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  • Published: 21 January 2025
  • ISBN: 9781761340512
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 512
  • RRP: $28.00

Cruel is the Light





THE EPIC AND SIZZLING ROMANTASY THAT EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT . . . SOON TO BE YOUR NEXT OBSESSION!

Perfect for fans of Powerless, Fourth Wing and Divine Rivals.

THEY SAY LOVE CONQUERS ALL . . .
BUT CAN LOVE WIN IN A WAR BETWEEN DEMONS AND EXORCISTS?

OR WILL IT JUST TEAR THEM ALL APART . . . ?

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.


PRAISE FOR CRUEL IS THE LIGHT:

'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

‘Sinister magic, crackling banter, and sizzling tension’ Emily Thiede, author of This Vicious Grace
‘A story of forbidden love with yearning so keen it cut. . . Bound to be your next obsession.’ Eliza Chan, bestselling author of FATHOMFOLK

‘Drenched with dark magic, woven with complex morals and sprinkled with true love.’ Kika Hatzopoulou, bestselling author of THREADS THAT BIND

‘A powerhouse debut . . . Gripping, vivid and beautifully written’ Vanessa Len, bestselling author of ONLY A MONSTER

‘I'm obsessed . . . and I'm going to need to join an emotional support group in the wait for book two.’

‘This book is for sure to be a new romantasy obsession, and I am hooked. The ending left me itching for more and I cannot wait for the continuation of the story.’

‘It completely consumed me.’

‘I loved everything about this book, from the world building and politics to the lead and side characters, the tension, the simping… ugh so good.’

‘My new obsession, I will never stop recommending this book!’

‘WOW!!!!! . . . This book is PERFECTION!!! A captivating, swoon-worthy perfection that I can't get enough of!’

  • Published: 21 January 2025
  • ISBN: 9781761340512
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 512
  • RRP: $28.00

About the author

Sophie Clark

Sophie Clark is a graduate of Pitch Wars class of 2021 and was mentored by Emily Thiede (This Vicious Grace) and Lauren Blackwood (Within These Wicked Walls) while working on Cruel is The Light. Her agent fought off five others to represent her. Sophie has a Masters degree in International Relations from the University of Melbourne, and previously worked for the Australian Senate. She now resides in Tasmania, Australia, with a beautiful black and white Border Collie called Indy.

Also by Sophie Clark

See all

Praise for Cruel is the Light

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

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, internationally bestselling author of ONLY A MONSTER and NEVER A HERO

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, 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 VICIOUS GRACE and THIS CURSED LIGHT

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TRAILER | Cruel is the Light by Sophie Clark

Read More: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/cruel-is-the-light-9781761340512 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 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.

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