Unleash the Cosmos: A Space Poetry Anthology

by Nathaniel Luscombe (Compiler), Jenni Sauer (Compiler), Effie Joe Stock

Discover a spaceship in your backyard, send your run-on wishes into space, take a bite of space toast, and drink some starlight on tap.

These fifty poems are a love letter to the vast variety of emotions we experience when thinking about the universe. You’re invited to find a cozy spot, look up at the stars, take a deep breath, and revel in the wonders, hope, fear, and heartbreak of the endless cosmos.

Genres: Poetry, Science Fiction, Anthologies, Space

102 pages, Paperback

Published September 30, 2024

About the author

When Nathaniel Luscombe isn’t writing about spaceships and far off planets, he's reading an unhealthy amount of books and recharging for his next project. He grew up in Ontario, between flat fields and square patches of forest, and has been a writer for as long as he’s been a reader. Outside of his full-time job, he runs Dragon Bone Publishing with Effie Joe Stock. He is best known for Moon Soul and Human Scars on Planet Skin. He has also published some poetry collections, and has been featured in several anthologies.

You can follow him on Instagram @nathaniel.luscombe and TikTok/Substack @hecticreadinglife.

Reviews

[Olivia Gratehouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unleash the Cosmos is an absolutely GORGEOUS book of space-themed poetry. There was not one poem in this anthology that I didn’t love. With the exquisite, lyrical prose, this book made me feel like I was curling up under a blanket of stars while drinking a Milky Way latte. This is book for all you stardust souls who want a taste of what it feels like to be one with the cosmos. ✨🪐🌙

[Effie Stock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is genuinely my favorite poetry anthology that I've ever read! Not only are all of the authors incredibly talented, but each poem speaks not only to the expanse of the universe but the relatability of the human heart and experience.

If you want a little pocket book of existential crisis, then look no further 🌙✨️

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.7 stars (5/10 hearts). I enjoy poetry and I enjoy space to a certain extent—I mean, I’m not nuts about it but it sure is pretty and awe-inspiring—so I thought this would be a fun niche read. Well, it was! I guess I’d been mostly expecting Christian poems about God and how Space announces his glory and power, so I was a little surprised to find the anthology mostly poems about emotions and descriptions and general poetry. I liked it, though, once I figured out what exactly to expect. I’m not usually fond of blank verse but these were well done. Most poems weren’t overtly Christian, and some were rather nebulous, not to say puzzling, but for the most part they were nice and clean and I enjoyed them.

My favourites were “Insignificant”…
You were not born to be enough / You were born to glorify / … You are merely human and that is all you were made to be / The world will turn without you carrying its weight on your shoulders / … You are not in control / You are loved by the One who is.…

“Nebula”…
the death of one brings / life to many / how tragic and beautiful the / life of a star….

“The Whole of My Existence”…
I want to read between the stars / and find an offered story / that speaks of hope and love / to those who feel lost...

“Run-on Wishes”…
And they wink out, one by one by one, / caught by the fingers of Someone greater than me, / held gently by Someone stronger than the hold of fear. / Someone who sees every wish I’ve ever made / and cherishes them more than I ever could. / My run-on wishes are in the care of the One who made the cosmos….

“Dawn” …
Space is the place where there is no dawn, / but there it dawns on us / how human we are….

all of which raise this to a 5 star rating; but yeah, I also enjoyed most of the others as well and I’d give most of them 4 stars. Overall, an evocative collection I look forwards to rereading.

I have to close with one of the quotes that haunted me…

They think the universe swallows God / and everything we’ve ever said about him, / yet I see him so world-spittingly big that these / quadrillion-star galactic glories are but / sequins in his floor-length robe…

Cotent: one use of d*mn

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*

[Brett Salter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey guys! I was so very lucky to get to read/review this little gem of a compilation recently. I mean, this baby is overflowing with talented poets, and the poems themselves are just out of this world! The prose is next-level inspirational and also thankfully introspective. Pondering one's place in the literally infinite universe can seem like a tall task to grapple with, but the works in this anthology take something as monumental as boundless space and put personal touches all across the pages. There is love in the emptiness. There is beauty in the severity. There is gravity in the weightlessness. I found myself drawn to the words that seemed to divide but actually brought the whole piece together thematically. My only complaint is I wish some of the isolation vibes weren't so prevalent, but honestly, it doesn't detract from the overall timelessness. That's just my personal opinion and what I look for in poetry. I prefer to not focus on the "I'm so alone" part of poetry. However, at the end of the day, sci-fi is a rather lonely genre, so I get it. Luckily, amidst a sprawling star ocean, it's fantastic to find solace and comfort in the poems of this book.

[Lilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing collection of poetry!
I’ve always enjoyed writing poems about the galaxies myself so to read a whole collection of them was a real treat. There’s something so captivating about the cosmos that can only be unleashed through poetry. And this group of authors did a wonderful job in doing so.

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Amelia E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO CUTE AND TINY!!
Perfect for lovers of space + poetry (obviously 😝)
(I might be slightly biased bc I have several poems in here lol but I genuinely think this is a lovely lil poetry book)

[Abby Draper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! It was a nice palette-cleanser between longer reads. A lot of the poems were beautiful and I highlighted so many verses to go back to.

There were some poems and verses that I think tried too hard to fit the “cosmos” theme, but they did not detract too much from the others! Plus, in an anthology, there will usually be things you love and things you don’t.

So glad I picked this one up!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[K.J. Haakenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am unbelievably honored to be included in this gorgeous and galactic poetry anthology next to so many stunning writers. Breathtaking, cozy, and pocket-sized, "Unleash the Cosmos" is the perfect poetry collection for anyone who loves space and can't help but dream while looking at the stars. It's full of love and life, grief and longing, wonder, adventure, and hope. This is the cosmos unleashed and I couldn't be prouder of it.

Don't forget to look up at the stars if you ever get lost <3

[Kate Lawhon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unleash the Cosmos is an amazing addition to anyone's library. I love poetry and this anthology has everything from whimsical romance, existential longing and dread; and the knowledge that we're not alone in the universe. Poetry is a special way to express what the heart needs to know and this anthology does it perfectly.

[By Book and Bone (Sally) · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I absolutely loved the idea of this collection, the poems were hit and miss. Though to be fair, that is largely the same with other multi-poet collections.

Several of the poems were very good, and overall I had fun reading a poetry collection based on space.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kelly Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this for a friend, then sat down and accidentally read it all myself. It's absolutely lovely. And I'm not even a poetry person.

[Naito Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to poetry, I often need to be in a particular headspace to fully appreciate the rhythm and brevity of the form. Poetry collections can be unpredictable, making it hard to know what you're in for. However, when I came across Unleash The Cosmos, a space-themed poetry anthology featuring several poets, I knew I had to give it a try. The experience was nothing short of refreshing.

Reading this collection felt like a call to escape—to go camping on a summer night, far from the reach of civilization and light pollution, to simply lay down and gaze up at the vast expanse of the sky. The poems in Unleash The Cosmos evoke that same sense of wonder and connection, making you feel at once small and significant, lost in the beauty of the universe.

Some poems, like "Insignificant," had a meditative quality, gently reminding you of your place in the cosmos and helping you put your problems into perspective. Others, such as "Lineage: Space Explorers," took a more sci-fi approach, whisking you away on a journey through the galaxy. Pieces like "Farewell to Stardust," "Dust," and "Hello Universe" explored the theme of humans as integral parts of the universe, leaving you with a profound sense of belonging.

Overall, Unleash The Cosmos is a wonderful collection that I highly recommend, especially for those moments when you find yourself looking up at the stars. It's a perfect companion for anyone seeking a deeper connection to the universe through the power of poetry.

[William Hoyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't deliberately read books of poetry since Shel Silverstein back in middle school. I broke that streak because I love the writing of Nathaniel Luscombe. Inside this collection, I found a peaceful wash for the soul in contemplation of the infinite. Love, rest, perspective, and grace. Read it if you love space, and need a refilling for your heart.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[NORDIC•MOM•READS · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wanted to read this ARC-collection of poems! I usually don't read poetry, but a book of poems considering the cosmos piqued my interest. Some of the poems or more light hearted, while others are somber, yet beautiful, in tone. I preferred the latter. Naturally, some of the poems are stronger than others; but, with such a mix of talent and backgrounds from the authors, I don't see this as a hinderance to quality. I really enjoyed the works of KJ Haakenson, Nathaniel Luscombe, and Amelia Clawford. But, "Untethered" by Margaret Claire really spoke to me… truly unleashed me to the cosmos.

[Jessica Erdmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I might have lost the fight against Amazon in ordering this copy, but when I finally got it, I quickly realised it was worth the wait.
This was such an interesting poetry collection, and it made me read on public transport again (not only because I carried it with me in my coat pockets, yes it's tiny). I feel so honored to be part of this collection alongside so many other talented writers, and I am so excited to see what the new poetry imprint of DBP has in store for us in the future.
My favorite poems in this collection were 'living in motion' by Nathaniel Luscombe and 'Untethered' by Magaret Claire.

[Payton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A phenomenal anthology of wonderful poems

[Mariella Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Unleash the Cosmos” is a collection of science fiction/space related poetry that covers the gamut of poetry styles from rhyming to free verse to narrative and story poems and offers up work from both new and well-loved indie authors.

It holds a variety of themes, but I felt like much of it all pulled back to the idea that there is something of space and cosmos inside of each of us, inside our spirits, and that in exploring and knowing the cosmos, we can in turn find pieces of ourselves.

One of my favorite lines read, “The world will turn without you carrying its weight on your shoulders.” And I think that speaks a lot to the style of the collection—exploring ourselves and our lives through the lens and imagery provided to us by exploring space.

The cover art is glorious, of course, and I was happy to find that despite not carrying for the rhyming poems and finding some of the poems slightly surface level, there were actually a lot of hidden gems in the collection, and it provided me with a chance to find several new authors who I want to follow in the future so I can read more of their work. My rating will be based on the pieces that I did enjoy though because I found them full of emotion, depth, and fresh imagery and ideas.

“Unleash the Cosmos” is a collection thriving with emotion, discovery, and beautiful imagery. And for me it was the chance to revisit the side of “science fiction” that I love.

Some favorites from the collection include:
Spiraling and Untethered – Margaret Claire
Hello Universe – Effie Joe Stock
Sleepover and Run-on Wishes – KJ Haakenson
Kisses to the Cosmos and Starlight on Tap – Jenni Sauer
Saturn’s Screams – Nathaniel Luscombe
Backyard Spaceship and Eventually – MJ Anthony
Note From a Retired Light Housekeeper, Will we Still be Here when Their Song Reaches Us, A Little too Much, Pace Yourself by the Stars, and Greetings – RC Lloyd

[Charleigh Frederick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing collection of otherworldly poetry! I am so grateful I got to read an ARC of this book! Each poem is a trip to another realm. There's a little bit for everyone. I, in particular, was most captivated by 6 of the poems. Don't miss out on this collection!

[Kristina Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an author of space and sci-fi poetry, I was thrilled to see another collection of space-themed poetry! This collection I think has something for everyone. There are poems which weave lyrical descriptions of the cosmos, connections to humanity (life, loss, hope, love, sorrow, regret), a few with whimsical rhyme, and some with just a touch of the space theme by using keywords like cosmos and galaxy in everyday scenarios. I think it's a great, short collection to get your first exposure to space poetry if you haven't encountered it before. A lovely collection for a seasoned reader of poetry to take a break from some of the more popular metaphors out there while being *out there* among the stars.

Some of my favorites include: Weightless, Dawn, Run-on Wishes, Farewell to Stardust, Space Toast, A Dress of Stars, Alone on Venus, Planetary Collision, Cotton Candy Kisses

I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello people of the internet, this is my first ARC review. Hopefully it’s not completely terrible…

If this is the first poetry anthology I’ve ever read, can I still say it’s my favorite? That was mostly a rhetorical question, because I’m going to say yes. I really enjoyed reading this.

It was magical, and whimsical, and thought provoking. It was wistful, and starry-eyed, and galactic. It’s was, an unleashing of the cosmos.

There were so many poems that stood out to me. So many that made me feel like everything and nothing.

These were some of my favorites:

Insignificant by Jenni Sauer

Cratered Heart by K.J. Haakenson

Hello Universe by Effie Joe Stock

The Galaxy of My Mind by Nathaniel Luscombe

Anthem of the Stars by Amelia E. Clawford

Run-on Wishes by K.J. Haakenson

(In order of appearance)

I’m not really sure what else to say. I hope that some else will see this and want to read this anthology for themselves. I think you’ll really like it. I know I do!

Thank you for taking the time to read this!
~ Victoria :)


*disclaimer
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Margaret Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two of my own poems have found a home in this collection, while I continue to grapple with my home in this big, big universe.

I had the chance to read through this early while the files were being prepared, and I’m in awe by the craft of my fellow poets! Every single one brings something special to this collection. I might be biased, but this is going to be my favorite poetry collection for a long, long time.

Thank you Nathaniel Luscombe, Jenni Sauer & Dragon Bone Publishing for pulling this stunning piece of art together!

[R.C.Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal collection for the dreamers who stare at the sky and paint their emotions on it. Honored to be featured among so many talented poets in this anthology!

[Kristin]

Unleash the Cosmos: A Space Poetry Anthology
By: Nathaniel Luscombe (compiler), Jenni Sauer (compiler), MJ Anthony

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

•••
I had the privilege of reading this ARC and let me just say that I really enjoyed this book. I haven’t read a book of poems in a very long time, and never space poetry, so this was all new to me. Definitely an adventure stepping into this world of space and I was a little disappointed when the book ended, because I was very invested. I had a lot of favorites throughout the book, and every one of the poems were well written.

I found myself highlighting parts to go back and read again, as they caused me to sit quietly and reflect on the vastness of space and my own existence.

Here are a few little snippets of my favorites:

“A Little Too Much”
…Froth sweetened words pour the foamed Milky Way over your collapsing heart…

“Dawn”
…Space is the place where there is no dawn…

“The Whole of my Existence”
…I want to feel the security of one who is sure that the whole of their existence fits safely into the palm of someone else…

“Run-on Wishes”
…My run-on wishes are in the care of the One who made the cosmos…

“Insignificant”
…Listen to the waves or the wind and bask in your cosmic insignificance…

The prose is so beautiful, so enchanting, and so inspirational. I’m thankful to have had the chance to read this.


I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Andreea · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Oh, darling, if the stars themselves are specks, what are we?"

I don't read a lot of poetry, but I love the work of some of the authors in this anthology and the theme sounded fun, so I gave it a go. I'm really glad I did!

The poems are fairly short and digestible, so this makes for a quick read, but the contents are thought-provoking and fascinating despite the compressed format. It's the kind of book you'll want to revisit over and over, and you'll definitely find new meaning to these beautifully crafted little stories every time you read them.

Overall, this is a beautiful little collection of cosmic poetry. If you're a fan of the stars or maybe just a dreamer, you might enjoy and relate to this one as much as I did.

✨ Disclaimer ✨ I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Elsa Singer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute little poetry book that explores the nature of space and our lives interweaving with it! Highly recommend if you're a fan of poetry, space, or both! :D

[Abigail Hawthorne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A varied collection of well-themed poems! I especially loved the pieces by Jenni Sauer and Effie Jo Stock (with Nate Luscombe, Amelia Crawford, and Michaela Bush's pieces also standing out). Some of the pieces were noticably amateur/underdeveloped and would have benefitted from more poetic structure. However, I definitely enjoyed this short collection that packs a punch.

**Thank you to BookSirens and Dragon Bone Publishing for a free eARC of this collection. A positive review was not required. All thought are my own.**

[Abby Schneider · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unleash the Cosmos is a compilation of sci-fi poetry that covers a lot of different subjects with a central theme of focusing on space. I am not usually a poetry reader, but I felt like reading something different. I really enjoyed this set of poetry. I probably did not get as much out of it because I am not used to reading poetry, but I found all of the poems to be meaningful. It added different layers to simple thoughts and ideas and I really enjoyed them. Overall, I would give this anthology 4/5 stars. It was pretty and thoughtful, and easily understandable even to those who don’t usually read poetry.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Zoellerde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am biased on this one, because one of the authors is good friend of mine. Her poem about a transformative journey, kin- & companionship changed my view on life itself.
May the Green Aurora guide your way too!

[labibliofille · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has easily become one of my favorite poetry anthologies. Such a great read, and it was a quick one, too!

[Nathaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so happy to finally get to talk about this book. Earlier this year, I wanted to create a collection of poems that spoke to all the messy emotions we feel when we think about the universe. I know that in my experience, the universe is either comforting or terrifying. It really depends on what's going on in my life. Sometimes the thought of being small in something so big is a concept I really hold close. I need to remember that my life is part of something bigger. Other times the thought is terrifying because I'm scared of losing myself in all that space.

But I'm grounded here on Earth. I'm surrounded by so many amazing people. I'm accomplishing my dreams. These things are my personal universe.

So Unleash the Cosmos is an ode to being part of something so big, and making that big thing my own.

I want to thank Jenni Sauer for tackling this project with me. She is one of my favourite authors and I could not imagine doing this without her. The extra insight and getting to share the workload made this such a pleasant experience.

And I need to thank Effie Joe Stock for the gorgeous cover and formatting. She always goes above and beyond.

I hope you enjoy this collection. It means so much to me and I know it's going to mean a lot to other people.