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Critics Review

• Such a good read

  Val McDermid

• Highly engrossing

  Heat

• Really entertaining and pacy and fun to read, while still playing in that serious emotional territory

  Sara Taylor, author of THE SHORE and THE LAURAS

• Home by Cailean Steed is an absolute triumph, an accomplished and confident debut that is not afraid to examine the dark side of cultish manipulation, while not losing sight of the heart of the story, the vulnerability of those taken advantage of. No-one is more vulnerable than Zoe, the escapee who was born into the cult. I found myself holding my breath, hoping for the best for her, while expecting the worst. Highly recommended

  Laura Shepperson, author of forthcoming debut PHAEDRA

• A daring debut … Intoxicating, powerful and very visceral. Stunning prose, very dark but also filled with hope and love centred around identity and the struggle to find a sense of belonging. I was desperate for a happy ending

  Caron McKinlay, author of THE STORYTELLERS

• Absorbing, moving, and alarmingly believable, Home is an unforgettable story about identity, family, and the terrifying dynamics of a cult

  Carole Johnstone, author of MIRRORLAND

• A totally original debut that I couldn’t stop thinking about and talking about while I read. Believable characters with distinct and unforgettable voices that drew me in and kept me reading far too late into the night. A thought-provoking, moving and clever novel that will stay with me

  Emma Christie, author of THE SILENT DAUGHTER and FIND HER FIRST

• I don’t remember the last time I rooted for a character more than I did for Zoe. The novel is original, captivating and packs a punch. The world of HOME is so well built, the reader is there with Zoe the whole time, and feeling the same frustrations and obligations Zoe does. Such a great read

  Hannah King, author of SHE AND I

• Home is a white-hot gem of a book; brilliantly researched, so gripping and propulsive you’ll want to consume it in one go, but also glowingly, humanly real – a gorgeous work of empathy and psychological verisimilitude. Cailean Steed is destined for great things

  Kirstin Innes, author of SCABBY QUEEN

• A thought-provoking exploration of power, cult mentality and identity. A propulsive and compelling debut

  Rachelle Atalla, author of THE PHARMACIST

• Tense, dark and intriguing, HOME hooked me from the first page. I was on the edge of my seat, rooting for Zoe all the way through. A compelling debut

  Mahi Cheshire, author of DEADLY CURE

• This book has got it all. Queer representation, breakneck pacing, and an intricate, thrilling storyline. There’s so much to this story, layer upon layer of insightful, arresting prose, and I suspect the characters will stay with me for a while.
  Some reviewers have complained about the dual POV, but I just love it when two strands come together at once. The ending was incredibly satisfying and every thread was tied up perfectly

  Vikki Patis, author of Return to Blackwater House

• A thought-provoking depiction of cult life … A very original debut … One to watch

  Irish Independent

• Masterfully written … both enthralling and disturbing in equal turns

  The Scots Magazine

• Page turner, well written and interesting

  Scotland on Sunday

• While Cults are far from new, they currently hold a particular interest for writers and filmmakers… Steed has done their research and the cult aspects of the novel ring true

  New Zealand Listener

• An alarmingly compelling story about searching for and finding the truth

  Good Reading Magazine