I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Roe Damarcus has never been afraid of the dead. Her power to summon spirits has awed the guests of her esteemed family’s galas for as long as she can remember. Her future is certain, and her gift will be another shining jewel in the Damarcus legacy.

But when she fails her realm’s trial to keep her magic and is deemed too dangerous for society, she faces a harrowing choice: give up her gift or serve a punishment sentence aboard the Celestial, a luxurious magical cruise ship where staff members compete for guest votes to earn a coveted retrial.

As a concierge, Roe juggles the demands of affluent guests, cruel bosses, and the suspicion that an infuriatingly handsome silks performer, Ivander, is determined to keep her from a retrial.

But the true dangers surface after her shift ends when the Celestial transforms into halls of nightmares that kill staff members after dark. Faced with the reality of serving aboard, Roe begins to question the ship, trials, and the system that put her there. But the moment Roe sinks into the ship's dark history, she's wrongly framed for a guest's murder. Vowing to conjure her own second chance, Roe will use whatever power she has to uncover the secrets of the ship, her family, and their entwined bloody past... before she becomes the Celestial’s next victim.

Short and Sweet Review

Roe Damarcus has always known who she’s supposed to be. In her world, her ability to summon spirits is impressive and respected, especially since she’s the daughter of a councilman. She performs at fancy galas, and her future seems set. But when she fails her required magic trial, everything changes. She’s suddenly labeled too dangerous and forced to choose: lose her power forever or serve a sentence aboard the Celestial, a luxury magical cruise ship where disgraced magic users compete for a second chance.
On the surface, the Celestial is glamorous and beautiful. Roe works as a concierge, dealing with demanding guests and strict bosses while trying to earn enough votes for a retrial. But at night, the ship becomes something much darker. The hallways turn deadly, staff members disappear, and no one seems willing to explain why. When Roe is framed for murder, she realizes the ship and the system that sent her there is more dangerous than she thought.

Midnight on the Celestial has a really strong atmosphere. The setting is easily the best part. The mix of luxury cruise vibes and creepy nighttime horror works well and keeps things interesting. It feels magical and eerie at the same time.

Roe is a solid main character. She starts off a little sheltered and confident in a way that can feel entitled, but that fits her background. As the story goes on, she starts questioning the system she once believed in, and that growth is satisfying to watch. Her magic is also one of the darker parts of the book, which adds a nice edge to the story.

The romance with Ivander is pretty light. It’s there, but it’s not the main focus, and the enemies-to-lovers tension doesn’t last very long. The mystery and thriller elements are much stronger than the romance.

At times, the magic rules and some of the bigger political details feel a little unclear. I found myself wanting a bit more explanation, especially about the nighttime dangers on the ship. Still, the plot moves at a good pace and keeps you reading.

Overall, this is an entertaining YA fantasy with a great setting and a darker tone than you might expect. It may follow some familiar genre beats, but the atmosphere and concept make it a fun, solid read.