AN INSTANT NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER THE EPIC AND SIZZLING YA ROMANTASY THAT EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT. SOON TO BE YOUR NEXT OBSESSION . . . *This hardback edition features a stunning foiled board design under the dust jacket and full-colour endpapers featuring map artwork by Virginia Allyn.*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. 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. PRAISE FOR CRUEL IS THE LIGHT:‘Sinister magic, crackling banter, and sizzling tension’ Emily Thiede, author of This Vicious Grace‘A masterclass in romantasy . . . Thoroughly scorching’ Bea Fitzgerald, bestselling author of Girl, Goddess, Queen‘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‘A beautifully crafted fantasy. I could not put it down. Dark and romantic, twisting and full of tension.’ Imani Erriu, bestselling author of Heavenly Bodies‘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!’