Lurking Shadow

by Khadidja Megaache

Lurking shadow is a soul- wrenching collection of poems about despair and hope, a tale of falling in and out of love with others and oneself, life and death, healing and learning how to let go.

This, Too, shall pass.
True,
But first, let me write about it.

Genres: Poetry

Paperback

Published April 1, 2018

About the author

Born on November 15th 1992 in Algiers (Algeria). Avid reader since childhood, she attended the university of Science and Technology – Houari Boumediene (USTHB) where she earned her master's degree in genetics. Her first short story "Dark Secrets" was featured in a collection of short stories "Voices" by 40 young Algerian writers. On April 2018 She published her first poetry collection "Lurking Shadow". Her inspiration comes from nature, people around her, the quietness of mornings, the busy streets of her home town, and a deep sense of wonder.

Reviews

[Clumsy Storyteller]

My Poetry collection is available on Amazon (kindle edition) link: https://www.amazon.com/Lurking-Shadow...

Contact me if you want a PDF copy :))) and if you've read it, Please leave a review on Amazon and goodreads. i appreciate it! :))

[Sophie "Beware Of The Reader" · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today is something different as I don’t usually read poetry. Or at least I haven’t for a loooooong time. The last one was “Les Fleurs du Mal” from Charles Baudelaire and I was at school.

BUT

My friend Khadidja contacted me some days ago asking if I would be interested in reading her poetry book.

It’s her first book and kudos to her because writing POETRY in another language is a high feat!

I agreed as I love trying new things from time to time.

I began today and I got all her feelings in the face!

Feelings many have experienced or could experience. It's brilliant!

Here is one of my favorite poems for your eyes only.


Smile

Smile
To fool, to love, to blend in,
To not cry or break, to hide the demon within,
Smile
To avoid questions, stares and pity.
To be called nice, beautiful and pretty.
Smile and obey, be kind and humble.
Even when all is left is rubble.
Smile for the roses, leaves and trees.
Smile for no reasons
Smile to the night, day, for all seasons.
Smile because you don’t look ugly when you do.
Smile because pretty girls are supposed to.
I smiled when I was burning inside,
I smiled when I wanted to cry,
I smiled when I was in pain,
I smiled and smiled and smiled.
But truth is; I never really did.

Congratulations Khadidja you did great!

[Nadia Awadi · Rating 4 out of 5]

To all my fellow EMOs out-there.

How are you doing?

Probably not well- BUT I come to you with this masterpiece that made my inner dark emo kind of...happy? I said KIND OF!

Anyway, this poetry book was pretty great and I actually liked it. And related to so many poems. I've been so fed up with love poetry and this was a refreshing breez of depression and suicidal thoughts! just what I needed.

Also, the poems actually RHYME. sooo I do recommend it.

thank you for reading this!

[Emy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Books are magical portals,
Only those who ache to turn feelings into words can travel through them."
After finishing it, I couldn't think of anything other than Khadidja's words..how she found a door to enter my heart. I loved it, from the cover to the last page, you can't stop yourself from feeling it, and I think its power resides in its simplicity, its length gave it a "+1" : it leaves you craving for more, not bored and willing to finish it asap.
"Like a phoenix,
Burned to ashes,
And from the ashes I shall arise."

[Classic reverie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say but "Lurking Shadow" speaks to my soul about suffering, love, independence of self and joy mingled with pain. I only recently started to enjoy the art of poetry, which can speak volumes about ourselves and nature. There are so many deep and profound poems in Khadidja Megaache's collection, that as I read found more and more that I loved. I can see coming back again and again to read the poems, which are perfectly in chaptered and very navigational, and easy to access. Her words are like a balm to the aching heart, knowing we are not alone in our thoughts and feelings. One can tell that Khadidja, is a good soul and her poetry shines to touch ours.

[Amina (ⴰⵎⵉⵏⴰ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her note, the author said her poems were a portal to slip into her consciousness, the truth is, I think it's the other way round.
First, I congratulate her for the courage she's shown spilling her feeling on paper.
Second, Khadidja somehow manages to connect with the reader on different levels. Some of her poems I could relate to, some I could only read and imagine.
One thing is sure, every reader will feel like looking to his soul in a mirror while going through the pages.

Good luck Khadidja dear, and I hope I'll read something new soon enough!

[Yosra Abdelkader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well... I just finished this book on one sitting, I was absorbed... didn't see the pages passing.
The book is sad... so melancholic, but it goes straight to the heart.
It gived me shivers and tears and heartache, but in a way that made me feel more alive.
Also I want to talk about how beautiful the drawings where, so relatable with every poem.
Great job and hope the next time it will be more joyful :)

[Close Enough · Rating 4 out of 5]

 I write for what I have,
I write for what I lost.
I write to ease my pain.
I write to the voiceless.
I write for the hopeless.
I write about the powerless.
My ink bleeds for all the disturbed souls,
Whoever you are,
You’re not alone.
 
Please Don't stop writing ❤

I'm not into poetry, but i have to admit It was a fabulous experience, first of all i have to congratulate the author for her first book, thank you for sharing your feelings, hopes, sorrow and your honest words with us.  I kept coming back to some parts, like Seashel, The slurry water, Best remedy, Mirror,mirror, Sorry  mama, Choices, but The best portion for me was  "Caged birds".

 The Black bird looked happy
When he saw my cage,
I wasn’t happy in my captivity,
I tried to escape then
Grew tired and abandoned all hopes.
Black bird sang mocking songs,
Made fun of being locked,
Unbeknownst to him we both were caged birds.
His cage was larger than mine
Deluded into thinking he was free,
Oh sweet grackle dreaming of a tree.
Tight cage holding you,
You can’t flee.
Come black bird come
Stand by my side, we are both caged birds.

I hope we will enjoy your next book sooner ☺

[غزلان · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Volcano of emotions;

reading Lurking shadow, i felt: love, pain, shame, joy, betrayal...it was very touching.
as a person who does not like poetry, only malek haddad made me read it, now khadidja has definitely join him and forced me to reconsider my vision to poetry.

i wish to the author success in her career as a writer, hoping someday she will be a great writer.

[نور | NOUR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a phoenix,
Burned to ashes,
And from the ashes I shall arise. ❤
Thank you Khadidja for this book I am grateful!
Through the words I could touche her soul ..
Broken, then strong just like Phoenix!

[Ahlam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Khadidja's first poetry collection, I found it emotional, simple and touching. All the poems are short and tackle different issues from loneliness, love, loss, death, fear… which make them very relatable, even if one didn’t go through the same experiences.


“ Isolated and withdrawn,
Crowded room, but she was alone.
Like a seashell,
Her body was there,
Her soul was gone. “
***
“ Write me novellas,
Write me poems,
Write me all your empty promises.
Comforting midnight talks that once brought me joy
Became bitter memories,
A seed of resentment that never stopped growing,
I overcame my fear of loneliness when you showed me
How lonely I can be when you’re around. “
***
“Nothing you do matters,
I don’t hate you,
Hate is a consuming,
Heavy feeling that I loathe,
I don’t love you,
You’re undeserving of it.
I’m just… empty of you. “

[Raoufa Ibrahim · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED IT!!
-----
I read this book in the perfect timing maybe, I was far from home, and I was sentimental, thats why I felt every word in it even though I may not relate to it.

I loved most of the peoms .. and I would love to read another books for this author!
"Books are magical ports,
Only those who ache to turn feelings into words can travel throught them "

[Nouha Aouine · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Strong men conquered the world.
But it was smart women who ruled it."

First of all, congratulations to the poet for publishing such exquisite poems. I am certain that more fascinating writings are yet to come. ❤

I enjoy modern poetry in general and this collection was lovely. I found elements of myself in some poems and I like how connected the poet made us feel to her words. The art is amazing and I like how the paintings illustrated the feelings and emotions of the poems. ✨

[Dr. Selma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A copy of this book was sent to me by the author in exchange of an honest review.

Can I just start by saying I was never really into English poetry. I love Arabic poetry because it’s just genius but English poetry never really got to me, but this book did. The poems were not at all boring like the one in the few poetry books I read. I could relate to most of them.
I loved the diversity in writing, some poems were heartbreaking, some funny, some depressing and some very optimistic but they all had one thing in common: they were all simple and beautiful.
And the artworks are stunning!
This book coming from a young girl whose native language (I suppose) is not English is very encouraging and heartwarming and I would definitely love to read her upcoming books.

Ps: being the annoying grammar nazi that I am I caught two or three grammatical mistakes but I assume the printing is to blame for that? No biggy though.

[Ahmed Al-Mahdi · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I love poetry, I can't describe myself as a "Poetry Critic" all I can say is that I loved this collection of poems, and the illustrations helped a lot in setting the mood, its a gloomy mood as it is pointed by the title of the book, but it was a beautiful read and i enjoyed it.

[Maissa Daas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, I appreciate the choice of the different topics; the drawings were a very nice addition.
All the poems are good but some of them really stand out , they are more powerful when it comes to the writing and the vocabulary .
what I also loved is the honesty of the writer; she shared with us her real feelings and transmited them beautifully, taking us in journey through loss , pain, love, and most importantly " hope ", this was indeed " a portal to her consciousness" .
My top 3 poems :
the 7th gender
Mirror, mirror
My words

[Ines · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy for an honest review.



I loved this collection of poems. I identified with so many...


Mirror, mirror on the wall,
I’m a psycho talking to my own reflection,
Mirror, mirror on the wall,
Will my nightmares be replaced with love and affection?
Mirror, mirror on the wall
How can I see beyond my imperfection?
Mirror, mirror on the wall
Who would guide my heart when it loses its direction?


The only thing I didn't like is the lack of joyful, hopeful ones.

[Marwa Eletriby · Rating 3 out of 5]

i have found
solace in darkness
peace in pain
freedom in tears .

[Rayane Ania · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lurking shadow ❤
[it may seem as ' short notes' rather than a review for i had a lot to say about everything and i was overwhelmed by my emotions, please understand that i was fan girling while typing 😀 thanks]
My second dedicated book so far, i am so happy that this book was offered to me by the Author/Poet herself as a GIVEAWAY! i know right !! gosh the feels
It is a collection of life moments, love, pain and self-awareness joined together by her fabulous words, i wanted to quote from it but if i did i'd be re-writing the book ....this proves how good it is.
The poet, Khadidja Megaache pointed out some serious topics and was not afraid to deal with 'Toxic' relationships even with one's self. In her collection she excelled in reaching the reader's deepest feelings and give them a very unique opportunity to emerge which -the reader did not even know he had-
I adored the poet's sense of humor, it was rare two or three times if i am not mistaken but it was witty humor, thanks for making me laugh ( all of the sudden lol),I am certainly reading more works by YOU as long as you publish them lol.
Most importantly i want to point out how much it is necessary to read for our young authors and poets and give our truthful thoughts about their works because without this giveaway i'd have never heard of this poet nor her collection therefore i am really happy i came across it and not only win it but also ENJOYED IT. I have read poetry lately and I am glad to say I find this little one as great as the previous ones, I was certainly not disappointed! There are certain things that you are only able to find in poems and nowhere else!
Now that i am done loving the poet and her work i wanna tell you guys how much i loved the Cover !! the cover design was done by #Ahmed_Al_Mahdi and the cover artist #Ewa_Hauton, GREAT JOB GUYS, pure art oh and the drawings by #Délia_Nouar were magical !
ONE SMALL FLAW: unfortunately i did not like the printing material but i cannot complain cause the work was a good one !

[zoubida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well well this book took me in an emotioanal ride it touched the deepest feelings within me
it'll remind on you of every emotianal struggle you went through and it'll tell you that u were not alone .
What can i say i loved it it was dark, deep and beautiful it wasn't about the butterflies and the flowers it was about the other side of the coin the side that no one really likes to talk about the side that khadidja did an amazing job describing it.
I felt every single word and every single poem and for this khadidja you are a true artist !
Congratulation looking forward to read more of your work .

[Myriem · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an electronic copy from the writer @Khadidja Megaache and I want thank her for that. Reading it was light but full of messages.
Khadidja, hope to read more from you.

[Anoud Q · Rating 3 out of 5]

A copy of this book was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

3.5,

I really liked it!!

It was very nice reading these poems of an aspiring poet!

I genuinely relished reading these poems of hers specially this one:

"I write for what I have,
I write for what I lost.
I write to ease my pain.
I write to the voiceless.
I write for the hopeless.
I write about the powerless.
My ink bleeds for all the disturbed souls,
Whoever you are,
You’re not alone."

I also loved this poem titled "Lurking Shadow"

In a nutshell, it was a lovely book talking about life, love, hope, faith, and other things, too.