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

[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 ✨

[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. ❤️

[Averi Goodwin · 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.

[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.

[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. ❤️

[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.

[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."

[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.

[Morgan Holley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt, deep, and most of all vulnerable. It invokes pain that the characters experiences with such a relatable pull. If you haven't experienced toxicity in a relationship, this will give you a real perspective of it. It's a beautiful collection of poems and thoughts to bring out every emotion you didnt think you had

[Wajiha · 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.

[Manisha Gurnani · 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.

[Reina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit that this was my first poem book that I've read in its entirety. But I enjoyed this. Catherine has spoken of a pain so deep that I think we can all understand. The evolution of a relationship is such a difficult journey to go on, especially when it ends with a breakup. I am saddened by the end of her relationship but fully trust she will be better off. This book spoke to me and I connected with it. Thank you, Catherine, for being so vulnerable with your readers.

[Kevin Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

for the Broken & Healing

This isn’t pretty poetry—it’s blood-on-the-page honesty about love that cuts and the messy road back to yourself. Catherine Castillo doesn’t sugarcoat trauma; she turns it into sharp, stunning verses that’ll make you nod, cry, and maybe flinch. If you’ve ever loved someone toxic or needed words for your own healing, this book gets it. Dark but powerful.

[Cassie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I wouldn’t be into poems, but I was wrong. I had a relationship like this. I wish I had these then when I was going through it. I know it would have helped me heal. I started to tear up doing “Closure”.

[Alexis Johnson]

Deep poems

I love how the author expresses herself conveying redemption. My favorite poem is AFTERMATH because someone who goes through a crisis they are determined to emotional heal. Great work.

[Heather Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each poem is beautifully written and you can feel the emotions through the page. I read through this in one sitting. The poems weave a heartbreakingly beautiful story. Not what I would typically read but I’m so glad I did and I highly recommend!

[Carolyn Wengerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing 👏🏼

"The realization that love, when wrapped in shadows, perhaps isn’t love at all. " This line was absolutely amazing and hit me right in the heart!

[Svetlana · Rating 5 out of 5]

By some miracle I randomly came across this and I absolutely loved it. This is a collection of poems thats more like a story of a phoenix being reborn. Love, heartbreak and healing written in such a simple but profound way that really resonated and inspired me

[Hannah Arbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never have I ever related to a book of poems quite as much at this one. If you have ever seen the ugly of love this book can, and will resonate with your soul.

[Elizabeth Kinlaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

An emotional & heartbreaking experience that unfortunately so many can relate to.

"I has never been 'loved', nor hurt, by anyone like this"

Catherine Anne Castillo bares her soul in this collection of poems. They are raw, full of passion, and unapologetically vulnerable. Each piece captures the intensity of a love that cuts deep—both beautiful and damaging in its power.

The collection reads like a journal of survival, with moments that feel almost too intimate to witness, yet impossible to look away from. There’s a rhythm to the pain and healing in these pages, a push and pull between longing and liberation.

While some poems resonate more than others, the emotional throughline is unwavering. Castillo doesn't offer tidy conclusions, but instead invites the reader to sit with the discomfort, the grief, and ultimately, the strength that comes from choosing oneself.

A haunting and cathartic read—I rated it ★★★★☆.

[Ana Rubio-Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poetry is such an art, and this author portrayed an amazing, heartfelt story. I have never felt so connected to a book of poems before. Not only did I connect with her words, but so did my teenage daughter, which reflects how relatable her words are.

[Josh M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetry of motion

Loved the way this book flows, it’s a great one to pick up when you want to get deep into your own mind.

[Valerie Sukhu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll be honest, poetry isn’t usually my thing. I know it's a powerful art form, but it rarely resonates with me on a personal level. So when the author reached out and asked me to read her book, I was a bit hesitant. But something about her words drew me in and I felt I should give it a chance.

What changed my mind wasn’t just the writing—it was the emotion behind it. These poems weren’t just beautiful; they were real. And they were real because, at one point in my life, they mirrored my own reality. I’ve never met Catherine, but through her words, I felt an unspoken connection. It was raw, vulnerable, and deeply emotional.

Reading this book had me reflecting on my own past—on the pain, confusion, and darkness of a toxic relationship. It reminded me of the version of myself that fought through those moments. And it reminded me of how far I’ve come. Healing wasn’t easy. Bouncing back wasn’t immediate. But strength has a way of carrying you, even when you feel like you have nothing left.

For anyone who is living through something similar right now—my heart is with you. I’m so sorry you’re going through it. But please know this: you can leave. You can heal. You can reclaim your peace. And you absolutely deserve better. You are not alone, and there is a version of life ahead that’s full of light, freedom, and love—not pain.

This book is a reminder of resilience, and a testament to how far we can rise from the shards.