Bookseller Reviews
View all
What a rush
This was absolutely incredible!
Loved every single element and more!
Characters. Awesome
Plot. Awesome
Book. Awesome
Just wow. Stunning
Refreshingly different YA fantasy
This book quickly became a member of the 'just one more chapter' club for me. I couldn't put it down, forgoing sleep to find out what happened next. Fast p... READ MORE
A solid entry into ya fantasy!
An interesting ya fantasy, with elements of political intrigue, romance and identity searching.
The plot was a little underwhelming at times, with a l... READ MORE
This book will devour your soul!
4.5 Stars
I had been impatiently waiting for an arc of this book for MONTHS (I fell in love as soon as I saw the cover) and was so grateful to have rece... READ MORE
intriguing and clever
A Romantasy I was supremely invested in pre-publication and was so excited to get my hands on. The world building and it’s adaptations of a world that feel... READ MORE
Synopsis
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 exorcist 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.
Publisher information
- Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK
- ISBN: 9780241635315
- Number of pages: 544
- Dimensions: 196 x 129 x 36 mm
- Interest age: From 14 years
- Weight: 372g
- Languages: English
Customer Reviews
View allForever obsessed with this book!
The moment I started this book it completely consumed me and I didn’t want it to end. It’s been a long time that a book has entranced me as much as this on... READ MORE
You are looking at the BEST BOOK of 2025
Seriously look at this cover!!!
I was gifted an ARC (Thank you!!!) and read this quite slowly but man I loved it.
Its really refreshing to read about... READ MORE
A Romantasy to watch out for in 2025!
To say I'm obsessed with Cruel is the Light is an understatement. I didn't want to put this book down and I was absolutely gutted when I reached the end. I... READ MORE
One of my favourite reads!
I’m not usually one to write reviews, but I had to shout how much I love this book to whoever will listen!
I was so lucky to receive a physical ARC during... READ MORE
“May God protect me from lustful thoughts about Jules Lacroix.” You and me both Selene!!!
4.5
Extraordinary
I was provided with an early digital copy by Penguin Random House and Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
Cruel is the Light is extraordinary. Set... READ MORE
Exorcisms, Betrayals, and Forbidden Love—Oh My!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review
If you’re looking for an action-packed fantasy that throws you headf... READ MORE
Beautiful Blend of Fantasy and Romance in a Demon Filled Rome
This book was one of my most anticipated reads for 2025 and it did not disappoint, can you give a book a prolonged round of applause, because I’d like to g... READ MORE
My first 5⭐️ read of the year, I LOOOOVED Cruel is the Light by Sophie Clark!
I thought this book has a really intriguing, unique and new story that was beautifully written with characters that felt real. Jules and Selene are well th... READ MORE
Fast-paced fantasy with great banter!
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.... READ MORE
Strong debut for duology
Thank you to Penguin Random House and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While there have been ple... READ MORE
YA Romantasy
4 Star
YA Romantasy
Enemies to lovers
Fake dating
3rd person Dual POV
Loved the world building, it takes place in Rome, and it surrounded by demons ... READ MORE
Selene and Jules are great together.
Selene and Jules are great together.
The world building is amazing, it's so thought out and intruiging. Alongside the magic system which is impressive. ... READ MORE
A spectacular debut!
This book was intense, but in the best way imaginable. Cruel is the Light has completely blown my mind and expectations out of the water.
This was a HUG... READ MORE
An epic forbidden romance that will make you question your standards of love.
Characters:
I love these people! All the characters were so well developed and interesting to follow, I very much enjoyed the nuance and exploration of wha... READ MORE
fantastic!
I’m grateful to NetGalley and Random House UK for the chance to read this arc.I was really excited to read this book. It was a little bit difficult to get ... READ MORE
Wow, what a book!!!
First I want to thank NetGalley & Penguin Random House for an arc copy of this book.
This book was such a fun & refreshing read! From the very first page o... READ MORE
Good book but underwhelming
3.5 ⭐️/ 5
Thank you penguin house for the ARC!
I was incredibly excited to read this book; Demons, exorcists, magic and conflicting alliances is ever... READ MORE
You may also like...
Six of Crows
Price: £9.99
Heartless
Price: £9.99
A Language of Dragons
Price: £9.99
The Crimson Moth
Price: £9.99
The Hunger Games Deluxe
Price: £12.99
Our Infinite Fates
Price: £9.99
Fearless
Price: £9.99
Tides of Fortune
Price: £9.99
Fearful
Price: £8.99
A Conspiracy of Charming Monsters
Price: £16.99
Reap & Sow
Price: £18.99
Escape Me
Price: £16.99