Book Review: Cruel Is The Light by Sophie Clark
Title: Cruel Is The Light by Sophie Clark
Release Date: 21st January 2025
Publisher: Penguin
RRP: $24.99
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Synopsis:
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.
Review:
Cruel is the light scratched an itch in my brain I didn’t know i had! There is something sooo satisfying and deliciously atmospheric about this novel 😍😍 Set in Vatican City, Rome (SO fitting with the dark and lush tone of the book), we have a foot soldier x demon hunter slow burn forbidden romance with high stakes (and when I say slow burn, I mean it’s sloooow and burns bright 🥹✨) and you’re immediately thrust into jam-packed action and war from the very beginning! There is a lot of conflict between worlds and not a whole lot of support for our main characters Jules and Selene. They mostly only have each other, so they have no choice but to work together despite their differences 😌 Of course, this is where it gets really good! I LOVED seeing their personality blossom as they get to know each other better. Their banter mixed with genuine care to help each other out in dealing with their demons really fleshes out both characters, which makes me feel so connected to them! 🥹 I just love seeing the story unfold in all its wonderful glory while witnessing Selene and Jules’ relationship grow 🤍 The yearning was done so incredibly well in this book (as I hoped it would) 🥺 The vibes were perfection, I loved every single fleeting moment that we get of these two as they try their best to stay away from each other 🥹🥹
The world building was elaborate and complex, but does not hinder the pacing of the story! A part of me is still in awe of the fact that this is a debut novel! The author knows how to hook her audience from the get-go! I found myself wanting to jump back into the world every single time I had to put it down 🥹 I was in the middle of a big move too while reading this, and this was the perfect novel to escape to every time!!! ✨ (I also wanted to add a special mention for Sparrow, cause helloooo we need more of him please!!! He has such a significant presence and I ADORE how the author constructed him as an endearing morally grey character!! Sequel when?!??! Asking for a friend at Penguin plus Miss Sophie Clark herself 😭✨✨).
Overall this is an incredible romance fantasy debut and I cannot WAIT for its release and for the world to discover the amazing talent that is Sophie Clark plus the babies Jules and Selene 🥹!! I just know her work is going to captivate many readers! 🥰 Thank you to Penguin for sending over a beautiful physical ARC + final copy in exchange for an honest review! 🤍
