I am not a huge poetry fan but I really enjoyed this short poetry book. I read it twice back to back and I think the more I read it, the more I will understand but I really liked the short and sweet poems. The way it was written is beautiful and almost haunting. I am slightly disappointed that it was so short but I am looking forward to reading more by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.

I’m not normally a poetry gal, but I absolutely loved this collection. Telling the story of a toxic relationship through a collection of poems is just the kind of thing I wanted and needed. I did get a little confused during some of the poems, but I chalk that up to my lack of experience with poetry. I do wish that there was some indicator outside of the afterword that the poems were inspired by real pieces designed by one of the most influential names in fashion. Even something like the addition of the year that the piece was made would’ve piqued my interest enough to make me google it before reading the poem. Overall, I really loved this and I definitely want to add a physical copy to my home library!

Thank you to NetGalley, Querencia Press, and Antonia Rachel Ward for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

"The Patron" is a collection of alluring poems that show two perspectives. The poems are eloquent and sensual, and there's even this kind of paranormal demise feel to them. An enjoyable collection for poetry lovers liking for a more unique craft that contains individual works that connect to make a collective whole.

A beautiful and haunting story of love and loss through lyrical and gothic verse. Each poem connects to a larger story that presents how love and loss change and shift in each situation or memory. The gothic atmosphere stitches the themes perfectly and brings an almost vampiric feeling to the larger story. I highly recommend The Patron to any dark fantasy/romance fan who is looking for a small collection of poetry & verse.

Thank you, NetGalley and Querencia Press for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I only read a little poetry, but the prose in this book was gorgeous, somewhat gothic, and created a compelling collection of poetry. I felt lost in a couple of parts, but otherwise, it was an interesting read that was different from any poetry I've read to date.

Thank you to Querencia Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

I just recently started to read poetry and I truly enjoyed The Patron. The cover is stunning. The poems are dark, beautiful, and have amazing imagery.
Releasing July 12, 2024

While it's not really my taste, I do appreciate the author's intent! I enjoyed the afterword almost more than the poetry, but I know that's my personal taste in poetry speaking.

This poetry collection is quite dark, and it feels like each word was carefully and intentionally chosen. A short volume about the dynamic of want and giving, and how we impact each other in these exchanges.

Vulnerable & hauntingly beautiful. The prose is lyrical, gothic, & immersive leaving the reader wanting more.

The Patron is a beautiful collection of poems. Each poem is telling a piece of the story. It speaks of love and loss in such a dreamy way. Each line creates an image that is beautiful, sensual and yet also heartbreaking. This collection of poems is dark and at times a bit bleak but overall just very beautiful story telling within each line and poem.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy!

I completely loved the cover! Im not to sure on poetry. This did not hook me, as to why two stars. Maybe i will try again on a later date when i have branched out and more into this genre of book.
Thank you.

This is my first time consuming a body of poetry works but it was a joy to read this. The interconnectedness of these small universes really drew me in, I loved the subtly of body horror mixed with an undeniable yearning. Brill!

Thank you, NetGalley for an advanced ARC of this book

This short collection of interconnect poems had me reading it all in one sitting as it keep me hooked and wanting to turn the page in the best way possible. It's dark, it's gothic. It's sensual in a eat your heart type of way which I was obsessed with. Ward can write bold and vivid details that stay with you in very few words which I think shows their skills as a writer. I would highly recommend this collection to anyone that likes dark and gothic imagery that has a sensual vibe. Definitely one of the best collections I've read so far this year. I will be getting the paperback as soon as possible.

It was a very good and lyrical dreamscape to read. The relationship between muse, art, and patron was fascinating.

"The Patron" by Antonia Rachel Ward is a poetry collection featuring short, sharp verses that examine the dark repercussions of artistic and passionate pursuits. The book navigates through contrasts such as beauty and ugliness, tenderness and ferocity, and creation and destruction, all conveyed with a lyrical and evocative tone. The poems offer a "moonlit window into the human psyche," emphasizing the perils of illusion and the inherent risks in seeking love and art.

I have read some poetry. The concept of this book had me intrigued. In addition, this book cover drew my eyes to it. This book is my first introduction to this author, but it will not be my last.

This is a short book but powerful. I was instantly draw into the story. It is told through the two different POV's...the female and male's. While the POV's are unnamed, I still felt an emotional connection towards them both. You could feel the emotions that they both experienced through the relationship.

The Patron
by: Antonia Rachel Ward
due: 7-12-2024
Querencia Press, Chicago, Illinois
5.0 stars

I absolutely loved this chap book of poetry by UK write, Antonia Rachel Ward. I think its brilliant, magnificent and impressive. So much so, after finishing this book, I ordered everything available by her : 2 novella, a novel, 'Dreamscape', on her site, www.ghostorchidpress.com, and a bundle.

Have you ever read a book of prose, where every page you read becomes you next favorite poem..?
That was how I felt reading this.
The poems are all numbered in roman numerals, most of the titles are one word, and not capitalized. The prose is suberb, absolutely fantastic, with a deep insightful fascinating way of conveying a relationship. I felt involved and a part of their lives, like I was a part of their relationship.
I also learned a few new words, which is a huge plus.
Antonia Rachel Ward.....you have a new fan.
Thanks to Net Galley for sending this e-book ARC for review.
#NetGalley #ThePatron

The Patron is a dark series of connected poems exploring the relationship between a young artist and their older, affluent patron that becomes toxic. I was drawn in immediately by the book’s dedication to designer Alexander McQueen who is known for beautiful but often grotesque collections. The imagery invoked in The Patron follows in the same vein and reminded me of Edgar Allen Poe’s The Telltale Heart at certain points.

Being a collection of poems, The Patron has a very loose narrative structure and leaves much open to interpretation by the reader. I’d recommend this book to fans of horror and poetry, the combination is working well in this story.

This was a fast read, and a compelling one, too. I think I enjoyed it more before reading the author's notes about the inspiration and message they intended. One of the things I love most about poetry, and any work of art, is how the reader/viewer interprets it for themselves. So much of art is viewed through a lens of where people are in their lives when they experience it. I almost wish I'd been left to do that on my own because how they envisioned the message was not at all how I took it. But, I understand why it was included. I also think this would have worked SO well as a flash fiction piece, a more comprehensive story. It was clear the poems were related, a story that threaded through, but felt more disjointed than I feel it needed to be when presented in poem form. It's also listed on NetGalley as Horror and I have NO idea why. It wasn't at all what I'd describe as horror.

The Patron is a macabre dance of passion and pain. Antonia's words are sultry and captivating- each chosen with explicit purpose. Every read, and you'll need to read this more than once, will leave you with new understanding and appreciation for the relationship between the artist and his patron. A must read!

1 star deduction for digital formatting issues which I'm sure will hopefully be non-existent in print form.

Thank you Net Galley for this eArc in exchange for an honest review!