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!

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

Wow, this book definitely got me hooked from the start I love the strategy of the no nonsense from the characters, i absolutely loved the POV from both of the characters and the trials and tribulations they faced, this hands down is going to be the next viral popular book purely because of the detail and plot of the book. From the first page it has you hooked wanting and needing more, I’ve already pre ordered for my physical copy because it’s definitely a book I will be reading again in the near future.

I was really surprised by this book and I found myself trying to read it slowly because I didn't want it to end!

I loved the premise and setting of this book. It primarily takes place in Rome, a city that I love and I'm eternally jealous of my brother for living there. This set me up perfectly to be sucked right into the world.

The first 25% threw me off a little because it felt like it was almost entirely combat, but it ended up setting the plot up well and allowed the story to unfold quite quickly afterwards. There were quite a few twists and turns, secrets being revealed and faith being questioned, which kept me interested from start to finish.

I loved the characterisation of Selene, a high ranking Vatican exorcist from a powerful family, and Jules, an orphan soldier with a sharp wit. Their dialogue was snappy and the tension between them throughout was brilliant.

The side characters are also fantastic, they were well developed and involved enough in the plot to make them feel really integral to the story. I loved Sparrow in particular.

I personally feel this book isn't really YA, it feels a little older, so perhaps New Adult is a better age bracket for it.

My only criticism is that some parts were hard to follow. I think some of the dialogue is incorrectly formatted, there were missing line breaks which left me confused about who was speaking on multiple occasions. I had to reread whole sections to take my best guess at who was saying what. There are also a few sentences that are repeated twice and some stray punctuation. This could just be in the early copy I read - I assume these have been, or will be edited out before release day.

I'll definitely be buying the physical copy of this when it gets released in January.

I highly recommend this book if you're interested in fantasy, gods, demons and tense romantic sub plots!

Thank you to NetGalley / Puffin Books for the ARC!

(All views are my own and have not been influenced by receiving an advanced copy)

An Incredibly Immersive Fantasy from a Debut Author

This debut fantasy novel is a truly immersive experience. It features a captivating enemies-to-lovers romance, intense action scenes, and a gripping mystery involving exorcists. The story is packed with action and keeps you on the edge of your seat. The characters are well-developed and easy to connect with, making their motivations and struggles deeply relatable. The storyline is complex, with excellent worldbuilding that avoids overwhelming infodumps. I highly recommend this book and eagerly await the release of book two.

Jules and Selene are both great characters. A great slow burn love story with plenty of fantasy. The world building as you read the book is great and you can feel completely immersed.

I had an absolutely amazing time reading this book. Clark effortlessly weaves together romance, fantasy, and intrigue where concepts of good and evil are explored and the question posed to the reader who the true demons are.

The pacing of this book is excellent, moving at a steady clip but never feeling as though it is giving the reader whiplash and plenty of time is given for the readers to enjoy the truly top tier banter between the characters. It is clear that a lot of attention to detail has been given to make all of the character fully-realised people and it becomes all too easy to forget that Jules and Selene aren’t actually battling demons right this moment.

This book really takes you on a journey and now I am immediately desperate to see where the conclusion of this duology takes us.

You just know this book is gonna be exploding on BookTok and Bookstagram when it releases next year so come join the cool kids and read it now!