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In the Darkness of Shards: Poems from a Broken Place
In the Darkness of Shards
is a raw, unflinching collection of poetry that explores trauma, love, and the journey of self-reclamation. With piercing honesty, Catherine Castillo reflects on a relationship where love and pain intertwined, exposing the toxic cycles and emotional chaos that shaped it. Through vivid, evocative verses, she invites readers to examine their own relationships, confront their own hidden wounds and begin their own healing journey.
More than just poetry, this book offers a lifeline for anyone navigating toxic relationships, loss, and transformation. Each verse provides a mirror to the heart and a guide to reclaiming strength through vulnerability. In the Darkness of Shards is a testament to resilience, showing that even in the darkest moments, self-understanding and empowerment are within reach.
More than just poetry, this book offers a lifeline for anyone navigating toxic relationships, loss, and transformation. Each verse provides a mirror to the heart and a guide to reclaiming strength through vulnerability. In the Darkness of Shards is a testament to resilience, showing that even in the darkest moments, self-understanding and empowerment are within reach.
- GenresPoetry
Kindle Edition
Published December 23, 2024
6 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Anne Castillo
3 books484 followersCatherine is a debut author, entrepreneur, and creative enthusiast, driven by an insatiable curiosity and passion for diverse experiences. Originally from Manila, Philippines, she’s a modern Renaissance woman with prowess in healthcare, startups, arts, and innovation. When not immersed in her work, Catherine finds peace in nature, self-care, and lifelong learning. Through her writing, she aims to inspire others to embrace their unique journeys and seize every opportunity for growth, joy, and adventure.
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Catherine är en debutförfattare, entreprenör och kreativ entusiast, driven av en omättlig nyfikenhet och passion för olika upplevelser. Ursprungligen från Manila, Filippinerna, är hon en modern renässanskvinna med skicklighet inom hälsovård, nystartade företag, konst och innovation. När hon inte är fördjupad i sitt arbete, finner Catherine frid i naturen, egenvård och livslångt lärande. Genom sitt skrivande vill hon inspirera andra att omfamna sina unika resor och ta alla möjligheter till tillväxt, glädje och äventyr.
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Catherine es una autora debutante, emprendedora y entusiasta creativa, impulsada por una curiosidad insaciable y una pasión por la diversidad. Originaria de Manila, Filipinas, es una mujer renacentista moderna con experiencia en salud, startups, arte e innovación. Cuando no está inmersa en su trabajo, Catherine encuentra paz en la naturaleza, el autocuidado y el aprendizaje continuo. A través de sus escritos, espera inspirar a otros a abrazar sus experiencias únicas y aprovechar cada oportunidad de crecimiento, alegría y aventura.
*
Catherine är en debutförfattare, entreprenör och kreativ entusiast, driven av en omättlig nyfikenhet och passion för olika upplevelser. Ursprungligen från Manila, Filippinerna, är hon en modern renässanskvinna med skicklighet inom hälsovård, nystartade företag, konst och innovation. När hon inte är fördjupad i sitt arbete, finner Catherine frid i naturen, egenvård och livslångt lärande. Genom sitt skrivande vill hon inspirera andra att omfamna sina unika resor och ta alla möjligheter till tillväxt, glädje och äventyr.
*
Catherine es una autora debutante, emprendedora y entusiasta creativa, impulsada por una curiosidad insaciable y una pasión por la diversidad. Originaria de Manila, Filipinas, es una mujer renacentista moderna con experiencia en salud, startups, arte e innovación. Cuando no está inmersa en su trabajo, Catherine encuentra paz en la naturaleza, el autocuidado y el aprendizaje continuo. A través de sus escritos, espera inspirar a otros a abrazar sus experiencias únicas y aprovechar cada oportunidad de crecimiento, alegría y aventura.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
March 12, 2025
When Castilo reached out asking me to read her book of poems I was originally a little hesitant. Being an individual who either really takes to it, or ends up so bored I fall asleep on the book, I am always careful about the poetry I review. This is definitely one of the poetry books I not only jumped on after reading the description. But one I could not stop reading.
This is a story of a woman who is strong and independent. A woman who is comfortable with herself and where she's at in life. Only to find what she thought was love, which turned out to be an abusive relationship.
As a survivor of DV myself I felt this story not only showed in a sensitive way, how a current victim feels going through the abuse. But also how a survivor starts clawing their way out and toward something better.
I love the feelings you go through reading this book. The sparks of recognition of past trauma, and aspects of narcissistic behavior. While also seeing the light at the end, the strength we all have in us. That sometimes we just need a little help finding. It was very memorable how even after the happy ending. Their are still moments of weakness, of thoughts of the past. Yet the story keeps moving forward, with out shame or blame.
This is one of the few books that I will now be recommending for every survivor, and everyone going through DV. Castillo did a wonderful job of writing enough to relatable. But also not adding in guilt, or talking down to the reader. Even when her poems gain power, its power within the reader, within the words written.
This was a five star read without a doubt. When a book makes you feel as much as this one did, it's hard not to immediately give it five starts. But don't take my word for it, go read it yourself.
#HaveYouReadReviews
This is a story of a woman who is strong and independent. A woman who is comfortable with herself and where she's at in life. Only to find what she thought was love, which turned out to be an abusive relationship.
As a survivor of DV myself I felt this story not only showed in a sensitive way, how a current victim feels going through the abuse. But also how a survivor starts clawing their way out and toward something better.
I love the feelings you go through reading this book. The sparks of recognition of past trauma, and aspects of narcissistic behavior. While also seeing the light at the end, the strength we all have in us. That sometimes we just need a little help finding. It was very memorable how even after the happy ending. Their are still moments of weakness, of thoughts of the past. Yet the story keeps moving forward, with out shame or blame.
This is one of the few books that I will now be recommending for every survivor, and everyone going through DV. Castillo did a wonderful job of writing enough to relatable. But also not adding in guilt, or talking down to the reader. Even when her poems gain power, its power within the reader, within the words written.
This was a five star read without a doubt. When a book makes you feel as much as this one did, it's hard not to immediately give it five starts. But don't take my word for it, go read it yourself.
#HaveYouReadReviews
April 30, 2025
A WORD. SO GOOD.
May 1, 2025
Every word was so amazingly crafted it made me feel her pain...
June 26, 2025
This collection of poems is so heartfelt, that you just cannot help but feel all the pain and the anguish of the poet. Each work progresses to the next stage and I was right there with her in the sadness and the confusion. It is one of those books where you just sit with the book after you are done, wondering what you just went through.
I hope that writing this tale of a lost love brought relief and answers to the fantastic author.
I hope that writing this tale of a lost love brought relief and answers to the fantastic author.
April 30, 2025
A reminder that we deserve a love that sees and hears us.
May 17, 2025
“Sometimes, you lose somebody
To find that love
Is meant to return home.” ❤️
To find that love
Is meant to return home.” ❤️
February 19, 2025
4.5/5 stars
Loses half a star because at one point I cried so hard I gave myself a never ending headache. On a real note though, I was so privileged to get an e-copy of the final manuscript. I need to buy a physical copy. I adored this collection of poems. It almost felt more like reading a story than a collection of poems. The author did such a great job with her writing and organizing. I cannot gush enough about this book. I definitely recommend it, but also prepare to feel your heart break!
Edit: 5/5 stars
I in my heart can’t leave this at 4.5 stars it’s a 5/5 my first 5/5 of the year actually! I just cannot stop thinking about this book.
Loses half a star because at one point I cried so hard I gave myself a never ending headache. On a real note though, I was so privileged to get an e-copy of the final manuscript. I need to buy a physical copy. I adored this collection of poems. It almost felt more like reading a story than a collection of poems. The author did such a great job with her writing and organizing. I cannot gush enough about this book. I definitely recommend it, but also prepare to feel your heart break!
Edit: 5/5 stars
I in my heart can’t leave this at 4.5 stars it’s a 5/5 my first 5/5 of the year actually! I just cannot stop thinking about this book.
September 14, 2025
Non-Spoiler Review
In the Darkness of Shards is the first poetry book I’ve ever read, and I absolutely loved it. I finished it in one sitting because it was so beautiful and powerful. This book captures exactly what it’s like to be in a relationship with a narcissist, the words felt incredibly relatable, especially if you’ve ever felt misunderstood or loved someone who couldn’t understand you in return. It’s an easy read, yet deeply moving. The way the author conveys her pain and suffering through poetry is truly beautiful, and I have immense respect for her. I connected with her words and her emotions so much.
Spoiler Review
The book was stunning, and several parts really stood out to me. One of my favorites was from the “Fake Future, Fake Future” chapter: “Is it normal to make such promises so quickly? To say such big words without considering their weight?” There’s something very powerful about that line.
Another moment that struck me was when the author found a box of old post-it notes, yet still chose to apologize because of love. It’s unsettling how someone can hurt you, twist the situation, and then make you feel at fault. That’s something so many toxic people do, they refuse to accept their mistakes. To me, he seemed like a narcissist, beginning with love-bombing and later resorting to gaslighting.
Another line I loved was about wanting a partner who could truly listen and feel what she felt. Being understood is so important, and when the person you love doesn’t understand you, it hurts deeply. This book captures that pain so vividly, it describes what being in a relationship with a narcissist feels like. I connected with it on every level. For me, it’s an easy 5-star read.
In the Darkness of Shards is the first poetry book I’ve ever read, and I absolutely loved it. I finished it in one sitting because it was so beautiful and powerful. This book captures exactly what it’s like to be in a relationship with a narcissist, the words felt incredibly relatable, especially if you’ve ever felt misunderstood or loved someone who couldn’t understand you in return. It’s an easy read, yet deeply moving. The way the author conveys her pain and suffering through poetry is truly beautiful, and I have immense respect for her. I connected with her words and her emotions so much.
Spoiler Review
The book was stunning, and several parts really stood out to me. One of my favorites was from the “Fake Future, Fake Future” chapter: “Is it normal to make such promises so quickly? To say such big words without considering their weight?” There’s something very powerful about that line.
Another moment that struck me was when the author found a box of old post-it notes, yet still chose to apologize because of love. It’s unsettling how someone can hurt you, twist the situation, and then make you feel at fault. That’s something so many toxic people do, they refuse to accept their mistakes. To me, he seemed like a narcissist, beginning with love-bombing and later resorting to gaslighting.
Another line I loved was about wanting a partner who could truly listen and feel what she felt. Being understood is so important, and when the person you love doesn’t understand you, it hurts deeply. This book captures that pain so vividly, it describes what being in a relationship with a narcissist feels like. I connected with it on every level. For me, it’s an easy 5-star read.
January 29, 2025
wow
This isn’t something I’d normally read and would’ve never found it if Catherine wouldn’t have added me on Goodreads and I’m so glad she did.
Catherine, I felt the raw emotion you put into this. I connected so well with it on a level I wish I couldn’t understand. I’m sad for all of us who have been through anything remotely similar to the things you wrote about, but also somehow grateful that we have. We have all learned, or will learn, to grow through what we go through.
You have yourself a forever reader and I can’t wait to get my hands on more of your pieces. & maybe even work together in the future if that’s something you’d be interested in. I’m a baby author myself and what I’ve written so far is pure raw emotion as well. ❤️
This isn’t something I’d normally read and would’ve never found it if Catherine wouldn’t have added me on Goodreads and I’m so glad she did.
Catherine, I felt the raw emotion you put into this. I connected so well with it on a level I wish I couldn’t understand. I’m sad for all of us who have been through anything remotely similar to the things you wrote about, but also somehow grateful that we have. We have all learned, or will learn, to grow through what we go through.
You have yourself a forever reader and I can’t wait to get my hands on more of your pieces. & maybe even work together in the future if that’s something you’d be interested in. I’m a baby author myself and what I’ve written so far is pure raw emotion as well. ❤️
March 27, 2025
This was absolutely beautiful! The author reached out to my podcast and asked us to give this a read and rate it. I’m not one for poetry, but this book moved me. It was so lyrically written. I felt ALL the emotions that Catherine felt- and it read like a story. A story within her beautiful mind, put into words. This 90 or so pages will hit home and resonate with any and everyone. We’ve all been in toxic relationships- whether it’s with a romantic interest, family, or even friendships. Anyone can pull parallels from this masterful book of poems and relate it to themselves. Well done and well worth the read.
February 22, 2025
Beautiful poetry
These poems are beautiful, raw, and heartbreaking. I felt all the emotions with her words; the pain, confusion, the love. I think this book is definitely worth reading. I think anyone who has gone through heartbreak can relate. It truly is her heart on every page. My wish for the author is to keep building on that self-worth and self-love. If you do find love again one day, I hope that you find happiness with someone who truly loves you and treats you with the respect and kindness you deserve.
These poems are beautiful, raw, and heartbreaking. I felt all the emotions with her words; the pain, confusion, the love. I think this book is definitely worth reading. I think anyone who has gone through heartbreak can relate. It truly is her heart on every page. My wish for the author is to keep building on that self-worth and self-love. If you do find love again one day, I hope that you find happiness with someone who truly loves you and treats you with the respect and kindness you deserve.
June 13, 2025
Heartfelt, deep, and most of all vulnerable. It invokes pain that the characters experiences with such a relatable pull. If you haven't experienced toxicity in a relationship, this will give you a real perspective of it. It's a beautiful collection of poems and thoughts to bring out every emotion you didnt think you had
September 4, 2025
In the Darkness of Shards by Catherine Castillo truly shook me. It’s raw. It’s emotional. And it’s real.
This poetry collection dives deep into themes like trauma, love, toxic relationships, loss, and self-reclamation. Every poem feels like a piece of someone’s soul laid bare on the page. I love how Catherine writes with such piercing honesty that I felt every single word.
Some poems were so honest and deep, I had to stop and just sit with them. They made me think about my own life and the things I’ve felt but couldn’t put into words. She captures that mix of love and pain so well, the kind that breaks you but also teaches you who you are.
What I loved most is that even with all the hurt, this book gives hope. It’s about learning to stand again, even when you feel shattered. It's a reminder that healing isn’t easy, but it’s possible.
This book is for anyone who’s ever felt lost in love, who’s had to pick up the pieces after being broken, or who’s trying to learn how to love themselves again.
Catherine Castillo, thank you for sharing something so vulnerable and brave. I absolutely loved it. Every. Single. Poem.
This poetry collection dives deep into themes like trauma, love, toxic relationships, loss, and self-reclamation. Every poem feels like a piece of someone’s soul laid bare on the page. I love how Catherine writes with such piercing honesty that I felt every single word.
Some poems were so honest and deep, I had to stop and just sit with them. They made me think about my own life and the things I’ve felt but couldn’t put into words. She captures that mix of love and pain so well, the kind that breaks you but also teaches you who you are.
What I loved most is that even with all the hurt, this book gives hope. It’s about learning to stand again, even when you feel shattered. It's a reminder that healing isn’t easy, but it’s possible.
This book is for anyone who’s ever felt lost in love, who’s had to pick up the pieces after being broken, or who’s trying to learn how to love themselves again.
Catherine Castillo, thank you for sharing something so vulnerable and brave. I absolutely loved it. Every. Single. Poem.
June 1, 2025
Catherine Anne Castillo’s In the Darkness of Shards: Poems from a Broken Place is a raw and riveting collection of poems that dives headfirst into the jagged edges of toxic love, trauma, and emotional rebirth.
With fearless vulnerability and poetic precision, the author weaves together a tapestry of verses that are as sharp as they are luminous, each poem a shard of truth, cutting deep yet glinting with resilience.
From the very first page, the author’s voice commands attention: unapologetic, intense, and achingly authentic. Her words do not tiptoe around pain, they confront it, dissect it, and ultimately transform it.
The poems tell the story of a broken relationship filled with flipping scripts, control, and emotional neglect. But they don’t stay stuck in the pain. Instead, they slowly and strongly move toward healing and finding oneself again.
What makes In the Darkness of Shards especially compelling is its emotional accessibility. The author writes not only with lyrical beauty but with a clarity that makes the most complex emotions, grief, confusion, longing, fear, experienced in relationships with abuse feel both tangible and shared.
This is not just a book for poetry lovers, it’s for anyone who has ever loved too deeply, lost too much, or stood in the ruins of a relationship wondering how to live life again.
The book is a courageous and compassionate testament to survival. It transforms heartbreak into healing and silence into strength.
With fearless vulnerability and poetic precision, the author weaves together a tapestry of verses that are as sharp as they are luminous, each poem a shard of truth, cutting deep yet glinting with resilience.
From the very first page, the author’s voice commands attention: unapologetic, intense, and achingly authentic. Her words do not tiptoe around pain, they confront it, dissect it, and ultimately transform it.
The poems tell the story of a broken relationship filled with flipping scripts, control, and emotional neglect. But they don’t stay stuck in the pain. Instead, they slowly and strongly move toward healing and finding oneself again.
What makes In the Darkness of Shards especially compelling is its emotional accessibility. The author writes not only with lyrical beauty but with a clarity that makes the most complex emotions, grief, confusion, longing, fear, experienced in relationships with abuse feel both tangible and shared.
This is not just a book for poetry lovers, it’s for anyone who has ever loved too deeply, lost too much, or stood in the ruins of a relationship wondering how to live life again.
The book is a courageous and compassionate testament to survival. It transforms heartbreak into healing and silence into strength.
January 27, 2025
I have to admit that this was my first poem book that I've read in its entirety. But I enjoyed this. Catherine has spoken of a pain so deep that I think we can all understand. The evolution of a relationship is such a difficult journey to go on, especially when it ends with a breakup. I am saddened by the end of her relationship but fully trust she will be better off. This book spoke to me and I connected with it. Thank you, Catherine, for being so vulnerable with your readers.
June 9, 2025
for the Broken & Healing
This isn’t pretty poetry—it’s blood-on-the-page honesty about love that cuts and the messy road back to yourself. Catherine Castillo doesn’t sugarcoat trauma; she turns it into sharp, stunning verses that’ll make you nod, cry, and maybe flinch. If you’ve ever loved someone toxic or needed words for your own healing, this book gets it. Dark but powerful.
This isn’t pretty poetry—it’s blood-on-the-page honesty about love that cuts and the messy road back to yourself. Catherine Castillo doesn’t sugarcoat trauma; she turns it into sharp, stunning verses that’ll make you nod, cry, and maybe flinch. If you’ve ever loved someone toxic or needed words for your own healing, this book gets it. Dark but powerful.
March 23, 2025
I thought I wouldn’t be into poems, but I was wrong. I had a relationship like this. I wish I had these then when I was going through it. I know it would have helped me heal. I started to tear up doing “Closure”.
Read
January 24, 2025Deep poems
I love how the author expresses herself conveying redemption. My favorite poem is AFTERMATH because someone who goes through a crisis they are determined to emotional heal. Great work.
I love how the author expresses herself conveying redemption. My favorite poem is AFTERMATH because someone who goes through a crisis they are determined to emotional heal. Great work.
February 4, 2025
Each poem is beautifully written and you can feel the emotions through the page. I read through this in one sitting. The poems weave a heartbreakingly beautiful story. Not what I would typically read but I’m so glad I did and I highly recommend!
May 20, 2025
Amazing 👏🏼
"The realization that love, when wrapped in shadows, perhaps isn’t love at all. " This line was absolutely amazing and hit me right in the heart!
"The realization that love, when wrapped in shadows, perhaps isn’t love at all. " This line was absolutely amazing and hit me right in the heart!
June 22, 2025
By some miracle I randomly came across this and I absolutely loved it. This is a collection of poems thats more like a story of a phoenix being reborn. Love, heartbreak and healing written in such a simple but profound way that really resonated and inspired me
February 13, 2025
Never have I ever related to a book of poems quite as much at this one. If you have ever seen the ugly of love this book can, and will resonate with your soul.
June 3, 2025
An emotional & heartbreaking experience that unfortunately so many can relate to.
"I has never been 'loved', nor hurt, by anyone like this"
Catherine Anne Castillo bares her soul in this collection of poems. They are raw, full of passion, and unapologetically vulnerable. Each piece captures the intensity of a love that cuts deep—both beautiful and damaging in its power.
The collection reads like a journal of survival, with moments that feel almost too intimate to witness, yet impossible to look away from. There’s a rhythm to the pain and healing in these pages, a push and pull between longing and liberation.
While some poems resonate more than others, the emotional throughline is unwavering. Castillo doesn't offer tidy conclusions, but instead invites the reader to sit with the discomfort, the grief, and ultimately, the strength that comes from choosing oneself.
A haunting and cathartic read—I rated it ★★★★☆.
"I has never been 'loved', nor hurt, by anyone like this"
Catherine Anne Castillo bares her soul in this collection of poems. They are raw, full of passion, and unapologetically vulnerable. Each piece captures the intensity of a love that cuts deep—both beautiful and damaging in its power.
The collection reads like a journal of survival, with moments that feel almost too intimate to witness, yet impossible to look away from. There’s a rhythm to the pain and healing in these pages, a push and pull between longing and liberation.
While some poems resonate more than others, the emotional throughline is unwavering. Castillo doesn't offer tidy conclusions, but instead invites the reader to sit with the discomfort, the grief, and ultimately, the strength that comes from choosing oneself.
A haunting and cathartic read—I rated it ★★★★☆.
April 8, 2025
Poetry is such an art, and this author portrayed an amazing, heartfelt story. I have never felt so connected to a book of poems before. Not only did I connect with her words, but so did my teenage daughter, which reflects how relatable her words are.
April 5, 2025
Poetry of motion
Loved the way this book flows, it’s a great one to pick up when you want to get deep into your own mind.
Loved the way this book flows, it’s a great one to pick up when you want to get deep into your own mind.
March 29, 2025
I’ll be honest, poetry isn’t usually my thing. I know it's a powerful art form, but it rarely resonates with me on a personal level. So when the author reached out and asked me to read her book, I was a bit hesitant. But something about her words drew me in and I felt I should give it a chance.
What changed my mind wasn’t just the writing—it was the emotion behind it. These poems weren’t just beautiful; they were real. And they were real because, at one point in my life, they mirrored my own reality. I’ve never met Catherine, but through her words, I felt an unspoken connection. It was raw, vulnerable, and deeply emotional.
Reading this book had me reflecting on my own past—on the pain, confusion, and darkness of a toxic relationship. It reminded me of the version of myself that fought through those moments. And it reminded me of how far I’ve come. Healing wasn’t easy. Bouncing back wasn’t immediate. But strength has a way of carrying you, even when you feel like you have nothing left.
For anyone who is living through something similar right now—my heart is with you. I’m so sorry you’re going through it. But please know this: you can leave. You can heal. You can reclaim your peace. And you absolutely deserve better. You are not alone, and there is a version of life ahead that’s full of light, freedom, and love—not pain.
This book is a reminder of resilience, and a testament to how far we can rise from the shards.
What changed my mind wasn’t just the writing—it was the emotion behind it. These poems weren’t just beautiful; they were real. And they were real because, at one point in my life, they mirrored my own reality. I’ve never met Catherine, but through her words, I felt an unspoken connection. It was raw, vulnerable, and deeply emotional.
Reading this book had me reflecting on my own past—on the pain, confusion, and darkness of a toxic relationship. It reminded me of the version of myself that fought through those moments. And it reminded me of how far I’ve come. Healing wasn’t easy. Bouncing back wasn’t immediate. But strength has a way of carrying you, even when you feel like you have nothing left.
For anyone who is living through something similar right now—my heart is with you. I’m so sorry you’re going through it. But please know this: you can leave. You can heal. You can reclaim your peace. And you absolutely deserve better. You are not alone, and there is a version of life ahead that’s full of light, freedom, and love—not pain.
This book is a reminder of resilience, and a testament to how far we can rise from the shards.
April 24, 2025
⭐️4.5⭐️
In the Darkness of Shards is a short, emotional collection of poetry that reflects on Castillo’s relationship with love, pain, and personal growth.
I first must thank Catherine for reaching out to me to ask if I would be interested in reading her debut collection of poems. Seeing as April is National Poetry Month, I felt it was the perfect month to dive into this collection. I rarely gravitate toward poetry, but I think this collection of poems can resonate with anyone who has ever experienced love, heartache, and grief from a future lost.
Each poem shared a personal detail of Catherine’s toxic relationship, from beginning to end, and it’s hard not to become emotional while reading her words. They are raw and beautiful and, like some others, I felt certain elements of her prose reflected some of my own trauma, making this read even more impactful.
While a lot of these poems revolve around emotional loss, there is a resilience that shines through her words and in the end, I must applaud the author’s ability to find empowerment from recounting her experiences and embracing the vulnerability this pain caused.
Overall, I found this poetry collection to be a beautiful recount of what it means to be human when faced with heartbreak. If you enjoy poetry, I recommend checking out this collection on Kindle Unlimited. It’s short and can be read quickly, but will leave a lasting impression.
In the Darkness of Shards is a short, emotional collection of poetry that reflects on Castillo’s relationship with love, pain, and personal growth.
I first must thank Catherine for reaching out to me to ask if I would be interested in reading her debut collection of poems. Seeing as April is National Poetry Month, I felt it was the perfect month to dive into this collection. I rarely gravitate toward poetry, but I think this collection of poems can resonate with anyone who has ever experienced love, heartache, and grief from a future lost.
Each poem shared a personal detail of Catherine’s toxic relationship, from beginning to end, and it’s hard not to become emotional while reading her words. They are raw and beautiful and, like some others, I felt certain elements of her prose reflected some of my own trauma, making this read even more impactful.
While a lot of these poems revolve around emotional loss, there is a resilience that shines through her words and in the end, I must applaud the author’s ability to find empowerment from recounting her experiences and embracing the vulnerability this pain caused.
Overall, I found this poetry collection to be a beautiful recount of what it means to be human when faced with heartbreak. If you enjoy poetry, I recommend checking out this collection on Kindle Unlimited. It’s short and can be read quickly, but will leave a lasting impression.
May 21, 2025
Catherine Castillo is part of a new generation of poets revitalising the contemporary poetry landscape with a direct and authentic voice. In In the Darkness of Shards, she addresses themes such as trauma, toxic relationships, and personal reconstruction with clarity and courage.
Her writing is characterised by meaningful yet straightforward language. The emotional weight doesn't come from stylistic excess but from the honesty with which she shares her experiences.
As you read, it becomes clear that the author can create moments of recognition for the reader, drawing on familiar situations and emotions. Some poems subtly capture the ambiguity of everyday feelings, while others evoke, with sensitivity, the pain and emotional complexity that characterise many human relationships.
There is a balance between the personal and the universal, which gives the collection a distinctive resonance.
If you enjoy honest and down-to-earth poetry, this collection is worth a read. It's thoughtful, personal, and quietly moving
It's reflective, personal, and quietly powerful — and I'm glad I picked it up.
February 26, 2025
In the Darkness of Shards
Author: Catherine Anne Castillo
"Once we were everything,
No shields, just love,
wild and consuming,
drowning in the best of storms.
We had sunsets, starry nights,
a universe spun in our orbit.
My beach, his red dessert,
our spaceship for two
a timeless place where worlds merged,
where we dreamt our dreams as one."
In The Darkness of Shards the author takes you on an emotional journey in which love, heartbreak and rediscovering your own identity are the main themes of her poetry book.
While reading the poems I could feel Catharine's emotions. Her way of writing also makes you think about the events in your own love life.
Each poem in her book is written with great depth, so that as a reader you notice that a lot of care and attention has been put into the development of this book.
Thank you Catherine for letting me read your poems!
Trigger warnings:
Heartbreak
Author: Catherine Anne Castillo
"Once we were everything,
No shields, just love,
wild and consuming,
drowning in the best of storms.
We had sunsets, starry nights,
a universe spun in our orbit.
My beach, his red dessert,
our spaceship for two
a timeless place where worlds merged,
where we dreamt our dreams as one."
In The Darkness of Shards the author takes you on an emotional journey in which love, heartbreak and rediscovering your own identity are the main themes of her poetry book.
While reading the poems I could feel Catharine's emotions. Her way of writing also makes you think about the events in your own love life.
Each poem in her book is written with great depth, so that as a reader you notice that a lot of care and attention has been put into the development of this book.
Thank you Catherine for letting me read your poems!
Trigger warnings:
Heartbreak
January 25, 2025
In the Darkness of Shards: Poems from a Broken Place is the first collection of poems I've read in many years. With every piece of my soul, I am so grateful I spent the time to read this masterpiece. Exploring trauma, love, and self-reclamation, Castillo provided a space for survivors of toxic relationships to feel less alone and to have permission to heal and reclaim themselves in the process. I don't often cry when I read, but I read my own story in these words and I heard the voices of so many others in similar circumstances, and that in itself was so profound, so cathartic, I let myself feel the emotional relief that comes from witnessing someone's growth through trauma. This is beautiful, emotional, and healing!
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