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Cult of Two (Volume 5)
Michael Faudet’s latest book delves deeper into the meaning of love, the intricacy of relationships, self-empowerment, seduction, and sex. Taking the reader on a whimsical and sometimes heartbreaking journey, where fantasy and reality collide. Cult of Two is much more than just a beautiful collection of poetry, prose, and short stories. It is a compelling invitation to confront and explore the conflicting emotions that live within all of us.
Cult of Two is the fifth book of internationally bestselling poet Michael Faudet, author of Winter of Summers , Smoke & Mirrors , Bitter Sweet Love , and Dirty Pretty Things —a finalist in the Goodreads Readers Choice awards. His intimate writing style and exquisite ability to paint pictures with words has captured the imagination and hearts of thousands of people from around the world.
Cult of Two is the fifth book of internationally bestselling poet Michael Faudet, author of Winter of Summers , Smoke & Mirrors , Bitter Sweet Love , and Dirty Pretty Things —a finalist in the Goodreads Readers Choice awards. His intimate writing style and exquisite ability to paint pictures with words has captured the imagination and hearts of thousands of people from around the world.
- GenresPoetryEbooksNonfiction
240 pages, Paperback
First published November 19, 2019
23 people are currently reading
1285 people want to read
About the author
Michael Faudet
8 books1,614 followersMichael Faudet is the author of the international bestsellers Dirty Pretty Things, Bitter Sweet Love, Smoke & Mirrors, Winter of Summers, Cult of Two, and Playing with Matches. His books have been nominated in the Goodreads Choice Awards for Best Poetry.
Dirty Pretty Things was also selected by Sylvia Whitman, the owner of the iconic Shakespeare and Company bookstore in Paris, as one of her personal favorite books of 2016.
He frequently explores the intricacies of love, loss, relationships, and sex in poetry, prose, and short stories. His lyrical and often sensual writing continues to attract readers from all around the world.
Before turning his hand to writing books, Michael enjoyed a successful career in advertising as an award-winning executive creative director. He managed creative departments and developed advertising campaigns for major brands in many countries.
Michael is represented by the literary agency Writers House, New York. He currently lives in New Zealand in a little house by the sea with partner and author Lang Leav.
Dirty Pretty Things was also selected by Sylvia Whitman, the owner of the iconic Shakespeare and Company bookstore in Paris, as one of her personal favorite books of 2016.
He frequently explores the intricacies of love, loss, relationships, and sex in poetry, prose, and short stories. His lyrical and often sensual writing continues to attract readers from all around the world.
Before turning his hand to writing books, Michael enjoyed a successful career in advertising as an award-winning executive creative director. He managed creative departments and developed advertising campaigns for major brands in many countries.
Michael is represented by the literary agency Writers House, New York. He currently lives in New Zealand in a little house by the sea with partner and author Lang Leav.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
February 8, 2020
I haven’t read much of anything this January but I’m glad the one book I did read was this one. This book was exactly what I needed right now.
So many of the poems spoke to me. For example, one of my favorites was “If Someone Really Cares.” I related a lot to that one. Other favorites of mine included, “The Staircase,” “Never Close Enough,” “Happy New Year,” ”When Will I See You Again?” “Awake,” “Pleasure Bound,” and “A New Romance.” Also, I loved that he made a reference to Lana Del Rey (my favorite singer) in “Our Pretend Summer.”
I’ve been a huge fan of Michael Faudet since he published his first book, Dirty Pretty Things. None of his subsequent books quite lived up to that except for this one. This book reminded me so much of Dirty Pretty Things. If you missed his romantic and sometimes erotic poems, look no further than this collection.
Overall, I really loved this collection and it is just as strong as his first book.
So many of the poems spoke to me. For example, one of my favorites was “If Someone Really Cares.” I related a lot to that one. Other favorites of mine included, “The Staircase,” “Never Close Enough,” “Happy New Year,” ”When Will I See You Again?” “Awake,” “Pleasure Bound,” and “A New Romance.” Also, I loved that he made a reference to Lana Del Rey (my favorite singer) in “Our Pretend Summer.”
I’ve been a huge fan of Michael Faudet since he published his first book, Dirty Pretty Things. None of his subsequent books quite lived up to that except for this one. This book reminded me so much of Dirty Pretty Things. If you missed his romantic and sometimes erotic poems, look no further than this collection.
Overall, I really loved this collection and it is just as strong as his first book.
July 5, 2020
Basically, nothing special. The collection was similar to his debut collection which I liked.
Most of the poems are either love poems or erotic ones, I am looking forward to Faudet exploring some new topics and writing about them because this can be repetitive after a while.
Most of the poems are either love poems or erotic ones, I am looking forward to Faudet exploring some new topics and writing about them because this can be repetitive after a while.
November 21, 2019
Cult of Two is right up with the original book, Dirty Pretty Things. It returns to the mixture of love, loss, and erotic poetry that he started with. Faudet even addresses in the introduction that he feels like Cult of Two is haunted by his first collection. To me, that's a great thing. All of his collections are great, but there isn't anything like discovering him for the first time with Dirty Pretty Things. Cult of Two is full of humor, love, loss, and of course, lust. it is a worthy addition to his works. Recommended for fans of Faudet's previous collections or fans of modern poetry.
When it comes to finding true love, some people just get lucky. The elevator doors magically open and they get an easy ride to the top. The rest of us have to take the fucking staircase. One miserable step at a time. -Michael Faudet
When it comes to finding true love, some people just get lucky. The elevator doors magically open and they get an easy ride to the top. The rest of us have to take the fucking staircase. One miserable step at a time. -Michael Faudet
March 4, 2022
TW: sex and nudity, mature content
I picked up this one in hope that it’ll be just as another titles that Michael has written but this one, it was quite plain and didn’t leave a remarkable feeling to me.
But still, there were some poems, short stories and prose that left me feeling wonderstruck and ached my heart. Like Cult of One, one of the pieces that left me ponder about the meaning of love, relationship and finding my true self.
Though it was a bit ordinary, the extraordinary gift and creativity that Michael possesses is a thing that I am impressed with. To write such beautiful pieces of writing is a rare gift.
I am in awe with the metaphors used, the tropical climate and salty air kind-of-vibes that Michael gave to his prose. The feeling of longing, yearning, hopeful for love, loneliness and emptiness that the prose and short stories left me. Damn, it was brilliant.
I picked up this one in hope that it’ll be just as another titles that Michael has written but this one, it was quite plain and didn’t leave a remarkable feeling to me.
But still, there were some poems, short stories and prose that left me feeling wonderstruck and ached my heart. Like Cult of One, one of the pieces that left me ponder about the meaning of love, relationship and finding my true self.
Though it was a bit ordinary, the extraordinary gift and creativity that Michael possesses is a thing that I am impressed with. To write such beautiful pieces of writing is a rare gift.
I am in awe with the metaphors used, the tropical climate and salty air kind-of-vibes that Michael gave to his prose. The feeling of longing, yearning, hopeful for love, loneliness and emptiness that the prose and short stories left me. Damn, it was brilliant.
July 29, 2020
pure shite
November 30, 2020
Out of all his books, this made it to my favorites.
December 10, 2021
DNF
bland, occasionally insta-poetic, occasionally smutty while still holding onto the idea of coming across as intellectual/highbrow. doesn't work on any level.
bland, occasionally insta-poetic, occasionally smutty while still holding onto the idea of coming across as intellectual/highbrow. doesn't work on any level.
February 1, 2023
3.5 maybe? I liked this one more than his others I think????
August 2, 2023
first book i’ve ever read written by a man 👩🍳
April 23, 2024
i just don’t think sex according to men thrills me.
May 5, 2020
Did a one two punch on my heart.
December 17, 2019
Dirty Pretty Things is my favorite poetry collection and since it’s release I’ve been an avid fan of Faudet. I enjoyed every one of his books since DPT released, but I never had that feeling DPT elicited form me. That spark of elation you get when you read page after page of poetry and prose you feel deep in your bones...With the past three works I felt like he was gearing up with each new book to another brilliant climax—Cult of Two is that release. It felt like a sister collection to Dirty Pretty Things (something he even hints at with the forward) and I’m beyond pleased to wrap up my year of reading with this lovely, sensual, and heartwarming book.
April 29, 2020
The journey of Love Loss and Acceptance.
I have been reading Faudet Books since DPT
I am never been let down till now 😀
-"Change the world "
-"When will I See You Again "
-"Love's Light"
-"Cult of One"
Were my favourite words out of this poetry
Lana del Rey reference was just 👍
All
Knowing that i am the part of Cult of One
And finding loving yourself is the first motto to a happy life
Once again i am so overwhelmed and giddy to read a new book by Michael Faudet .
Reading new short stories in it
Make a lot of difference...
♥️
I have been reading Faudet Books since DPT
I am never been let down till now 😀
-"Change the world "
-"When will I See You Again "
-"Love's Light"
-"Cult of One"
Were my favourite words out of this poetry
Lana del Rey reference was just 👍
All
Knowing that i am the part of Cult of One
And finding loving yourself is the first motto to a happy life
Once again i am so overwhelmed and giddy to read a new book by Michael Faudet .
Reading new short stories in it
Make a lot of difference...
♥️
September 4, 2020
I picked up this book after going through a very heavy Lang Leav binge. After skimming through a few pages at the bookstore, I thought I would love it due to the similar styles and formatting. Though there were a few great poems that inspired me, I felt there was nothing extremely special. Also, it was a little bit too erotic for my taste. Some of the pages felt random and out of place, as if there wasn't too much of a common theme to the book. I don't think I would recommend this to a friend. However, it was a quick read so I'm not too upset about it. This is the first book I read by Michael Faudet, I'm still willing to give him another chance!
February 20, 2021
Michael Faudet is my favorite poet. I snagged this baby up when it was first released but had to reread the magical work again. Michael brings us what we need without knowing that we need it. The short short stories within bring so much life to the rest of the poetry. Short and sweet but powerful hungry words will fill you as you venture through these pages.
June 23, 2022
porn but make it poetry
April 1, 2021
Something about the way male poets write about women’s bodys just feels WEIRD.. i didnt know this book would be inappropriate neither oops.
There are a few poems i loved! but i think imma stick with female poets instead....
There are a few poems i loved! but i think imma stick with female poets instead....
December 31, 2019
Every time a tree is used for books like these literature descends a circle further into hell
January 18, 2020
I liked one piece on page 159.
September 4, 2020
Such a disappointment
April 16, 2021
It was okay.
January 11, 2022
A little too similar to Dirty Pretty Things, and a little too disjointed and preachy. Very ok
June 7, 2020
Out of all five works, this has to be Faudet's weakest. I'm being a bit generous with my rating since I didn't dislike it enough to stop reading.
That out of the way, Faudet says in the introduction:
The short prose sections in these books are tedious to get through at this point. I still have nothing as bad as the one "and then we went to a sex club and she TOTALLY allowed me to have a threesome with the maid AND THEN THE MAID CAME HOME WITH US! DUDE!" from the fourth book.
The poetry is weaker here as well, with some political pieces that ultimately feel tacked on, especially in a book that has SO so many poems about sex. And the social justice poems are usually one liners. I remember reading one and feeling like, "read the room," and "this is a strange thing to have in this book."
I'm looking forward to more of Faudet's works only to see if there's a progression beyond, "and then we had seeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeex"
That out of the way, Faudet says in the introduction:
For those of you who are familiar with my work, don’t be surprised if you discover the ghost of Dirty Pretty Things hiding somewhere within the pages.and I don't see it. It read a lot like the other four novels and at this point I'm waiting for Faudet to deliver something beyond a middle aged college professor's fantasies.
In fact, I should warn you now—this book is fucking haunted.
Things may go bump in the night when you read it.
The words are dripping with magic and mischief. So please be careful not to let this rather strange book possess you. Like it did me, writing it.
The short prose sections in these books are tedious to get through at this point. I still have nothing as bad as the one "and then we went to a sex club and she TOTALLY allowed me to have a threesome with the maid AND THEN THE MAID CAME HOME WITH US! DUDE!" from the fourth book.
The poetry is weaker here as well, with some political pieces that ultimately feel tacked on, especially in a book that has SO so many poems about sex. And the social justice poems are usually one liners. I remember reading one and feeling like, "read the room," and "this is a strange thing to have in this book."
I'm looking forward to more of Faudet's works only to see if there's a progression beyond, "and then we had seeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeex"
December 30, 2024
Books: Michael Faudet's Poetry
Type: Poetry
Themes: Love and Lust
DIRTY PRETTY THINGS: 3.0 ⭐⭐⭐
Michael Faudet's "Dirty Pretty Things" skillfully navigates desire with a subtle touch, drawing readers into its alluring verses. The words evoke a magnetic pull, immersing readers in a world of lustful yearning.
BITTER SWEET LOVE: 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐✨
In "Bitter Sweet Love," Faudet maintains a delicate balance between lust and poignant reflections on love. While the traces of seduction persist, the collection delves deeper into the bittersweet complexities of love, offering a blend of passion and heartache.
SMOKE AND MIRRORS: 3.0 ⭐⭐⭐
"Smoke and Mirrors" takes a poignant turn, shifting the focus from explicit content to the realm of lost love and the melancholy of broken hearts. Faudet skillfully weaves a tapestry of emotions, inviting readers to explore the intricacies of love's aftermath.
WINTER OF SUMMERS: 4.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Within "Winter of Summers," Faudet masterfully transforms pain into something beautiful, painting a vivid picture of love's journey. The collection juxtaposes the bliss of summer with the melancholy of winter, allowing readers to feel the spectrum of emotions associated with both seasons.
CULT OF TWO: 4.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
With "Cult of Two," Faudet returns to steamy and nostalgic romance, intertwining passion with a lingering sense of the past. The poems within this collection offer a nuanced exploration of longing, leaving readers to ponder the author's complex emotions and whether regret lingers in the shadows.
Type: Poetry
Themes: Love and Lust
DIRTY PRETTY THINGS: 3.0 ⭐⭐⭐
Michael Faudet's "Dirty Pretty Things" skillfully navigates desire with a subtle touch, drawing readers into its alluring verses. The words evoke a magnetic pull, immersing readers in a world of lustful yearning.
BITTER SWEET LOVE: 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐✨
In "Bitter Sweet Love," Faudet maintains a delicate balance between lust and poignant reflections on love. While the traces of seduction persist, the collection delves deeper into the bittersweet complexities of love, offering a blend of passion and heartache.
SMOKE AND MIRRORS: 3.0 ⭐⭐⭐
"Smoke and Mirrors" takes a poignant turn, shifting the focus from explicit content to the realm of lost love and the melancholy of broken hearts. Faudet skillfully weaves a tapestry of emotions, inviting readers to explore the intricacies of love's aftermath.
WINTER OF SUMMERS: 4.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Within "Winter of Summers," Faudet masterfully transforms pain into something beautiful, painting a vivid picture of love's journey. The collection juxtaposes the bliss of summer with the melancholy of winter, allowing readers to feel the spectrum of emotions associated with both seasons.
CULT OF TWO: 4.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
With "Cult of Two," Faudet returns to steamy and nostalgic romance, intertwining passion with a lingering sense of the past. The poems within this collection offer a nuanced exploration of longing, leaving readers to ponder the author's complex emotions and whether regret lingers in the shadows.
April 26, 2020
I discovered Michael back in the day when I used to spend my days on Tumblr. Both him and Lang Leav started posting their poetry on Tumblr, before getting their work actually published.
What a delightful work of art, this book was. I am not a fan of poetry due to being forced to study and make essays on all the national poetries written by Romanian authors while being in school. However, this is a different kind of poetry. It speaks directly to the reader. It covers different states of mind and feelings, very relatable to the young readers as many of us have experienced at least one of them.
The writing is beautiful, mesmerizing. It managed to improve my mood on a difficult day. It touched my soul and that's not something you encounter on a daily basis in literature.
If you have a romantic, melancholic personality, if you always see and experience things differently and more intense than most people, if you ever loved and lost or loved and saw the fairytale become real, I recommend you this book. I can't wait to read all of his published work.
Surprised to see himself and Lang are actually in a relationship. Their work has always been similar, I am not sure if they knew each other back then or if they met after, but the fact that they are now together is so romantic, in my opinion. They really are the same, in terms of creativity.
What a delightful work of art, this book was. I am not a fan of poetry due to being forced to study and make essays on all the national poetries written by Romanian authors while being in school. However, this is a different kind of poetry. It speaks directly to the reader. It covers different states of mind and feelings, very relatable to the young readers as many of us have experienced at least one of them.
The writing is beautiful, mesmerizing. It managed to improve my mood on a difficult day. It touched my soul and that's not something you encounter on a daily basis in literature.
If you have a romantic, melancholic personality, if you always see and experience things differently and more intense than most people, if you ever loved and lost or loved and saw the fairytale become real, I recommend you this book. I can't wait to read all of his published work.
Surprised to see himself and Lang are actually in a relationship. Their work has always been similar, I am not sure if they knew each other back then or if they met after, but the fact that they are now together is so romantic, in my opinion. They really are the same, in terms of creativity.
September 29, 2022
*2.75/5
This wasn't as annoying and boring as the last poetry collection that I read (in english) in 2022, Blood on my typewriter but to be honest, I expected it to be better than it actually was.
This is the first book that I read by the author, and while I expected to find some poems in the style of the so called "tumblr poetry" which mind you, I am okay with when said poetry is actually good, I didn't expect to come across such unmemorable poems.
Almost all of the poems, left the same kind of feeling. And while getting near each one's end, I was thinking "okay, and???"
There was also some prose in between of the poems, which was mostly about the author's sexual fantasies/sexual experiences (same as the poems to be honest) which wasn't much better in terms of being memorable and groundbreaking.
Well, except maybe that one part about him having sex with his wife in the closet. Didn't love it, but at least I can remember it after having finished the collection.
Generally speaking, this wasn't horrible or very cringeworthy. But I am willing to bet that there are better modern poetry collections out there.
If you made it this far, congratulations!
'Til next time, take care :) :) :)
This wasn't as annoying and boring as the last poetry collection that I read (in english) in 2022, Blood on my typewriter but to be honest, I expected it to be better than it actually was.
This is the first book that I read by the author, and while I expected to find some poems in the style of the so called "tumblr poetry" which mind you, I am okay with when said poetry is actually good, I didn't expect to come across such unmemorable poems.
Almost all of the poems, left the same kind of feeling. And while getting near each one's end, I was thinking "okay, and???"
There was also some prose in between of the poems, which was mostly about the author's sexual fantasies/sexual experiences (same as the poems to be honest) which wasn't much better in terms of being memorable and groundbreaking.
Well, except maybe that one part about him having sex with his wife in the closet. Didn't love it, but at least I can remember it after having finished the collection.
Generally speaking, this wasn't horrible or very cringeworthy. But I am willing to bet that there are better modern poetry collections out there.
If you made it this far, congratulations!
'Til next time, take care :) :) :)
July 1, 2020
" In your eyes , I see myself, I see the love we never thought was possible."
ABOUT THE BOOK:
It's a collection of poems that could be easily understood and fallen in love with and it takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions , that will definitely hit you hard by the time you flip the last page. These poems are about love , seduction , feelings , short stories of lovers , deep conversations between lovers which would make you recall your own sweet memories of your love.
WHO SHOULD READ THIS:
Romantic lovers out there wondering what to gift your loved ones ? Or are you in deep love with her yet bad at expressing your love ? Go get this book . It's gonna be a magic in your life.
WHO SHOULD NOT READ THIS:
I'm warning you , if you're not in love , try not to read this book. Cause it would definitely make you fall in love , deeper and deeper than you think. But isn't that interesting 😜
MY THOUGHTS :
I read the ebook version , but still wanted to buy a paperback copy of it , cause this book is worth being on your shelf as it doesn't age, that makes you read this book again and again .And how could I ever forget to mention about the enchanting titles of the poems that paints a smile on my face.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
It's a collection of poems that could be easily understood and fallen in love with and it takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions , that will definitely hit you hard by the time you flip the last page. These poems are about love , seduction , feelings , short stories of lovers , deep conversations between lovers which would make you recall your own sweet memories of your love.
WHO SHOULD READ THIS:
Romantic lovers out there wondering what to gift your loved ones ? Or are you in deep love with her yet bad at expressing your love ? Go get this book . It's gonna be a magic in your life.
WHO SHOULD NOT READ THIS:
I'm warning you , if you're not in love , try not to read this book. Cause it would definitely make you fall in love , deeper and deeper than you think. But isn't that interesting 😜
MY THOUGHTS :
I read the ebook version , but still wanted to buy a paperback copy of it , cause this book is worth being on your shelf as it doesn't age, that makes you read this book again and again .And how could I ever forget to mention about the enchanting titles of the poems that paints a smile on my face.
March 12, 2020
Perhaps if Faudet hadn't prefaced this collection by saying it is much like his brilliant first collection, Dirty Pretty Things, I wouldn't have felt a bit let down. Unlike DPT, Cult of Two begins slowly and without the fire I expect when I pick up a collection of Faudet's poetry. However, when he moves from one sentence poetry to micro fiction and verse poems, the collection intensifies into the poetry that keeps me coming back to him. The stories are sensual and often heart-breaking. The single phrase ironies in the verse poems steal your breath, forcing you to take time, re-read, find your breath again. His observations draw you in, their sly placement between erotic images forcing you to look at yourself. "Humility is the ability to celebrate a victory and not let your success defeat you."
While this one is not my favorite of his five collections, it is on my keeper shelf, and I will return to it.
While this one is not my favorite of his five collections, it is on my keeper shelf, and I will return to it.
January 3, 2020
"But perhaps its the cult of two that interests me the most.
Where we chase butterflies disguised as romantic dreams—the relentless desire to love, and be loved in return."
I wanted this book to be the first book that I read for 2020, but it ended up being the second one, which is fitting since this book has the word 'two' in its title. More than two people would enjoy the content of this book. Through his writing, Michael Faudet has gained a cult of his own... should we say, "Cult of Faudet"?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews