Title

When I first saw the title, I thought that this would be a romance-based book. However, when I finally saw it, I realised that it was actually a poem book. This was a pleasant subversion of my expectations. I think that the title really does fit the overall mood. After all, aren’t poems little words that contain the emotions and the ideals of the masses?

Cover

The cover is very lovely. I like the flowers and the way the fonts are positioned. The title fonts look very pretty and I am happy for whoever made this cover. The author name, however, could be a little clearer. Maybe a larger font would mend that problem. Additionally, I think that the subtitle needs a lift. By that, I mean that it can weigh little more higher. Other than that, I personally think that the muted tone of the cover is fitting for a gloomy atmosphere. This gives me a good idea as to what I should be expecting while reading this poem book.

Blurb

There isn’t really much of a blurb. So I have no idea how I’m supposed to grade this part. I suppose that it is very straight to the point and doesn't leave room for people thinking that this might be a romance book. It tells us exactly what to expect and it is very blunt and straightforward.
However, to be honest, I don’t think that it really counts as a blurb? Although you can say that, it could be a blurb? I don’t know. All I know is that I am ready to dive in. Let’s show the world jut how bad I am at grading poetry!

First Chapter

The first poem is title, The shadows will rise (lower cap intended). When I first saw the title, I was like “Damnnn, Vex is gonna love this!” My other thought was, “Alright! This is cool. Shadows are always a win.”
It speaks of hiding in a shadow. Being overruled and suppressed. I suppose that this could also mean the rejection of suppressive traditions. It is a very strong yet elegant poem, which shows the burden of the suppressed and the overpowered. Soon enough, they can only handle so much until they decide to snap. And there, ladies and gentlemen, you have every revolution on earth, ever.

This reminds me of the French Revolution the most. But I doubt the author had revolution in mind when they wrote this poem. I just think that this could be another poem, that when turned into a song, could be sung by the next batch of revolutionaries since Les Miserables. *cue Do You Hear The People Sing?*

My favourite line from this first poem has to be this:

Protecting others from monsters insight (there should probably be a space between in and sight)
But here come(s) the light
We need to flee (,) we need to take flight
Back to the darkness as fast as we might

Chapters That Follow

The next poem takes on a more romantic feel compared to the grim first chapter. This poem is more about two lovers drifting away from each other. As they begin to drift away, so does their love for each other. But the poet, the one writing this poem to their lover, I still hopeful. But in the end, it is said that they are always going to be there, even if they will only be best friends and nothing more. No matter what, they are always going to be there for their drifting away lover.

This poem, admittedly, is a bit heartbreaking. But more accurately, it seems a bit sweet to me? Maybe I’m just a cold and bitter individual, but the poem felt more endearing to me. 

This third poem is about partnerships; about the relationships in life. Everything is in pairs, so why don’t we be pairs together? ;) Alright, in all seriousness, this poem could have made more of an impact had it not been for the glaring grammatical errors that I spotted. I like the fact that these poems are all about emotion, but the grammar errors are just, I don’t know, too there to not notice?

The fourth poem is about drifting friendship? Sorry, I am bad at poetry so I’m not quite sure what this poem means. However, from what I can gather, friends are drifting away and the poet knows that one day, she will be left alone. Friends, drifting away, and becoming friends with other people while the poet is left alone. The poet wants to talk to their friends, but they just feel too awkward to do it.

The rest of the poems follow many themes. But a lot of them are emotional. Reading poetry is great! It’s a brand new experience, that’s for sure. Although it is a little hard for me, personally.

Grammar

There is nothing wrong with the vocabulary. I would say that the vocabulary that you used is around average to a tad bit above average. However, there were times when you missed a few words or a conjunction that should have been there. There were also a few missing commas. When it comes to poetry, although we don’t usually follow that same rules in grammar, it is still a good idea to add those commas since they help clarify the poems.

Overview

Overall, this was a nice read and I had a nice time trying to decipher what the poems meant. My favourite poem has to be the shadows one. I just like it so much. If anyone says they hate it, ping me and I shall whip their arses into pie. It is just too good. If you improve on the grammar and maybe explore you vocabulary and use more words, I think that this would be much better. Keep being awesome and never stop writing. In the end, it is your passion!

Reviewed by: Lyssa