Actual review 3.5

This has quite a lot of potential and for the most part got across the line but you can tell that this was a debut novel. There were quite a few parts that felt clunky and I struggled to work out what was going on. I had to go back during the steamy scene because I couldn't work out what had actually happened - spoiler alert, it was the happy ending.

It was a slow start but once I got to the 40% mark, things picked up and I was keen to find out more of the story.

I'd recommend giving it a go

Thank you to Netgalley and Pengiun for the eARC - as always my opinions are my own...and my cats

Thankyou Penguin Random House Australia for the approval.

"Serpent & Dove" vibes, and oh so thrilling. The suspense and danger had me on the edge of my seat! Coupled with a budding romance that neither MC wants to submit to, this is a novel I couldn't put down.
Based in Rome and more specifically, The Vatican, this novel is a rewrite on modern Christianity with a demon/assassin twist. Oh, and a romance to die for!

Classic enemies to lovers that has the tension of a bridge cable, the plot along with the romance sub plot is a perfect mix. This is a fantasy first- more urban fantasy- romance second novel that is YA suitable for ages 16yrs and up (my own opinion).
Characters being played against each other, leaders covering up the trust (and execution for stepping out of line) - our main characters find themselves in a deadly game with even deadlier people, and both have secrets of their own.

Perfect for fans of "Frostblood", "Empire of the Vampie" and "The Dagger & the Flame".
4.5 stars 🌟

Cruel is the Light is fun, energetic new take on the YA fantasy genre. Blending elements from Empire of the Vampire, the Shadowhunter series and Divine Rivals, this book is a must read for anyone after their next YA obsesession.

I thought that Selene and Jules were both compelling leads with great chemistry. There's just perfect amount of mystery surrounding their backstories, which kept me intrigued and wanting to know more. The plot also moved along at an enjoyable pace, letting me connect with the characters without ever feeling slow.

If there were any weaknesses, it would be that some elements of the novel felt a little too derivative of other YA fantasy books. However, this is only a mild issue, as I whenever the novel started to feel too predictable, there was always a new twist or suprise that made the novel feel fresh and innovative.

I am eagerly awaiting the next in the series, and am looking forward to reading whatever else Sophie Clark releases in the future.

Thanks so much to Penguin Random House Australia and NetGalley for providing this advanced copy. It is very much appreciated.

5/5 stars!!

This book had everything i want in a book. Europe vibes, enemies to lovers, swoon worthy romance, hidden identity, he fell first, one bed trope??

Clark absolutely smashed it out the park with this one

Cruel is the light 3 stars
Let me start by saying the artwork on this cover is absolute perfection.

A brutal war between demons and humans has been raging in Europe for over a century.
We meet Selene a powerful exorcist who graduated top of her class and known to all in the Vatican as the Butcher of Rome and a gifted orphaned solider Jules. A chance run in with a formidable demon leaves Selene looking for answers and Jules questioning everything he has ever known. Together, they must collaborate to uncover the looming threat to Rome, all the while navigating the growing feelings between them.

The plot of this book is quite captivating. However, the extensive world-building in the beginning felt somewhat overwhelming and confusing. Additionally, the pacing of the timeline and the use of complex adjectives made it challenging to follow along.
Although I did not particularly enjoy the book in its entirety, I must say that the cast of characters was exceptionally entertaining and well-written. The final 20% of the book showed good improvement and managed to redeem itself in my eyes. As a result, I have decided to add the second book in the series to my to TBR, as I am curious to see where the story goes from here.

I strongly feel like this book could be massively improved and an easy 4-5 star read with a decent round of editing I would also class this book as an Upper YA read.