What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
22 days and 01:04:24
48 copies available
U.S. only
Celestial Lights: A Novel
Win a free print copy of this book!
22 days and 01:04:24
48 copies available
U.S. only
One of Vogue’s Best Books of 2026
A beautiful, heartbreaking novel about ambition, love, and space from the award-winning author of 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 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 ten years later when he returns?
A portrait of a complicated man and a breathtaking tale of memory, personal choices, and the relationships that define us, Celestial Lights is an unforgettable story that questions what we owe ourselves and our loved ones when our ambitions and loyalties collide.
A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt & Company
A beautiful, heartbreaking novel about ambition, love, and space from the award-winning author of 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 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 ten years later when he returns?
A portrait of a complicated man and a breathtaking tale of memory, personal choices, and the relationships that define us, Celestial Lights is an unforgettable story that questions what we owe ourselves and our loved ones when our ambitions and loyalties collide.
A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt & Company
Audible Audio
First published March 24, 2026
45 people are currently reading
17222 people want to read
About the author
Cecile Pin
2 books308 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 170 reviews
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.
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 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!
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 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.
January 2, 2026
This was an ~advanced reader copy~. The finalized book won’t release until March of 2026. After reading this copy I hope they don’t make too many edits or major changes because I loved this book. I thought the pacing was perfect and the back forth between present day and past memories was well balanced.
This story follows Oliver “Ollie” who is an astronaut on a space mission. We get glimpses into how Ollie became an astronaut and we understood how people came in (and out of) Ollie’s life. Several very human themes are explored in this story. And that’s really the core beauty of this novel, the sheer humanness that was beautiful and painful at times. I was smiling and crying. “Buckets of jam” had me sobbing. You will know what I mean when you read this book.
As a space girlie myself I did appreciate all the references to stars and planets. Can an astronaut please take me to work one day please???????? I regret not reading this with my tabs because there were so many incredible quotes and thought provoking passages.
I give this like a 4.7 but rounded up obviously.
This is also my first Cecile Pin book so I will be reading her other book asap. I’m a big fan.
This story follows Oliver “Ollie” who is an astronaut on a space mission. We get glimpses into how Ollie became an astronaut and we understood how people came in (and out of) Ollie’s life. Several very human themes are explored in this story. And that’s really the core beauty of this novel, the sheer humanness that was beautiful and painful at times. I was smiling and crying. “Buckets of jam” had me sobbing. You will know what I mean when you read this book.
As a space girlie myself I did appreciate all the references to stars and planets. Can an astronaut please take me to work one day please???????? I regret not reading this with my tabs because there were so many incredible quotes and thought provoking passages.
I give this like a 4.7 but rounded up obviously.
This is also my first Cecile Pin book so I will be reading her other book asap. I’m a big fan.
January 16, 2026
my last read of 2025 was out of this world (pun intended)
but for real, I somehow managed to sneak in one of my favorite reads of the whole year! the conversations in this book surrounding the costs of pursing your own goals and dreams at the expense of those you love were really interesting and I know this story will linger with me for a long time.
*shoutout to NetGalley and the publisher for the DRC and for allowing me to read this gem of a story early!*
but for real, I somehow managed to sneak in one of my favorite reads of the whole year! the conversations in this book surrounding the costs of pursing your own goals and dreams at the expense of those you love were really interesting and I know this story will linger with me for a long time.
*shoutout to NetGalley and the publisher for the DRC and for allowing me to read this gem of a story early!*
January 18, 2026
I enjoyed this a lot - first of all, gorgeous cover, second of all, under 300 pages? Love it. The story itself is super engaging, and the characters are flawed and confused. It’s a space story, yes, but it’s really about life and wants and needs, and whether you really know yourself. It makes you think about what you’d do in these situations. I love the writing style, and I’ve already downloaded Cecile’s previous book!
Thank you to Netgalley and Fourth Estate for the free eArc.
Thank you to Netgalley and Fourth Estate for the free eArc.
Want to read
June 12, 2025edit june 2025 when this was originally supposed to be released…. I think this has been delayed til march? April? 2026… gutted I must say
———————————-
NEW CECILE PIN BOOK!!! 2025 is already made for me i absolutely cannot wait for this
———————————-
NEW CECILE PIN BOOK!!! 2025 is already made for me i absolutely cannot wait for this
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Fourth Estate for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I own a copy of Cecile's book Wandering Souls but haven't read it yet and so I had no preconceived ideas going into this one. But the synopsis sounded fabulous, and the cover beautiful. I am fascinated by space and astronauts and whatnot, and this sounded completely up my street. And having read it, I can now guarantee that Wandering Souls will be rapidly moving up my TBR.
Straight from page one this was beautiful. Cecile's writing, her word choice, how she puts a sentence together, everything is just simply beautiful.
Yes it is a space book, sci-fi, fantasy, but it reminded me of a futuristic version of Taylor Jenkins Reid's Atmosphere (which was brilliant), in the sense that underneath all the sci-fi elements, is a story about people, love, passion, friendship, community, compassion, exploration, connection, hope, family, dreams, and a sense of belonging, and everything about it is beautiful (I know I keep using that word but I don't have a better one).
Rarely do I want a book to be longer - I don't like overly long books - but I did want more of this. What is there is perfect, and because of that, I wanted more of it. I could have lived in and loved this world forever.
Oh I know I keep repeating myself but it is beautiful. It is so moving that I found myself in tears several times. It's s touching and emotional and, yes, beautiful.
This was my first read of 2026 and it's already got a special place in my heart and there is no doubt it'll be on my favourite books of the year.
I own a copy of Cecile's book Wandering Souls but haven't read it yet and so I had no preconceived ideas going into this one. But the synopsis sounded fabulous, and the cover beautiful. I am fascinated by space and astronauts and whatnot, and this sounded completely up my street. And having read it, I can now guarantee that Wandering Souls will be rapidly moving up my TBR.
Straight from page one this was beautiful. Cecile's writing, her word choice, how she puts a sentence together, everything is just simply beautiful.
Yes it is a space book, sci-fi, fantasy, but it reminded me of a futuristic version of Taylor Jenkins Reid's Atmosphere (which was brilliant), in the sense that underneath all the sci-fi elements, is a story about people, love, passion, friendship, community, compassion, exploration, connection, hope, family, dreams, and a sense of belonging, and everything about it is beautiful (I know I keep using that word but I don't have a better one).
Rarely do I want a book to be longer - I don't like overly long books - but I did want more of this. What is there is perfect, and because of that, I wanted more of it. I could have lived in and loved this world forever.
Oh I know I keep repeating myself but it is beautiful. It is so moving that I found myself in tears several times. It's s touching and emotional and, yes, beautiful.
This was my first read of 2026 and it's already got a special place in my heart and there is no doubt it'll be on my favourite books of the year.
March 16, 2026
Part literary fiction, part coming-of-age, part near-future space travel, Celestial Lights is the story of Ollie, born on the day of the Challenger disaster, who feels he's somehow destined for greatness. Told from his 40-something voice on a 10-year mission to Europa, Ollie reflects on his childhood, his relationships, and his career while missing home, managing his crew, and also justifying his decisions to himself. It's a story of ambition and grandiosity. It's a story of heartbreak and the feeling of otherness. It's a story that holds the tension between satisfaction and longing. Ollie comes from a small village and one of his childhood classmates, Jimmy, serves as a character foil, revealing what Ollie might have had if he'd made different decisions. As Ollie analyzes his life, he considers his path, but he isn't filled with the deep regrets one might expect. He characterizes himself as fairly clueless about his own superiority complex; he thinks he's just doing what's "part of the job," while everyone around him seems to think he must think pretty highly of himself. When Ollie returns to earth, he must face all the ways his world has changed. The ending isn't tidy or clean. He's lauded as a hero, even while being criticized by his family and friends. And the ending is my sticking point in what might have been a 5-star read. I don't know that I needed full resolution from the ending, but I think I might have liked a little more character growth at the book's conclusion. Overall, I still greatly appreciated the themes explored and Pin's writing style. I will definitley be checking out her other title, Wandering Souls.
Thank you NetGalley and Henry Holt & Co. for the digital review copy and the opportunity to serve as an early reader.
Thank you NetGalley and Henry Holt & Co. for the digital review copy and the opportunity to serve as an early reader.
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 17, 2026
Ollie, who was born the same day as the Challenger tragedy, has always had a love for space. From a childhood room painted to look like the universe (with glowing planets and stars!), to astronomy classes for fun during college, if was no surprise to see him end up in space himself. Despite all of this, this is not a sci-fi book, so much as a story about Ollie's life with a backdrop of outer space. Ollie is, at times, very unlikable, because of his focus and willingness to push aside everything in his life that isn't his career. Yet I was still drawn into his story and wanted to hear every detail. The supporting characters in this one really shine as well. Philly is quirky and adorable, Shane - the goofball that he is - was my favorite. I loved each of them and their stories. This story unravels at a slower pace and is very character driven vs plot driven, so it won't be for everyone, but it very much was for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC.
January 12, 2026
Keep an eye out for this one in March. I’m sure it will be on everyone’s TBR list.
Oliver Ines is a commander on a mission to Europa, a moon of Jupiter’s. But rather than be bogged down by practicalities of space flight, this novel examines a man reconciling with moments in his life that have brought him to the present.
Could not put it down.
Thank you to Henry Holt Books for the ARC.
Oliver Ines is a commander on a mission to Europa, a moon of Jupiter’s. But rather than be bogged down by practicalities of space flight, this novel examines a man reconciling with moments in his life that have brought him to the present.
Could not put it down.
Thank you to Henry Holt Books for the ARC.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews