𝐏𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐄𝐈𝐈 | Review Shop II

Secrets of the Shadows [Iris]

Book: Secrets of the Shadows
Author: Sohinigoswami
Reviewer: Iamjustasapien 
Chapters read: 17

***

Cover:
The cover is simple yet eye-catching. At first glance it looks like normal butterfly with colourful wings, but I just love how added skeletons to the wings. It indicates to the dark themes inside your book. I have no complaints against your cover, it's simple yet powerful. It catches the reader's attention and makes them explore your masterpiece more.

However, I do have a suggestion. You could maybe add a quote related to your poems on the cover or add a question. Something like: "Are you afraid of shadows that follow you?" Questions or simple quotes just makes a reader more prone to explore a book more. (in my opinion)

Title:
'Secrets of the Shadows' is a unique title choice. Now, at first glance one might think this is a murder mystery novel or something related to that. So, to avoid such confusion do add, in brackets ' poetry collection' or just 'poetry' in the title. Now, perception differs but I highly suggest doing that, since, your title gives the 'muder mystery/horror' genre vibe. You could re-rewite something like this:

"Secrets of the Shadows (Poetry)"

Apart from that, I have no suggestions. The title is perfect and suits the book and blurb. It makes questions brew in a reader's mind and just stands out from the rest.

Blurb:
I have to admit the blurb is short and really intriguing. It is perfect and has no grammatical errors, apart from the fact that a few commas should be added. I have no complaints against it, good job.

Plot:
Now, the poems in the book are just pure masterpieces. I just love how each one stands out and has a unique tale to tell. The writing is simple yet really impactful. In simple words, you are a wordsmith. Each poem evokes thoughts and paints a vivid imagination onto the reader's mind. The imagery and personification used are unique and flawless. My personal favorite is 'Weeping Willow'. I recommend you to try reverse poetry.

However, I do have a suggestion. You could make the titles of the more discrete. For example the poem 'Overdose' could be titled something more discrete like, "Withering pines". Since, discrete titles attracts a reader's attention.  Now, this is just my opinion, you are not obligated to do that. Additionally, don't overcrowd a sentence with too many personifications or words.

Lastly, do add give some context or a summary in your own words at the end of a poem, since, not all can break down a poem and read between the lines.

Grammar and vocabulary:
Well, I have to admit your grammer is flawless. I just could not find a single  grammatical error. There were quite a few spelling errors. But they aren't that impactful and don't ruin the reading experience.

Improvements needed to be done:
As mentioned in the 'Plot' section, the title names could be improved, since, they give out the content in the poem right away. And do write a summary of the poem at the end, so, readers can understand what the poem is actually about. Your book is perfect but it could use banners. Since, they enhance the reading experience. You can either make a banner on 'Canva' or go to a graphic shop. Again, this is just a suggestion.

Overall enjoyment:
Your poetry book was really enjoyable! I personally loved it and had fun reading it. The writing, imagery and personifications used are just amazing. They paint a vivid image and evoke a lot of thoughts onto a reader's mind. And the fact you included a acrostic poem spelling A to Z is just really creative.

The originality and uniqueness of your work just makes your book stand out. Not to mention, your book has won quite a few awards as well, and I personally, even as a reader, think you deserved them due to the high quality of your work. Do the improvements/changes I have mentioned and shine bright! Thank you.

─⁠──⁠──⁠──⁠─ ⋄ ☾∘☽ ⋄ ─⁠──⁠──⁠──⁠─

Thank you for requesting a review from us. Do let us know what you think so that we can improve to better provide for authors like you.