This was an engaging read that kept me hooked through most of the book. I really enjoyed the characters and the tension in the romance and it kept me turning pages to see what would happen next. I really enjoyed the train scenes and dialogue as well as the setup of the story.

However, I did find myself a little lost in the world-building at times. There were a lot of names and terms introduced that made it tricky to fully immerse myself in the setting. I had to reread a few sections to keep track of everything, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the overall plot and the romance. The fountain scene, in particular, was 🥵

I gave it an overall 3.75 stars so all in all, a great book and I’ll definitely be looking forward to more from Sophie Clark!

I came into this book with super high expectations, and to say that I was disappointed is a little bit of an understatement.

Straight from the get go we are thrown into the story, which I usually love. Except from the fact that when the action finished, the world building just seemed quite confusing to me. I spent most of the story confused about the world and magic system. So much so that I couldn’t actually disappear into the book like I usually would as I was over thinking about it all 😅 I felt like there needed to be more information on the different types of magic they used. I also felt like the action was lacking in some ways too.

One of the main reasons why I wanted to read this arc is because it was sold to me as an enemies to lovers story. However, it wasn’t so much enemies to lovers at all. It was more forced allies x friends x lovers. I found that there was next to no chemistry between them either. The only scene which did stick out to me as some sort of chemistry was when they were in the train. But unfortunately that was short lived. I would have loved more tension and less pining between the both of them.

I do wish that the switching of POVs was a bit more clearer (perhaps at the start of the chapters) there were points where I was wondering whose POV I was reading. I also found that the pacing felt off at some points. Some action felt quite rushed, yet parts when not much was happening felt very slow.

Overall, I finished this book feeling a little bit let down. There were some great ideas in this book, and the descriptions are lovely. But the world building really put me off. As did the main characters chemistry. I think that if there was less of a focus on tropes, it would have made for an amazing read.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

𝟯 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 ੈ✩‧₊˚

𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘺, 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘯 𝘙𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘦-𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘳𝘶𝘦𝘭 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘣𝘺 𝘚𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘦 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.

Ok, I read this book gradually over a week or so and I think I took way too long to read it so I do feel harsh rating it only three stars, but this may be a rating that improves at a later date. On paper, this book was right up my street but at the time of picking this book up, I really don’t think I was in the mood and I wasn’t vibing with it, and the longer I took to read it the harder it was to pick it up.

My mood totally affects my enjoyment of a book! So I’m accepting that right now this is a me problem and not a book problem.

I will say though that this one kicks off and goes straight in to the action, which I did love, the author didn’t hang around there that’s for sure, and I was initially gripped on the storyline. However, it took a few chapters for me realise that I was switching between two POV’s, so I got hella confused at first!

I really enjoyed the plot; but struggled with the world building. That’s more due to the fact that this was set in Rome, with Vatican City being the backdrop and I just really struggled with a lot of the names and pronunciations, hence why it took me a while to get through it and I couldn’t completely immerse myself in to the story or truly connect with it. I will say though that the writing was stunning and I did enjoy the authors writing style a lot. For a debut, it was pretty damn good!!

This book will definitely be one I return to with the help of an audiobook, I often find that audiobooks greatly increase my reading experience for books I struggle with, and I have no doubt that that will be the case for this one.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲:
• forced proximity
• fake dating/engagement
• reverse grumpy x sunshine
• action / fighting scenes
• romantic tension
• enemies to lovers
• knife to throat

thank you so much to sophie, netgalley, and the publishers for an e-copy!

cruel is the light is a debut romantasy read that follows Selene Alleva, a powerful exorcist, and Jules Lacroix, a foot soldier.
for over a century, a war between demons and humans has been raging across europe. as Selene and Jules cross paths, it seems that there is a secret that could change everything and forces them to question everything and everyone.

this book was honestly everything i needed and more. it was perfectly paced and i loved the world building from beginning to end and how it was all given in nice increments, instead of simply getting info dumped. i may be bias as i am from Rome, but i loved the Rome setting and how Sophie created her world around it. the magic system was so interesting and i couldn't help but tab every time we got to learn about it more simply because i loved it that much!! i mean as soon as we start, we are thrust into this world and are instantly given a taste of what to expect with the action, and let me tell you, IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!! Sophie has such an amazing writing style that allowed me to truly immerse myself and picture each fighting sequence as a movie. (this would be a perfect anime js).

now onto my wife and hubby...
Selene is the perfect FMC and someone i'd follow anywhere. my girl is known as the Butcher of Rome, and is seen as someone to be feared but she is so much more than that. she is a determined, caring, and loyal person. though she may not seem that caring on the outside as she is not one to really show compassion or empathy, i think it's simply because she feels too much. she is carrying such a heavy burden and her need to save everyone.

Jules is so AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
my man is funny, my man is witty, and my man is such a sweetheart i want to curl up and cry. he has honestly been through so much and i just want him to be so happy. he is so protective of everyone, and just wants to do the right thing like i might just cry again. he is the book bf of the year because he may be soft and cuddly (imo) but he can also kill you in 0.2 seconds so.... win win?

also an honourable mention goes to my other man Sparrow. i will fight tooth and nail to have 5 seconds with him. he is literally what hope would be if it was a person. he such a fun character and i cannot wait to see more.

the romance had me on the FLOOR!!! the banter, the bickering, the TENSION. it was everything i wanted and more. i just loved Selene and Jules's dynamic more than anything and i miss them so much already. i need book 2 like yesterday (yes i know book 1 isn't out yet but still).

what to expect:
- YA romantasy
- dual pov in third person
- demons vs humans
- political intrigue
- enemies to lovers
- forced proximity
- fake engagement
- knife to throat
- only one bed
- forbidden love
- tension and banter for days

read if you like:
- uncanny counter (kdrama)
- supernatural (tv show)
- the cruel prince (book)
- fourth wing (book)

3.75 Stars!

Cruel is the Light by Sophie Clark is an engaging debut that balances a compelling romantic dynamic with a fascinating, though occasionally dense, fantasy world.

The reverse grumpy x sunshine trope is a standout here. Selene, the stoic Vatican exorcist, and Jules, the cheeky orphan soldier, share sparkling dialogue and an undeniable tension that had me rooting for them throughout. Their fake engagement is a delightful subplot, made even more charming by their playful use of French and Italian endearments. Their banter is easily the highlight of the book!

Rome provides a rich and immersive setting, grounding the story in a mix of historical and fantastical elements. While the first quarter felt combat-heavy, it served as a solid foundation for twists, secrets, and moments of introspection later in the story. The side characters, especially Sparrow, bring depth and vibrancy to the narrative.

That said, there are moments where the world-building and formatting stumble. The terminology can be overwhelming, and occasional dialogue confusion or repeated sentences pulled me out of the story. However, these issues didn’t overshadow the book’s strong characters and compelling romance.

A must-read for fans of gods, demons, and slow-burn romantic tension. I’m excited to see what Sophie Clark writes next!

I’m thoroughly impressed by the world building! It’s deliciously dark with very well crafted characters.

Cruel is the Light by @thesophclark was the absolute perfect forbidden romance story I could have ever wanted.
Selene is an exorcist, working for the government to eliminate disastrous demons who keep finding their way into Rome. When she is out on a hunt, she runs into Jules. The handsome demon killer helps her defeat a demon duke, an impossible feat for any normal human, and Selene is intrigued. Intrigued enough to bring him back to Rome, posing as her fake fiance until they discover just what about him makes him so special.

The sexual tension in this book is superior. The scene on the train..... The fighting scene.... That's all I'm gonna say. 🥵 Jules will become your next book boyfriend... and boy is he a good one.

If you like:
🗡️ Enemies to lovers
🗡️ Knife to Throat
🗡️ Magical School
🗡️ Forced Proximity
🗡️ Fake Engagement
🗡️ Good vs. Evil
🗡️ Grumpy vs. Sunshine
🗡️ Only One Bed

Then pick up this absolutely stunning book that comes out in January!

Get ready romantasy fans because "Cruel is the Light" is about to become your next obsession.

Set in an alternate Europe where war is waging between humans and soldiers, we meet Selene, Jules and Sparrow. And I promise, you'll be thinking about these 3 LONG after you're finished with this book.

As a slow-ish reader, I was surprised by how quickly I was able to finish this book. It kept you engaged throughout and when I put it down, I couldn't wait to pick it back up again.

Even though this is a YA book, it definitely reads as more Adult/New Adult and I believe that this will appeal to those that may not pick up YA anymore.

Tropes included are:
💖Enemies-to-lovers-ISH
💖Grumpy (her) vs. Sunshine (him)
💖Knife to.... everywhere really
💖Go near HIM, and die
💖Forbidden Love
💖Cool action/fight scenes
💖So. Much. Tension.
💖Amazing world-building
💖Unforgettable characters

So if you love anything in the list above, definitely check out this book and if you STILL need convincing... just LOOK at that cover! 😍

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

What is an absolute gem and a page turner! I was swept into a richly crafted world from the very first page. The blend of fantasy, romance, and intrigue is masterful, with each element perfectly balanced to create a story that’s impossible to put down.

The characters are so vividly drawn that I found myself deeply invested in their struggles and triumphs. The protagonist’s journey is both heartbreaking and empowering, and the chemistry between the leads crackles with intensity. Clarke doesn’t shy away from exploring darker themes of betrayal and sacrifice, making the moments of light and love all the more poignant.

Her writing is lush and immersive, with descriptions that transport you straight into the heart of the story's enchanting yet treacherous world. The plot twists are genuinely surprising, keeping me on the edge of my seat until the very last page.

I can't wait to see what she writes next!

Cruel Is The Light is something of a slow burn, but I'm glad I stuck with it.at points, the plot is past paced and gripping, but the world building is a bit much to begin with. Overall I had mixed feelings, but I'll be curious to read the sequel!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Selene and Jules are great together ❤️

The world building is amazing, it's so thought out and intruiging. Alongside the magic system which is impressive. I thoroughly enjoyed reading into the history and the demons.

The plot was gripping and I liked the twists and turns along the way, although now we know who Jules is, I cannot wait to see what happens next with the Extremum Filum.

The romance was fun and sweet, I loved reading about them being drawn closer to each other and infuriating each other at the same time. I can't wait to read more about them in the next book ☺️

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the arc of Cruel is the Light by Sophie Clark in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

This is a temporary review as I’m really struggling to read this book right now. I have no idea why, on paper it’s my ideal romantasy:
• Enemies To Lovers
• Forced Proximity
• One Bed
• Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine
• Fake Engagement
• Magic
• Academia
• Forbidden Love
• YA, Demons, Exorcists
• Dual POV
• Closed door Romance
Every time I pick it up, I just can’t seem to get into the story or the relationship between them, the chemistry just isn’t there for me. I’m not giving up though, there’s definitely something here but, right now I’m not in the mindset to appreciate it, so I’m taking the decision to step away and come back to Cruel is the Light at a later date, when I have more bandwidth and head space to truly appreciate Jules and Selene.
From what I have seen of the plot they are both truly interesting characters and the worldbuilding around the religion, the Vatican, the demon hunting is truly beguiling but, right now, I just can’t appreciate it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+
🌶️.5

Release Date: 23rd January 2025

‘Who are you really, Jules Lacroix?’

‘Only a demon can kill him. Only a human can free him.’

Tropes: Enemies To Lovers, Forced Proximity, One Bed, Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine, Fake Engagement, Magic, Academia, Forbidden Love, YA, Demons, Exorcists, Dual POV, Close Door Romance

Terrible secrets are being kept at the Vatican. In the search to find out who he really is Jules Lacroix finds himself an initially reluctant ally Selene.. a Vatican exorcist..
Together they discover the dark truth..

I’ve seen this book be described as ‘your next romantasy obsession’ and they’d be right! I loved this book! I knew within the first chapter that this book was going to be something special! With small details regarding the demons giving me some anime vibes I was all in from the start.
I do think it needs to be said this book is political regarding religion/ The Vatican so if that idea offends you this book might not be for you, however it is fantasy not non-fiction. This is the second book in a month I’ve read regarding this topic & I have really enjoyed both!

Onto the writing, I think Sophie has an exquisite writing style. Descriptive, in depth with a flourish to it. The way she writes her characters had me falling in love with them, especially Jules.
Side characters like Sparrow are also incredibly charming too!
I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between Jules & Selene whilst portraying their fake engagement. Jules’ ability to get under her skin, in the most charming way, I loved it.

My final thoughts are that we DESPERATELY need all the fan art of Selene & Jules! I mean just look at the cover for this book!

Thank you to Sophie Clark, Penguin Random House UK & NetGalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.

I'm speechless. There are so many things I want to say about this book, and yet there are not enough words to describe just how much I loved it.
Sophie managed to find a perfect combination of world-building and plot, and character development to hold us in her grip from the very first page.
The characters were a chef’s kiss - all flawed in their own ways, but utterly captivating and with the found family trope, seared into my heart long after finishing the last page.
I cannot recommend it enough!

I have never expected more from a book than I did with this one. My expectations were through the roof. To say I was obsessed with this the first time I heard about it was an understatement. Unfortunately, it didn't work out as well as I hoped.

I expected enemies to lovers but really it was more strangers to reluctant allies to lovers. The romance felt mostly bland to me. I did not feel the chemistry. I did not swoon so hard that had my feet kicking. Nor did I find myself squealing with delight.

I found it really hard to get lost in the story. I thought I just needed to get used to the writing style but I guess I never did.

The action scenes needed more... action. If that makes sense?

Overall, this was... okay? And if it's in your radar I'd say go for it. As for me, I'm just really sad and a bit disappointed.

I absolutely adored Cruel is the Light! Five stars, no notes.
It’s been a long time since I got sucked into a YA novel like this. I was instantly hooked on the world, an alternate history Rome where the Vatican rules Europe and fights a holy war against demons, as well as the multi dimensional characters.
We switch between two POVs and I found myself enjoying both of them equally, which is rare. Selene is a badass heroine who works as an exorcist for the Vatican and carries a lot of trauma from her past. Jules is a French foot soldier who has been fighting in a war he doesn’t really understand for years.
Once their paths inevitably collide we get a fake dating scenario, lots of great banter and a really quite wholesome love story.
Jules is absolutely peak book boyfriend material, He’s gentle, flirty, bisexual and not afraid to feel his feelings, the latter two are both not something you find often with YA or even adult love interests.
There were some really interesting side characters that I hope we see more of in the sequel, especially Sparrow.

If I had to find a criticism, I’d say that the final battle went on a little too long and was a touch too convoluted. I lost track of some of the characters motivations and there were repeated instances when a character was ready to give up and then of course they found more strength and so on MULTIPLE times. This didn’t however affect my enjoyment of everything else and I cannot wait for the second instalment to see these characters again.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy for review!

⭐⭐⭐⭐.75/5

Cruel is the Light is an exhilarating, magical YA fantasy debut with captivating characters and a propulsive plot.

From the first page, I knew I would love this one. I read Cruel for the December book club pick for Musings of the Nine on Fable, and it captivated me. The characters radiate with energy and personality, and I instantly fell in love with Jules and Selene. The story is atmospheric, moody, and immersive, with beautiful descriptions, outstanding action scenes, and a swoony romance. Sophie’s prose is gorgeous, and the pacing fits the story well. This is a brilliant fantasy debut!

Thank you to the publisher and Sophie for the ARC!

Cruel Is The Light lives up to the hype! We follow our two main characters, Selene & Jules. Selene from a prominent exorcist family tasked with hunting down a demon outside of Rome whilst limiting use of her power. Jules is in the trenches fighting against demons but hears something that makes him start to investigate his past. The two collide as everywhere Jules investigates leads to a disaster, resulting in an unlikely alliance. Posing as Selene's exiled fiancé the two dig into the secrets of the Vatican to uncover his past and how it ties into Selene's own investigation.

The rich & well crafted world building, vibrant cast of characters (Sparrow, my favourite!), an enthralling mystery, witty banter and a tension filled romance all come together to make a fantastic action-packed novel. The visuals of the Deathless God immediately had me hooked into this world. Cruel Is The Light did not disappoint and I'm sure will be on many lists of their top books of 2025!

Thanks to Netgalley & Penguin Random House for this arc!

Wow! What a book. From the beginning you are pulled into the story and the world. You get to know both main characters and the story enables you to connect with them both and be invested in their story and relationship.

The world building is brilliant. The author does a fantastic job of bringing you into the world and describing where the characters are. The length of the book was good for the amount of world building involved.

I can't wait to see if there is a book two. The ending hints at it. I will be reading more by this author.

Sometimes all I want to write in a review is: I loved this book. I just LOVED this book, cruel is the Light 🤝My top 10 reads of 2024! But alas, I think I own everyone a little more developed review to show you why and how I came to love this book!

We follow Selene Alleva and Jules Lacroix, two very different characters that makes you want to cheer for them and fall for them! Selene is a renounce roman exorcist with her own inner demons to battle and Jules is a french foot soldier in the trenches, living day by day and questioning his morality. There’s this brutal holy war devastating Europe for the last century and they have been having very different roles in it. When their lives crash together, we find a Selene with a big armour around herself and a Jules that is as resilient as he is gentle. They don’t trust each other in the beginning but as they start discovering some secrets inside the Vatican, they need to rely on each other, they start getting to know each other, sparks start flying around and they start questioning everything. Selene wants to protect her Roma from the evil and Jules wants to protect his Selene from everything. Aaaaah I LOVED THIS! It also has some of my favourite tropes: fake engagements (that was spot on very well done!), forbidden romance, one bed only (yes please!), grumpy x sunshine (he’s the sunshine!) and magical academy!

We have this whole array of characters that have their own back story - Kian, Sparrow, Lucia, Caterina and even both of the Imperiums - and I felt that all characters were very much needed in the story! I will be honest, I have a weak spot for good guys and Jules is exactly my type of book boyfriend: he has so much love to give, he’s mentally strong and I love all the Flynn Rider vibes coming from him! Selene will also conquer you with her growth during the book and how she allows herself some forgiveness, how she learns to accept who she is and who she can become once her fear is overcome.

I want to dedicate a phase or two to the romance: the tension, the yearning, the soft scenes were EVERYTHING! The train, the fountain, the Belltower, I loved the romance and how it squeezed your heart! The gentleness in it, the softness, the this-makes-so-much-sense-but-i-can’t-say-why situations were very heartwarming and to see them - specially Selene - coming out of her shell and finally allowing herself to feel love was amazing!

Sophie’s writing follows my own chaotic resolution of plot theorising, the process of falling for the characters and it made me feel part of the whole process that is enjoying and devouring a book in two bites - the quickest the better because I simply could not put this down! The world building, this new alternative Roma and the Vatican Empire that Sophie created is enchanting, lush and vivid in her well done descriptions and our familiarity with the Roma in our minds. The map is beautiful! She really fleshed out good versus evil, what is good and what is evil, are monsters born or made? I feel that she really did well with the concept of power and what it makes people do; this concept of demons being evil and must be destroyed, of exorcists and artificers being a strong force but leaving a long trail of causalities behind; of this war that takes everything and leaves emptiness behind.

Cruel is the Light is a book for fans of the yearning in Divine Rivals, the political intrigue of The Cruel Prince and the star crossed love from The Serpent and the Dove! It’s a beautiful mix between good and evil, with exorcists, demons and a love that makes you courageous to fight for what it’s right! It has a beautiful take into ‘are monster born or made?’ and it’s characters not only have unique voices as they also have complex personalities, making them relatable and organic! If all of this sounds right up your alley, then my friend look no more and grab yourself a copy of CRUEL!