"Daquin's debut novel The Cruelty, is outstanding in its perception of human-nature and the writers' innate awareness of the depravity of certain human behavior. This taut psychological thriller will keep you guessing and guessing, it's got the addictive quality of a best-seller, with the finesse of a writer who knows how to capture and keep her audience. This is a crucial book in our war against intimate violence and a brilliant read."

-Megha Sood, Poet and Literary Activist. author of award-winning collection, My Body Lives Like a Threat.

"If you are disturbed by the things humans are capable of, The Cruelty doesn't pull any punches, but this isn't a horror novel, if you turn on the news you will see similar examples every day. Women are still the #1 victim of domestic and sexual abuse. Previous abuse, sets anyone up for future abuse. Until we understand this legacy, we cannot find ways to curb it. The Cruelty does a really thorough job of exploring this challenging subject with deep insights. As much as this is a work of fiction, there are many strands of lived truth, readers will be disquieted by. We need these kinds of books to cut a pathway through old tropes. The Cruelty is a fantastically exciting novel where you hold your breath hoping the protagonist will survive against literally all the odds. The unexpected twists and psychological depths are fascinating, terrifying and ultimately redemptive."

-Dr. Belinda Román, Professor, Committee Member with International Federation for Feminist Economics.

"As a big fan of psychological fiction written from the stance of a woman, I found The Cruelty an intelligent, feminist expose of modern culture. With a fascinating female lead, I was on the edge of my seat cheering her on. Through the brutality of her experience, she grows in front of our eyes and fights back in ways unimaginable. I didn't see the ending coming, I don't think anyone can. Finally! A great book that has a finely crafted ending. Bravo! There is absolutely nothing disappointing about this riveting thriller."

-Elizabeth Green, Psychotherapist.

"As a man, I found The Cruelty, a sobering read; evidencing the hideous reality of male-on-female-violence. Whilst disturbing; the novel didn't seek to blame all men, but rather, a society that spawns monsters of any gender. This equality in handling such a tricky subject, is hard to successfully wrangle, but Daquin's writing is stunning, in its precision and comprehension of human nature. This isn't a book that blames men, it's a book about survival, for all survivors."

-Eric Syrdal, Author, Pantheon.

"The Cruelty kept me on tender-hooks. Its ability to pierce the inner-lives of survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, so viscerally, alongside an incredibly beautiful writing style, is riveting and wholly original. What Daquin's managed to do with her fiercely feminist debut novel is nothing short of outstanding. As a voice for her generation and for women, she's accurately nailed the reality behind sexual violence and given us an unforgettable story of survival, that's ultimately both redemptive and hopeful. Watch this author, she's the real deal."

-Rebecca Huston, Screenwriter & Author, Prytain, and Legenderie.