In the Darkness of Shards: Poems from a Broken Place

by Catherine Anne Castillo

In the Darkness of Shards is a raw, unflinching collection of poetry that explores trauma, love, and the journey of self-reclamation. With piercing honesty, Catherine Castillo reflects on a relationship where love and pain intertwined, exposing the toxic cycles and emotional chaos that shaped it.
Through vivid, evocative verses, she invites readers to examine their own relationships, confront their own hidden wounds and begin their own healing journey.

More than just poetry, this book offers a lifeline for anyone navigating toxic relationships, loss, and transformation. Each verse provides a mirror to the heart and a guide to reclaiming strength through vulnerability. In the Darkness of Shards
is a testament to resilience, showing that even in the darkest moments, self-understanding and empowerment are within reach.

Genres: Poetry

93 pages, Paperback

Published December 22, 2024

About the author

Catherine is a debut author, entrepreneur, and creative enthusiast, driven by an insatiable curiosity and passion for diverse experiences. Originally from Manila, Philippines, she’s a modern Renaissance woman with prowess in healthcare, startups, arts, and innovation. When not immersed in her work, Catherine finds peace in nature, self-care, and lifelong learning. Through her writing, she aims to inspire others to embrace their unique journeys and seize every opportunity for growth, joy, and adventure.
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Catherine är en debutförfattare, entreprenör och kreativ entusiast, driven av en omättlig nyfikenhet och passion för olika upplevelser. Ursprungligen från Manila, Filippinerna, är hon en modern renässanskvinna med skicklighet inom hälsovård, nystartade företag, konst och innovation. När hon inte är fördjupad i sitt arbete, finner Catherine frid i naturen, egenvård och livslångt lärande. Genom sitt skrivande vill hon inspirera andra att omfamna sina unika resor och ta alla möjligheter till tillväxt, glädje och äventyr.
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Catherine es una autora debutante, emprendedora y entusiasta creativa, impulsada por una curiosidad insaciable y una pasión por la diversidad. Originaria de Manila, Filipinas, es una mujer renacentista moderna con experiencia en salud, startups, arte e innovación. Cuando no está inmersa en su trabajo, Catherine encuentra paz en la naturaleza, el autocuidado y el aprendizaje continuo. A través de sus escritos, espera inspirar a otros a abrazar sus experiencias únicas y aprovechar cada oportunidad de crecimiento, alegría y aventura.

Reviews

[Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Castilo reached out asking me to read her book of poems I was originally a little hesitant. Being an individual who either really takes to it, or ends up so bored I fall asleep on the book, I am always careful about the poetry I review. This is definitely one of the poetry books I not only jumped on after reading the description. But one I could not stop reading.

This is a story of a woman who is strong and independent. A woman who is comfortable with herself and where she's at in life. Only to find what she thought was love, which turned out to be an abusive relationship.
As a survivor of DV myself I felt this story not only showed in a sensitive way, how a current victim feels going through the abuse. But also how a survivor starts clawing their way out and toward something better.

I love the feelings you go through reading this book. The sparks of recognition of past trauma, and aspects of narcissistic behavior. While also seeing the light at the end, the strength we all have in us. That sometimes we just need a little help finding. It was very memorable how even after the happy ending. Their are still moments of weakness, of thoughts of the past. Yet the story keeps moving forward, with out shame or blame.

This is one of the few books that I will now be recommending for every survivor, and everyone going through DV. Castillo did a wonderful job of writing enough to relatable. But also not adding in guilt, or talking down to the reader. Even when her poems gain power, its power within the reader, within the words written.

This was a five star read without a doubt. When a book makes you feel as much as this one did, it's hard not to immediately give it five starts. But don't take my word for it, go read it yourself.

#HaveYouReadReviews

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5*

Original review

This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Catherine Anne Castillo!

In the Darkness of Shards is a poetry collection about toxic relationships, trauma, love, and more. All the poems in this poetry collection are raw, heartfelt, and intense. The poems are very direct, making it feel as though Catherine Anne Castillo is speaking directly to you about her trauma and emotions. It was rather beautiful how open the author was about what she went through, her suffering, and her heartache.

This poetry collection reads like one continuous story, and the more you read, the deeper you get into the author's story. It's like you directly experience her heartbreak and trauma, what the pain felt like, and how she slowly built her self-worth piece by piece. Catherine Anne Castillo doesn't romanticize her suffering but shows us how ugly and painful it can truly be.

In the Darkness of Shards is the first poetry collection I read by Catherine Anne Castillo, and I'm pleasantly surprised. I didn't know what to expect, and I really appreciated the directness and openness of these poems. There's little left to the imagination, because you could clearly read what the author went through and how she dealt with it. 

[Beatrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Darkness of Shards by Catherine Anne Castillo is one of the heaviest poetry collection I have read as it deals with toxic relationships. The book really felt personal as if I have a friend telling every horrible thing about their relationship but in our eyes — they look like the perfect couple but in reality they’re not.

As soon as I finished the book the first thing I thought of is “I need a beer or a glass of wine.” (Legit SHOT PUNO) — when I read this book, I am going through pain and everything sunk in. All my pent up emotions — I burst it all out with the help of this book. How I realize I am being gaslighted and my feelings have been invalidated. This book saved me from someone and I am thankful for it because I cut ties.

All I want is to be treated well. That I am worthy and enough. To be loved, accepted and most of all, being respected for who I am. While no one deserves to be traumatized, these experiences taught us that healing takes process. It’s okay to feel the pain while recovering and take your time to rebuild yourself. Walk away without looking back. We all deserve to be happy. May you meet someone who will love you for who you are.

Thank you for reading my lengthy review because I love this collection. My favorite poems are Aftermath and Closure. Thank you so much @thefilipinoshelf for including me for the blog tour and Ms. @caecastillo__ for your heart-shattering poems.

Final rating: 5 stars #tfsinthedarkness #thefilipinoshelf

[bookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review ✨

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I didn't just read this book i felt this book 🤌🏻while reading i cried ,i remembered my pain , i suffered, i broke, I heal , all in once.❤️‍🩹

Something inside me heals when she chose her over him, his ego , his behaviour, his so called love.she was writing about herself but it felt like it was for me , as if she knows everything I have been through 🫠

Her words booked a place in my heart which can never be replaced, her words still echo through me as I write this review:) I felt sorry for her then I feel proud of her for choosing the right path , for choosing what her heart wants , for loving herself, for swearing of never bowing down infront of him , for opening herself and I feel proud of her for writing this book , letting her emotions flow like they were meant to be .

If you have known what pain is , what breaking down feels like , what carrying the bruden which is not even yours, for apologizing again when it's not your fault,for crying untill you feel out of breath then this book is for you ❤️‍🩹

Highly recommended ✨

[Stefanie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely beautiful! The author reached out to my podcast and asked us to give this a read and rate it. I’m not one for poetry, but this book moved me. It was so lyrically written. I felt ALL the emotions that Catherine felt- and it read like a story. A story within her beautiful mind, put into words. This 90 or so pages will hit home and resonate with any and everyone. We’ve all been in toxic relationships- whether it’s with a romantic interest, family, or even friendships. Anyone can pull parallels from this masterful book of poems and relate it to themselves. Well done and well worth the read.

[A Reader Named Riya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truthfully, rating, In the Darkness of Shards by Catherine Castillo, was a challenging task. Of course the poems are beautiful. The rawness and authenticity of each piece is beautiful. But it’s bittersweet to rate the book because of the emotional elements etched into the book.

Catherine pours all heart, sweat, and tears into her poems. The heartbreak. The lows. The highs. The pretty and the ugly is all there for us to read and interpret. To feel it and not be able to do anything about it at all. And I, quite literally felt it all. I mean, I could feel the frustration, the anger; the hurt, the betrayal and I didn’t know how I was going to get through the book. I could feel my heart breaking while reading the book. I was upset that someone could let this happen to her. I felt frustrated, wishing I could do something for her. Then I realized that I was also her. There was a time when I felt trapped and like there wasn’t light at the end of my tunnel , and I commend her for sharing her story. I think we all have at least one experience that we can draw from to relate with her piece. It’s not easy to make light out of something that was so dark but she did that. I rate the book 5/5 stars.

[ẞùrêßh · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Darkness of Shards: Poems from a Broken Place by Catherine Anne Castillo is a deeply reflective and emotionally raw collection. The poems move gracefully between vulnerability, love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, capturing feelings that many people struggle to put into words.
What stood out most to me was the honesty in the writing. Each poem feels personal yet universally relatable, weaving intimate emotions with powerful imagery. The collection doesn’t just explore pain—it also quietly highlights resilience and the journey toward healing.
If you enjoy poetry that feels authentic, introspective, and emotionally resonant, this book is definitely worth reading.

[A.T. Good · Rating 5 out of 5]

A WORD. SO GOOD.

[Melli Hood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every word was so amazingly crafted it made me feel her pain...

[Manisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of poems is so heartfelt, that you just cannot help but feel all the pain and the anguish of the poet. Each work progresses to the next stage and I was right there with her in the sadness and the confusion. It is one of those books where you just sit with the book after you are done, wondering what you just went through.
I hope that writing this tale of a lost love brought relief and answers to the fantastic author.

[V H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A reminder that we deserve a love that sees and hears us.

[Rebecca Schaeffer · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Sometimes, you lose somebody
To find that love
Is meant to return home.” ❤️

[Sailorbug · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

Loses half a star because at one point I cried so hard I gave myself a never ending headache. On a real note though, I was so privileged to get an e-copy of the final manuscript. I need to buy a physical copy. I adored this collection of poems. It almost felt more like reading a story than a collection of poems. The author did such a great job with her writing and organizing. I cannot gush enough about this book. I definitely recommend it, but also prepare to feel your heart break!

Edit: 5/5 stars
I in my heart can’t leave this at 4.5 stars it’s a 5/5 my first 5/5 of the year actually! I just cannot stop thinking about this book.

[Aditi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This poetry collection reads as an emotionally intense, cohesive journey through hurt, confusion, and gradual self-reclamation. The voice feels intimate and confessional, inviting readers into the speaker’s inner world without requiring them to know any specific backstory.

The overall tone is vulnerable and direct, making the poems easy to connect with. The language is clear, which helps the emotional arc land strongly.

The book is on themes of love, disillusionment, loss, and healing after a painful relationship. There is a steady movement from idealisation toward awareness and, finally, a sense of returning to oneself.

It feels less like a loose collection and more like a narrative in verse, which can be very satisfying for an emotional story. The sustained intensity may be heavy, but for those who have experienced similar dynamics, it is likely to feel validating and cathartic.

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

[Iris✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non-Spoiler Review
In the Darkness of Shards is the first poetry book I’ve ever read, and I absolutely loved it. I finished it in one sitting because it was so beautiful and powerful. This book captures exactly what it’s like to be in a relationship with a narcissist, the words felt incredibly relatable, especially if you’ve ever felt misunderstood or loved someone who couldn’t understand you in return. It’s an easy read, yet deeply moving. The way the author conveys her pain and suffering through poetry is truly beautiful, and I have immense respect for her. I connected with her words and her emotions so much.

Spoiler Review
The book was stunning, and several parts really stood out to me. One of my favorites was from the “Fake Future, Fake Future” chapter: “Is it normal to make such promises so quickly? To say such big words without considering their weight?” There’s something very powerful about that line.

Another moment that struck me was when the author found a box of old post-it notes, yet still chose to apologize because of love. It’s unsettling how someone can hurt you, twist the situation, and then make you feel at fault. That’s something so many toxic people do, they refuse to accept their mistakes. To me, he seemed like a narcissist, beginning with love-bombing and later resorting to gaslighting.

Another line I loved was about wanting a partner who could truly listen and feel what she felt. Being understood is so important, and when the person you love doesn’t understand you, it hurts deeply. This book captures that pain so vividly, it describes what being in a relationship with a narcissist feels like. I connected with it on every level. For me, it’s an easy 5-star read.

[Anya · Rating 4 out of 5]

had i known this was gonna be such a painful read i would’ve held myself tighter!!!! 😭😭

i’ve always believed that the right book or any form of art finds us at the perfect time, and In the Darkness of Shards just proved that true.

In the Darkness of Shards is more than poetry, it’s a confession, a wound, and it hurts in all the right ways. every piece takes you to places you thought you’ve already forgotten or even the ones you wish you could. it’s an easy read, but it grips your heart and tears it wide open.

⚠️ tw: red flags in relationships, manipulation, and other things you definitely don’t want to feel again.

i’m so grateful i got the chance to read this, but more than that, i'm grateful for the author's courage to write and share it. it’s crazy how words can break us, yet somehow it’s also through words that we heal. 🍃

funny enough, this is only the second book i finished last month, the first being Someone Who Will Love You in All Your Damaged Glory. not sure what that says about my emotional state 😭 but i guess the universe knows what it’s doing.🌤

a painful read, but so, so worth it. the kind of pain you thank later. i’m so glad this one found me. 🤍

[Whitney Bolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow

This isn’t something I’d normally read and would’ve never found it if Catherine wouldn’t have added me on Goodreads and I’m so glad she did.

Catherine, I felt the raw emotion you put into this. I connected so well with it on a level I wish I couldn’t understand. I’m sad for all of us who have been through anything remotely similar to the things you wrote about, but also somehow grateful that we have. We have all learned, or will learn, to grow through what we go through.

You have yourself a forever reader and I can’t wait to get my hands on more of your pieces. & maybe even work together in the future if that’s something you’d be interested in. I’m a baby author myself and what I’ve written so far is pure raw emotion as well. ❤️

[Melissa Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetic Story of a Broken Relationship

Each poem tells a story of a struggle for love. The author is trying to save a relationship that is on the rocks when the other person has doubts about being together.These poems define the realization that the person that was supposed to love you forever won't. Then panic and anxiety of being left behind set in. The other person is failing to do the work, won't talk, won't make time, won't hold hands anymore. It's the sinking sensation that the relationship had better times. The author has to acknowledge that the intensity of the relationship did not lead to anything long-term and in closure, letting go and knowing that you're enough. I especially like the last two poems of the book "Aftermath" and "Closure."

[Chillwithsccarlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of a woman,a story of growth,acceptance and the closing of an abusive relationship.
The content page itself told a story,not the whole,but the concept. Each chapter was a different stage of the relationship.’We were the spark,,therapy because I want us back,your image over my safety,the space between us,long cold night,mourning,closure. Each title held the pain,the pleas.From the blossoming of love,to the lies she told herself ,the pining after the reminiscence of once was,to the final recognition.I felt for the author,my heart wrenched at her words.Every word was like a knife in my heart,slowly digging deeper.
Closure,has a place in my heart. The chapter of thought,healing and growth.Closer is not just leaving the toxic,but also self recognition.
‘And now,as I gather the ashes,I know I will live and love again,but this time,it will be me who stands in the center of that flame.This time,that love will be mine’The perfect conclusion to this chapter.
The strength of a woman often goes undermined, status and responsibilities are often stereotyped. However, I see a powerful woman,who wanted to be loved back. A woman who fought for her relationship,and had the strength to leave the wreckage and write her new chapter.She will stand tall,walk with her head held high. For she will love again,and love someone who loves her even more.

[Felipe Ortega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful poetry

These poems are beautiful, raw, and heartbreaking. I felt all the emotions with her words; the pain, confusion, the love. I think this book is definitely worth reading. I think anyone who has gone through heartbreak can relate. It truly is her heart on every page. My wish for the author is to keep building on that self-worth and self-love. If you do find love again one day, I hope that you find happiness with someone who truly loves you and treats you with the respect and kindness you deserve.

[Thea P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of poems began with promise and gradually revealed its toxicity, manipulations, diminishing of self-worth, and emotional erosion. A story no one should ever experience. A must-read for anyone in the “healing from relationships”.

[Reynaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Darkness of Shards

This book made me cry I never thought this would be heavy and painful. While I am reading the book I felt the pain of the author while writing this. I pray for those people who are in pain and trauma brought of many people that hurt you may you find the peace again and the smile you never felt before.

#KBPHxCatherineAnneCastillo
#InTheDarknessofShards
#KBPH

[Pratibha · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Darkness of Shards is a collection of poems that feels very personal and intimate. Through these poems, the author slowly unfolds a story. Beginning with love, moving through the emotions and experiences that come with it, and eventually reaching a place of self-realisation and healing.

The poems trace the journey of a woman who once believed in love deeply, experienced the highs and the heartbreak that came with it, and slowly began to understand herself better through those moments. One of the strongest themes in the book is the idea that love should never feel toxic or diminishing. Through pain and reflection, the author begins to rediscover her own worth and identity.

What I appreciated about this collection is how raw and honest it feels. Some poems are soft and reflective, while others carry a quiet sadness and vulnerability. At times the emotions feel heavy and heartbreaking, and at other moments they are hopeful, almost like watching someone slowly piece themselves back together.

It reads like a very personal journey told through poetry. A story of love, loss, growth, and ultimately finding yourself again after everything.

Some parts were deeply emotional, some a little heartbreaking, and a few surprisingly relatable. If you enjoy poetry that explores vulnerability, healing, and self-worth, this collection might resonate with you.

Overall, a thoughtful and emotional read for me. A 4-star read out of 5.

For more of my reviews and recommendations, visit my blog at www.thereadinglane.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereadingl...

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

In The Darkness of Shards proves once again the cathartic and transformative nature of poetry. It tracks the relationship between the persona and her love - the giddy, ecstatic highs, and the slow, maddening descent full of manipulation and emotional trauma.

The collection felt intimate, personal, and unique, almost like a friend ranting to you over lunch, and yet there's a universality to it that makes it relatable to anyone who has ever been in a relationship that made them shrink and compromise who they are in order to please their partner. It is a stark, and much needed reminder that love shouldn't make you feel like a lesser version of yourself, and that a relationship takes work from both people.

While I acknowledge how meaningful and deeply personal of a collection it is, I feel like it could have benefitted from a round of sharper editing, just to make some of the imagery and writing more cohesive. With that said, it is an enjoyable and heavy hitting collection of poems that I would still recommend to anyone who's second guessing themselves, or going through a moment of healing.

[Wajiha (Jiya) ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Darkness of Shards by Catherine Castillo truly shook me. It’s raw. It’s emotional. And it’s real.

This poetry collection dives deep into themes like trauma, love, toxic relationships, loss, and self-reclamation. Every poem feels like a piece of someone’s soul laid bare on the page. I love how Catherine writes with such piercing honesty that I felt every single word.

Some poems were so honest and deep, I had to stop and just sit with them. They made me think about my own life and the things I’ve felt but couldn’t put into words. She captures that mix of love and pain so well, the kind that breaks you but also teaches you who you are.

What I loved most is that even with all the hurt, this book gives hope. It’s about learning to stand again, even when you feel shattered. It's a reminder that healing isn’t easy, but it’s possible.

This book is for anyone who’s ever felt lost in love, who’s had to pick up the pieces after being broken, or who’s trying to learn how to love themselves again.

Catherine Castillo, thank you for sharing something so vulnerable and brave. I absolutely loved it. Every. Single. Poem.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️⭐

This is a stunning collection of poems.

I screamed for her, there was definitely rage on my part for the woman who wrote these words. I wanted to grab her by the shoulders and tell her to run. To run and never look back, because a man like him could never and would never be the place where she could call home - at least not a safe one. I had my heart in my throat the entire time I read through the poems. Tears eventually fell as I sat with each poem and reflected. For her, for me and for anyone whose ever been in a similar position. It hurt, and yet it also mended. Catherine's work is raw, authentic and healing. It takes courage to walk away from the person we love the most in the world and choose ourselves instead. It takes more courage to share that pain with the entire world. There is a ton of pain within the ink on these pages but there is also a quiet strength fighting to be let out of its cage. When she finally unlocks the cage and sets herself free, there is an immense release of emotion, of power and above everything love.

I'll be sitting with this collection and reflecting for a long time. ❤️

[Erica Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wooow, I never have felt more seen in poetry as I had in this. I swear it was like she took my life and put down on paper.

[Manisha G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine Anne Castillo’s In the Darkness of Shards: Poems from a Broken Place is a raw and riveting collection of poems that dives headfirst into the jagged edges of toxic love, trauma, and emotional rebirth.

With fearless vulnerability and poetic precision, the author weaves together a tapestry of verses that are as sharp as they are luminous, each poem a shard of truth, cutting deep yet glinting with resilience.

From the very first page, the author’s voice commands attention: unapologetic, intense, and achingly authentic. Her words do not tiptoe around pain, they confront it, dissect it, and ultimately transform it.

The poems tell the story of a broken relationship filled with flipping scripts, control, and emotional neglect. But they don’t stay stuck in the pain. Instead, they slowly and strongly move toward healing and finding oneself again.

What makes In the Darkness of Shards especially compelling is its emotional accessibility. The author writes not only with lyrical beauty but with a clarity that makes the most complex emotions, grief, confusion, longing, fear, experienced in relationships with abuse feel both tangible and shared.

This is not just a book for poetry lovers, it’s for anyone who has ever loved too deeply, lost too much, or stood in the ruins of a relationship wondering how to live life again.

The book is a courageous and compassionate testament to survival. It transforms heartbreak into healing and silence into strength.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll admit, I’m not someone who usually picks up poetry books. But In the Darkness of Shards surprised me.
Even as someone outside the “poetry reader” circle, I found myself drawn into the raw honesty of these poems.

The collection revolves around the aftermath of a complicated relationship...
love, heartbreak, anxiety, neglect, gaslighting, and ultimately, the slow journey toward healing.
Each poem feels deeply personal, almost like reading pages from a journal, which makes the emotions hit even harder.
Themes of broken trust, longing for connection, and the difficult balance between vulnerability and self-preservation appear again and again.

What I appreciated most was the accessibility of the writing.
It’s not abstract or overly complex—it’s emotional, direct, and easy to follow, which made it more engaging for someone like me who isn’t big on poetry.
There are pieces like My Anxiety, We Were the Spark, and Closure that really stood out, capturing both the beauty and the pain of love unraveling.

If there’s room for improvement, I’d say the book could benefit from more variation in style and rhythm.
Many poems flow in a similar tone, and at times I wished for a shift in pace—something sharper, shorter, or more experimental to break up the intensity.
A touch of imagery beyond the central relationship might also give the collection more dimension, balancing the heaviness with moments of light.

Overall, this is a heartfelt and courageous debut.
Even though I’m not typically into poetry, this one left an impression—and I think readers who’ve ever
loved and lost will find pieces of themselves in these pages.

[Nurse Germz]

In the Darkness of Shards: Poems from a Broken Place by Catherine Anne Castillo is the most beautiful collection of poems I’ve read. I love how each poem can be read on its own yet when read in sequence, create a larger narrative arc. It traces the author’s journey of healing after an emotionally abusive relationship, detailing the trauma, chaos, and eventual self-reclamation.

My favorite line is "In the darkness of shards, it simply is, and that is enough." This reminds us that in the aftermath of a traumatic event, simply acknowledging and accepting your state of brokenness and pain is a valid and sufficient state of being. You don't need to be "fixed" or "healed" immediately for your existence to be enough.