2.75 ★

main thoughts:
honestly I'm not even sure what to think about this book, I finished this book and pretty much just feel confused and also am wondering what I even read😭 I feel like I first I was mostly enjoying this book besides some of the dialogue and stuff but then I got like 70% in and just didn’t care what was happening anymore and the lack of world building was confusing me🫣 like either I'm dumb or I barely comprehended what I was reading at the end because I wanted to be done with this book so bad.

I sound like a hater but I was really enjoying it at first the premise was nice and I liked the demon aspect but the execution was a bit weak and I really felt like nothing happened.

characters:
selene: I liked her I think, she was strong willed and has power I would like to learn more about

jules: I didn't hate him some of the stuff he said was funny and I like his personality other then that i don't feel much about him

romance:
another thing I'm not sure about, I see the potential but then again they also feel quite random to me😭 I feel like I needed to see more chemistry or something but I did like some scenes between them, they definitely need more development though.

extra:
Honestly if I had more patience with this book, especially at the end there would have been a chance that I liked it more, but right now I just don’t really care. I wouldn’t refuse to read it just because of my review because maybe I’m the only one confused and I should have paid better attention, but maybe you guys will like it more than I did.

thank you netgalley for providing me with a e-arc of this book in exchange for a honest review!!

3.75

Thank you Penguin and NetGalley for the ARC!

I had a blast reading this upper-YA fantasy! The combo of demons, exorcists, and a fake dating twist had me hooked from the start. The action-packed opening scene threw me right into the action.

I adored the banter and chemistry between the characters. While I did get a bit lost in some scenes, I appreciated the demon guide at the beginning of the ARC, which helped clarify the magic system and demon lore.

Despite a few minor hiccups, I'm super excited to dive into book 2! Sophie Clark's writing is addictive, and I'm loving the witty banter and sizzling chemistry between the characters.

4.25 🌟

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I felt like it was a beautiful world with a cool magic system. The writing was vivd and helped bring this unique dystopian Roman Catholic world of demons and exorcists to life - which I had so much fun reading. The two main characters were Jules and Selene and the book centered around the two of them mainly. We didn't get very many other characters in this book, not ones that had a large role. Jules and Selene did not disappoint though and gave us a lot of yummy banter. It was a beautiful love story and I love how they really had so much trust in each other and that the arc of the story didn't depend on mistrust or miscommunication.

Jules is also a absolute new favey MMC, not only did he constantly bring a smile to my face with his positivity and his constant flirting, but he had such vulnerability and was so in touch with his feelings, which was SUCH a breath of fresh air. Also that cover art has me near drooling, so that definitely helped. :)

I did feel like there was some inconsistencies with the magic and the role of demons within their world. I did feel like some exceptions were made for the story to evolve and continue, but it didn't take away from the story for me. I also think this is definitely closer to NA than YA, in the best possibly way. I will definitely be reading Book 2.

From the glossary, I was hooked! It throws you right into a world where demons are wreaking havoc, and only exorcists stand between humanity and chaos. The action starts immediately and doesn’t let up, with fight scenes so vivid and intense they had me on the edge of my seat. Add in a centuries-old war, forbidden romance, and a fake engagement, and you’ve got a story that’s impossible to put down.

Selene and Jules were great MCs and I honestly couldn’t pick a favorite POV. Selene is a total badass—gritty, no-nonsense, and willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done, even if it ruffles a few feathers (or leaves a few people bruised). Then there’s Jules, who is my everything. He’s a soldier with this rare blend of strength and empathy, and despite everything he’s been through, he hasn’t lost his kindness. Oh, and he’s completely smitten with Selene—who doesn’t love a “he falls first” moment? Together, they’re the perfect reverse grumpy/sunshine pair, and their banter had me giggling and kicking my feet. There’s one scene in particular that I still can’t stop thinking about because it was so funny and just… perfect. Their slow-burn romance is chef’s kiss. There’s enemies-to-lovers tension, fake engagement shenanigans, and all this simmering chemistry that keeps building. You can feel their connection growing even as they try to fight it, which just makes it so much more satisfying. By the time things finally start to heat up, you’re fully invested, and let me tell you, it’s worth the wait.

The side characters deserve a standing ovation too. Sparrow is def the standout, an absolute scene-stealer. He’s charming, caring, and so magnetic that I couldn’t help but love him. Jules’s best friend Kian brought a ton of humor and heart, and then there are Caterina and Lucia, the gun-toting nuns who are equal parts hilarious and terrifying. This cast isn’t just there to fill space—they make the world feel alive and layered.

Speaking of the world, the world-building is next-level. It’s so detailed and immersive that I felt like I was right there with the characters, experiencing the danger, the magic, and the heartbreak alongside them. And even though there’s a lot of history and lore, it never felt overwhelming or like an info dump. Everything is woven into the story so seamlessly that it just flows.

Overall, this book has it all—action, romance, magic, demons, and enough twists to keep you guessing the entire time. The writing is gorgeous, the pacing is spot-on, and the characters will absolutely steal your heart. If you love fantasy with unforgettable characters and a romance that makes you feel everything, this book is a must-read. I can’t stop thinking about it, and honestly, I don’t want to.

It’s the way that I read this entire story in less than twenty-four hours because it was so good that I couldn’t put it down, and when I did, it was stuck in my mind and I needed to read more!

I haven’t been this excited about a YA book in ages, and I’m very glad to say that the anticipation for Cruel is the Light is well-deserved. Clark is not afraid to stretch the barriers between YA and Adult storytelling, and in my opinion, for a story dealing with advanced concepts, that’s very much needed to pull the premise of the story off well. There are a lot of mature aspects to religion, demons, angels, and their parts that they play within government and societal warfare. Clark was not only able to make these parts so vital and interesting to the story, but also successfully be the central point that all characters’ internal conflict revolves around.

The plot twists were actually quite surprising! And another thing to note about them is that they made sense. I could read between the lines the careful planning Clark took as I went to double-check if the signs were there all along—And they were!

However, the world-building and magic system were a little unclear to me. If I hadn’t gone to research about the setting and history this is based off of, I would have been even more lost. I kept hoping I’d be able to explore more about both of these aspects! Because I was confused throughout the book, the immersion as I read began to crack. Nevertheless, it never shattered. Clark, with her ever-brilliant storytelling approach, continued to move in a fast-paced adventure that kept me on track.

From chapter one, the action begins, and I was hooked from beginning to end. I found myself obsessing over Selene and Jules’ forbidden romance. Their dynamic hasn’t been something I’ve read before (which I shall keep a secret for those who haven’t read it yet, but for those that have, know the parallels I’m talking about!), and it had me guessing how they’d end up together. Their love was beautiful, fiery, and best of all, sweet. I look forward to more of the same, if not, a deeper dive into their passionate relationship in the future volumes (if continued).

Cruel is the Light is an excellent kickoff to the new year and a timeless new favorite debut.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing an ARC (Advanced Readers Copy). This review is based off of an uncorrected proof.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the arc! I don’t know why I continue to try with this genre. This genre is like a situationship, and I hate it 😍Anyways, this was yet another disappointing romantasy, shocker

The writing and prose? Juvenile
The plot? Fucking none
The romance? Relying on tropes
All other aspects? Underdeveloped!!!

And the romance vs fantasy balance? Nah fam!!!The fire nation is the romance, and it has attacked. Unfortunately, when we needed the avatar most, he vanished.

Anyways, I quit. I’ll see you all in the next one, which I’m sure I’ll probably hate as well. -2 tropes

Talk about a page turner! I could not put this book down. The story follows Selene, an exorcist vowed to protect Rome from the demons trying to make their way into the city. She ends up meeting a demon killing soldier named Jules. She can’t put her finger on it but there’s something about him and she won’t stop until she uncovers who he really is. If you love forbidden romance, slow burn and enemies to lovers then this is for you!

I think I would have liked this if I was younger, or if I had less experience in reading brilliant fantasy and enemies-to-lovers books. Unfortunately, this fell a little flat for me. It still gets 3 stars because I finished it, it just wasn't anything special.

I like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me a chance at reading early.

I have this thing or religious characters with faults / regret / misguided fate. Call it what you will, it all stemmed from watching The Last Temptation of Christ. Anyway, something about religion + romance / marriage of convenience + demons in quasi fantasy Rome had me request it,.

There is a lot of originality in this book and a lot of fun the author had with the 'religious' aspect. I enjoyed the thought of 'Jesus coming down and annihilating demons', getting impaled on a spike and hanging out in the main hub of this R0me that hires demon hunters. I liked these demon hunters had gifts that attuned their weapons to take out demons. I liked the difference in rank between the male and female character - the female was a daughter of a man who was killed for treason ; the male is a soldier who is thrown to the front lines to take out demons (or to hold back the thousands) since they can't risk sending those demon hunters to the lines (since there isn't that many). I enjoyed seeing how to the two of them met. I liked the characters that made up the world - Shadow, Elijah (the one the male lead impersonates), and her seconds in command.

The problem with the story was? well, the heaviness of the romance - how much it focused on them.

I felt that the female character and the male character were underdeveloped and since the focus of the story became him pretending to be Elijah, all the other characters and situations became not as important (including the crux of the story). I mean, yes, there is the story about who is the male lead really (why does he have these demonic powers), and when the focus of the story was on that mystery the story did really well. But when it when it returned to them it felt like it died. Her insta attraction for him was way, way too quick - as soon as she started having him impersonate her fiance / friend she was finding him hot. There wasn't any focus or insight on politics or character building that would come in handy when the fourth act (and when our villains appeared with their motives) began.

I know this is going to have another book, and maybe that will give more political insight / dial down the romance, but I think I kind of slapped myself in the face with a dead fish with this one. I don't do THAT well with romantasy since most of the time plot is secondary or less than, the romance of will they / won't they is front and center. Why think differently.

I was lowkey obsessed with Cruel is The Light the moment I saw that gorgeous cover. Then I read the blurb, and boom, I was SOLD. ✨

Not gonna lie, the beginning was kinda confusing. There’s a glossary at the start, but like, who actually memorizes all that right away? So when the book kicks off and the FMC starts name-dropping a bunch of characters and demon ranks, I was completely lost. But soon enough, I was catching up.

Now, let’s talk about my fave part: the romance. The main characters don’t even meet until like 20% into the book, but once they do? Oh, the banter, the tension, the whole “is this fake or is it real?” vibe (because they’re fake-engaged) just hit so good. I was LIVING for every second of it.

Watching them fall for each other was everything because they’re total opposites: Selene is cold and reserved, while Jules is all charm, playfulness, and the softest soul ever. And yet somehow they just fit perfectly together.🥹❤️‍🩹

I did kinda guess a few plot twists, but honestly? The way they were executed still got me. And don’t even get me started on the battle scenes that was so freaking epic!

So yeah, I’m still obsessed, but now I’m also completely in love with Jules. 💞💞💞

Thank you so much to Random House Children's | Knopf Books for Young Readers for this E-ARC.

I really wanted to love this novel. From its pretty cover to the description, I was excited before I read the first line. However, the story did not live up to its full potential. I'm not saying that it is bad, but the premise had so much promise that I'm left wanting more, and I don't necessarily mean the sequel. The world-building, or establishing of the alternate history was a bit fuzzy. We got some world-hopping, or at least, Euro-hopping as we bounced into a few cities but no real attention to the history, the root of the war or break with the reality that we know. I can appreciate wanting to plunge into action rather than dry explanations at the start of the book but at some point, especially when the main characters are researching in the Vatican libraries, I would hope for a tad more detail about the world. Characters and names are thrown into the story only do be immediately killed off or never really utilized (i.e. why do we need Anastasia...was there a bingo card square requiring a Romanoff reference?). The other storyline, the "romance", never quite felt romantic for me. Yes, there is attraction, and the flirtation of Jules teasing and needling Selene but that attraction suddenly turning into a can't live without them and would sacrifice myself for him or her kind of love didn't get the development that I think it needed. On the positive side, this did step away from the usual vampire-werewolf tropes that have gotten so much replay. I had a bit of an "Underworld" flashback with the character name "Selene" and even thought the cover art felt like I saw flashes of Kate Beckinsale in skintight leathers from the movie that made me apprehensive, but the story, happily, took a different path. Selene was actually an interesting character and perhaps the continuation of this story will establish a more organic bond between her and Jules and clear up details of the world and magics.
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Random House Children's - Knopf Books for Young Readers) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

The book has such an interesting premise and I has high hopes for it. The start of the book was a bit chaotic—it jumps right into the action, throws a ton of characters at you without much context, and has dual POVs that are tricky to follow at first. I also wish the magic system had been explained more clearly; even by the end, I still didn’t fully grasp how it all worked.

The romance had a strong start and so much potential, but it started to lose its magic as the story went on. There were plenty of moments and lines that could have been impactful, but they ended up feeling misplaced.
Overall it’s a fine book, it could’ve been better executed but it’s interesting.

This book had one of the most unique premises I’ve seen in a while. It was a little tough to get through at times, but overall it wasn’t bad.

My biggest gripe is the lack of depth to the story. Nothing seemed fully fleshed out. The magic system is really only described on a surface level, and so are the characters. They kind of fall flat when all is said and done. I did enjoy the banter between the two leads, but their relationship developed way too fast, there wasn’t much chemistry between the two.

Another thing was the pacing, it was all over the place. I never truly felt rooted into the story. Some scenes were moving way too quickly, and others were moving too slowly. I had whiplash trying to figure out what was going on and who was taking. The change in perspective also got annoying, because at times it was difficult to determine whose POV it was.

Overall this wasn’t a bad book by any means. It has its flaws, but I applaud it for not following the normal conventions that have been trending in fantasy lately. And whoever designed that cover needs to get a raise because it is amazing.

The cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous! It’s what initially drew me in along with the enemies to lovers and fighting demons. Even though I read this in a day I couldn’t disappear into the story like I hoped. The story itself fell flat for me and I had to force myself to keep reading. The main characters didn’t have much chemistry and there wasn’t a lot of stick out moments between them. That in itself was disappointing. I think the concept of this book was super interesting, but how everything played out is another thing.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publishers for this arc!!

Probably more of a 2.5/5?

The most frustrating thing about this is that it could have been great but the execution just was not there. It was a bit of a mess - the plot and the writing were kind of janky. The plot crawls to a standstill between a few pages they're in Rome then in Czechoslovakia then in France then in a different part of France then back to Rome where things grind to a halt. I enjoy Selene and Jules as a concept, but it really wasn't that well executed I fear.

This is set in an alternate version of like maybe World War I era Europe? Demons exist and they started a war, and God Himself came to Rome to fight the demons. God was injured and is now the "Deathless God" in a permanent state between life and death. The Holy Vatican Empire spawned after that, using the power gathered from demons to fight and protect humans. There's also a war? Like World War I, but between the Holy Vatican Empire and the "Caspian Federation" aka Russia basically led by half-demon Tsarina Anastasia...yeah that one. The magic system is confusing, the demon system is confusing, but other than that the plot is ultimately relatively simple and not all that profound. God isn't really a God and the Holy Vatican Empire has been harnessing the power of demons to make themselves powerful, etc. etc. The reason I feel like I can't give a good summary is that it truly was a bit of a mess. Selene is an exorcist from the Empire, Jules is an orphan and soldier in the trenches, and their paths cross when a powerful demon returns to the Earthly realm or whatever.

And here's the problematique bit. This is apparently going to have a sequel...why?? Like I genuinely can't picture what else could happen here. I can, however, picture how it could have easily been wrapped up. It would have been a great standalone. Everyone's a heretic. The corruption of the Holy Vatican Empire is exposed. Instead, this will drag on. But I fear I will not be taking that journey.

Cruel Is the Light has been one of my most anticipated reads of 2025, and I’m so grateful to NetGalley, Random House Children's, and Knopf Books for gifting me an ARC! I absolutely loved this book it’s unique and combines fantasy, romance, dual POV, fake dating, demon hunters, and plenty of witty banter.

The world-building at the beginning is detailed, but once the story picks up, the pacing becomes exhilarating. The setting Rome, infused with fantasy and demons was incredible, and I couldn’t get enough. I also adored how the author described the fashion and weapons!

There’s a lot of action right from the start, and the romance is witty, flirty, and sweet. I loved all the characters! Selene, the exorcist, is strong yet caring, while Jules Lacroix, our MMC, is a flirty, witty, and funny delight. Their chemistry was off the charts, and there were so many moments between them that I couldn’t help but love.

The plot is incredibly intriguing, with action, demon hunting, and twists that kept me hooked. But that ending?! I need book 2 immediately.

Thank you so much for gifting me this amazing ARC!

This felt being thrown into an action packed anime and being left to fend for yourself about making sense of anything else. I did really like the romance and epic magics/battles, but the plot and logistics of this world were so lost to me. I also liked learning about Jules' backstory.

“A bloody war between demons and the Vatican, forbidden attraction, and a conspiracy that threatens everything—this book has it all.”

From the very first page, this novel pulls readers into a high-stakes world brimming with tension, action, and forbidden romance. At its heart are two compelling protagonists: Selene Alleva, a formidable exorcist haunted by her family’s dark legacy, and Jules Lacroix, a mysterious orphan whose skill on the battlefield is unparalleled. The narrative masterfully intertwines their personal struggles with the larger battle between good and evil, creating a story that is as emotionally gripping as it is thrilling.

The chemistry between Selene and Jules crackles with intensity. Their initial distrust and the slow-burn development of their relationship are beautifully written, making their eventual alliance both believable and deeply satisfying. The added twist of Jules posing as Selene's estranged fiancé not only serves the plot but also brings moments of humor and vulnerability that balance the darker elements of the story.

The book’s pacing is impeccable, with relentless demon attacks and moments of quiet introspection creating a rhythm that keeps readers hooked. The world-building is richly detailed, immersing readers in the Vatican’s shadowy halls and the war-torn battlefield where demons and humans clash. The author’s ability to blend action with mystery adds layers of intrigue, particularly as Jules’ true nature and the Vatican’s secrets come to light.

What truly sets this book apart is its exploration of moral dilemmas and the sacrifices demanded by love and duty. As Selene and Jules grapple with impossible choices, their emotional journeys feel raw and authentic, making their story resonate long after the final page.

I loved this book and highly recommend it to fans of dark fantasy, intricate plots, and slow-burn romance. It’s a thrilling ride with twists you won’t see coming and a heart-wrenching conclusion that will leave you desperate for more. Whether you're here for the epic battles, the forbidden love, or the chilling conspiracy, this book delivers on every level. Don’t miss it!

This book had good ideas but the execution felt a bit clumsy.

First of all, this didn't feel like YA, but rather new adult. We have characters who have a lot of backstory, feel life-weary, drink, smoke, drop f-bombs, there's an open door sex scene and quite some bloody violence.

My criticisms:

1. Writing style.

Sometimes it's hard to guess who do the dialogue lines belong to, it's not clear from context or dialogue tags. The narration also feels a bit head-hoppy in a way sometimes it's unclear whose pov are we in or it switches without a scene break.

Also I didn't like slang use like Jules and Kian calling each other "boyo".

2. Worldbuilding.

It's very confusing what year are we in for an alternate history. The tech is steampunk-level, there is Czechoslovakia on the map, but the inscriptions in Selene's father's diary suggest it happens after the millenium break (after 2005). No idea why there is France and Vatican as is but instead of Russia there's "Caspian Federation". It's not clear why the nations are really at war. This war is so removed from the rest of the story that it's neatly forgotten when the action moves to Rome, it only exists to give Jules backstory and a foreshadowing reveal. It's said demons disrupt electricity and phones, yet people use phones multiple times.

Somehow when Jules deserts the war, 3 countries further they already know about it and have his face plastered everywhere as a wanted man, did they do it in every country? To every deserter? Seems over the top? But when he arrives to Rome, no posters.

It's never explained how Selene has "runes carved into her bones". Literally or metaphorically? Was she born this way or embedded with them during some ritual? No idea.

The fact we need a glossary, dramatis personae list and worldbuilding explanations outside of the body of the novel makes me think the author cannot concisely and clearly implement that information into the novel itself so has to use some crutch to solve this issue.

3. Pacing.

Some big reveals are foreshadowed in such a heavy-handed way it gives us answers or partial answers very early, but the characters dismiss it and don't react to it very emotionally as if it was nothing. And then later everything gets confirmed to the T. No surprise, no subversion. Just exactly what we knew but dialled up to 11. Especially Jules' "secret identity". It was obvious from a mile. It was obvious the moment I saw the blurb and "enemies to lovers" trope. There was just one extra sommersault added to an already over the top reveal.

It would be easier if Jules knew and tried to hide it from Selene rather than reacting a la "lol idk?"

The big reveal in Selene's father's diary is equally brushed off instead of being a huge big deal.

Many scenes serve little purpose except fitting an extra "hot romantasy tik tok trope". They felt repetitive and pointless, and didn't create any extra tension.

The "black cat x golden retriever" banter often felt forced especially since Jules wasn't really set up to be a golden retriever character.

Also I did not enjoy having to memorize half a dozen names in the opening chapters only to see half of them killed off and barely matter at all. Only Farrah somehow mattered in Jules' memory.

Now the positives:

1. Characters.

Selene is a great lead! She's not a blank slate character. She has a backstory. She made controversial choices she now has to double down on or sorely regret. She's a forged weapon against demons and has to live up to her name. She was brainwashed into a system she can't really extract herself from even if she wanted to. She's cold, pragmatic and violent, but rarely hurts anyone for no reason unprovoked. She's morally grey despite telling herself she's just serving justice. She isn't stupid, or naive, or easily swayed by a hot hunk of a man. I think I've enjoyed this book mostly because of Selene.

Jules is an adequate love interest. He's a typical tall, dark and muscular guy, but he's not toxic, not a jerk, not a show-off. He carries a lot of baggage and grief from his past. He grows to care about Selene despite all their differences. Oh, and he's bisexual. That immediately made me appreciate him more, because how often do we see queer rep in protagonists of MF romantasy? More often than in the past, but still not often enough.

From side characters, I liked Caterina and Lucia the battle-nuns, Sparrow and Kian were pretty cool too. The antagonists were memorably infuriating, as they should be.

2. The romance.

It was sweet and emotional, and the leads developed care and understanding for each other. In the days where so much romantasy only rides on insta-lust, I loved how Selene and Jules had an extra layer to their relationship beyond physical attraction. They actually tried to help each other despite being at odds due to their circumstances, nature and pasts. It was cute and believable.

3. The wrap up.

In the era of 1st in a series cliffhanger ending without resolution, this book provided a complete story arc with proper climax and ending. It opens the door for the sequel, but doesn't feel incomplete when only book 1 is out. I enjoyed the plot, especially the action scenes.

Overall, I would recommend this for readers of upper YA / NA fantasy with romance focus who want to see mature-behaving characters in non-toxic enemies to lovers situation; and people who enjoy strong female protagonists who are stoic, pragmatic, a little cynical and possibly even cold-blooded in attitude.

I hope the flaws in the writing style and undercutting its own reveals with early foreshadowing / lack of characters' response are just debut growing pains and the author will develop in the future.

Overall it felt like a diamond in the rough, good ideas and enjoyable experience, but could have used another round of polish. A solid 4 star.

Thank you Netgalley, Random House Children's and Knopf Books for Young Readers for the ARC!

2.75 ⭐️ no one’s more sad than me for not loving this book, it was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025 and it just didn’t hit

the beginning is pretty confusing bc it throws you straight into a lot of action, introduces a ton of characters you have no clue about and has two povs that are hard to figure out who’s narrating 😭 I wish the magic system had been explained better too, I literally finished the book without fully understanding how everything actually worked

the romance had great potential in the beginning but for me it fell apart as the story progressed, there were so many quotable lines/scenes that lost their charm bc they felt out of place, *that* scene between Jules & Sparrow had more chemistry than some of his scenes with Selene bc it felt more natural somehow

I still wanna read the next book when it comes out bc I feel like everything I didn’t like are issues that can easily be fixed in a sequel so maybe I’ll end up loving the story at some point

tysm Netgalley & Random House for the arc 🩵