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Hollow Fate: A Collection of Poetry about the Women of British Mythology
From Boudica’s stand against the Romans to the halls of Camelot, this poetry collection gives a voice to the often overlooked women of Britain’s rich mythology.
Fantasy writer and academic T. C. Emerys’ debut poetry collection is her second publication, following her novel Sky of Ancient Fire (2023).
Beautifully illustrated by theft shrubbery.
Fantasy writer and academic T. C. Emerys’ debut poetry collection is her second publication, following her novel Sky of Ancient Fire (2023).
Beautifully illustrated by theft shrubbery.
179 pages, Hardcover
Published May 23, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I found this little collection of poetry thoroughly enjoyable! As somebody who has studied history, I particularly loved the notes section at the back, which explores the characters referenced in the poems in more detail, and was written in an accessible and enjoyable form.
My favourite poems were those on Rhiannon, especially 'Chase', which utilises a unique form which created a conversation between Rhiannon and Pwyll and a contrast between Rhiannon's intelligence and strategy to the almost foolish desire of those in thrall with her. This was a refreshing feminist take which still did justice to the character known in the Mabinogi.
I also loved that the author did not shy away from the lesser known aspects of these characters or from characters that have quite complex portrayals and sources. In true feminist fashion, it also does not avoid the more violent and traumatic experiences of these women, and women in general in these historical contexts.
The many different forms of the poems in the collection also brings something new to each character, and are shaped to fit the individual voices of the women, which makes for an enjoyable and engaging read. This was especially impactful in 'Nimue: Caliburn', which felt like I was reading a freshly translated historical text, gleamed from some obscure manuscript.
Perhaps one thing that didn't make this five stars for me was the simplicity of some of the poems. This is an extremely subjective take, but as an avid poetry reader I would have loved a bit more depth to some of the poems that go beyond a typical feminist reading. Some of the unique metaphors did achieve this for me, such as in 'Morgause: Husband':
'My words are the song the wagtail weds to the air'
But I would love to see language like this across the entire collection.
Overall, I highly recommend for any history lover or anyone interested in fresh feminist takes on historical women.
My favourite poems were those on Rhiannon, especially 'Chase', which utilises a unique form which created a conversation between Rhiannon and Pwyll and a contrast between Rhiannon's intelligence and strategy to the almost foolish desire of those in thrall with her. This was a refreshing feminist take which still did justice to the character known in the Mabinogi.
I also loved that the author did not shy away from the lesser known aspects of these characters or from characters that have quite complex portrayals and sources. In true feminist fashion, it also does not avoid the more violent and traumatic experiences of these women, and women in general in these historical contexts.
The many different forms of the poems in the collection also brings something new to each character, and are shaped to fit the individual voices of the women, which makes for an enjoyable and engaging read. This was especially impactful in 'Nimue: Caliburn', which felt like I was reading a freshly translated historical text, gleamed from some obscure manuscript.
Perhaps one thing that didn't make this five stars for me was the simplicity of some of the poems. This is an extremely subjective take, but as an avid poetry reader I would have loved a bit more depth to some of the poems that go beyond a typical feminist reading. Some of the unique metaphors did achieve this for me, such as in 'Morgause: Husband':
'My words are the song the wagtail weds to the air'
But I would love to see language like this across the entire collection.
Overall, I highly recommend for any history lover or anyone interested in fresh feminist takes on historical women.
July 1, 2026
Wow, this poetry really blew me away. I must admit I’m not hugely familiar with the mythology that drove this collection and also Emerys’ Sky of Ancient Fire, but it didn’t matter. There’s so much beauty woven into the stories told by these women, but also lives filled with grief and tragedy. The writing flows easily and transports you back in time. I could see everything so clearly and feel the anguish of the women in these stories. So much darkness and so many lines that chilled me! See below for some:
Let him rot, I beg you
You cannot ask a corpse to be king.
As a child, you told me you desired me
That you would take my maiden hood, this cherished possession I could neither take nor give to myself
The entirety of Boudicca:Burn was so painful to read but filled with feminine rage and revenge
These poems explore the experiences of women since the beginning of time: motherhood, fear of men, the way that femininity is revered and hated at the same time. These women through their stories present to us tales that have become mythology, but stand the test of time and the injustice of it.
The beauty of the poetry is matched only by the stunning artwork and hardback casing. I feel extremely lucky to have been gifted a copy by TC Emerys, one of my favourite indie authors. I look forward immensely to what she will create next!
Let him rot, I beg you
You cannot ask a corpse to be king.
As a child, you told me you desired me
That you would take my maiden hood, this cherished possession I could neither take nor give to myself
The entirety of Boudicca:Burn was so painful to read but filled with feminine rage and revenge
These poems explore the experiences of women since the beginning of time: motherhood, fear of men, the way that femininity is revered and hated at the same time. These women through their stories present to us tales that have become mythology, but stand the test of time and the injustice of it.
The beauty of the poetry is matched only by the stunning artwork and hardback casing. I feel extremely lucky to have been gifted a copy by TC Emerys, one of my favourite indie authors. I look forward immensely to what she will create next!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Very glad to be an ARC reader for this one 🥰 A book full of poetry, mythology, and giving new voice to chronically overlooked female figures feels like my dream book & I haven't been disappointed, really enjoyed this! Loved the split sections with the poems and then the mythology & authors notes on each poem. I only wish there was more, genuinely disappointed when I realised I'd reached the end!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews