This collection of poetry had some ups and downs for me, I was concerned after not connecting with the first couple but the rest of the collection went much better for me. I found 7 poems that I bookmarked as standouts that I really enjoyed. Overall, I liked the idea of this collection and the themes that it was exploring, a couple of my favorite poems were Folded Lovers in China Town and The Prophet.

Dark and heart wrenching. This poetry collection was really beautiful in all it's darkness.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC. All opinons are my own.

Before I get into my review, I feel I must say that poetry has evolved through the years and is (in my opinion) the type of writing where things are more subjective than objective. For that reason, alongside the traditional quality of the poems within this collection itself, I feel I cannot give anything less than 5 Stars.

Yakoke (thank you) to Lenore Nox for providing a Kindle ARC in exchange for an honest review. "Memento Mori" by Lenore Nox is a collection of poetry accompanied by a cover that I feel screams religion and death but surprisingly, that isn't all that's behind the cover. There was a dark and almost haunting aspect to this collection but it was surprisingly modern and is something I would expect to be on a gothic or dark academia mood board. The very first note I took was "Political af!" right alongside the first poem "Roses and Daisies": "An anthem for harshly broken / Suppressed by latent pings / Brought on by seedy madness / Of dictarors fashioned in' kings / Putin, Trump, or Hitler's kin– / Take a pick."

From daddy issues to love poems – there was a stark contrast that had me questioning what the author intended by splitting the collection into sections I-V, given that the singular sections did not jump out to me as portions that could stand alone or even held cohesiveness from one poem to the next in any given section.

Despite this sort of leaping feel, there was an almost resigned, dry humor to some of the poetry that I feel is fitting for the state of the world we're living in and tied things together overall. This is a poetry collection I felt was very niche despite covering a wide array of subjects and emotions simply for the fact that I, unfortunately, know far too many people that would balk at the mention of Trump and rant instead of reading any further. (For the record, I am a fan!)

The use of homophones and assonance lended a great flow to these poems, allowing sounds to ring out through the words and give an almost song-like quality. (Can you tell that there are a lot of "almost" moments for me? This feels intentional; something to keep the reader coming back for more to find if there is an end to that almost.) There were two poems I marked as flagged, curious if they were written as slam poetry or spoken word due to how they read out loud: "Dead Branches" and "Prophet".

Lenore's work is certainly for fans of Sylvia Plath and Edgar Allen Poe, two iconic poets who were even mentioned at various points throughout this book. Despite noticing the use of traditional poetry devices like rhyming early on and an overall vibe reminiscent of those two, it took me nearly the whole book to realize this.

Due to the nature of anonymity that accompanies this collection, I struggled to make connections where I normally would. Words have different impacts I think, depending on who is saying them. A veteran saying "Their headstones remaining blank" would have an entirely different impact than a Native American saying so due to the latter being something that could be reminiscent of all the boarding school graves for murdered children across the US and Canada. For that reason, I do wish I knew more about the identity of the author so I could discover more of what's hidden between the lines here. (I have a few theories, though I was curious if Lenore is Native given the line "I killed the prophet to remind god I was lit on fire / By the cleansing in 1604" from "The Prophet" because of the historical period of Acadians and Mi'kmaq allyship that ultimately led to their cleansing in 1755 after failing to prove loyalty to the British crown.)

Overall, this was very well done and I plan to seek out Lenore's work again and check back on reviews to see what other readers thought. There were so many poems I felt would make great conversation starters. And because I'm curious if anyone else feels like they heard "Give me a moment / I need to catch my breath / It feels like I've been running" in a song or something because that's been stuck in my head but the air of familiarity is something I can't shake despite not being able to find anything online.

I am not the biggest reader of poetry but when I read it I find myself really enjoying it. The title and cover of this collection grabbed me and I knew I had to read it and I loved it.
The writing is so raw and brutal yet so beautiful at the same time that some of it took my breath away

Filled with pain, raw emotions, social criticicsm and impotence, this poetry collection sure was an EXPERIENCE akin to diving into a dark, nightmare-like fairy tale. You can sense it creeping under your skin and tugging your heartstrings in a friendly manner, as if a mirror suddenly appeared in front of you…

The whole time I kept feeling I standing beside someone who was exorcizing their inner demons by transforming them into art… so that we, like-minded —or should I say like-wounded— peers could see and FEEL that we are not alone in this, surviving amidst our painful existence. And that Art can be the kind of "therapy" we need; either through creations of our own or by losing ourselves in the depths of someone else's naked soul, exposed after having poured their heart and guts on the paper. Written in blood that dries while you are walking the winding path of words, only to realize it has left a mark once you've reached the end. But your mind will not stop there, because some images and passages will linger and come back every time each of those scars starts itching again. Because when bt the time you turn the last page, you will have been branded, my friend. Welcome to the coven, enjoy this poetic grimoire 🖤✨

I'll end whith some excerpts from different poems that summarize the tone and translate the essence of this poetry collection.

"We scream at paper."

"I inject words, like lead in bones
And call them my beautiful,
tear-soaked metaphors..."

"A spineless rythm, ideas I butcher."

"A rage so pure it's almost blinding
Wait, something's deadly amiss
I'm drowning."

"Give me a moment,
I need to catch my breath
It feels like I’ve been running
Trying to get away from myself."

"This is about shouted lies,
And bodies sold- dollar a pound.
What's the weight of a child, I wonder?"

"Goodness, almost bled the truth."

"My cure-all is poetry
And truth be told
It cures fuck all."

Many thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

P.S.: I can't wait to read the rest of Lenore's work because I sense I've found a kindred spirit!

P.S.S.: I would kill to get my hands on a physical copy because this truly spoke to my sould and inner demons, but it seems quite unlikely because, well… Argentina… Ya know? But I won't lose hope!

Memento Mori had a haunting vibe and some beautiful writing. The gothic atmosphere was strong and consistent, and I appreciated the dark, reflective tone. That said, the story didn’t always feel fully developed. The characters were interesting but not very emotionally grounded, and the plot felt more like a mood piece than a full narrative arc.

It’s a solid read for fans of lyrical, gothic fiction who are okay with a slower, more introspective pace. I liked the style, but I was hoping for more depth overall.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A short poetry collection, but packed with so many raw emotions.
I struggled to decipher the religious themes, but the anger, the grief, the sadness - those spoke to me.
While probably most of this gorgeously worded book was lost on me, I’m still glad I picked it up.

Memento Mori embodies its synopsis. Fractured and visceral, the evocative imagery and oft staccatoed style pointedly convey grief and anger. In the earlier parts of the book, the poet strikes with some meaningful political and social discord, lacing in commentary on current events, with heavy focus on religious elements. Then we lose the momentum as the poet turns inward on their own words, poetic ability and trauma processing. Much of this work harkens back to the “art for art’s sake” movement, ruminating on poetic prowess, but falls short of the finesse of those within the literary arm of the movement.

This is review is my honest opinion. I’d like to thank NetGalley for the e-ARC of Memento Mori.

I enjoyed this short, dark poetry. A few passages really resonated with me, especially those written about people who are no longer a part of their life but they cared deeply for. Those who are not dead but are out of their life. I feel that everyone can find something relatable in this collection of poems.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher the the eArc of this poetry collection.

The words were deep. It was dark. It was raw. And it was FULL send on an emotional level.

This collection wasn't for me. It seems a bit try hard to be dark but others like it so maybe its just me

I'm very new to poetry but these I really enjoyed. Dark, raw, and emotional. I thought this was very powerful.

DNF 30%
I couldn't connect with the style or whatever they author was trying to say. I lived random lines but I couldn't see how they were connected to the while poem, even less the book. Not for me.

A collection of poetry can often present both a challenge and a perplexing endeavor. Engaging with a new poet typically introduces a distinct lexicon and emotional spectrum that may initially feel foreign and beyond comprehension. In this regard, "Momento Mori" emerges as a succinct yet poignant anthology characterized by its dark themes and intimate emotional resonance. While the anticipation of motifs centered around mortality and remembrance was warranted, the work consistently dwells within darker thematic waters.

Particularly striking is the poem "To My Father" from section V, which explores the mourning of an absent paternal relationship—a complex emotional landscape that resonates deeply and unexpectedly. This examination of a relationship never fully realized offers a universally relatable experience that lingers in the consciousness long after reading. The intertextual references to Edgar Allan Poe introduce fascinating layers, providing echoes of his literary legacy that enhance the narrative depth without the need for excessive elaboration. This invites inquiry into the poet's own connections with Poe’s oeuvre and how these resonate throughout her work.

As a brief collection, this initial reading reveals words dripping with venomous intensity and a palpable attitude. The lines often coalesce into a formless mass, occasionally punctuated by expletives, leading to interpretations fraught with confusion and a sense of rejection—an experience common to those unaccustomed to poetic forms. My own journey with poetry reflects this; studying the works of Wilfred Owen during my “O” level examinations didn’t elicit immediate emotional engagement or understanding of his intricate stanzas. However, having gained insight into his life, particularly in the context of World War I, I have developed a nuanced appreciation, returning repeatedly to his poems.

Lenore Nox, the poet in question, presents a vibrant and original voice. It is imperative to reach the conclusion of this collection and undertake a second reading, setting aside any preconceived notions or biases. Embrace her voice and allow the raw emotion and richly observed details to permeate the reading experience. These poems will not overwhelm or diminish your self-worth. Instead, they offer reflective turns of phrase and poetic values that invite contemplation, often mirroring the complexity of solving a cryptic crossword puzzle, ultimately rewarding the reader’s patience and reigniting a passion for poetry. In Nox’s work, we encounter a poet who has candidly excavated her inner self, through which she articulates our darkest thoughts and unacknowledged truths with striking honesty.

I didn't expect such straightforward references to the real world and was sometimes a bit lost in the plot line, but anyways, it was beauttifully created, reflective, and pleasure to read.

- - -
Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing me with this free eARC in exchange for my honest review!

I was very interested in reading this small collection of poetry. I find poetry to be difficult to review because I think it's such a personal genre. However, I just couldn't really get into this collection. However, I found the poem "To My Father" to be the one that caught my attention the most.

I do not think that Memento Mori by Lenore Nox was for me. I am not sure if I just didn't connect with any of the poetry narratives, but it felt like the poems were trying too hard to be edgy. The only ones I actually enjoyed were the meditations on religion. I am sure there are people out there that will absolutely love this collection, but unfortunately, I am not one of them.

I found Momento Mori a brief, elegant collection of poems with a dark tones and intimate emotions. I had expected themes of death, of course, and perhaps of remembrance to live beforehand, but it certainly stayed in the darker end of the pool.
"To My Father" in section V really broke through to me - the mourning of a relationship that was never even had, an absent father and all that could have been. A deeply personal and relatable issue that I wasn't really expecting and will sit with me for a long time.

I found the references to Edgar Allen Poe exciting - echoes of his works added an interesting layer to some of the works, a deeper level of storytelling in a way, and evoke further meaning without adding words. Would love to know about the poet's connection to Poe's works and how they relate to it all!

Thank you to Lenore for the words, and the opportunity of reading this ARC.

I am not the most practiced when it comes to analyzing poetry and authorial intent, but Lenore Nox's raw and passionate poems and verses were powerful enough that I felt myself going through the emotional journey with them.

Some of them spoke to me on a more personal level than others, but none of them I disliked. If you're in a place where you can experience rage, grief, and sadness I would recommend this quick read.

A book of poetry can be both a challenge and a chore.

A new poet to you has a lexicon of words and emotional chords that initially seem to be conveyed in a foreign tongue. Beyond your grasp and understanding.

Thankfully this is just a short book of verse.

First read through, as above and more so. Words seem to drip with venom and attitude. Lines mingle into mush and the only thing that stands out is the odd curse word and misunderstanding equals confusion and rejection.

Can I just .say this is how poetry can seem to the untrained ear. I studied William Owen the great World War I poet for “O”level and didn’t get it or feel the stanzas and emotive language immediately. Now with a greater understanding of his life and that conflict. I have a measured appreciation and return to his poems from again and again.

So Lenora Nox. What a vibrant and original voice.
Please reach the end of this book and immediately re-read it and allow any prejudice and baggage to be set aside.

Find her voice and allow the raw emotion and the rich observations to spill off the page. They will not overwhelm you, destroy any faith you hold or diminish your selfworth.

These poems are not empty words but reflective turns of phrase and poetic values that enable you to reflect, contemplate, struggling for answers like cryptic crossword but rewarding your patience and decision to enjoy poetry once more.

A poet who has poured out her heart, searched her inner self and through her honesty, given voice to our darkness thoughts and unspoken truths.