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Cruelty
***NOT SUITABLE FOR YOUNGER READERS***
Once a year, in the caves deep below the house, the Family gathers to perform a ritual to appease their god. But Faroust only accepts payment in blood.
Eliza MacTir, youngest daughter of a powerful Irish family, was born into fae gentry without the magical gifts that have coursed through the Family’s veins for millennia; she was an outcast from her first breath. Desperate for freedom, Eliza’s flight from rural Ireland is thwarted by the Family’s head of security. The only weapon she has to fight her captor is her own awakening sexuality.
Drawn into the world of magic and gods, Eliza must find a way to break free, even if it means breaking the hearts of those she loves, and letting her own turn to stone.
Cruelty, it runs in the Family.
Once a year, in the caves deep below the house, the Family gathers to perform a ritual to appease their god. But Faroust only accepts payment in blood.
Eliza MacTir, youngest daughter of a powerful Irish family, was born into fae gentry without the magical gifts that have coursed through the Family’s veins for millennia; she was an outcast from her first breath. Desperate for freedom, Eliza’s flight from rural Ireland is thwarted by the Family’s head of security. The only weapon she has to fight her captor is her own awakening sexuality.
Drawn into the world of magic and gods, Eliza must find a way to break free, even if it means breaking the hearts of those she loves, and letting her own turn to stone.
Cruelty, it runs in the Family.
- GenresFantasy
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
36 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Croshain
7 books11 followersEllen Crosháin is a Northern Irish writer, now living and working in South Wales. With a Northern Irish father and an Irish mother, she is the eldest of four children. Her entire childhood was spent with her head either in the clouds or in books.
She has a wide range of interests. She is a classically trained singer and is a member of her local Church choir. She loves to cook, especially baking. She makes an excellent chocolate and Guinness cake. Oddly enough, she loves to read and really does read everything from comic books to classic literature. If it's interesting, she'll read it but Fantasy and Gothic or Horror are her favourites.
Every draft of everything she's ever written is done by hand in a series of beautiful notebooks. She finds that there is something more organic, more real, about the process of creating a story if it's done by hand first.
Ellen currently lives on the outskirts of Cardiff, with her Scottish husband and a small army of guinea pigs.
She has a wide range of interests. She is a classically trained singer and is a member of her local Church choir. She loves to cook, especially baking. She makes an excellent chocolate and Guinness cake. Oddly enough, she loves to read and really does read everything from comic books to classic literature. If it's interesting, she'll read it but Fantasy and Gothic or Horror are her favourites.
Every draft of everything she's ever written is done by hand in a series of beautiful notebooks. She finds that there is something more organic, more real, about the process of creating a story if it's done by hand first.
Ellen currently lives on the outskirts of Cardiff, with her Scottish husband and a small army of guinea pigs.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 5, 2015
I loved this book. I'll admit, I started reading and was worried it was a fantasy version of Fifty shades of Grey but was relieved to discover it was much more. A wonderfully written story that balances lust, romance, intrigue, humour, and celtic mytholgy. The trio of main characters, Eliza, Cornelius and Faroust are wonderfully crafted. Plus its great to see a book with genuine Irish dialect. Faroust steals the show in my opinion, making Eliza a better character, through him. Eliza's transformation through the story is inspiration as she is tried and tested and driven to become more than even she had hoped. Well done Ellen Croshain, I await Cruelty two with much anticipation.
June 19, 2016
Cruelty is a dark fae and magic based story with adult content and themes; it certainly lives up to its title. Personally, I haven’t read many books with high sexual content i.e. sex being the main plot device to move the story forward and entangle characters and the relationships. I’m certainly not against it; I’ve just always assumed it’s not my thing. However, I thought ‘maybe I don’t know what I’m missing?’ and I’m always trying to be open minded, so Cruelty has been my chosen text. Did I enjoy it? Or did it just confirm my initial thoughts? I guess you’ll have to read this review to find out.
The story begins with Eliza being hunted and caught by an employed torturer to return her back to her family. Eliza comes from a family with magic, but she herself has none. She has fled to no longer be a shame or burden on her family and because the actions and cruelty of her family aren’t very tasteful to her. It isn’t long before she realises she must do anything to escape. This is the catalyst for everything that follows and the threads are very well written and put together.
The dynamics between Eliza and a few initial characters are engaging at the beginning, and it’s not long before the content get’s very adult, both in abusive and sexual content. As I say, I’m generally indifferent to stories with high sexual content, but gave the initial scene a read. It was perhaps too graphic for my taste and after this I started to find myself skipping through scenes so I could read the rest of the story; I liked the plot and did want to know where the story was going. A quarter of the way through the story the use of sex as a plot device made a lot more sense. Something happens, no spoilers from me, and I understood the layers and attachments that were created by showing the initial sexual experiences. I guess such layers could still be achieved without the scene, and following scenes, being so graphic, but it’s all a matter of taste I guess. The detail is done for complete disclosure, realism and to appeal to the target audience and in that respect works well.
The story hops from one emotionally, physically, and mentally abusive relationship to enough, while mixing them all, and it was intriguing to see how it all played out. Croshain’s story is well developed, move’s at a good pace and made we want to find out how the plot developed, and this is why I kept reading while happily skipping through the sex scenes.
Having finished the story I really enjoyed a lot Cruelty’s plot dynamics, the magic and the characters are certainly memorable. I’m glad I gave it a go, and did enjoy the story as a whole, but I don’t think my personal view on certain adult content has been revolutionised. I would give it a 3/5, but as can be seen from other reviews, those who like this sort of thing are giving it 5/5 so I’ll be both subjective and objective and balance my review by giving it a 4/5. If your tastes do match the genres and adult content, or that you don’t mind it, then this story is certainly worth a read.
The story begins with Eliza being hunted and caught by an employed torturer to return her back to her family. Eliza comes from a family with magic, but she herself has none. She has fled to no longer be a shame or burden on her family and because the actions and cruelty of her family aren’t very tasteful to her. It isn’t long before she realises she must do anything to escape. This is the catalyst for everything that follows and the threads are very well written and put together.
The dynamics between Eliza and a few initial characters are engaging at the beginning, and it’s not long before the content get’s very adult, both in abusive and sexual content. As I say, I’m generally indifferent to stories with high sexual content, but gave the initial scene a read. It was perhaps too graphic for my taste and after this I started to find myself skipping through scenes so I could read the rest of the story; I liked the plot and did want to know where the story was going. A quarter of the way through the story the use of sex as a plot device made a lot more sense. Something happens, no spoilers from me, and I understood the layers and attachments that were created by showing the initial sexual experiences. I guess such layers could still be achieved without the scene, and following scenes, being so graphic, but it’s all a matter of taste I guess. The detail is done for complete disclosure, realism and to appeal to the target audience and in that respect works well.
The story hops from one emotionally, physically, and mentally abusive relationship to enough, while mixing them all, and it was intriguing to see how it all played out. Croshain’s story is well developed, move’s at a good pace and made we want to find out how the plot developed, and this is why I kept reading while happily skipping through the sex scenes.
Having finished the story I really enjoyed a lot Cruelty’s plot dynamics, the magic and the characters are certainly memorable. I’m glad I gave it a go, and did enjoy the story as a whole, but I don’t think my personal view on certain adult content has been revolutionised. I would give it a 3/5, but as can be seen from other reviews, those who like this sort of thing are giving it 5/5 so I’ll be both subjective and objective and balance my review by giving it a 4/5. If your tastes do match the genres and adult content, or that you don’t mind it, then this story is certainly worth a read.
April 27, 2018
A twisted story of family heritage gone bad and family loyalty with a forsaken heroine that finds her own after running from her beloved family. I simply loved Eliza, Faroust and Cornelius. What a wonderfully inventive tale that shakes the foundation of faith and the ties that bind family us together. Miss Croshain has crafted a masterful story of love, lust, horror and suspense.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
August 27, 2015
Haunting. Twisted. Passionate. Cruel. Gripping.
Eliza thinks she is worthless to her family – Barren, unable to do magic, not even worth much as a marriage bargain. Found after an attempt to flee, she makes a bargain with her captor, and becomes his partner – and soon finds out that to protect the Family, they have to understand the truth about the God who has protected them for thousands of years…
It’s almost horror, but for the humanity. Almost erotica, but for the twisted suspense of the plot. Almost a love story, except for the warped, painful morality. Almost real, except for the magic. And somehow, every strand of the story, every twist of the plot and twitch of the characters, all comes together into a gripping, painful and brilliant read.
I read this book all in one go, and then went back to it; it’s one that I can dip in and out of, yet is no less horrifying or gripping for the second or third reads. There is a lot of (very well-written) sex, violence and horror; the sex is frequent, but does spin the plot along to a certain extent, and the violence likewise serves to remind us exactly what is at stake. The Family and all of its members are contrary, changeable, human and believable and understandable. Eliza is manipulative and annoying, but still a heroine, dangerous and brave; Faroust is capricious, cruel and gentle by turns, and Cornelius’ character arc is very well written. The plot is strong throughout the book, with twists that I couldn’t even start to predict; the magical aspect is explained well, and doesn’t dominate. And the ending…beautifully cruel, delightfully twisted, and still horrible even when we know the baddy entirely deserves it.
Overall? A twisted, horrifying, lust-filled, gripping and wonderful read that I would highly recommend.
Eliza thinks she is worthless to her family – Barren, unable to do magic, not even worth much as a marriage bargain. Found after an attempt to flee, she makes a bargain with her captor, and becomes his partner – and soon finds out that to protect the Family, they have to understand the truth about the God who has protected them for thousands of years…
It’s almost horror, but for the humanity. Almost erotica, but for the twisted suspense of the plot. Almost a love story, except for the warped, painful morality. Almost real, except for the magic. And somehow, every strand of the story, every twist of the plot and twitch of the characters, all comes together into a gripping, painful and brilliant read.
I read this book all in one go, and then went back to it; it’s one that I can dip in and out of, yet is no less horrifying or gripping for the second or third reads. There is a lot of (very well-written) sex, violence and horror; the sex is frequent, but does spin the plot along to a certain extent, and the violence likewise serves to remind us exactly what is at stake. The Family and all of its members are contrary, changeable, human and believable and understandable. Eliza is manipulative and annoying, but still a heroine, dangerous and brave; Faroust is capricious, cruel and gentle by turns, and Cornelius’ character arc is very well written. The plot is strong throughout the book, with twists that I couldn’t even start to predict; the magical aspect is explained well, and doesn’t dominate. And the ending…beautifully cruel, delightfully twisted, and still horrible even when we know the baddy entirely deserves it.
Overall? A twisted, horrifying, lust-filled, gripping and wonderful read that I would highly recommend.
April 27, 2018
This books is interesting for those who like romance that explores BDSM and the supernatural.
Eliza is considered different in her family. She has no magic. This adventure begins because she ran away from the family. They send someone they call the Cruel to bring her back. She fights him when he finds hers and then convinces him to at least make her life easier when he takes her back to the family.
Cornelius is the Cruel. He is the family spy and protector of their secrets. He makes sure normal people never find out about them. He is also the one that is sent out find those that run away and punish them for abandoning the family. When he finds Eliza, he enjoys her fiery spirit so much and her devious mind that her goes along with her idea that she was taken from the family instead of having run away.
This is a must read if you want to know what and why this family is hiding from the world.
Eliza is considered different in her family. She has no magic. This adventure begins because she ran away from the family. They send someone they call the Cruel to bring her back. She fights him when he finds hers and then convinces him to at least make her life easier when he takes her back to the family.
Cornelius is the Cruel. He is the family spy and protector of their secrets. He makes sure normal people never find out about them. He is also the one that is sent out find those that run away and punish them for abandoning the family. When he finds Eliza, he enjoys her fiery spirit so much and her devious mind that her goes along with her idea that she was taken from the family instead of having run away.
This is a must read if you want to know what and why this family is hiding from the world.
March 2, 2015
If you like your fantasy Guinness-dark, laced through with mythology and magic, then you'll enjoy Ellen Croshain's debut novel.
Eliza has run away from her repressive family, an ancient Irish line in thrall to a demon-god that inhabits the caves under their land. The Cruel, her father's enforcer, is sent to bring her back, and Eliza fights back with the only weapon she has, her blossoming sexuality. But when she comes to the attention of the god her family worship, she uncovers a history of lies and cruelty stretching back hundreds of years. Can Eliza break the stranglehold Faroust has on her family? She must embrace her own magic, and her own destiny, if she is to break free.
"Cruelty" draws heavily on Irish legend and conjures up a sexy blend of magic, devillry, witchcraft and erotica that will keep you enthralled to the last.
Eliza has run away from her repressive family, an ancient Irish line in thrall to a demon-god that inhabits the caves under their land. The Cruel, her father's enforcer, is sent to bring her back, and Eliza fights back with the only weapon she has, her blossoming sexuality. But when she comes to the attention of the god her family worship, she uncovers a history of lies and cruelty stretching back hundreds of years. Can Eliza break the stranglehold Faroust has on her family? She must embrace her own magic, and her own destiny, if she is to break free.
"Cruelty" draws heavily on Irish legend and conjures up a sexy blend of magic, devillry, witchcraft and erotica that will keep you enthralled to the last.
February 28, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
That being said, I loved it. This is a story that starts off strong and builds up momentum from there. Eliza is the only member of an Irish Fae family born without a shred of magic and as such she is treated like a cripple they are ashamed to have around, all except for one, the 'Hound', another fae treated almost as bad as Eliza. Unable to bear the shame she feels she brings to the family, she runs away to spare them from her flaws, and so the Cruelty begins.
The story has vibrant, intense emotions as well as heartbreaking and thrilling love scenes. As Eliza's sexuality comes alive, so does her need to survive at all costs. Layer upon layer of intrigue and misdirection are gradually unravelled until a stunning ending. I am not really sure what I liked the most, the characters or the highly original story. Of the characters my favorite is the 'Cruel' as he handled himself well in various circumstances. Even the bad guy is well drawn and sympathetic to a certain degree.
I hope there is a sequel or prequel to this as I would get it in a heartbeat. This is a must buy!
That being said, I loved it. This is a story that starts off strong and builds up momentum from there. Eliza is the only member of an Irish Fae family born without a shred of magic and as such she is treated like a cripple they are ashamed to have around, all except for one, the 'Hound', another fae treated almost as bad as Eliza. Unable to bear the shame she feels she brings to the family, she runs away to spare them from her flaws, and so the Cruelty begins.
The story has vibrant, intense emotions as well as heartbreaking and thrilling love scenes. As Eliza's sexuality comes alive, so does her need to survive at all costs. Layer upon layer of intrigue and misdirection are gradually unravelled until a stunning ending. I am not really sure what I liked the most, the characters or the highly original story. Of the characters my favorite is the 'Cruel' as he handled himself well in various circumstances. Even the bad guy is well drawn and sympathetic to a certain degree.
I hope there is a sequel or prequel to this as I would get it in a heartbeat. This is a must buy!
March 11, 2018
This is a great book from start to finish. Dark, Gritty, and Passionate. I was pleasantly surprised that I liked The Cruel. I would love to this turn into a series.
I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.
I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.
March 4, 2020
Audible:I found this book to be really good! There was a bit more kinky sex than I needed to hear about,but ALEXA did warn me everytime I picked it up again that it was for mature audieces.For 5000 years atwo yearly tributes are offered to the first god of a clan to keep them protected.Eliza is an oddball.She supposedly has no powers and is chosen as concubin of the god.Many twists and turns later and we will see who has all the power.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews