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Celestial Lights: A Novel
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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.
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.
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Expected publication March 24, 2026
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About the author
Cecile Pin
6 books267 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
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.
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.
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.
November 30, 2025
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.
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 😥💔
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!
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
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NEW CECILE PIN BOOK!!! 2025 is already made for me i absolutely cannot wait for this
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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.
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 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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I will start simply with the fact that I loved this book, it was a joy to read and evoked so many emotions as I read page after page.
Cecile delivers a really heartfelt narrative which at it's heart is character driven. For me that's where the light is in this book, which is it's characters and their relationships. Seeing how these relationships were shaped, blossomed and how they were tested really kept me hooked.
I also really enjoyed the interspersed Commanders logs which I thought kept the pace really well and gave time for the book to breathe. As well as keeping us both on earth and in space.
All In all I'd highly recommend this book, especially for lovers of books of late such as Orbital and the Bee sting. Focusing in on character dynamics and the drama of this whilst questioning space and why certain people seem fixated on the stars.
5 stars no questions.
Cecile delivers a really heartfelt narrative which at it's heart is character driven. For me that's where the light is in this book, which is it's characters and their relationships. Seeing how these relationships were shaped, blossomed and how they were tested really kept me hooked.
I also really enjoyed the interspersed Commanders logs which I thought kept the pace really well and gave time for the book to breathe. As well as keeping us both on earth and in space.
All In all I'd highly recommend this book, especially for lovers of books of late such as Orbital and the Bee sting. Focusing in on character dynamics and the drama of this whilst questioning space and why certain people seem fixated on the stars.
5 stars no questions.
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!*
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. ***
November 21, 2025
Wow. I couldn’t stop reading this. I want to read it again because there’s so much here. One of the best novels I’ve read in a long time.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
🌅Some books take you to space. This one takes you inward.
I let this book sit with me for a bit before starting this review. It was that type of book. I went into Celestial Lights expecting a science-fiction novel about an astronaut on a long mission, and what I found instead was a deeply human story about love, memory, and the quiet weight of the choices we make over a lifetime.
🌍🌎🌍🪐🌎🌍🌎🪐🌍🌎🌍🪐🌎🌏🌎🪐🌏🌎🌏🪐
Ollie is an astronaut traveling on a years-long mission. We don't know where he's heading initially, but we know it's important, and as the trip unfolds, it becomes life-altering. As his days blur together, he fills the silence by looking backward, revisiting the people who shaped him, the relationships that sustained him, and the moments that slowly nudged him toward his current situation. His mission logs are interwoven with memories of childhood, friendship, family, and a love that never quite loosened its grip on him, even as time and distance did their work.
What struck me immediately was how little this book is actually about space. The stars and planets matter, but mostly as a backdrop that amplifies Ollie’s reflection. The real story lives in the past he keeps circling: the person he was, the people he loved, and the ways ambition and chance quietly redirected his life. Cecile Pin writes these moments with restraint and clarity, trusting the reader to sit with discomfort, longing, and unanswered questions.
The emotional core of the book is Ollie’s relationships, especially one formative bond that unfolds across years in fits and starts. It’s tender, frustrating, and painfully believable. I found myself both rooting for and resisting Ollie at different points, especially when his decisions caused ripples he couldn’t undo. Those moments didn’t alienate me; they deepened the story. This book isn’t interested in perfect choices. It’s interested in honest ones.
The supporting cast adds texture without crowding the page. Each person feels distinct and purposeful, reflecting different versions of who Ollie might have been or feared becoming. One character, in particular, embodies the seductive pull of power and ego (and reminded me of an individual who dominates our real-world headlines), and while I bristled every time he appeared, that discomfort felt intentional. The book asks hard questions about legacy, responsibility, and who gets to shape the future on Earth and beyond.
Pin’s prose is spare but luminous. There were passages I reread not because they were flashy, but because they articulated something I hadn’t known how to name. The lines about memory, freedom, and distance I highlighted, as they lingered long after the page turned. This is a novel that invites reflection rather than rushing resolution.
Celestial Lights is a remarkable work. It's a quiet, contemplative novel that understands how vast a single human life can feel when viewed from far enough away. It’s thoughtful, intimate, and unexpectedly moving. It's a reminder that exploration doesn’t always mean discovering something new. Sometimes it means finally understanding what we left behind.
I want to thank NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co. for providing me with an advanced copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for my unbiased review. Be sure to pick up this when it is released first quarter of 2026. You won't regret it!🚀🧑🚀
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.75/5 stars)
#CelestialLights #HenryHoltandCo #NetGalley #bookrecomendation
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I let this book sit with me for a bit before starting this review. It was that type of book. I went into Celestial Lights expecting a science-fiction novel about an astronaut on a long mission, and what I found instead was a deeply human story about love, memory, and the quiet weight of the choices we make over a lifetime.
🌍🌎🌍🪐🌎🌍🌎🪐🌍🌎🌍🪐🌎🌏🌎🪐🌏🌎🌏🪐
Ollie is an astronaut traveling on a years-long mission. We don't know where he's heading initially, but we know it's important, and as the trip unfolds, it becomes life-altering. As his days blur together, he fills the silence by looking backward, revisiting the people who shaped him, the relationships that sustained him, and the moments that slowly nudged him toward his current situation. His mission logs are interwoven with memories of childhood, friendship, family, and a love that never quite loosened its grip on him, even as time and distance did their work.
What struck me immediately was how little this book is actually about space. The stars and planets matter, but mostly as a backdrop that amplifies Ollie’s reflection. The real story lives in the past he keeps circling: the person he was, the people he loved, and the ways ambition and chance quietly redirected his life. Cecile Pin writes these moments with restraint and clarity, trusting the reader to sit with discomfort, longing, and unanswered questions.
The emotional core of the book is Ollie’s relationships, especially one formative bond that unfolds across years in fits and starts. It’s tender, frustrating, and painfully believable. I found myself both rooting for and resisting Ollie at different points, especially when his decisions caused ripples he couldn’t undo. Those moments didn’t alienate me; they deepened the story. This book isn’t interested in perfect choices. It’s interested in honest ones.
The supporting cast adds texture without crowding the page. Each person feels distinct and purposeful, reflecting different versions of who Ollie might have been or feared becoming. One character, in particular, embodies the seductive pull of power and ego (and reminded me of an individual who dominates our real-world headlines), and while I bristled every time he appeared, that discomfort felt intentional. The book asks hard questions about legacy, responsibility, and who gets to shape the future on Earth and beyond.
Pin’s prose is spare but luminous. There were passages I reread not because they were flashy, but because they articulated something I hadn’t known how to name. The lines about memory, freedom, and distance I highlighted, as they lingered long after the page turned. This is a novel that invites reflection rather than rushing resolution.
Celestial Lights is a remarkable work. It's a quiet, contemplative novel that understands how vast a single human life can feel when viewed from far enough away. It’s thoughtful, intimate, and unexpectedly moving. It's a reminder that exploration doesn’t always mean discovering something new. Sometimes it means finally understanding what we left behind.
I want to thank NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co. for providing me with an advanced copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for my unbiased review. Be sure to pick up this when it is released first quarter of 2026. You won't regret it!🚀🧑🚀
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.75/5 stars)
#CelestialLights #HenryHoltandCo #NetGalley #bookrecomendation
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Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Going to space is hard, in many ways. Should we do it? Is it worth it? These are main ideas that Celestial Lights ponders.
It is a short book, checking in around 250 pages, but it’s still weighty and intense, and I don’t think it being longer would added anything to the premise.
The book centers around Oliver “Ollie” Ines, who was born the day the Challenger exploded and grows up in a slightly different present than we do now, where a more ambitious Mark Massey and his NovaTech replaces Elon Musk and Space X.
Ollie grows up in a small English village where his one distraction from checking off boxes is a summer spent with Philly, a precocious young girl that he bonds with and who helps him appreciate the world around him.
Without Philly, Ollie is antisocial and mechanical, doing things and making choices because they’re logical. He gets a degree in engineering, joins the Navy, then NovaTech, first as an engineer then as an astronaut. He does things because they seem like the next progressive step in what he should be accomplishing in life.
This leads him to accept a role as commander on a mission to Europa to search for other life in the solar system. It sounds ambitious and selfless, taking the risks for the greater good. But in doing so, he’s doing it because he feels a drive and compulsion to do, not because he’s incredibly passionate and invested in the potential outcome.
This of course is Ollie’s biggest problem. He’s not really passionate or invested in anything. There’s almost an odd point in the book where he’s compelled by something not related to the mission, but it is at the same time another mystery for him to solve. When he goes to Europa, he doesn’t put much thought into the people he matters to on Earth, most likely because he can’t comprehend how they actually feel.
Cecile Pin flirts with Ollie having emotions, but it is often in a way that they tickle at his senses and not hit him like a gut punch. He reads very much to me like a highly functioning autistic, able to navigate the world around him without noticeable challenges but not processing and engaging like most of the people around him. You see this with both his college professor, who seems to grasp during a conversation with Ollie about his village mate returning home instead of competing with him for a scholarship and with Philly when she reenters his life. Whether or not his inability to process emotions and understand those of the people around him make him a better or worse astronaut is debatable, though I imagine he would face more difficulties being selected by a government program versus the private company he’s asked to join.
And the age old question. Should we go to space, go on long duration missions, colonize? Celestial Lights certainly puts forth several of the anticipated challenges and consequences if we do. There’s still the part of me that says, yes. But this book is a reminder that it shouldn’t be rushed, it should be done incredibly carefully and thoughtfully, and that bigger brains than mine should be very invested in deciding who gets to go-and who they leave behind.
This is a thought provoking book that reminds me in some ways of Orbital, though since the book is told from Ollie’s very logical point of view, you won’t experience much emotion. This is both a benefit in getting to see the very practical side of space exploration, and a bit disappointing because you don’t experience the awe of space or the homesickness that many astronauts report experiencing even when they’re orbiting Earth in the International Space Station. At the very least, it’s a compelling exploration of our desire as a species to explore.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It is a short book, checking in around 250 pages, but it’s still weighty and intense, and I don’t think it being longer would added anything to the premise.
The book centers around Oliver “Ollie” Ines, who was born the day the Challenger exploded and grows up in a slightly different present than we do now, where a more ambitious Mark Massey and his NovaTech replaces Elon Musk and Space X.
Ollie grows up in a small English village where his one distraction from checking off boxes is a summer spent with Philly, a precocious young girl that he bonds with and who helps him appreciate the world around him.
Without Philly, Ollie is antisocial and mechanical, doing things and making choices because they’re logical. He gets a degree in engineering, joins the Navy, then NovaTech, first as an engineer then as an astronaut. He does things because they seem like the next progressive step in what he should be accomplishing in life.
This leads him to accept a role as commander on a mission to Europa to search for other life in the solar system. It sounds ambitious and selfless, taking the risks for the greater good. But in doing so, he’s doing it because he feels a drive and compulsion to do, not because he’s incredibly passionate and invested in the potential outcome.
This of course is Ollie’s biggest problem. He’s not really passionate or invested in anything. There’s almost an odd point in the book where he’s compelled by something not related to the mission, but it is at the same time another mystery for him to solve. When he goes to Europa, he doesn’t put much thought into the people he matters to on Earth, most likely because he can’t comprehend how they actually feel.
Cecile Pin flirts with Ollie having emotions, but it is often in a way that they tickle at his senses and not hit him like a gut punch. He reads very much to me like a highly functioning autistic, able to navigate the world around him without noticeable challenges but not processing and engaging like most of the people around him. You see this with both his college professor, who seems to grasp during a conversation with Ollie about his village mate returning home instead of competing with him for a scholarship and with Philly when she reenters his life. Whether or not his inability to process emotions and understand those of the people around him make him a better or worse astronaut is debatable, though I imagine he would face more difficulties being selected by a government program versus the private company he’s asked to join.
And the age old question. Should we go to space, go on long duration missions, colonize? Celestial Lights certainly puts forth several of the anticipated challenges and consequences if we do. There’s still the part of me that says, yes. But this book is a reminder that it shouldn’t be rushed, it should be done incredibly carefully and thoughtfully, and that bigger brains than mine should be very invested in deciding who gets to go-and who they leave behind.
This is a thought provoking book that reminds me in some ways of Orbital, though since the book is told from Ollie’s very logical point of view, you won’t experience much emotion. This is both a benefit in getting to see the very practical side of space exploration, and a bit disappointing because you don’t experience the awe of space or the homesickness that many astronauts report experiencing even when they’re orbiting Earth in the International Space Station. At the very least, it’s a compelling exploration of our desire as a species to explore.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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 whoever) 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 a particularly lengthy read, 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. As a high school library manager, I am eagerly anticipating the book's release to purchase one or two print copies for my students to enjoy.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to enjoy this book's ARC ahead of release.
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 whoever) 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 a particularly lengthy read, 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. As a high school library manager, I am eagerly anticipating the book's release to purchase one or two print copies for my students to enjoy.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to enjoy this book's ARC ahead of release.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Would you leave the planet for 10 years -- leaving behind your parents, your wife, your child -- to explore space on behalf of your billionaire boss? This book takes place over the course of a 10-year mission to visit Europa. Mission commander, Oliver Ines, has a lot of time to think about his life and why he went on the mission; in betwixt chapters are mission logs from Ollie.
This book left me thinking about memory, choice, mission, ambition, and duty. I would've liked a little more at the end, more from post-Europa. I wanted to see some resolution with Ollie's son, but repairing that relationship could be it's own book. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and wish I had someone to chat with about it.
A lot of space books with astronauts came to mind: obviously, Atmosphere because I read it recently; Vessel by Lisa Nichols, also featuring a crew on a long mission in space; When the Moon Hits Your Eye because of the billionaires; The Wanderers features multiple perspectives as they prepare for a manned mission to Mars; it's been years since I read it so I'm not clear on details but a wife left behind by an astronaut is also explored in Shine Shine Shine; and one I want to read, To the Moon and Back.
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
This book left me thinking about memory, choice, mission, ambition, and duty. I would've liked a little more at the end, more from post-Europa. I wanted to see some resolution with Ollie's son, but repairing that relationship could be it's own book. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and wish I had someone to chat with about it.
A lot of space books with astronauts came to mind: obviously, Atmosphere because I read it recently; Vessel by Lisa Nichols, also featuring a crew on a long mission in space; When the Moon Hits Your Eye because of the billionaires; The Wanderers features multiple perspectives as they prepare for a manned mission to Mars; it's been years since I read it so I'm not clear on details but a wife left behind by an astronaut is also explored in Shine Shine Shine; and one I want to read, To the Moon and Back.
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
October 4, 2025
Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin follows Ollie as he serves as commander on a ten-year space flight to Europa, one of Jupiter's moons. The story chronicles his childhood and early career that lead him to this terrifying mission, and the difficulties of maintaining relationships while pursing dreams. Ollie questions if abandoning his wife and small child was worth becoming a scientific hero and forever changing space exploration.
I absolutely adored this book and found the characters to be very dynamic. I really like how Pin was able to weave together the past, present, and future in an interesting and comprehendible way. The stories flowed like a tapestry of Ollie’s life, slowly revealing more information the further he traveled into space. The novel is beautifully written with clean pacing that left me on the edge of my seat, and I finished the book in one sitting!
Despite being a shorter novel, I felt connected to all of the characters and very invested in their lives and struggles. I was a little worried going into this book because I am not usually interested in STEM but I never struggled to understand technical terms and what was scientifically happening. This book actually made me more interested in the science world and I hope to read more books set in space in the future.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves beautiful prose, personal moral struggles, and a speculative look into what the future of space exploration may look like for our modern society.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Henry Holt & Company for sending this arc in exchange for an honest review!*
I absolutely adored this book and found the characters to be very dynamic. I really like how Pin was able to weave together the past, present, and future in an interesting and comprehendible way. The stories flowed like a tapestry of Ollie’s life, slowly revealing more information the further he traveled into space. The novel is beautifully written with clean pacing that left me on the edge of my seat, and I finished the book in one sitting!
Despite being a shorter novel, I felt connected to all of the characters and very invested in their lives and struggles. I was a little worried going into this book because I am not usually interested in STEM but I never struggled to understand technical terms and what was scientifically happening. This book actually made me more interested in the science world and I hope to read more books set in space in the future.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves beautiful prose, personal moral struggles, and a speculative look into what the future of space exploration may look like for our modern society.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Henry Holt & Company for sending this arc in exchange for an honest review!*
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was impressed by WANDERING SOULS, so was intrigued to see Cecile Pin explore a very different type of journey: that of Oliver (Ollie) Ines, commander on a ten-year mission to Europa, with no human contact apart from his three fellow astronauts. Inevitably, with so much time on his hands, Ollie reflects on his life up to that point, from his birth on the day of the Challenger space shuttle disaster, and the book intersperses scenes and episodes from his life with excerpts from his personal log from the mission. We see him form a childhood bond with Philly, which fades and re-blossoms; friendships at university; his relationship with his parents; and the choices he makes, which ultimately bring him to the current mission timeline.
There's the obvious discussion to be had about space travel: is the time, cost, and risk worth it when there are so many problems to be solved on Earth? The space element kept it fresh for me, but this is really about relationships and choices. You don't need to be an astronaut to relate to the decisions Ollie personally faces. We all make choices that impact others. Could be positive or negative, far-reaching or a mere moment, but Ollie's choices leave a destructive wake. I burned through this book wanting to shout at Ollie and sympathise with Philly and the situation she's left with. As with WANDERING SOULS, I enjoyed the concise writing and characters and found this an easy yet thoughtful read. Definitely looking forward to seeing what Pin does next.
There's the obvious discussion to be had about space travel: is the time, cost, and risk worth it when there are so many problems to be solved on Earth? The space element kept it fresh for me, but this is really about relationships and choices. You don't need to be an astronaut to relate to the decisions Ollie personally faces. We all make choices that impact others. Could be positive or negative, far-reaching or a mere moment, but Ollie's choices leave a destructive wake. I burned through this book wanting to shout at Ollie and sympathise with Philly and the situation she's left with. As with WANDERING SOULS, I enjoyed the concise writing and characters and found this an easy yet thoughtful read. Definitely looking forward to seeing what Pin does next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A second five star book from me for Pin (as someone who only gives these out rarely). I think with this she has cemented herself as a favourite author of mine and I cannot wait for more books by her in the future!
This novel has a very different subject matter to the wonderful, devastating Wandering Souls. Here we follow Ollie, astronaut, as he embarks on a ten year round trip to explore Europa, one of Jupiter's moons. Less sci-fi and more character study, we see glimpses of his childhood where he meets the "sweet, strange" Philly, and they hunt for cicadas together, tales from Ollie's uni days and career as a submariner, interspersed with entries from his logbook during his space travel.
There is some thematic overlap with Wandering Souls - the price of leaving home and the complex relationship dynamics that result from this. Similarly to Wandering Souls, Celestial Lights has moments that will break your heart.
Ollie is at times aloof, although he tries to avoid this allegation. He struggles to connect with people, focussing instead on his work, at times to pathological levels. He's a complicated man, and though his decisions make sense in the context of his character, watching him put ambition before multiple relationships at different points in his life was difficult to read - but how else could a man leave behind his entire life for ten years for an Elon Musk-esque character's mission to Jupiter?
A beautiful, timely read as enter another space race (I'm looking at you Elon and Jeff), this is not one to miss.
This novel has a very different subject matter to the wonderful, devastating Wandering Souls. Here we follow Ollie, astronaut, as he embarks on a ten year round trip to explore Europa, one of Jupiter's moons. Less sci-fi and more character study, we see glimpses of his childhood where he meets the "sweet, strange" Philly, and they hunt for cicadas together, tales from Ollie's uni days and career as a submariner, interspersed with entries from his logbook during his space travel.
There is some thematic overlap with Wandering Souls - the price of leaving home and the complex relationship dynamics that result from this. Similarly to Wandering Souls, Celestial Lights has moments that will break your heart.
Ollie is at times aloof, although he tries to avoid this allegation. He struggles to connect with people, focussing instead on his work, at times to pathological levels. He's a complicated man, and though his decisions make sense in the context of his character, watching him put ambition before multiple relationships at different points in his life was difficult to read - but how else could a man leave behind his entire life for ten years for an Elon Musk-esque character's mission to Jupiter?
A beautiful, timely read as enter another space race (I'm looking at you Elon and Jeff), this is not one to miss.
December 6, 2025
Celestial Lights is a novel that's a million miles away from Wandering Souls (figuratively and literally), but Cecile Pin has taken on a space novel that is just wonderful.
The reader meets Ollie, a young bright boy who is encouraged to be an engineer and is given the opportunity to be an astronaut by a Musk-type billionaire who has the ability to influence and control.
Ollie is desperate to prove himself and fulfil his duties, but at what cost? He's selfish but selfless, depending on who you ask - but his choice is made and he is on a mission to Europa for a whole decade.
The book isn't as much about space travel as it is about human ambition, sacrifice, family, and where our loyalties lie.
It was a really atmospheric and I found myself reading the whole book in two sittings which I haven't done for a long time. It's a very 'readable' novel, split into general narrative and the log from Oliver's years on the spacecraft.
I really enjoyed it and it was an honour to hear Cecile Pin talk about the book and the process and research she put into it. I find her a really trustworthy author and I know this has not even been released yet but it makes me excited for whatever project she works on next as Wandering Souls and Celestial Lights are so different to one another, but the storytelling in both is just fantastic.
The reader meets Ollie, a young bright boy who is encouraged to be an engineer and is given the opportunity to be an astronaut by a Musk-type billionaire who has the ability to influence and control.
Ollie is desperate to prove himself and fulfil his duties, but at what cost? He's selfish but selfless, depending on who you ask - but his choice is made and he is on a mission to Europa for a whole decade.
The book isn't as much about space travel as it is about human ambition, sacrifice, family, and where our loyalties lie.
It was a really atmospheric and I found myself reading the whole book in two sittings which I haven't done for a long time. It's a very 'readable' novel, split into general narrative and the log from Oliver's years on the spacecraft.
I really enjoyed it and it was an honour to hear Cecile Pin talk about the book and the process and research she put into it. I find her a really trustworthy author and I know this has not even been released yet but it makes me excited for whatever project she works on next as Wandering Souls and Celestial Lights are so different to one another, but the storytelling in both is just fantastic.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
After absolutely loving Cecile Pin’s debut novel, Wandering Souls, I was thrilled to learn her sophomore novel is releasing in March of this year - Pin’s moving writing style combined with space fiction is right up my street!
Celestial Lights is an existential coming of age story that follows Ollie Ines’ journey to space and the sacrifices he makes for ambition along the way. The book was moving and appropriately existential - it speaks to what we owe to ourselves, what we owe to each other and what we owe to future we are trying to create.
Ollie was an interesting character - in many ways relatable as he tries to figure out what it’s all for, and in other ways incredibly naive to how his decisions impacted on everyone else around him in the pursuit of something bigger - always asking if the life he has is enough.
I really enjoyed how the plot developed towards the end - with a foretelling commentary on a Elon Musk-esque rich guy funding the future of space missions; I wish there had been even more on what this means for the future (in the novel and in real life)! This is fundamentally a coming of age novel set in space, so for those of you who want specifics of space and the technical details, it’s not quite that book - but it’ll scratch the itch.
A very well written follow up novel from Cecile Pin (though I don’t think anything will beat Wandering Souls!) - thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the arc!
Celestial Lights is an existential coming of age story that follows Ollie Ines’ journey to space and the sacrifices he makes for ambition along the way. The book was moving and appropriately existential - it speaks to what we owe to ourselves, what we owe to each other and what we owe to future we are trying to create.
Ollie was an interesting character - in many ways relatable as he tries to figure out what it’s all for, and in other ways incredibly naive to how his decisions impacted on everyone else around him in the pursuit of something bigger - always asking if the life he has is enough.
I really enjoyed how the plot developed towards the end - with a foretelling commentary on a Elon Musk-esque rich guy funding the future of space missions; I wish there had been even more on what this means for the future (in the novel and in real life)! This is fundamentally a coming of age novel set in space, so for those of you who want specifics of space and the technical details, it’s not quite that book - but it’ll scratch the itch.
A very well written follow up novel from Cecile Pin (though I don’t think anything will beat Wandering Souls!) - thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin is a poignant meditation on ambition, sacrifice, and the true cost of greatness. How much of yourself would you give for your career? Especially if that career had the potential to change the course of human history? Pin explores this question through the story of an astronaut who embarks on a ten year mission into space, leaving behind the life he knows in pursuit of scientific legacy.
This is very much a character driven novel rather than a hard sci-fi epic, and that choice works beautifully. The emotional weight of the story comes not from technology or spectacle, but from what is lost, strained, and quietly endured over time. Pin crafts deeply believable characters and thoughtful character arcs, making every sacrifice feel personal and earned.
At times heartbreaking and reflective, this novel captures the loneliness of ambition and the human cost of progress. The writing is elegant and restrained, allowing the emotions to speak for themselves. Fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Atmosphere, or readers who love intimate, emotionally rich stories set against extraordinary backdrops, will find a lot to love here.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Cecile Pin, and Henry Holt and Company for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
This is very much a character driven novel rather than a hard sci-fi epic, and that choice works beautifully. The emotional weight of the story comes not from technology or spectacle, but from what is lost, strained, and quietly endured over time. Pin crafts deeply believable characters and thoughtful character arcs, making every sacrifice feel personal and earned.
At times heartbreaking and reflective, this novel captures the loneliness of ambition and the human cost of progress. The writing is elegant and restrained, allowing the emotions to speak for themselves. Fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Atmosphere, or readers who love intimate, emotionally rich stories set against extraordinary backdrops, will find a lot to love here.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Cecile Pin, and Henry Holt and Company for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I was sitting in a cafe when I finished reading this novel. As I sat there, on page 235, 'Let Down' by Radiohead started playing on the speakers. And while Ollie's story came to an end, with one of the most beautifully heartbreaking endings I've read, so did that song. After I finished the book, I put it down and just started crying.
This novel was powerful; in its prose, its pacing, and in its characterizations. More than that, however, it was personal. Each event of Ollie's life, each person he interacted with, and each emotion he felt seemed to elicit a personal emotional response from me. His triumphs felt like mine as well as his defeats and disappointments.
Pin did a wonderful job at not only portraying a man going into space but portraying his whole life in just 240 words. By the end of the novel, I felt like I knew Ollie well enough to relate to him, hate him, and love him. She also managed to make the other characters stand out by giving them life stories that both reflected and contrasted with Ollie's. Celestial Lights wasn't just about an astronaut and mission commander, but about the many people who interacted with him. This novel will be one I continue to go back to in my life, and one I will always associate with --unfortunately-- Radiohead.
This novel was powerful; in its prose, its pacing, and in its characterizations. More than that, however, it was personal. Each event of Ollie's life, each person he interacted with, and each emotion he felt seemed to elicit a personal emotional response from me. His triumphs felt like mine as well as his defeats and disappointments.
Pin did a wonderful job at not only portraying a man going into space but portraying his whole life in just 240 words. By the end of the novel, I felt like I knew Ollie well enough to relate to him, hate him, and love him. She also managed to make the other characters stand out by giving them life stories that both reflected and contrasted with Ollie's. Celestial Lights wasn't just about an astronaut and mission commander, but about the many people who interacted with him. This novel will be one I continue to go back to in my life, and one I will always associate with --unfortunately-- Radiohead.
Review of advance copy
This book starts in 1986 with the explosion of the Challenger and Oliver Ines' birth. Little Ollie is growing up in a small English town, his bedroom ceiling and wallpaper are covered with stars which glow at night. Around age 10 he cycles to a neighbor's home at the request of his mother to trade off produce and meets a girl named Philly. The children have a connection and become friends, their lives weaving in and out of each others paths after a chance meeting at a London College.
Between the chapters are log book entries from Commander Oliver Ines as he is on a ten year mission, in charge of a spaceship and crew headed to Jupiter.
Ines is an astronaut employed by a private company owned by a billionaire. Hmmm....
He reflects on events in his life, his childhood, university days, the career in the Navy and his love of Philly and family. It's introspective as he considers his relationships and regrets, reconciling choices he made. This is a well fleshed out character study of a man who wonders if he made the correct choices and if they were worth it.
Themes are family, friendship, belonging and compassion. 4 stars.
This book is scheduled to be published in March 2026. I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC from LibraryThing.
Between the chapters are log book entries from Commander Oliver Ines as he is on a ten year mission, in charge of a spaceship and crew headed to Jupiter.
Ines is an astronaut employed by a private company owned by a billionaire. Hmmm....
He reflects on events in his life, his childhood, university days, the career in the Navy and his love of Philly and family. It's introspective as he considers his relationships and regrets, reconciling choices he made. This is a well fleshed out character study of a man who wonders if he made the correct choices and if they were worth it.
Themes are family, friendship, belonging and compassion. 4 stars.
This book is scheduled to be published in March 2026. I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC from LibraryThing.
November 11, 2025
I recently read Wandering Souls by Cecile Pin, so I was keen to pick up her new book. Captain Oliver Ines it seems was born to be an astronaut, and he makes the life changing decision to leave behind his wife and young child for a ten-year mission to Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, with no contact with Earth for the entire time.
The story moves perfectly between timelines: Oliver’s past, his space logs, and finally, his return to Earth. The pacing is spot-on, and I honestly read the whole thing in one evening because it was so compelling. The character development is excellent too, and I really liked the other characters, especially Philly and Shane.
It’s a book that really makes you think about ambition, exploration, and what we’re willing to sacrifice for the sake of discovery and recognition. Is it all really worth it? Even 'for the greater good'?
It was a brilliant, thought-provoking read that I’d definitely recommend.
I received a free advance review copy from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
The story moves perfectly between timelines: Oliver’s past, his space logs, and finally, his return to Earth. The pacing is spot-on, and I honestly read the whole thing in one evening because it was so compelling. The character development is excellent too, and I really liked the other characters, especially Philly and Shane.
It’s a book that really makes you think about ambition, exploration, and what we’re willing to sacrifice for the sake of discovery and recognition. Is it all really worth it? Even 'for the greater good'?
It was a brilliant, thought-provoking read that I’d definitely recommend.
I received a free advance review copy from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Celestial Lights” by Cecile Pin is the story of an astronaut who was born the moment the Challenger fell out of the sky in 1986.
He is on a 10 year space mission to one of Jupiter’s moons and there is a lot of believable and realistic information provided about his momentous space journey that kept me on the edge of my seat.
But, this book is really about the astronauts own personal quest for success and power. The novel weaves his past, present and future story seamlessly throughout his life while painting a clear picture of the questionable choices he made and the consequences of those choices.
There is a lot to reflect back on after reading this book and I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in personal moral struggles and the issue of “power and fame at all cost” in today’s society.
Thank you NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
He is on a 10 year space mission to one of Jupiter’s moons and there is a lot of believable and realistic information provided about his momentous space journey that kept me on the edge of my seat.
But, this book is really about the astronauts own personal quest for success and power. The novel weaves his past, present and future story seamlessly throughout his life while painting a clear picture of the questionable choices he made and the consequences of those choices.
There is a lot to reflect back on after reading this book and I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in personal moral struggles and the issue of “power and fame at all cost” in today’s society.
Thank you NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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