Poetry Book Reviews

Andrew Chiniche shows himself to be a poet in a class all his own, displaying his storytelling whimsy, dark descriptive powers, and deep understanding of ethereal connection in his new collection, The Ring of Azurmus.

Inspired by cards of the tarot deck, and brought to life through stories that surge and fade like smoke, this poetic saga is unique, like a handwritten spell book for romance. The language is not only carefully chosen, but also playful and unpredictable: Alice is the Chalice / and the lynchpin in my search / for the Talisman. These moments of poetic grace are refreshing […]

Using mystical imagery and plaintive language, poet Andrew Chiniche weaves a powerful experience of magick poetry in Gaze the Moon.

Centered largely on deep soul love that transcends common ideas of connection and romance, the poems vary wildly, from heartfelt and straightforward to abstract puzzles of symbolism. At times, the pieces resemble adages or mantras, such as the simple “You are the light that makes the darkness worthwhile,” but their brevity doesn’t undercut their weight. They offer the chance to take a breath, process the wisdom being shared, and ready oneself for the next impactful page.

Much of the poetry […]

A kaleidoscopic existence blooms to life on the pages of poet Brian Sluga’s new collection From Now to the End of Time. Self-described as stories, these widely varied poems create an eclectic dreamscape, blending recollections of youth with glimpses of romance and mythology, half-remembered nights out and elusive descriptions of emotion.

Moments of ecstasy are woven through self-reflection and painful losses, offering an unfiltered view of life through an honest, straightforward lens. “Virtue in My Heart” begins How do I always pour my heart out / then it gets trampled / a lingering feeling / on my journey. This sort […]

Poetry has long been linked to spirituality and religion, and Linda Perry McCarthy carries on that proud tradition with Manna for the Hungry, a subtle and powerful collection of her message-laden poetry. Set within the framework of our fast-paced modern lives, in which religious fervor is beginning to wane across the world, McCarthy blends a love of nature and a deep belief in God’s love with a whimsical voice and uniquely memorable verse.

Whether she is exploring the nature of her own dreams or the peaceful switch between seasons, the connections she makes between lived experience and spiritual satisfaction […]