I thought when I finished the last page was, 'I want more'. That is a testament to how much I enjoyed this. I was invested in the story and Ollie and his life right from the first page. Some very interesting concepts were explored in this. Both in the relationships (romantic and otherwise) Oliie had with various characters, and in the overall messages that I took away from this. It was a perfect mixture of fascinating, and painful. It also very much scratched my need to read a book involving space. Having read both of her currently published works, I know Cecile Pin is a brilliant writer, and I'm looking forward to seeing more from her in the future!
October 30, 2025
Commander Oliver “Ollie” Ines is traveling through space to Europa. He is going to be the first man in history to set foot on Jupiter’s moon. During the journey he reflects on his life leading to his current position in life. This story pits ambition against love and all examines motivation along the way.
Ollie is an aloof man. As the reader you are privy to all the details of his memories and thoughts. He doesn’t seem to have glory at the forefront of his mind, but you can tell it lurks in the background. He wants to discover how the universe works and likes the idea of being the first one to find out. Despite all of this, he does not come off as confident and cocky. Every thought he has is calculated with a tad of insecurity.
The story does not get bogged down with the science of the mission even though the setting is a spaceship with astronauts. Author Cecile Pin is more interested in painting a portrait of a man who looks like a brave soul to everyone else.
There is a lot of pleasant nostalgia as Ollie travels through space. Who wouldn’t fondly remember their childhood summer with a new friend? I really enjoyed when the story took a step farther and showed the ripples and consequences of his choices and actions. Sometimes when you get to the end of the road, you discover how lost you really are.
I would recommend Celestial Lights it to anyone who likes a well-written character study.
*** Many thanks to Netgalley and publishers for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ***
Ollie is an aloof man. As the reader you are privy to all the details of his memories and thoughts. He doesn’t seem to have glory at the forefront of his mind, but you can tell it lurks in the background. He wants to discover how the universe works and likes the idea of being the first one to find out. Despite all of this, he does not come off as confident and cocky. Every thought he has is calculated with a tad of insecurity.
The story does not get bogged down with the science of the mission even though the setting is a spaceship with astronauts. Author Cecile Pin is more interested in painting a portrait of a man who looks like a brave soul to everyone else.
There is a lot of pleasant nostalgia as Ollie travels through space. Who wouldn’t fondly remember their childhood summer with a new friend? I really enjoyed when the story took a step farther and showed the ripples and consequences of his choices and actions. Sometimes when you get to the end of the road, you discover how lost you really are.
I would recommend Celestial Lights it to anyone who likes a well-written character study.
*** Many thanks to Netgalley and publishers for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ***
January 27, 2026
5⭐️. I haven’t read a book this profound in quite some time. This will be a book that sticks with me for a very long time and is one of my new favorite and recommendations for my friends & family. This book encompassed such raw human emotions and feeling and thoughts and actions. Ollie was such a deeply human character and I felt like I know him in real life. Ollie had me happy for him, crying for him, angry at him, and loving him. What a beautifully crafted main character. Philly was also an amazing character and my heart broke for her at the end of the novel. Every single chapter of this book had so much depth and significance and relatability. There were so many quotes that punched me in the gut and I had to sit on for a few minutes and reread multiple times. This was such a short novel, but it wasn’t missing anything. I loved everything about this story. I’m still crying as I write this review. This will be a recommendation to every reader in my life going forward.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews