The premise of the story has so much potential but I felt lost during the first 50% due to the immense world building. The glossary at the beginning did feel a bit intimidating to tackle. However, the storytelling starts to shine around 75% and I could not put the book down until I finished. Some of the characters fell flat for me and lacked dimension, yet the story is compelling enough that I am curious to continue the series.

Thank you again to NetGalley and Random House Children’s/Knopf Books for Young Readers for a chance to read an advanced copy and give an honest review of this book.

i DNFED THIS BOOK AT 50% i DID NOT FEEl that connected to the characters and the story was to war based for me to feel conected. i may give the audio a shot in the future

I had a lot of fun with this one! The world-building was impressive and almost never got in the way of the story. I liked the reveal of who Jules was and the final battle was intensely portrayed. The relationship between Selene and Jules was a highlight for me.

I understood maybe half the book but it was still entertaining and cute to me. The world building did lose me a bit

I am an avid fantasy reader, but I'll be completely honest that the writing was confusing in parts. The magic system and various demons were cool, but I just struggled with the execution overall. Lots of fighting and action throughout thought which help keep things interesting.

I went into this very intrigued by the plot and was definitely expecting a Mortal Instruments-esque story. While the premise was good, the execution was somewhat lacking for me.

What worked:
I love the idea of expounding on the "what if demons were manifested on earth" question and thought that this book did a good job describing what a demon/human war would look like.
The plot twists were absolutely insane and I didn't predict them at all!
I loved the cliffhanger at the end and will probably pick up book 2 in the future!

What didn't work:
I think this book would have more effective if it created a new religion vs twisting an already existing one. I myself am religious and am usually open to different themes in books (ex, I love books with demons and witches in them) but I felt like this book stepped too far over the line into the "sacrilegious" space. While some was intentional for the plot of the book, it felt like a bad idea to alienate a large majority of the population by twisting a religion when I don't believe another religion would have been touched for fear of negative feedback.
The romance felt too forced to me. Jules and Selene were automatically drawn to one another but we never get a full explanation as to why. I have my theories but the insta love was "too" instant for me.
On the topic of romance, I don't believe this book should be marketed as YA. Young Adult is meant to target as young as 12 years old and there were multiple expletives as well as mentions to a characters d*ck being hard and the sex was a smidge too graphic for young readers. I think it would be better marketed as an NA book

Even though I have serious issues with the book, I still enjoyed parts of it and am curious enough to continue the series!

4 ⭐️

✨ forced proximity
✨ grumpy sunshine
✨ reluctant allies
✨ enemies to lovers
✨ forbidden love
✨ fake engagement
✨ good vs. evil

Let me start by saying that this book has the coolest concept! It gripped me from the very start. Exorcists versus demons in a centuries long war against one another… SIGN ME UP! This idea was so unique and executed so well.

The magic system in this book was so unique and the means in which people obtain this magic is dark and twisted. There are certainly some darker themes in this book along with the idea of corrupt religion and the effects of such a thing on the world. The world building was easy to grasp since it feels familiar yet wholly different. With dark secrets, twisted beliefs, and questionable morales.

Surprisingly this book had me cackling at times! There were so many funny one liners with a cast of characters that are instantly likeable. Jules, our MMC, is so smooth and charming and impossible not to fall head over heels for. Selene is such a well written and flawed character who is so set in her ways and deeply devoted to her convictions. She is my favorite type of FMC. She’s ruthless, determined, resourceful and all around badass!

I loved the romance in this story. So many small but intimate moments happen between Selene and Jules as they try to fight this undeniable attraction between them. It had me so giddy! There’s a construct pull and give between Selene and Jules throughout the book. They want to let their guards down but also know how dangerous it can be and revert back to the natural instinct of protecting themselves.

Overall this book was really strong, but there were a few moments in the book that felt alittle clunky or not fully explained or fleshed out. I also feel like the ending got away from the author a bit. It felt chaotic and clunky and didn’t make a ton of sense to me. I wanted it to feel more epic if that makes sense? Even despite that, I really enjoyed this book and would absolutely recommend it to a friend.

I’d like to start by thanking NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book!

I loved this story! I was so invested in our characters and the world and the political spectrum. I felt like the way that the author built the world was so wonderful. I felt like it was fresh and I am very excited for book two to go even deeper.

I am for sure going to be reading the series! You should too!

I’d like to start by thanking NetGalley and the Publisher, Random House, for allowing me to read an ARC of this book! And to Sophie Clark for her brilliant mind.

I absolutely loved this story. Loved it. I didn’t want it to end.

I was completely swept away into this story, I could not put it down. I was so intrigued by the magical part, the politics, the hierarchy, and the characters!

I loved the completely new take on demons and their involvement in the great scheme of things in this story. I love stories about angels and demons and the fact that the story took place in Rome was icing on the cake for me. I couldn’t get enough of it. It was so disappointing to finish this book and realize that now I have to wait for the second to clear some things up. I have a feeling that the second book is going to be even better than this one. Especially with how Sophie is going to tie everything together.

I adored Jules and Selene. I love both their growth through the story. How Selene came across as cold and very black or white with her religion and beliefs. But that when push came to shove she chose to do what was right rather than let her faith define her. And how Jules was an aloof, damaged soldier but discovered his past and chose his own path. And chose to hope when he had every reason to give up.

I saw a lot of people saying the pacing of this book was off, and I don’t think I’d agree. I think it was a little abrupt maybe. Some parts switched from deathly seriousness to joking lightheartedness so quickly it did throw me off and come across as odd sometimes. But putting that aside, this book was truly excellent and a fresh new story in a world full of Fae books and stories.

Do yourself a favor and give this book a read! You won’t regret it. I have a feeling it’s one of those books where the story and writing will just keep getting better and better, like the Throne of Glass series. Cannot wait for the second book!!! I can’t believe I have to wait now!!

Cruel is the Light is a captivating debut that plunges you into a world of demons and Vatican exorcists.

The story follows Selene and Jules, two complex characters whose paths intertwine amidst a century-long war. Clark’s writing is evocative, and the plot twists are engaging, though some elements feel a bit rushed. While the world-building is detailed, it could benefit from even more depth to fully immerse readers. Despite this, the romance and intrigue are compelling, making this a thrilling read.

Overall, I think it's a pretty promising start with plenty of potential for the series to grow.

This book was decent. Not my absolute favorite but still worth the time to read. I wish it was a tad shorter it felt quite long. I did enjoy the characters and plot. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Cruel is the Light had ALL the tropes I love—stabby heroine, enemies to lovers, slow burn romance, only one bed, exocists vs demons, forced proximity, fake engagement, and a dark, atmospheric setting in Rome. The premise? So unique. The main duo? Love them. But…the last 40% of this book kinda lost me. The plot felt scattered, and there were too many characters to keep straight and to much going on that just went right over my head and I had to force myself to finish the back half.

Top-tier moments:
“She was a Roman exorcist. Protector of humanity. And sometimes that meant forgoing hers.” – Selene
“May God protect me from lustful thoughts about Jules Lacroix.” – Selene
“Jules had no shades of gray. He was a light so bright it could blind. And he was a demon.”
“If you’re some old demon, why were you such a dumbass our whole lives?” -Jules

Still screaming over the fact that she’s an exorcist, and he’s a DEMON. The ultimate enemies-to-lovers slow burn, with all the angst and tension my heart can handle. If you love dark fantasy, sizzling romance, and the best character dynamics, this is for you. However, I would recommend paying attention to the glossary of characters and things at the beginning cause you will need it.

Oooo this was fun. This gave me Blue Exorcist vibes. I loved all the banter between the characters. I wish the some of the supporting characters were flushed out a little more than they were. Some of the scenes like at the ball were edited oddly, like almost choppy and rushed and I had a hard time following what was happening at points. But as far as plot goes, 5 stars. Can’t wait for the next book.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
# Pages: 496
Publication Date: 05.20.25

"She was the Butcher of Rome, always covered in blood They didn't need to know most of it was hers."

⚔️ YA Fantasy Romance
⚔️ Enemies To Lovers
⚔️ Demons VS Humans
⚔️ Corrupt Government
⚔️ Forbidden Love
⚔️ Found Family
⚔️ Dual POV
⚔️ Fake Engagement
⚔️ One Bed
⚔️ Forced Proximity

“Cruel Is The Light” by Sophie Clark is an epic fantasy about a demon hunter and a foot soldier that are thrown together in an old war. As well as a forbidden love that could change the course of history.

“It is said that love conquers all. But will it tear them apart?”

I really enjoyed the book. It was kind of slow and confusing at first. There was some jumping around and odd pacing. I did find the world building to be descriptive and great. It took place in Rome with a blend of magic, gothic type atmosphere, mythical creatures, romance and a splash of dark fantasy elements.

Once the character development kinda started, I felt like Jules and Selene (MMC and FMC) became lovable. Happy it was a slow burn because I did enjoy the build up. I still wish there was a little more to it but that’s a potential for the next book. I think that their romance and how it was written out in some scenes, should be more NA than YA. Other than that, I really enjoyed see how their story develops together.

Overall, I loved the originality and creativity that was displayed in the first book to the duology. I’m looking forward to the second book and seeing where she goes with it.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Children’s | Knopf Books for Young Readers for this ARC copy.

aside from the fact that the MMCs last name is seltzer water and his birthday is the day of the attempted coup to overthrow america (that i will forgive bc the author Is Not American and his birthday and last name didn't ever matter), i really enjoyed this one! I love a book that contains heavy catholic themes, and while I wish this one went into a bit more into how catholicism is inseparable from guilt and the pressure to conform, I still liked it overall. I hope the next one goes more into what the college is, because it just came up at the end that they were seizing power, but I don't remember it ever really coming up previously as to what that is or why it's a bad thing outside of the FMC losing any inherent "ruling power" she had. but I looooved reading it set in rome with the dingy little demon underground. I'm intrigued to read the next one!

Cruel is the Light by Sophie Clark
★★★

Thank you to Random House Teens and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Cruel is the Light was a fun take on the Vatican/Catholic Church in a fantasy setting. It really gave life to an interesting power system with plenty of intricacies, but was badly executed as a whole.

I had a lot of fun getting to know our MCs, especially Jules (we STAN a bisexual MMC)! One thing I wish we got more of is a more immersive setting! I went to Rome last year and was sooo excited to read about a book set in Rome but... I didn't get much of Rome.

The last 40% of this book is where things really started to come undone. The plot line felt scattered, and there were some moments when I felt like the MCs were doing things that felt way out of character.

I think there was a lot of potential for some really powerful moments regarding their God, but this book failed to take advantage of those moments. It felt like some really shocking things happened that were quite glossed over.

Overall a fun read as a romantasy; but I really struggled with the pacing, structure and characterization.

This book was amazing! The world building was top tier and I absolutely loved the main characters in this book. The story was amazing and I could not put it down.

Cruel is the light has such a fascinating premise. In the city of Rome, demons and exorcists fight for control. We have a strong, feisty FMC and a troubled MMC, and all the elements for a really promising romantasy,

However… reading this was full of challenges for me:
The world building was a bit difficult for me to understand. So much lingo that was hard to wrap my head around. The relationship between Jules & Selene was sweet, but lacked depth - I’m still not really sure why they’re in love. So much more could be explored - hopefully we’ll get more of that in book 2. I did feel the plot was a bit disjointed throughout, making it clunky to read. There was also some dissonance in the tone of the story setting and the dialogue: in Rome with formality, a character will suddenly say “but… whatever” or “fml,” jarring me out of the setting completely. Thank you NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 rounded up

Slow-burn romance, stabby girl, exorcists and demons, the Vatican and Rome? Ugh /chef's kiss. Young Adult Romantasy so don't get your hopes up on the spice, it's mildly, and I mean mildly descriptive. There's cursing, smoking, and violence amongst other things.

I deducted the points because while I enjoyed parts of the world-building, the political scheming, and the plots with demons and exorcists, it was missed on the magic system and needed to be fleshed out a bit more. If you struggle with remembering things, I highly recommend flagging the beginning of the book/pages to reference throughout this debut.

You will enjoy our two characters, Jules and Selene. Their characters are more mature for their age and every intimate moment between them is a good time. I will say, however, Sparrow while you are a side character I love you the most and hope you all enjoy reading him as I did.

Thank you NetGalley & Publisher for the ARC. And yes, I do have a beautiful Waterstones copy in my library already!

Note to self: YA romantasy is not for me. And that’s okay! I think this book had a really excellent premise (and a BEAUTIFUL cover!) but the execution unfortunately failed to deliver. I do think this will be a hit for romantasy enjoyers though, and I’m excited to see it make its way into the world!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own :)