Tag: poetry

A Journey of Perspective (GROWTH) by Dune Stewart Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Dune Stewart shares a personal journey of tackling depression, anxiety and identity through powerful personal narrative and poetry in the collection “A Journey of Perspective (GROWTH)”.

The Synopsis

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**A Journey of Perspective** by Dune Stewart is an evocative exploration of the human spirit, captured through a powerful blend of poetry and personal narrative. Written during a time of deep introspection, this collection delves into the raw emotions of depression, anxiety, and the search for identity. Stewart’s words paint a vivid picture of the struggles and triumphs that define our lives, offering readers a chance to see the world through the lens of someone who has faced darkness and found the strength to rise above it.

From poignant reflections on love and loss to candid discussions about mental health, Stewart’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and self-discovery. This book is not just a collection of poems—it’s a testament to the enduring human spirit and the belief that even in our most challenging moments, there is always hope.

*A Journey of Perspective* is a must-read for anyone seeking solace in their struggles, inspiration in their journey, and a reminder that we are never truly alone.

The Review

This was such a personal and heartfelt collection of poetry. The imagery and raw nature of the collection allowed the reader to view the journey that the author took to heal and find himself amidst the issues he was facing. The relatability and honesty that the author and poet conveyed in these poems will strike a harmonious chord with readers who are facing similar situations as the author.

What stood out was how the author’s writing style came across as a balance of stream-of-consciousness with artistic flair. The author was able to bring powerful themes of mental health struggles, body image struggles, and depression to these poems without being too on the nose with them. This allowed the reader to feel the raw emotions of the poems and the notes of hope that are peppered throughout the book, bringing a sense of inspiration.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, engaging, and memorable poetry, author Dune Stewart’s “A Journey of Perspective (Growth)” is a must-read poetry collection. The hopeful tone and the relatability of the author’s struggles and achievements when dealing with mental health made this a personal and promising read. If haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I wrote my first book thinking I was becoming a recluse as a result of feeling lonely, but it quickly changed once I harnessed my energy into the act of writing poetry. I found myself beginning to regain who I had lost, and I will always be grateful for the craft.

In addition, I am a professional photographer, podcast host, and twitch streamer. You can find my photography at Dune Stewart Photography, my podcast at Do You Like Ice Cream? : An Artist Podcast, and my twitch profile at R2DUNE2.

https://www.dunestewart.com

The Glass Lodge: 20th Anniversary Edition by John Brady McDonald Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author and poet John Brady McDonald presents the work that gave birth to a powerful poet in the book “The Glass Lodge: 20th Anniversary Edition”.

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The Synopsis

John Brady McDonald, MBSFA, a Nêhiyawak-Métis multidisciplinary artist and writer from Treaty Six Territory in Saskatchewan, Canada, is an award-winning author of multiple books who has presented at literary festivals around the world. Before all this, however, he was a young, urban Indigenous youth, struggling with addictions, the streets, and the pain and turmoil of intergenerational trauma as a residential school survivor and the child of residential school survivors.

These raw, lyrical poems are a glimpse of the birth of a poet, recklessly using language and words with abandon and without restraint. It is the poetry of an individual experimenting with the language, mixing the influences of Shakespeare and Jim Morrison with the teenage-Goth writing style of youth-the base metals from which a lifetime of words was forged.

Originally published by Kegedonce Press in 2004, The Glass Lodge was presented across Canada and the United States at esteemed festivals. Chosen for the First Nations Communities Read program, it was also nominated for the Anskohk Aboriginal Book of the Year in 2005.

Now, here is that seminal work in a brand-new edition, re-edited and restored, illustrated with images of many of the original, handwritten poems, and with author’s notes providing frank, fascinating insight into what gave rise to each of these verses: the outpouring of language that marked the birth of a remarkable writer.

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The Review

A masterful and compelling read, author John Brady McDonald does a fantastic job of conveying the emotional experiences and intense emotions that defined his young life at the time of the original publishing of this collection. The imagery and artistic nature of the writing kept the reader engaged with the experiences the author was writing about, sharing that emotional bond that good poetry forms between poet and reader. 

The powerful themes and the deep cuts accompanying each poem were the heart of this collection. The early poems deal with some of the toughest, darkest experiences in the author’s life, from bullying and addiction to so much more, while later poems speak of the lens through young writers’ view of love without the decades of experience that follow. The author wrote each poem with a new glimpse into the actions and experiences that they embodied and engaged with the reader in a whole new light.

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The Verdict

Thoughtfully curated, engaging, and an emotional collection, author John Brady McDonald’s “The Glass Lodge: 20th Century Edition” is a must-read poetry collection. The fast pacing and the personal themes the author explored with such honesty and creativity will keep readers coming back to this collection over and over again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

John Brady McDonald, MBFSA, is a Nehiyawak-Metis writer, artist, historian, musician, playwright, actor and activist born and raised in  Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. He is from the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and the Mistawasis Nehiyawak.  The great-great-great grandson of Chief Mistawasis of the Plains Cree, as well as the grandson of famed Metis leader Jim Brady, John’s writings and artwork have been displayed in various publications, private and permanent collections and galleries around the world, including the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.  John is one of the founding members of the P.A. Lowbrow art movement, and served as Vice President of the Indigenous Peoples Artists Collective for nearly a decade. John also served a term as vice-chair of the Board of Directors for Spark Theatre, and as a Senator with the Indigenous Council Committee of CUPE Saskatchewan. 

John is the author of several books, and has had his written works published and presented around the globe.

John has studied at England’s prestigious University of Cambridge, where in July 2000 he made international headlines by symbolically ‘discovering’ and ‘claiming’ England for the First Peoples of the Americas. John is also an acclaimed public speaker, who has presented in venues across the globe, such as the Anskohk Aboriginal Literature Festival, the Black Hills Seminars on Reclaiming Youth, The Appalachian Mountain Seminars, the Edmonton and Fort McMurray Literary Festival, the Eden Mills Writers Festival and at the Ottawa International Writers Festival. John was also included in the Aboriginal Artists and Performers Inventory for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, BC. 

John’s artwork and writing have been nominated for several awards, and he is the winner of the 2024 Saskatchewan Book Awards Non-fiction Award and Indigenous People’s Writing Award.  He has been honoured with several grants from the Saskatchewan Arts Board.  

A noted polymath, John lives in Northern Saskatchewan.

https://artbyjohnmcdonald.weebly.com

Always Haunted: Hallowe’en Poems by LindaAnn LoSchiavo Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Author and poet LindaAnn LoSchiavo share a collection of poems that will explore the reimagining of true crimes and injustices through a Halloween lens in the collection “Always Haunted: Hallowe’en Poems.”

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The Synopsis

Trick or treat twisted with treachery.

Haunting and harrowing visions of All Hallows’ Eve here include horrific crimes committed on October 31st, a honeymoon homicide, mysterious witches, amorous vampires, dead serious poltergeists, along with a pageant of autumnal imagery sure to evoke goosebumps beyond the spooky season. Wearing the cunning costume of a Hallowe’en poetry collection, 24 poems reimagine macabre true crimes and explore injustices brought to life by original artwork.

The Review

What a powerful and remarkable read. The author did a wonderful job of balancing themes of horror and the supernatural with true crime and historical injustice against women. The imagery (both the original illustrations and the imagery in the author’s writing) allowed the reader to be transported instantly into these poetic stories. The infusion of so many styles of poetry, from the almost Shakespearean retelling of the legend of Sleepy Hollow to the modern-day examination of Dracula’s social media presence, allowed the reader to be entertained while tapping into an emotional wellspring that horror and poetry fans can enjoy.

There were many powerful moments found in this book that spoke to the Halloween fan in all of us, as well as the meaningful moments in history when women fell victim to everything from fear to crimes, both social and personal. One great example that was a favorite of mine was Hetty Green, the Witch of Wall Street, showcasing how women are often misrepresented in life whenever they succeed where men have failed. The power of these poems and the way they illustrate how horror often mirrors real life made this a powerful collection.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, highly creative, and entertaining author LindaAnn LoSchiavo’s “Always Haunted: Hallowe’en Poems” is a must-read collection of poetry this fall. The incredible imagery and haunting presence each poem brings will keep readers coming back to this book time and time again. If you haven’t yet, preorder your copy today or get your copy on October 1st, 2024! 

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Native New Yorker LindaAnn LoSchiavo, a four time nominee for The Pushcart Prize, has also been nominated for Best of the Net, the Rhysling Award, and Dwarf Stars. She is a member of SFPA, The British Fantasy Society, and The Dramatists Guild.

Elgin Award winner “A Route Obscure and Lonely” (US: Wapshott Press, 2019), “Women Who Were Warned” (UK: Cerasus Poetry, 2022), Firecracker Award, Balcones Poetry Prize, Quill and Ink, Paterson Poetry Prize, and IPPY Award nominee “Messengers of the Macabre” [co-written with David Davies] (US: Audience Askew, 2022), “Apprenticed to the Night” (UK: UniVerse Press, 2023), and “Felones de Se: Poems about Suicide” (Canada: Ukiyoto Publishing, 2023) are her latest poetry titles.

In 2023, her poetry placed as a finalist in Thirty West Publishing’s “Fresh Start Contest” and in the 8th annual Stephen DiBiase contest.

LoSchiavo is a Prohibition Era historian and her Texas Guinan film won “Best Feature Documentary” at N.Y. Women’s Film Fest (Dec. 2021).

― ― links ― ―

https://linktr.ee/LindaAnn.LoSchiavo

AWARD LINK:    https://thechrysalisbrewproject.com/2024/07/23/book-review-always-haunted-halloween-poems-by-lindaann-loschiavo/AWARD  Press Release:  https://www.newsnetmedia.com/story/51134515/the-chrysalis-brew-project-announces-the-recent-winners-of-the-brew-international-blog-and-book-awards

Blue on a Blue Palette by Lynne Thompson Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author and poet Lynne Thompson shares a tapestry of experiences and emotions from women going through life in the book “Blue on a Blue Palette”.

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The Synopsis

Lynne Thompson’s Blue on a Blue Palette reflects
on the condition of women—their joys despite their histories, and their insistence on survival as issues of race, culture, pandemic, and climate threaten their livelihoods. 

The documentation of these personal odysseys—which vary stylistically from abecedarians to free verse to centos—replicate the many ways women travel through the stages of their lives, all negotiated on a palette encompassing various shades of blue. These poems demand your attention, your voice: “Say history. Claim. Say wild.”

The Review

My first reaction to this masterful collection of poetry was honest and emotional. The vivid imagery in the author’s writing style elevated the passion and themes of these poems greatly, allowing the reader to immerse themselves in the culture and experiences the author conveyed throughout this collection.

The history and ideas that the author confronted in this book were powerful to read. To begin with, the collection tackled everything from racism and sexism to the culture surrounding womanhood and what it means to be a woman. It infused a mixture of humor, wit, and thought-provoking discussion to help showcase the struggle and experiences so many women, including women of color, have had to endure for centuries.

The Verdict

Memorable, honest, and engaging author Lynne Thompson’s “Blue on a Blue Palette” is a must-read poetry collection. The emotion and heart with which the author spoke and the insight that these poems provide for these particular experiences made this collection readers will return to time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Lynne Thompson served as the 2021-22 Poet Laureate for the City of Los Angeles and received a Laureate Fellowship from the Academy of American Poets in 2022. She received her BA from Scripps College and a JD from Southwestern School of Law. After practicing law for many years, Thompson served as the Director of Labor and Employee Relations at the University of California, Los Angeles, for twenty years. Her fourth collection of poems, Blue on A Blue Palette, was published by BOA Editions in April 2024. She’s also the author of Beg No Pardon, winner of the Perugia Press Book Prize in 2007 and the Great Lakes Colleges Association’s New Writers Award in 2008, Start With a Small Guitar (What Books Press, 2013) and Fretwork (Marsh Hawk Books, 2019). A recipient of the George Drury Smith Award for Achievement in Poetry in 2023, she has also received fellowships from the Vermont Studio Center, Summer Literary Series (Kenya), and the City of Los Angeles. Thompson sits on the Boards of Cave Canem, The Poetry Foundation, The Los Angeles Review of Books, and Scripps College where she recently completed a four-year term as Chair of the Board of Trustees. Thompson lives in Los Angeles, California.

Interview with Author Mark Cox

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Interviews1 Comment

Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I have been an academic for almost 40 years, teaching in MFA programs all during that time. I did spend a decade as an industrial painter before I started university teaching, but teaching and writing are what I know best. I’ve been publishing poems in books and/or periodicals for forty years, as well. I became a poet accidentally, really. In sixth or seventh grade I had a teacher named Irma Schiele who saw some talent in me after doing a class metaphor clustering exercise. She had me stay after class and told me to go home, write a poem and have it on her desk in the morning. I did that. She marked it with an A in red ink and said write me another one. That was perhaps 55 years ago, and I have just kept at it. There were times when I concentrated on song lyrics or prose, but I have been writing poetry since that day in grade school. 

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What inspired you to write your book?

Writing books is just what I do. Although there are some older poems in it, most of the book was written in a five-year period between the publication of Readiness and Knowing. That’s probably a constant for me in terms of time. It takes between four and five years for a book to take shape. I revisit and revise heavily. When I was compiling my selected and new poems, Sorrow Bread, I very much had my three children in mind. I felt that I was leaving them a record of exactly who their father was. I feel the same way about many of the poems in Knowing. “Gasoline” is a complex poem that offers a perspective on the divorce that helped shape them. The poems that reference them like “The Song that Never Ends” and “Wonderbread” are particularly dear to my heart. 

What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

I don’t feel it is my job to teach an audience something. I have no expectations of them. It is my job to share my experience, my psychic truth, as best I can with the hope that others might find some value in it. Poetry accomplishes varied things. It connects, it consoles, it challenges, it provokes, and so on. I guess my hope is that my poems connect with readers on the basic human level, making my perspectives known. Knowing, at its core, is about living comfortably with three facts we know for sure. That is, living involves loss, insists on change and ends in death. These constants give value to all human relationships, be they with other people or matters of the spirit. In this sense, the book is as much about not knowing as it is about knowing

What drew you into this particular genre?

Well, I answered this partially above. However, I became devoted to poetry because being a poet is a way of life, a way of being in, and interacting with, the world. Poetry is a demanding art. One learns to accept failure and understand that it is the ongoing process of failing that makes a few limited successes possible. You learn to undertake and enjoy the process of writing for its own sake and the perspective it gives you about your life experience. 

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What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

I am afraid I am pretty old school when it comes to social media; that is, I don’t have a clue! I do have an Instagram account that was helpful in announcing this latest book. And this blog tour the book is on is something very new to me. I hope it will help the book find new readers. 

What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

We writers talk a lot about finding our voices, our authenticity. But I think the important thing is to worry about listening as opposed to speaking. We have to listen to, and trust, our inner voice–pay attention to the ways in which we perceive and experience the world. We need to discover innate patterns, recognize them as such, then be able to question and alter those filters for personal and creative evolution. I would also encourage writers to see themselves as artists and as part of that larger world of creative exploration and expression. Engage all the other arts seriously and learn what you can from them. Within writing, this is true of genre, as well. Don’t limit your exposure to one genre. Engage writing of all kinds as both a reader and practitioner.

What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I have started some poems toward an eighth volume of poetry, but I am mostly working on a screenplay right now. Narrative comes naturally to me. I’ve found I have a knack for understanding the pacing of screenwriting. I enjoy it very much. 

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About the Author

Mark Cox has authored six other volumes of poetry, the most recent being Readiness (2018) and Sorrow Bread: Poems 1984-2015 (2017). He has a forty-year history of publication in prominent magazines and his honors include a Whiting Writers Award, a Pushcart Prize, the Oklahoma Book Award, and The Society of Midland Authors Poetry Prize. He chairs the Department of Creative Writing at UNC Wilmington and teaches in the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA Program.

Available on Amazon and Bookshop.

Tour Schedule:

June 13: The Book Lover’s Boudoir (review)

June 18: Lavender Orchids (review)

June 20: Lavender Orchids (interview)

June 26: Wall-to-Wall Books (review)

July 1: Ashley’s Books (Instagram review)

July 2: Anthony Avina’s blog (review)

July 9: Anthony Avina’s blog (interview)

July 16: The Reading Bud (review)

July 18: The Reading Bud (interview)

July 24: Review Tales (review)

July 30: Savvy Verse & Wit (review)

Aug. 9: True Book Addict (Review)

Aug. 22: The Book Connection (Review)

Follow the tour with the hashtag #KnowingPoems

Knowing: Poems by Mark Cox Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews2 Comments

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author and poet Mark Cox shares the best and worst of the human condition through the poetry collection, “Knowing”.

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The Synopsis

Mark Cox pulls no punches in these candid poems about family, relationships, loss, regret, growing older and our human condition, generally. “Looking back for a low point marking the worst of my insobriety, it might be that signal moment I put out my cigarette in the holy water font of St. Paul’s Catholic church, right in front of the priest, I might add. . . ” Sometimes wry, sometimes tender, always honest and thought provoking, this is the seventh volume of poetry from a lauded veteran poet who has been publishing prominently for almost forty years.

The Review

What immediately stands out from the author’s work is the honesty and depth with which they delve into the themes of this collection. The self-reflection and almost story-like writing style allow the reader to be drawn into each poem, and the author holds no punches as they bring the truth behind each theme that so many readers can identify with.

The themes that the author explores are truly remarkable. The poem True North, for instance, delves into the struggles and downfalls of insobriety, hitting when a person hits rock bottom or comes to see in themselves the narrow path they had put themselves on. Themes of family, divorce, grief, and loss all roll together, connecting the reader with the author profoundly. 

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and honest author Mark Cox’s “Knowing” is a must-read poetry collection. The diverse nature of the themes and the compelling sense of empathy that the poems instill in the reader will stay with them long after the book’s final page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

MARK COX has authored six other volumes of poetry, the most recent being Readiness (2018) and Sorrow Bread: Poems 1984-2015 (2017). He has a forty-year history of publication in prominent magazines and his honors include a Whiting Writers’ Award, a Pushcart Prize, the Oklahoma Book Award, and The Society of Midland Authors Poetry Prize. He chairs the Department of Creative Writing at UNC Wilmington and teaches in the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA Program.

Desolation and Epiphany by James W.A. Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

Author James W.A. takes readers on an emotional and poetic journey through the duality of life in the book “Desolation and Epiphany”. 

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The Synopsis

In his sophomore title and first pure poetry collection, James W. A. explores the duality found in the journey of one’s soul. Drawing from his own history, observations, and imagination, he conjures the misery of younger days, the peace of more mature ones, and the meanings of life and love in both. Found within these pages are stories, musings, dreams, hopes, and emotions that show a progression from sorrow into joy, and the shades of each in the other. Pour a glass, open your heart, and prepare to venture forth with the titular concepts to experience for yourself the darkness of Desolation and the triumphant elation of Epiphany.

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The Review

This was such a moving and engaging book of poetry. The contrast of emotions in this book, the wavering between despair and hope, and the journey one takes to get to that point made this a compelling read. The best example I can find of this contrast of emotions came in the line, “I hate myself for being broken enough to hurt myself and others still and still remain unchanged.” 

The fast pace of the collection and the rich tapestry of emotions kept the reader invested in the author’s work. From the heartbreaking moments of painful experiences to the light and hopeful notes that the poetry takes, each poem is filled with equal amounts of imagery and heart that feel both relatable and inspiring simultaneously. 

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging author James W.A.’s “Desolation and Epiphany” is a must-read collection of poems that is not to be missed. The captivating imagery that the author’s works bring to mind and the breathtaking moments of emotional discovery made this book essential reading for any poetry fan out there. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

James W. A. was born, raised, and lives in the Tampa Bay area in Florida. After graduating the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg’s Honors College, he published his first book, In the Library, in 2015. 

Since then, he has honed his ever-evolving, contemporary style, both creatively and as a professional content writer. While moving away from the dark subjects of younger days, James W. A. seeks to use his experiences, joys, sorrows, and wonders he sees in the world around him to lead others to truth and beauty and share meaningful stories to last the ages. 

https://linktr.ee/thejameswa

Poetry in a Pandemic Vol 1: Changes by H.M. Gooden Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

Author H.M. Gooden presents a collection of poetry and prose that examines life during the pandemic of 2020 in the book “Poetry in a Pandemic Volume I: Changes”. 

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The Synopsis

2020 was a year that changed life as we know it.

In this collection of poetry and prose, Gooden explores her longing for more than her daily routine as she makes her way through a “once in a lifetime” world event.

In the middle of turmoil, she creates magic in the mundane as she examines her life in an honest, poignant, and often irreverent way.

As she reflects on life and all it encompasses through her perspective as a healthcare worker, she proves there can be light even in the darkest of days.

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The Review

This was a compelling and captivating read. The author did an incredible job of not only capturing the atmosphere and emotional state of the world during this horrific time but also of the hope and experiences that brought this author’s experiences to life perfectly. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the formatting and personal nature of these poems. The way the author formatted these pieces to follow a certain path that showcased the author’s life in the first year of the pandemic was an inspired choice, reading these poems showcases the experience of enduring this pandemic as time goes on. The emotional weight of these poems really highlighted the author’s experiences, as did the imagery that went into these poems.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, engaging, and thoughtful, author H.M. Gooden’s “Poetry in a Pandemic Volume 1: Changes” is a must-read collection of poetry and a great psychological and emotional look into the mindset of someone who lived through the 2020 pandemic. The heart and thought that went into these poems and the artistry that went into the writing of these poems made this a must-read book. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

H. M. Gooden has been scribbling on everything since she first learned how to hold a pencil. While often told that her handwriting was atrocious, she persisted, and upon discovering computers and learning how to type, she realized that she was no longer limited by her (admittedly) messy writing.

Unfortunately, life, work, and family have conspired to make it only possible to write in the wee hours or at coffee shops, so most of her love of reading and writing are indulged at times when only vampires and insomniacs abound.

In October of 2017, her love of writing and the characters in the world she created burst into public view in her first book, Dream of Darkness, which follows the adventures of a group of girls fighting evil with abilities that H. M. Gooden would love to have.

When not writing fantasy, H. M. Gooden writes non-fiction pieces exploring the emotions and situations that arise in her day job as a rural family doc. As a result, 4 am has never been busier, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Sign up to H. M. Gooden’s newsletter for information on upcoming releases and other random musings at

https://www.subscribepage.com/hmgooden

Vampire Ventures: Poems by LindaAnn LoSchiavo Review 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

Author and Poet LindaAnn LoSchiavo shares 19 dark and gritty poems that speak to the allure and dangers of living in the confines of death in the collection “Vampire Ventures”.

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The Synopsis

“Vampire Ventures” beckons readers to embrace the mystique of the shadow sphere and savor the forbidden allure of encounters with the undead — be it a moonlit rendezvous, an otherworldly romance, or a seductive soiree thrown by the enigmatic Count himself.  In a realm where immortal desires and human emotions intertwine, 19 poems explore the paradox of “living in death,” a theme central to the vampire mythos.

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The Review

This was a compelling and engaging collection of poetry. The author’s unique writing style does a great job of crafting poetry that both speaks to us emotionally and touches upon great themes while also providing a captivating story that the reader can get lost in. The imagery that the author used in these poems was fantastic, allowing the reader to feel and visualize the gothic elements of the poems themselves coming to life on the page.

The heart of this narrative was the marriage of gothic storytelling and impactful themes that relate to our modern world. From tales of modern dating and the habit of ignoring immediate red flags, to the horror of being driven by uncontrolled nature, this collection was magnificent. The way the author explores vampire lore from both the perspective of the people enthralled by vampires and the vampires themselves makes this equally memorable.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, fast-paced, and thrilling, author LindaAnn LoSchiavo’s “Vampire Ventures” is a must-read poetry collection and just in time for the fall/spooky season. The powerful imagery and fabulous blend of vampire lore and strong themes made this a compelling collection that readers will return to time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Native New Yorker LindaAnn LoSchiavo, a four time nominee for The Pushcart Prize, has also been nominated for Best of the Net, the Rhysling Award, and Dwarf Stars. She is a member of SFPA, The British Fantasy Society, and The Dramatists Guild.

Elgin Award winner “A Route Obscure and Lonely” (US: Wapshott Press, 2019), “Women Who Were Warned” (UK: Cerasus Poetry, 2022), Firecracker Award, Balcones Poetry Prize, Quill and Ink, Paterson Poetry Prize, and IPPY Award nominee “Messengers of the Macabre” [co-written with David Davies] (US: Audience Askew, 2022), “Apprenticed to the Night” (UK: UniVerse Press, 2023), and “Felones de Se: Poems about Suicide” (Canada: Ukiyoto Publishing, 2023) are her latest poetry titles.

In 2023, her poetry placed as a finalist in Thirty West Publishing’s “Fresh Start Contest” and in the 8th annual Stephen DiBiase contest.

LoSchiavo is a Prohibition Era historian and her Texas Guinan film won “Best Feature Documentary” at N.Y. Women’s Film Fest (Dec. 2021).

― ― links ― ―

https://linktr.ee/LindaAnn.LoSchiavo