Cruel is the Light
Soon to be your next Romantasy obsession
by Sophie Clark
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Pub Date 23 Jan 2025 | Archive Date 21 Feb 2025
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Description
THEY SAY LOVE CONQUERS ALL . . .
BUT CAN LOVE WIN IN A WAR BETWEEN DEMONS AND EXORCISTS . . .?
OR WILL IT JUST TEAR THEAM ALL APART . . .?
Welcome to Cruel is the Light, the epic and sizzling YA romantasy – soon to be your next obsession . . .
A brutal war between demons and humanity has raged across Europe for over a century. At its heart are two elite soldiers: Selene Alleva, a powerful exorcists trained at the prestigious Vatican Academy, and foot soldier, Jules Lacroix, unrivalled in battle.
When their paths cross, despite initial distrust – then unwelcome attraction – Jules and Selene discover a terrible secret at the heart of the holy Vatican City . . .
Soon Jules is forced to question everything he’s ever known – including himself. And Selene, unable to ignore her growing feelings for Jules, must make an impossible choice between love and duty.
Serpent and Dove meets Empire of the Vampire, with a star-crossed, enemies-to-lovers romance at its heart. Perfect for fans of Powerless, Fourth Wing and Divine Rivals.
Advance Praise
"Set in a world as resplendent as it is brutal, with a taut, searing romance thrumming with can’t-catch-your breath tension. Cruel is the Light is a masterclass in romantasy and a thoroughly scorching debut."
- Bea Fitzgerald, bestselling author of GIRL, GODDESS, QUEEN.
"Cruel is the Light is a sucker punch to the heart, packed with action, secrets, betrayal and whip-smart banter in a world that is both bleak and beautiful in equal measures. A story of forbidden love with yearning so keen it could cut. Bound to be your next romantasy obsession."
- Eliza Chan, Sunday Times bestselling author of FATHOMFOLK
"Riveting, dark, and decadent, Cruel is the Light weaves sinister magic, crackling banter, and sizzling tension for a captivating forbidden romance that will grab hold of readers and never let go. . . Sophie Clark's enthralling debut deserves a spot on every romantic fantasy lover's bookshelf!"
- Emily Thiede, author of THIS VISCIOUS GRACE and THIS CURSED LIGHT
"A powerhouse debut from Sophie Clark! Cruel is the Light pulls you into a dangerous world of exorcists, demons and forbidden love - and doesn’t let go until the last page. Gripping, vivid and beautifully written!"
- Vanessa Len, international bestselling author of ONLY A MONSTER and NEVER A HERO
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9780241635292 |
PRICE | £16.99 (GBP) |
PAGES | 512 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
I was so lucky to receive a physical ARC of this too at Waterstones BookFest and can I just say it's as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside.
This was everything I hoped it would be and more: enemies to lovers, fake engagement, magic, demons, war, and an exorcist and a soldier being forced to work together as they fight growing feelings between them.
There are so many characters that I loved, Selene and Jules being the two most prominent, however a special shoutout to Sparrow and Kian - they have my heart at the moment! I will be obsessed with all these characters for a long time yet! The pacing was great, the world and magic was incredible, and the twists and turns as the characters (and reader) discover the different secrets had me wanting more.
I will be recommending this to all, especially if you’ve loved the Shadowhunters series and/or Divine Rivals!
Fantastic romantasy ya book - there’s some mild spicy scenes.
This book ticks all the boxes, enemies to lovers, fake engagement, romance, fantasy, magic, and everything nice!
I loved the divided views between Selene and Jules, how their opposing perspectives were questioned as their attraction grew and their relationship developed.
The world building was fantastic - I felt really immersed in the story, absolutely brilliant.