Rating: ★★★★
Audience: YA Fantasy Romance
Length: 400 pages
Author: Axie Oh
Publisher: Fierce Reads
Release Date: October 21st, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Final Fantasy meets Shadow and Bone in The Demon and the Light, the hotly anticipated follow-up to Axie Oh’s The Floating World.

The battle is over, but the war is just beginning…

With the help of her friends and allies, Ren managed to topple the General’s insurrection, but the Floating World and its territories are still under threat of attack from the rival Volmaran Empire. And far worse, she was powerless to save Sunho from being overcome by the monstrous power in his blood. Now he’s gone, transformed into a feral, deadly creature that doesn’t even recognize her anymore, and her heart aches for the sweet boy she’s grown to love.

But the escalating war will not pause for her grief. Seen by some as a heavenly savior and others merely a figurehead to be manipulated, Ren must use all her courage and cunning to survive the royal court’s game long enough to find Sunho and bring him home before he loses himself to the Demon forever.

Thank you to Colored Pages Book Tours and Fierce Reads for the gifted copy.

SOLID CONCLUSION.

Note, I eyeball read this on vs. audiobook (I did the audiobook for book one) and felt like eyeball reading was the better option this round. I was much more connected to the story and characters and enjoyed this conclusion.

Any who, this was a fast paced, well built fantasy that had me hoping for a HEA before the closing pages came into view. I enjoyed the multiple POV style (there were three) and the romances too. I adored Sunho and Ren. They were each other’s compliment and I thought they had many sweet moments together. I loved the way they loved.

Jaheil also showed a lot of growth and I fell in love with his POV (and little romance) too. Having his viewpoint helped balance out more sides of this world and political system. All of the emotions and growth and seeing everyone work together to solve the final trial was beautifully crafted. This found family was incredible.

I am a continual fan of Axie Oh’s books and I can’ wait for whatever is next!!

Overall audience notes:

• YA Fantasy Romance
• Language: low
• Romance: kisses
• Violence: mild

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph