Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.

Cruel is the Light is a perfect read for people that like action, tension and intrigue. The plot is very fast moving, and I sometimes had trouble understanding what was happening, escpially since a part of the characters weren't very memorable. But the author included a list of them which was very helpfull!

Cruel is the Light throws you straight into the action right from the very first page, and while that is an immediate hook, it also left me feeling slightly disoriented. The story kicks off at full speed, pulling you into a world of chaos and intrigue, but it took me a little while to figure out the dynamics. The setting, a dystopian Earth intertwined with demons and a powerful presence of God within Vatican City, is unique and fascinating, but the fast-paced introduction left me scrambling to understand who the characters were and how the world was structured, especially from two different POVs in different places. The mixture of supernatural elements, religion, and dystopian themes made for an intriguing premise, but it was sometimes a challenge to grasp all of the details.

One of the main reasons I gave this book a lower rating was due to its narrative structure. It's written in the third person but switches between two points of view. While this could have been an interesting approach, I found it confusing at times to figure out whose POV I was currently in. There were moments where I had to pause and reread a section just to figure out who was speaking, and that disruption made it harder for me to stay fully immersed in the story. The transitions between these two perspectives weren’t always clear, and I personally struggled with how fluidly the story flowed because of this.

Despite these structural issues, the story did keep me engaged overall. Cruel is the Light has a lot of potential, especially for readers who enjoy supernatural elements with deep layers of conflict. However, for me, the disorientation caused by the fast pace and POV shifts held me back from fully connecting with the book.

4 Star
YA Romantasy
Enemies to lovers
Fake dating
3rd person Dual POV

Loved the world building, it takes place in Rome, and it surrounded by demons and the Vatican.

The plot twists were quite surprising, and I enjoyed how strong Selene is.

It was pretty fast paced so keeps you really engaged. I cant wait for the next book.


Thank you for the eArc.

I could not put this book down, I gave everything that I wanted and more. The characters and the plot were just perfection.

I will 100% be recommending this book to anyone seeking ... well just anyone.

If I were to knit pick I would have a few minor fault but nothing really noteworthy, and certainly nothing that diminished my enjoyment of this book.

I loved this book by Sophie Clark. Cruel is the Light was such an interesting read and I loved our main characters Jules and Selene. I loved the setting in the story and the character development throughout the book. The only reason this wasn’t 5 stars is because throughout the book there would be times that felt kind of confusing at what I had just read. But going back to re-read I then was able to move on.

I want to thank NetGalley and Penguin Random House Children’s for the eARC of this book. I look forward to reading more from Sophie Clark.

4.25 ⭐

This book drew me in initially with the JudeCardan-esque cover and I knew I had to read it.

Cruel is the Light follows Selene, a high-ranking vatican exorcist, and Jules, an orphaned soldier. The two begin as enemies and form an alliance to seek answers to Jules’s unknown origins—answers that have them questioning everything they thought they knew.

The dynamic between these two was a reverse grumpy x sunshine done well—Selene stern and stoic to Jules’ sharp wit and charm. The friendship formed following their alliance was humorous and tension-filled, leading to their eventual relationship; I enjoyed the development of their relationship with one another throughout the book, and their development individually too.

The story is set across Europe—initially starting in France before heading to Rome for the better part of the story—and we’re thrust into a world with an ongoing centuries-long war between humans and demons. There were a lot of combat scenes throughout, and I enjoyed these a lot and found them to be well executed.

The magic usage was there, but I would’ve preferred more detail on the exorcist’s powers, how they acquire them etc… We’re told a few times of their power and the avoidance of using too much power but otherwise I didn’t feel like there was any further explanation. Further to this, I felt there was a lack of explanation on Selene’s magic; it’s hinted at different parts throughout the story that Selene’s magic was special, or different, to that of other exorcists—and yes we later find out why—but it’s also mentioned about Selene’s runes for her magic being on her bones—different from other exorcists, who have them on their skin—yet there is no further explanation for why this is the case, or how it came to be.

The book started off quite slow and it certainly took me a while to get immersed into this world—when I first started, I got 10% before needing to restart as I got confused. There were parts of the book further in where I found it hard to follow or got confused by detail or terminology too. The last half of the book however, truly pulled me in and I didn’t want to put it down; it switched up the action and pace, and it definitely made the earlier issues worth it for me. Overall, this was quite a good read!

It took me a while to get into this book, and even then I steadily made progress only after the 50% mark. Don't get me wrong, it's set in a thoroughly crafted world with well rounded main characters (even if the secondary cast felt a smidge underdeveloped (they had so much potential left untouched!)) and the plot subtly moves forward since the very first pages. Maybe if it were a little shorter and the events more condensed I would've enjoyed it more; but as it is, at almost 500 pages, I feel like the story slips through the fingers of the reader, leaving behind only the main plot points (which are really well done). I would've liked for the book to get more into the story behind the demons, since the little we know about their history felt a bit rushed, but I loved the god of this story and the religion built around him, the controversy of worshipping a higher being while actively gaining something from its suffering.
All thing considered this was a very solid story, with good chemistry between the characters, but one that takes its time unfolding.

Between the two POV characters, Cruel is the Light instantly throws us into the action, and I found it difficult to follow. I’m usually not one to say this, but I wish it would have started a bit slower. You don’t have enough time to grasp the world or the characters, and then, boom, more action occurs. “Why is this happening?” is what I kept thinking to myself while reading. Especially with a world as complex as the one in Cruel is the Light, I would expect the author to understand that we, as a reader, are not familiar with it yet. I’ve been following this book for a while, and I was so sure I would love it, but unfortunately, I don’t feel like it’s for me. The concept Sophie Clark presents in her debut is very compelling and quite original compared to your standard YA romantasy, but I’m not sure this is how I would have liked the book to be written. Combined with the instant action and the confusing worldbuilding, I couldn’t completely vibe with the writing style either. It felt a bit too clunky for my liking. I much preferred Jules’ chapters to Selene’s as well. The demons were intriguing, and I appreciated how there was a handbook in the beginning detailing all the relevant information about them. I think Cruel is the Light will be best suited for fans of the Shadowhunters series, Powerless, and Legendborn. I had high hopes for this debut, but unfortunately, it wasn’t a hit. Maybe I’ll give it another try in the future when there’s more hype or reviews.

Selene and Jules were both strongly written characters, with the clear aim of showing their development throughout. I'm surprised this is published as YA. It felt more like new adult to me but as a 32 yr old woman, that suited me just fine. I thoroughly enjoyed it but did take a star off as I felt the writing undercut its own reveals sometimes and showed its hand before it needed to.

My first 5⭐️ read of the year, I LOOOOVED Cruel is the Light by Sophie Clark!

I thought this book has a really intriguing, unique and new story that was beautifully written with characters that felt real. Jules and Selene are well thought through with flaws and qualities and are beautiful, bold and realistic! This is a story of power, magic, deception, secrets, death, fake engagement and demons which was so enthralling I just could not put it down.

Honestly, read this book! Whoever you are, whatever you normally read, just do it!

Summary: In war-torn Rome, exorcist Selene and soldier Jules uncover a Vatican secret, forcing them to choose between love and duty.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book, all thoughts are my own.

It took me sometime to get into this but i really enjoyed it in the end. The world building was soooo good and the tension between the two main characters is perfect.

I loved the multiple perspectives within the book as works so well and the action and politics within the book is really good.

4.5 ⭐️

Well this is definitely a new obsession that I'm taking into the new year with me. Although I kinda suspected it would be which is exactly why I waited until now to read it! 😉🤭🤭

This sensational story is filled with Demons, deception and death and I absolutely loved it! Jules and Selene are both such beautiful and bold characters that are so genuine, I couldnt get enough! Also, their chemistry is off the scale 🔥🔥

However, I also adored Sparrow and I'm really really hoping we see/hear more from him in book 2!

If you're in the mood for a fast paced romantasy that includes trickery and a barrel full of tension, then you definitely need this book in your life!!

✨️ Enemies to Lovers
✨️ Forced Proximity
✨️ Only One Bed
✨️ Fake Engagement
✨️ Good vs Evil

A massive thank you to the author for sending me an e copy of this beautiful book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC of this!

What a delight this turned out to be!

I thoroughly enjoyed almost every moment of this book and am excited to see where the next book goes!

We've got a fictionalised version of Rome, which the Holy Vatican Empire runs. Two centuries ago, God walked the Earth to help protect humans from demons before being impaled. He's now neither alive nor dead, instead called the Deathless God. Rome and Europe (we don't see other countries) are turned upside down by this, and their religion changes accordingly. Exorcists train to fight demons with the help of artificers who wield weaker forms of magic in weapons.

Selene is an exorcist from a noble Roman family - her father was an exorcist, too, but he betrayed the Vatican. Her uncle is the current Imperium Bellum, the head of the Vatican's exorcists and the most powerful man. Selene's nickname is the Butcher of Rome due to her impressive ability to kill demons and her utter sense of confidence. Selene knows that she's good - she graduated top of her class at the academy and has utter faith in herself, her God and her abilities.

Jules is an orphan conscript into the Vatican Army, who ends up entangled in the world of Selene and the Vatican after deserting his post after a horrible battle with demons. There's a Demon Duke on the loose, the highest rank of demon, and it seems to be interested in Jules. To figure out what's going on, Jules and Selene return to the Vatican to unravel more than one mystery relating to their past and current events.

I adored Jules. He was sassy and exceptionally witty—the kind of wit that makes you laugh out loud and effortlessly charming. Yet he has an undercurrent of softness, a desire to find out who he is, and a deep love for friends. He's a great character filled with insecurities, concerns, strength, and pride.

Selene is everything Jules isn't - self-assured, confident and with a solid sense of self-belief. She's also much more serious than him, despite Jules having been on a literal battlefield for the last four years of his life. Maybe that's why Jules is more lackadaisical - he's seen what he has to lose and knows to grasp every day for the gift it is. Still, he manages to worm his way into Selene's heart and mind to help her see that things aren't what they seem.

My only criticism of this book is that the side characters don't feel hugely fleshed out - Sparrow, Catarina, Kian and Lucia deserved more page time than they got. On top of this, it would have been nice to get a little more explanation about the overall world as well - is it just Europe or outside of Europe? We're told that demons are more likely to attack Rome due to the Deathless God being there, but does this mean there are not any demons in, say, Canada?

Another criticism is that I can't believe that Jules and Selene fell in love within, like...what...a week? But that's just a trope of these kind of books. A final critique is that I can't take their ages seriously - Jules was conscripted at 15, so he's only 19 in the book, and Selene is 17 or something, yet they both feel like they're in their mid-to-late 20s. This is a bizarre thing to say, as most of the time it's complaining that people read younger than they are, but these two felt like they had way too much experience to be so young and confident. Not only that, but it felt like it should be categorised as NA - not sure if it's described as YA, but it's not!

This book was one of my most anticipated reads for 2025 and it did not disappoint, can you give a book a prolonged round of applause, because I’d like to give this book one. For me this book was the epitome of a perfect blend between fantasy and romance. Set in both an opulent and dark fantasy world inspired by Europe and specifically the Vatican where exorcists hunt demons like it is their job; we follow Selene and Jules as they journey to look past the curtain of information they’ve been forced to accept to the truth that lies beneath.

As mentioned our tale follows Selene and Jules, originally apart before a series of events drives them together, this initial time apart allows us to really understand the origins of both characters and who they start the story as. This fundamental work beautifully crafted by Sophie feels so important, and sets up the foundation for the remainder of an action packed story filled with twists and turns. Once Selene and Jules collide they have to make a decision to pretend to be engaged in order to return to Rome and the Vatican to answer the question, who really is Jules Lacroix? However, this isn’t the only mystery this pair will face and for Selene when love and duty are both on the line in a world where demons and exorcists are at war which path will she choose, and can love conquer all.

The world building is absolutely fabulous, set in Europe where exorcists and demons are at war, there is a contrast between the extreme carnage of the battle front alongside the opulence, wealth and exuberance of Rome and the Vatican where the exorcists are trained makes for the most intriguing mysterious world. I adore the historical almost steampunk vibes I get from this book, mixed in what the magic and demonic. Alongside this the magical system is fabulous, with the lore around the exorcists, their blades, the demons and the Deathless God it all works harmoniously to create an enticing and gripping tale packed with romance and action.

In terms of characters, Selene and Jules are both amazing, the grumpy and sunshine vibes that their dynamic provides is incredible. While reading this book I positively lived for their heated interactions and banter. Selene is so no nonsense and I respect her so much, despite her beliefs when faced with new information she challenges the status quo. Her character development is definitely the biggest throughout the story and it was a joy to read. Jules is my beautify ray of sunshine, I love how he pushes Selene’s buttons and brings out a more playful side of her. Also, I want to shout out Sparrow, I would have loved to see more of him but the content I did have was incredible.

I can’t understate how much I enjoyed this book, and I would love to read more of a story set in this world! Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me a copy to read and review.

Wow, what a book!!!

First I want to thank NetGalley & Penguin Random House for an arc copy of this book <3

This book was such a fun & refreshing read! From the very first page of the book, we are thrown into the action, which I will admit, can be sometimes hard to follow as we are not familiar with the characters, but i love when books don’t waste time and just hit us with the plot!

The book is set in Rome & Vatican City, which is being protected from demons by the magically trained exorcists. Our FMC Selene is a high rank exorcist, also called the Butcher of Rome. Our MMC Jules is a war deserter who’s killed more demons than anyone else. As Selene is hunting one of the most powerful demons, their paths cross and Selene is immediately intrigued by Jules’ potential link to the demon.

This book delivered everything I wanted: the fantasy world, the magic system, the romance, and i cannot forget the fake relationship trope??? I was gagged.

Can’t recommend this book enough & can’t wait for the second book to come out!!! <3

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?