This was such a fun fast paced read! I had such a good time with Selene and Jules, I loved the magic, demons, the world and was kept on the edge of my seat the whole time! I can't wait to read more of Sophie Clark's writing!

This book took me on a journey I wasn't expecting and is a really unique story mixing war, magic, and demons through a strong theme of religion at its darkest. It's really something! I experienced a lot of emotions through this book, and definitely had a soft spot for Jules who is lonely, alone, battling his grief and searching for answers in dangerous places. Here's a male protagonist who can be vulnerable, even in front of a woman with her emotions under lock and key. I enjoyed seeing Selene and Jules together, with their relationship and feelings developing in a very high stakes environment. There's a lot of push and pull between these characters, buttons being pushed, and the deliciousness of forced proximity giving front row seats to parts of themselves they like to keep hidden. There are some serious plot twists, tension-filled slow burn romance, and all the danger you could need. This book has some really great side characters and some serious baddies (not the good kind!). All this together makes for a really great book which I enjoyed diving into!

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

Thank you for letting me recieven this ARC, all opinions are my own. I LOVED this book whilst I'm only 70 percent through I have a special edition being delivered and want to actually annotate. I will say paperback would have helped alot with this title because I kept flipping back to the glossary at the front to start with. A war between humans and demons, with strong religious themes. I will come back and update this review when I finish the final part but so far it was a really enjoyable read!

Thank you for letting me read and review this book on Netgalley.

"An epic new fantasy about a demon hunter and a foot soldier thrown together in a centuries-old war… and the forbidden love that could change the course of history."

I really like this book. It took me a while to get into it but I'm really glad I did.

Cruel is the Light is a debut fantasy book by Sophie Kim. As with the best books, it is filled with demons, battles, love and strife. There is plenty of worldbuilding to enjoy for more hardcore fantasy fans, and lots of yearning and tension for fans of Romantasy.

When I first read the blurb for this book, I was so excited to start reading. Honestly, I love any fantasy story that involves demons. They bring a bit of horror and violence to the story which automatically makes the book more thrilling. I also liked the idea of reading about exorcist warriors and demon armies. If you’re a fan of the Shadowhunter Chronicles or shows like Supernatural, I think this book would work for you too!

I especially liked the worldbuilding and magic-wielding lore in this book. It took me a little while to understand how the hierarchy and military positions worked, but once I understood I was immersed in the world. One of the things I appreciated was that there was a clear cost for using magic. If there are no consequences, magic becomes more like a party trick than a skill or talent. The fact that Selene must bleed (warning for anyone who is squeamish about blood) and risk losing her soul in order to exorcise demons makes her a more interesting character as well. Similarly, I found the power dynamics in this world really interesting. There are class issues at play, corruption, secrets and more. I’ve never read a book set in the Vatican before and I think that the way that the hierarchy mirrors real life was really cool.

The main characters in the book were also well written. Both Selene and Jules have suffered immensely and have fought courageously. This makes them different from a typical YA character who usually begins their journey or quest at the start of the book. Instead, they are seasoned killers who are familiar with the world and war. A refreshing change! Nonetheless, I didn’t find many of the secondary characters memorable. I’m not sure if it was because so much time was spent on developing the relationship between Selene and Jules, but everyone else seemed to fade into the background.

Overall, this was a great book filled with action, tension and demons. Why wouldn’t you want to read it?

A demon-infested Europe and the army of super-powered Vatican exorcists who protect the continent—the exorcists themselves wielding demon blood in their veins to fuel their powers. And that’s just the start—wait till you see what’s lying in suspended animation in the centre of the Vatican itself.

As supernatural fantasy goes, it’s an incredible set up, the equivalent of starting a stage play with a nuclear bomb, and it’s a pitch designed for me. Luckily, Sophie Clark delivers on the premise of Cruel is the Light (which has just come out in the UK as I write this – Americans you’ll have to wait a couple more months), giving us what I suspect will be one of the year’s compelling romances but balancing this against an utterly addictive and devilishly dark conspiracy at the heart of Rome.

The heart of the story is Selene Alleva and Jules Lacroix, the star crossed lovers, or should that be crucifix crossed. Selene is an inspired creation; a notorious powerful exorcist whose blood magic may be the most powerful of them all but her ruthless personality making her as brutally quick with her quips as she is with her sword. We open the story in a hunt for demons in the middle of Rome with Selene and her exorcist team, and the complex worldbuilding and unashamedly dark and unforgiving nature of this world is quickly highlighted.

But as soon as Selene meet Jules – a French orphan and soldier in the Vatican army who is renowned as one of the most talented demon killers on Europe’s eastern front – we get a series of scenes of shord-sharp dialogue as the two hate-flirt. These aren’t just your usual strangers to lovers banter scenes, these are venomously glorious in their playful punches, Clark having that talent possessed by great writers of dialogue of extending a witty back and forth almost to the point of breaking but not quite. A long section on a train that should by all rights be sluggish becomes a fantastic meet-cute by way of a verbal barbwire contest.

Once the action gets going again, Clark reveals another asset to her writing; the crafting of an utterly addictive conspiracy mystery. She wields a mixture of complex demon backstory with modern day political shenanigans that had me desperate to uncover its secrets. Selene and Jules’ encounters are riveting, but what I liked about this book is what I prefer in a romantasy I’m reading – that the plot around it isn’t simply dressing but an equal main course, in this case a riveting and tour de force conspiracy at the heart of the Vatican. I saw some of the pieces coming but not a couple of key reveals – the twists here are sumptuous in their shock value.

Clark populates her story with compelling side characters, too. A half demon called Sparrow half steals the show; and Clark crafts a whole crew of young cocky exorcists around Selene who shine, her tongue-lashing and gun-wielding underlings Lucia and Caterina in particular.

Of course ultimately a book like this, however superlative the central mystery and world, also lives and dies on its central pairing. Selene and Jules are forces of nature, equally broken and equally hurting and equally compelling in their narrative arcs. As for the romance, when Clark turns up the heat you can feel the flames from the page; this is the ultimate demonstration that sometimes the electric touch of a palm against a back can be a whole spicerack on its own.

This book is proof that a good romantasy and a dark, brutal fantasy thriller can go hand in demon-blood stained hand, helped by Clark’s sharp, vivid prose and a natural gift for atmospheric worldbuilding, not to mention some of the best dagger-sharp dialogue I expect I’ll read all year. A fiery romance wrapped in a feverishly addictive mystery thriller I couldn’t put down – this dark romantasy burns hot like the demons who fill its pages.

She was a Roman exorcist. Protector of humanity. And sometimes that meant forgoing hers

— Young Adult Crossover Romantasy
— Third Person X Dual POV
— Enemies-To-Lovers
— Fake Engagement
— Demon Hunter X Foot Soldier
— Humans X Demons At War
— Forced Proximity
— Only One Bed
— Knife To Throat
— Forbidden Love
— Good Vs. Evil

This book started off so strong, I truly thought I would love it but unfortunately it fell flat for me.
The world & history was really interesting but it was not explained well or made sense so it was hard to keep track of what or why something was happening.
The story was pretty predictable too but i really hated the romance. There was no chemistry or build up as to why they would like each other at all. This was promoted as enemies to lovers but they were not enemies for even a second? It’s more like reluctant allies to lovers but it was very insta lovey.
I didn’t feel any tension or angst even though, considering who they were in the wider plot should have created which left the romance very meh. I did not care for it at all.

Cruel is the Light is a debut young adult romantasy set in Rome, Italy. Sophie Clark has woven a deeply enticing story that has been desperate for more. From the world building to the romance, this book is complete and utter perfection. I loved Selene and I was absolutely obsessed with her beautifully written slow burn romance with Jules.

Overall, Cruel is the Light is an exciting book that I can't recommend enough! If you're a fan of forbidden romance, you will definitely want to add this to your TBR!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My first five star read of 2025! I adored this book so much, I’m not quite sure where to begin —unique world-building, compelling character arcs, and a romance that took my breath away.

For over a century, a devastating war has ravaged Europe between demons and humanity. When a foot solider that has hidden secrets, and an exorcist that wishes to uncover them cross paths, they set out to discover the secrets hidden within the Vatican City. As they unravel the mysteries surrounding his past, their growing feelings for each other become undeniable.

This book had me hooked after the first couple of chapters and it did not disappoint. The world-building was rich and immersive without being overwhelming, and it unfolded at a perfect pace, mixed in with great character dynamics. The story also features a delightful take on the grumpy x sunshine trope, with the FMC Selene, who is cold and guarded, vs the MMC Jules who is the charismatic charmer. Their chemistry was electric from the start, and the dual POV offered a wonderful opportunity to experience their evolving relationship from both sides.

Main Tropes:
🗡️ Forced Proximity
🗡️One Bed
🗡️Fake Engagement
🗡️Enemies to Lovers
🗡️Knife to Throat
🗡️Forbidden Romance

This incredible story follows Selene, a high-ranking exorcist trained at the prestigious Vatican Academy, who is on a mission to hunt down demons. When she crosses paths with Jules, a foot soldier hiding secrets, her immediate distrust shifts to curiosity, and she becomes determined to uncover the truth about him. However, once inside Vatican City, Selene discovers that there are far more secrets than just Jules’s to unravel.

A forbidden romance, hidden secrets, and the difficult choice between love and duty—will love truly conquer all?

RELEASE DATE: 23rd January 2025

Special thank you to Penguin Random House UK, for providing me with this ARC via NetGalley. (Also received a copy at YALC where I won this arc as a prize.)

A very solid 3.5 stars!

My favourite part of this book had to be the two main characters— Selene and Jules.

While brilliant to read together, when separated in the story they hold up on their own. Their interactions with side characters and in their own inner reflections are compelling and interesting, only amplified together.

The banter between them was so much fun to read, especially with Selene being the more serious of the two. Their dynamic was very much black cat/golden retriever. It is not an enemies to lovers, more just “you inconvenience me but you’re attractive” which works, but don’t go into it expecting a true enemies - lovers.

When you first start, you’re immediately thrown into intense action and a lot of information all at once. I found myself struggling to understand the world for around the first 30%, the magic was a little lost on me and how it was used with weapons etc. but the war between demons and mankind was an interesting storyline. The plot kept me really hooked despite feeling a little lost at times.

This definitely scratched that upper-YA itch that really reminded me of books I devoured and loved when I was younger. I look forward to seeing what happens next!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an early copy of the e-ARC! ⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an arc of this book! This was my first Sophie and I had a good time with it, I really liked Selene and jules and the enemies to lovers vibes of their relationship. I really liked the Roman vibes of the world I think it really worked well. It felt a lot darker for a YA so I would say it’s very much new adult. I will say sometimes there was a lot of characters to keep track off so I will reread it physically and I think it will stick with me more but overall I had a good time it was also a very quick read for me and once you are on you don’t want to put it down.
4 stars!

3 ★'s

great concept but poorly executed. the author has potential but needs to work on improving the writing style and world building. this book was very confusing and hard to follow at times. i did really like the characters and the romance was cute. i also want to mention that this is listed as YA but it reads like adult/new adult - lots of cursing and open door spice.

Immersive and fantastical with great worldbuilding and a bit of spice. It completely swept me away, and I'm excited to see what Sophie Clark writes next.

Cruel is the Light is following two main characters from their POVs, Selene and Jules. The book opens right in the action for both of these characters which gripped me instantly.

The setting for this book is very interesting since it is in our world but with the existence of magic and demons and this has a huge impact on how everything runs. We are mainly based in Rome but also get to see some other parts of Europe too.

I enjoyed the characters in this and thought there were some really great side characters that I'd love to see more of in future.

Thank you to Penguin and Netgalley for this eARC to review.

3.5*

An exceptional entry in the fantasy genre, this novel captivates from the very first page. The narrative plunges readers headfirst into relentless action, seamlessly maintaining a gripping pace that compels you to keep turning the pages. The writing is sharp and immersive, skillfully balancing intensity with moments of introspection.

The world-building is masterfully constructed, offering a rich and intricate setting that feels both expansive and authentic. Paired with well-developed characters, whose motivations and growth resonate deeply, the story becomes all the more compelling.

I devoured this book in a single day, a testament to its ability to engross and enthrall. This is a remarkable work of fantasy, and I eagerly anticipate exploring more from this talented author.

Cruel is the Light:

"𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 - 𝑱𝒖𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒏𝒐 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒚. 𝑯𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒔𝒐 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒅."

Set in a unique and enthralling fantasy world, Cruel is the light is a beautifully written romantasy by @sophieclark, that takes place in the heart of Italy, Rome.

In a world of a centuries long war between humans and demons, Selene Alleva is the most famous demon hunter and her mission is, to protect Rome and the Vatican from the outside threat of the demons.
Although after meeting the charming french Jules Lacroix, a foot soldier who fought at the front and now deserter, Selene starts to doubt everything she was raised to believe and together they uncover the intrigue and corruption of the world they’re set to live in.
This action packed story had me in it‘s grip from the very beginning!
Mind bowing plot twist kept me on my toes throughout the whole book and kept me glued to the pages.
The world building is grandiosely detailed and I literally had the feeling to be walking the streets of Rome alongside Selene and Jules.
Phrases in italian and french language add to this beautiful charm of the european culture.

Selene, as the Butcher of Rome is strong, fierce and powerful. Showing feelings has been something she has avoided ever since she was a small child. But with the heartening side of Jules, turning her world upside down, he touches her heart and soul and Selene‘s cold side begins to melt away.
The unfolding romance between the two characters is chefs kiss enemies-to-lovers and presents a magnificent love story, that I can‘t get enough of!

Altogether, I had an amazing time immersing into the story and getting swept away by Selene and Jules thrilling adventures.
Thank you so much to @Netgalley and @sophieclark from providing this ARC.

This was an amazing start to a series and I am gagging for more. The Rome setting was amazing. The premise had me hooked. Such a fun and exciting read.

Cruel is the Light is an epic new fantasy debut set in a dark and gritty Vatican City, featuring a slow-burn forbidden romance between Selene, a fierce demon hunter, and Jules, a loyal foot soldier, as they navigate the high stakes of a centuries-old war.

The worldbuilding is elaborate and masterfully done, with intricate details that bring the story to life without ever feeling overwhelming. Clark sets the scene with precision, painting a brooding, atmospheric Vatican City that perfectly complements the tone of the book. From the very first page, you’re thrown straight into the action, and the fast-paced, heart-pounding fight scenes are written so well that they’re as gripping as they are easy to follow. While the balance of action and story felt a little tilted towards action early on, it evened out beautifully as the novel progressed.

The characters completely stole my heart, especially Jules, Selene, and Sparrow. Clark has written them with such distinct personalities that you can’t help but root for them all. Jules, in particular, is the ultimate golden retriever, and I absolutely adored the "reverse" grumpy x sunshine dynamic with Selene - it’s done to perfection! I hope we see more of Sparrow, as I found his character so alluring and intriguing.

For me, this book would sit better in the adult genre, particularly as there is some spice. I also think that this would have allowed more freedom for some of the subtleties and nuances of the story to be explored further.

Overall, this is an incredible and unique debut filled with brilliant worldbuilding, an intriguing magic system, and unforgettable characters. If you’re a fan of high-stakes fantasy with a touch of romance, this one’s an absolute must-read!

I really enjoyed this book and I felt it was really easy to give it 5 stars. I feel like the author created a really unique world and I loved the lore and the systems she created as well, all neatly wrapped up in descriptive, and immersive writing.

I normally struggle with modern fantasy but I feel like this was the best book I’ve read where there is that modern twist on fantasy, and I loved that the book was based in Rome.

There were plenty of interesting characters and I liked that actually it was a YA, and clearly aimed at YA as opposed to being heavy on sexual language and themes. I think the romance was done well and I also enjoyed the friendships the book had in it.