"Songs of the Blood" by Kate MacAlister immediately drew me in with its unique world-building. The author's skillful blend of folklore and mythology created a setting that was both familiar and intriguing, making it impossible for me to stop reading. MacAlister's characters, with their complex emotional journeys, added a layer of depth to the story that kept me invested in their struggles and triumphs. The unexpected plot twists had me on the edge of my seat until the very last page.

What I found particularly compelling was how MacAlister explored identity and belonging themes. The protagonist's journey of self-discovery resonated with me personally, making the story not just a fantasy escape but a profound reflection on the human condition. "Songs of the Blood" is a must-read for anyone who loves epic fantasy with a touch of introspection. Thanks to Kate MacAlister, NetGalley, and the publisher of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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.

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.

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.

〝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!

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.

"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

"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."