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Songs of the Blood
Tales of electric connections sparked on cobblestone streets, where spring is the season of the witch.
A love song to the sisterhood that knows what is at stake and that we will only save each other.
An incentive to share your stories: so we begin to see the system behind our pain and we start seeing the connections-and the greatest question of all: how can we connect with each other?
songs of the blood is Kate MacAlister's debut poetry collection about moments of intense human connection and the dreams of a revolution: of love and solidarity that will bring about a just world for everyone.
A love song to the sisterhood that knows what is at stake and that we will only save each other.
An incentive to share your stories: so we begin to see the system behind our pain and we start seeing the connections-and the greatest question of all: how can we connect with each other?
songs of the blood is Kate MacAlister's debut poetry collection about moments of intense human connection and the dreams of a revolution: of love and solidarity that will bring about a just world for everyone.
- GenresPoetry
62 pages, Paperback
Published August 12, 2022
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6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 12, 2023
This is the first poetry book I've read in a while.
I think my favourite was Hecate, but there were some poweful ones that I enjoyed reading.
I'm not sure I was the biggest fan of the amount of poems that had similar structures after one another, but that is a personal thing about how I like to write and read poetry.
I absolutely adore the topic though; the dedication at the beginning gave me a chuckle and I knew that the type of poetry that this book would contain would be impactful. The themes of love and witchcraft and just femininity in general is ones that will always afflict my queer little heart.
I think my favourite was Hecate, but there were some poweful ones that I enjoyed reading.
I'm not sure I was the biggest fan of the amount of poems that had similar structures after one another, but that is a personal thing about how I like to write and read poetry.
I absolutely adore the topic though; the dedication at the beginning gave me a chuckle and I knew that the type of poetry that this book would contain would be impactful. The themes of love and witchcraft and just femininity in general is ones that will always afflict my queer little heart.
December 22, 2022
it gave me such a strong connection to all the witches out there. loved it, felt empowered.
July 26, 2022
MacAlister's writing style is melodious and evocative. I couldn't get enough of this book. This witchy, feminist, and powerfully compelling collection is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt powerless in their feminine energy.
MacAlister will convince you otherwise.
So thankful to have received this ARC copy from Querencia Press.
MacAlister will convince you otherwise.
So thankful to have received this ARC copy from Querencia Press.
August 18, 2022
I enjoyed the poems, brilliantly wrote.
My favourite would be “We Don’t Burn Witches Anymore”… as every line, every women can feel.
-
Thank you Querencia Press for this ARC
My favourite would be “We Don’t Burn Witches Anymore”… as every line, every women can feel.
-
Thank you Querencia Press for this ARC
October 1, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and Querencia Press for this ebook.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars rounded up.
While I wanted "more" from many poems in this collection -- more personal connection, more rawness, more cut-throat energy, there were a few poems that stood out from the rest that I really enjoyed reading.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars rounded up.
While I wanted "more" from many poems in this collection -- more personal connection, more rawness, more cut-throat energy, there were a few poems that stood out from the rest that I really enjoyed reading.
July 27, 2022
I adored this collection of poetry and the sense of adoration that filled me. The different parts each recollect a new kind of feeling and I think that’s what made this entire thing work and so strong.
August 3, 2022
This book is a hymn to all the lost voices and reclaiming them. A powerful statement and yet softly whispering of love, lust, loss and healing.
For those of us who want to catch some stolen moments and deeply fall in love with the songs of the blood.
For those of us who want to catch some stolen moments and deeply fall in love with the songs of the blood.
August 13, 2022
there are two ways to read this book and both are the right one.
first, you can read with your heart. Sway along to the ever moving flow and rhythm of the words and imagery, like the sea shifting between sharp and soft, dark and silver, urgent or calm. have love and hurt, hope and anger pass you.
and then you can read with your head. Dive deeper into that ocean, reveal the meaning of metaphors and overpainted thoughts accentuating the truths, acknoledge the wisdom and bravery and complexity of the the themes, the poetry, the author.
This is not a book to read once hastily and to have fully grasped it then, it is something to return to, to carry with you, to grow fond if in an emotional and intellectuall process.
I personally was caught between trying to understand the full meaning of every line while also staying aware of the beautifully arranged mood, which threw me of a bit. I'm not used to reading poetry this abstract for I am rather unpatient, which is not a flaw in the work but rather a personal disposition that lead to the 4-star-rating.
first, you can read with your heart. Sway along to the ever moving flow and rhythm of the words and imagery, like the sea shifting between sharp and soft, dark and silver, urgent or calm. have love and hurt, hope and anger pass you.
and then you can read with your head. Dive deeper into that ocean, reveal the meaning of metaphors and overpainted thoughts accentuating the truths, acknoledge the wisdom and bravery and complexity of the the themes, the poetry, the author.
This is not a book to read once hastily and to have fully grasped it then, it is something to return to, to carry with you, to grow fond if in an emotional and intellectuall process.
I personally was caught between trying to understand the full meaning of every line while also staying aware of the beautifully arranged mood, which threw me of a bit. I'm not used to reading poetry this abstract for I am rather unpatient, which is not a flaw in the work but rather a personal disposition that lead to the 4-star-rating.
Read
October 6, 2022"they don't burn witches anymore / for / we are already / set on fire"
September 26, 2023
〝I am restless
at the bottom
of our ocean
listening to
the hymns
of your wide
eyes
and
gasping
breaths〞
★★★
songs of the blood is macalister's debut poetry collection about moments of intense human connection and the dreams of a revolution: of love and solidarity that will bring about a just world for everyone. it features tales of electric connections sparked on cobblestone streets, where spring is the season of the witch and a love song to the sisterhood that knows what is at stake and that we will only save each other.
I sadly had a hard time getting into this one. I really liked the themes and everything the poems were saying and I could still appreciate the poems for what they are but I need a bit more rhythm to really get into it. I still ended up underlining a bunch because the imagery was stunning and my favorite poems from the collection are "actually, IGAF", "comrades", "not all men" and "13 coven".
in my review for time is a mother by ocean vuong I wrote "when reading a poem I like to feel every line of it like a wave crashing into me and for that to happen I need some sort of rhythm" and the exact same could be said about this collection. I still think it's objectively good poetry but it wasn't my thing. if you liked time is a mother by ocean vuong however you'll probably really like this one too for the same reasons I didn't enjoy either. I also think this whole collection is very fall coded so this is the perfect time to pick it up!
thank to netgalley and querencia press for giving me access to this arc.
no rating on cawpile.
ig: @winterrainreads
at the bottom
of our ocean
listening to
the hymns
of your wide
eyes
and
gasping
breaths〞
★★★
songs of the blood is macalister's debut poetry collection about moments of intense human connection and the dreams of a revolution: of love and solidarity that will bring about a just world for everyone. it features tales of electric connections sparked on cobblestone streets, where spring is the season of the witch and a love song to the sisterhood that knows what is at stake and that we will only save each other.
I sadly had a hard time getting into this one. I really liked the themes and everything the poems were saying and I could still appreciate the poems for what they are but I need a bit more rhythm to really get into it. I still ended up underlining a bunch because the imagery was stunning and my favorite poems from the collection are "actually, IGAF", "comrades", "not all men" and "13 coven".
in my review for time is a mother by ocean vuong I wrote "when reading a poem I like to feel every line of it like a wave crashing into me and for that to happen I need some sort of rhythm" and the exact same could be said about this collection. I still think it's objectively good poetry but it wasn't my thing. if you liked time is a mother by ocean vuong however you'll probably really like this one too for the same reasons I didn't enjoy either. I also think this whole collection is very fall coded so this is the perfect time to pick it up!
thank to netgalley and querencia press for giving me access to this arc.
no rating on cawpile.
ig: @winterrainreads
September 17, 2023
"Kate MacAlister's debut poetry collection, 'Songs of the Blood,' is a mesmerizing journey through the tapestry of human connection set against the backdrop of cobblestone streets and the enigmatic allure of spring as the season of the witch. Through her eloquent verses, MacAlister crafts a compelling love song to the sisterhood, a poignant reminder of the profound stakes we face, and the imperative to rescue one another.
This collection serves as a powerful incentive to share our own stories, as it invites us to unveil the intricate system that underlies our collective pain. MacAlister's words compel us to see the invisible threads binding us all, sparking the most profound question of our time: how can we foster deeper connections with each other?
'Songs of the Blood' is a testament to the potential of human connection, celebrating moments of intense emotional resonance and weaving them into dreams of a revolution. It envisions a world where love and solidarity reign supreme, promising a more just and equitable future for all. Kate MacAlister's poetic voice resonates with passion and purpose, making this collection a must-read for anyone seeking to explore the boundless possibilities of human connection and the transformative power of poetry."
This collection serves as a powerful incentive to share our own stories, as it invites us to unveil the intricate system that underlies our collective pain. MacAlister's words compel us to see the invisible threads binding us all, sparking the most profound question of our time: how can we foster deeper connections with each other?
'Songs of the Blood' is a testament to the potential of human connection, celebrating moments of intense emotional resonance and weaving them into dreams of a revolution. It envisions a world where love and solidarity reign supreme, promising a more just and equitable future for all. Kate MacAlister's poetic voice resonates with passion and purpose, making this collection a must-read for anyone seeking to explore the boundless possibilities of human connection and the transformative power of poetry."
October 5, 2023
Feminist, witchy and thought-provoking is how I’d describe this book of poetry and, I think any woman would have a difficult time not finding at least one poem in it that fascinates them. Poetry-lovers and poetry-avoiders (like myself) will find something to appreciate about this book and that’s no easy feat.
I've read poems I've enjoyed and appreciated but I’m not a 'poetry person' and the last time I had the slightest inclination to read a book of poetry was in high school for an assignment. In college I’m pretty sure I avoided any literature class I thought might include a lot of poetry for this reason so I cannot recall any brushes with poetry there and if there were, I’ve blocked them out!
So, how did I get here? I’m not completely sure. I have a curious and open-ish mind. The cover and the description sold me. I was pleasantly surprised with the delivery and ended up reading it cover to cover. Initially, I thought it might be too witchy for a non-witch but it wasn’t. Not at all. I thought the title was a little weird, which made it catchy and, ultimately, it was relevant to the poems.
I doubt I’ll ever forget it, therefore, job well done. I would recommend it as a gift to someone who might enjoy its contents. Women's lit fans - check.
I've read poems I've enjoyed and appreciated but I’m not a 'poetry person' and the last time I had the slightest inclination to read a book of poetry was in high school for an assignment. In college I’m pretty sure I avoided any literature class I thought might include a lot of poetry for this reason so I cannot recall any brushes with poetry there and if there were, I’ve blocked them out!
So, how did I get here? I’m not completely sure. I have a curious and open-ish mind. The cover and the description sold me. I was pleasantly surprised with the delivery and ended up reading it cover to cover. Initially, I thought it might be too witchy for a non-witch but it wasn’t. Not at all. I thought the title was a little weird, which made it catchy and, ultimately, it was relevant to the poems.
I doubt I’ll ever forget it, therefore, job well done. I would recommend it as a gift to someone who might enjoy its contents. Women's lit fans - check.
July 31, 2022
The best way to describe Songs of the Blood by Kate MacAlister is to call it a crescendo.
From Submission to Rebellion, MacAlister traverses the human and female experience of love, sensuality, heartache and revolution. And although I wasn’t consistently sold on the poetic style, there is no denying her work packs a punch.
The sensuality in Submission and sheer grit and empowerment in Rebellion made this collection an enjoyable read for me. Devotion fell a little flat, with many of the poems running into each other rather than being memorable or moving.
A particular favourite from Rebellion was ‘Hecate’ - MacAlister’s use of structure and imagery is sublime in this piece as she vividly and viscerally captures womanhood and how it suffers at the hands of the patriarchy.
I admire MacAlister as both a writer and activist so do read her debut collection, it’s a gorgeous reflection of what she believes in and stands for.
From Submission to Rebellion, MacAlister traverses the human and female experience of love, sensuality, heartache and revolution. And although I wasn’t consistently sold on the poetic style, there is no denying her work packs a punch.
The sensuality in Submission and sheer grit and empowerment in Rebellion made this collection an enjoyable read for me. Devotion fell a little flat, with many of the poems running into each other rather than being memorable or moving.
A particular favourite from Rebellion was ‘Hecate’ - MacAlister’s use of structure and imagery is sublime in this piece as she vividly and viscerally captures womanhood and how it suffers at the hands of the patriarchy.
I admire MacAlister as both a writer and activist so do read her debut collection, it’s a gorgeous reflection of what she believes in and stands for.
November 27, 2023
Songs of the Blood by Kate MacAlister is a powerful and thought-provoking poetry collection that explores the themes of human connection, sisterhood, and revolution. The poems are beautifully written and capture the essence of the struggles and triumphs of everyday life. The author's use of language is both evocative and poignant, and the imagery she creates is vivid and striking. The collection is a love song to the sisterhood that knows what is at stake and that we will only save each other. It is an incentive to share our stories, to see the system behind our pain, and to start seeing the connections that bind us together. The greatest question of all is how we can connect with each other, and this collection offers a glimpse into the answer. I highly recommend Songs of the Blood to anyone who loves poetry that speaks to the heart and soul.
September 22, 2023
In “Song's of the blood” readers are invited on a transformative journey. This collection beautifully weaves together themes of unity, strength, and resilience, reminding us that we are the architects of our own salvation.
Through poignant verses, the author unravels the intricate threads that connect all women, showcasing the shared experiences, struggles, and triumphs that define our existence. The poems serve as a powerful lens, exposing the hidden system behind women’s pain, discrimination, and oppression, offering both solace and empowerment.
In a world that often diminishes the significance of women’s voices, this book is a call to celebrate our shared experiences and the bonds that unite us. It is a poetic masterpiece that reminds us that together, we are a force to be reckoned with, and through our collective efforts, we can reshape the world.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
Through poignant verses, the author unravels the intricate threads that connect all women, showcasing the shared experiences, struggles, and triumphs that define our existence. The poems serve as a powerful lens, exposing the hidden system behind women’s pain, discrimination, and oppression, offering both solace and empowerment.
In a world that often diminishes the significance of women’s voices, this book is a call to celebrate our shared experiences and the bonds that unite us. It is a poetic masterpiece that reminds us that together, we are a force to be reckoned with, and through our collective efforts, we can reshape the world.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
September 17, 2023
"I can steer this ship // I have seen rougher waters // and lived"
A lovely book of poetry.
This has some very interesting poems mixing witchcraft along with it. I loved this book (and definitely want to read some more from this author) I couldn't put this down.
"they don’t burn witches anymore for we are already set on fire"
I was given a copy of this from Netgally for an honest review
A lovely book of poetry.
This has some very interesting poems mixing witchcraft along with it. I loved this book (and definitely want to read some more from this author) I couldn't put this down.
"they don’t burn witches anymore for we are already set on fire"
I was given a copy of this from Netgally for an honest review
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews