Cruel Is the Light by Sophie Clark is a gripping debut romantasy that intertwines forbidden love, dark magic, and a centuries-old war between demons and exorcists. Set against the backdrop of a demon-infested Europe, the story follows Selene Alleva, a formidable exorcist trained at the Vatican Academy, and Jules Lacroix, an orphaned foot soldier renowned for his battlefield prowess. Their paths cross amidst unprecedented demon attacks, leading them to form an uneasy alliance under the guise of a fake engagement to investigate a sinister conspiracy at the heart of Vatican City.    As Selene and Jules delve deeper, they uncover secrets that challenge their beliefs and threaten their burgeoning feelings for each other. The novel masterfully balances action-packed sequences with emotional depth, offering readers a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance set in a richly imagined world. Clark’s sharp prose and intricate world-building have earned praise, with reviewers highlighting the novel’s “sinister magic, crackling banter, and sizzling tension.”