Cruel is the Light

By: Sophie Clark

Narrated by: Fiona Hardingham, Ethan Reid, Steve West

Brought to you by Penguin.

They say love conquers all . . . But can love win in a war between demons and exorcists?

Or will it just tear them all apart . . . ?
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.

© Sophie Clark 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

Exciting story

Cruel is the Light is an action-packed fantasy featuring a centuries-old war between demons and the Vatican, a reluctant alliance, and a forbidden romance. Selene Alleva, a high-ranking exorcist with a dark family legacy, and Jules Lacroix, an orphaned deserter, are forced to work together despite their immediate distrust—and undeniable attraction.

Tropes:
📖 Fake engagement
⚔️ Enemies to lovers
⛔ Forbidden romance
🌞 Reverse grumpy x sunshine
🗡️ Knife to throat
🏰 Forced proximity

One of my favourite aspects of this book was the banter. It’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed such a high-quality level of witty, engaging dialogue. The dynamic between Selene and Jules made for an incredibly fun reading experience, adding both humour and depth to their relationship. Their push-and-pull tension kept me hooked, and I loved the way their interactions evolved over time.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, there were a few areas where I would have loved a bit more development. The transition from banter and flirtation to love happened a little quickly, and I think a slower progression would have made their relationship even more impactful. Given the horrors both characters endured, I would have also liked to see more exploration of trauma and emotional aftermath, which could add even more depth—perhaps in the sequel! Additionally, some parts of the world-building left me with questions, and a bit more clarity in certain areas would have helped ground me in the setting.

That said, Cruel is the Light is an intense, thrilling, and romantic fantasy with fantastic character dynamics, gripping tension, and plenty of action. I loved the chemistry between the leads and the high-stakes plot, and I’ll definitely be looking forward to the sequel!