Beautiful cover, but ultimately the plotting was too thin, the pacing confusing, and the characters weren't compelling enough to hold it together. Great concept and I will pick up Sophie's next book to see how she's grown!

Selene, a high-ranking exorcist of the Vatican, and Jules, an orphan-turned-foot soldier, are thrust into a deadly investigation as mysterious demon attacks shake their world. With their growing attraction complicating an already dangerous mission, they must survive both the darkness around them and the secrets within.

The concept and setting immediately pulled me in—demons, exorcists, and the Deathless God create a compelling backdrop for the story. The book includes a detailed glossary of terms, characters, and demons, which helped ground the lore. However, while the world had potential, I felt we only got to see a small fraction of it, leaving many aspects underdeveloped.

Selene is a disciplined, no-nonsense exorcist deeply devoted to her cause, while Jules is loyal, warm, and a perfect contrast to her intensity. Their relationship is full of push and pull, making for an engaging dynamic, though I wish their trust and romance had developed more gradually rather than feeling rushed.

My biggest struggle with this book was the pacing and writing style. Some sections raced through events, while others dragged, making the flow feel inconsistent. At times, the writing felt a bit choppy, which made it harder to stay immersed. That said, the premise was intriguing, and I enjoyed the action-packed story despite its flaws.

If you love dark fantasy with exorcists, demons, and star-crossed romance, this book may be worth checking out!

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!

Thanks to NetGalley. PRHAudio, and the publisher for the preview. All opinions are my own.

3.5 stars

This was a book I enjoyed as I listened to it, but the more I think about it, its flaws become more visible. This is a kind of angels and demons, alternate universe Vatican where demons are hunted. Selene is our FMC, a talented exorcist, and Jules is our MMC, a solider in the Roman army that fights demons. But there's more to him than meets the eye.

I liked their forced proximity fake relationship. But it was kind of insta-love, especially on Jules' part. And they seemed to lose focus on finding answers for him pretty quickly. I definitely suspected/figured out the twists and reveals. And while there was definitely danger, I was never really in suspense or worried while listening.

Overall, I wanted a lot more out of this book, but I did have an enjoyable time with it. I suspect I'll forget it rather quickly though, and I'm not sure if I'm invested enough to read the next book.
However, the narrators are all fantastic, and I'd absolutely recommend the audio (though Steve West is criminally under-utilized).

Thank you Netgalley, the author, and publisher for an earc copy in exchange for an honest review.

Sophie Clark's debut novel, Cruel is the Light, offers a captivating Romantasy that will grip readers. The book opens with a thrilling, centuries-old war between humanity and demons, immersing readers in a detailed world built with care. The plot unfolds gradually, with well-paced writing and captivating twists that keep you hooked. As the story progresses, Selene Alleva, a skilled exorcist, is revealed as a complex character with strength and vulnerability, while Jules Lacroix’s mystery adds intrigue. Their evolving relationship, filled with tension and chemistry, is a major highlight, set against a backdrop of political intrigue and war. The secondary character, Sparrow, also brings a dynamic presence that enriches the narrative. With a slow-burn romance and unexpected twists, the book’s emotional depth leaves readers eagerly awaiting the sequel. Note that while Cruel is the Light is marketed as YA, it contains some adult elements, including mild sexual content. Overall, this book is an engrossing read that promises an exciting continuation in its sequel.

Cruel is the Light by Sophie Clark is a fantasy tale set in the familiarity of our world, but if our world was changed by a history of demonic wars. Exorcists travel Europe, fighting back against demonic hordes with swords, guns, and magic. Selene Alleva, high-ranking exorcist, must make an uneasy alliance with Jules LaCroix, a battlefield soldier, to unravel a mysterious conspiracy brewing within the very heart of Rome.

I loved reading about the grandeur of Rome, the nostalgia of Nice, and the frigid fighting in Ostrava. Each location was written beautifully, bringing the locations to life. The magic system is unique and I wanted to see more of it.

The first quarter of the book was intriguing and the last quarter was strong and tense. But I struggled to stay interested within the middle. Some scenes felt disjointed from the whole and knocked me out of the story.

Also, this is written in third-person, but it switches back and forth between omniscient and limited within the same page, same paragraph. From time to time, it would bounce between showing what everyone was thinking to showing only what one person was thinking and it made an awkward reading experience.

All of that being said, I really liked the story that’s at the heart of this and plan on reading book 2. I loved some of the secondary characters, specifically Sparrow, Lucia, Caterina, and Eliot. I need to know more about them!

Cruel is the Light is a good book and I overall liked it. If you like realistic settings, only one bed, and enemies to lovers, this is for you. Also, that cover is GORGEOUS!

I was really excited for this book. I liked it but I didn’t love it. I loved the concept and the characters, but the world building was a bit confusing for me. I would have like more explanation of the magic system. The chemistry between the two main characters also fell a little flat for me. Hoping the next book in this series has more world building!

So so interest!!!!! The characters were well fleshed out and the writing style was very easy to get through. I’m always a sucker for books in this genre. I’m so happy I was given the chance to read this!!!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Sophie Clark, and Random House Children's for allowing me access to the e-arc.

4.5 stars

I was so worried that this book was going to be overly complicated. Yes, the world is complex at times, but it is still easy to understand. I loved the characters. They carried the story for me. I enjoyed the demon and demon hunter aspects of this book. I’m curious to see where Book 2 goes. This was such a captivating story that you’re not going to want to put it down. If you enjoy books with demons, mystery intrigue, and historical fiction vibes then you might enjoy this one. I highly recommend it!

3.5 stars! I enjoyed this and thought the writing was amazing. I'm picky when it comes to YA books because I'm in my 30's, but luckily this one didn't have too many moments that felt immature. I was a big fan of both main characters and it was interesting to see how things played out. My main complaints are the predictable plot points and heavy religious themes (the latter is my own personal issue.) I'm very curious (and nervous!) to see what happens next with Jules and Selene. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

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.