Ahh this narration came me goosebumps. I felt like Bridgett was talking to my soul.

What a beautiful book of poetry. You will be taken on a journey of love, lust, abuse, heartbreak, and finding yourself again. These poems truly resonated with me. There were so many beautiful ones I felt I could relate to.⁣
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The illustrations are absolutely stunning as well. Some that I felt would even make gorgeous tattoos. ⁣
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Thank you @netgalley for an ARC for my honest review!⁣
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Not my thing. This isn’t really my idea of poetry. Couldn’t finish it. Just not interesting or original.

having not read soft thorns vol. I i wasn't familiar with Devoue's writing.
as an audiobook, i think is great, specially since it's narrated by the author and she knows how her poetry is meant to be read. however, i didn't love her poetry. her style is a modern-ish, but not in the good way. the pacing was weird, the structure was ok but it was super repetitive. the use of the angel/demon metaphor was overdone and it got annoying.

A wonderful collection of poetry that does justice to the themes such as positivity and empowerment. Each one of them were absolutely clear in their meaningful interpretation. This is my first book from this author but surely it won't be my last. I'm glad I found this through a random poetry search because books like these are meant to cherished. When poems are written in beautiful lyrical language without any offensive words or manipulative elucidation, somehow I feel content reading them. This is the book that I can recommend without any trigger warnings.

I enjoyed this audiobook - I have not read the previous collection, but I will go look it up now!

Bridgett has a soothing voice, and the way she tells the poems gives them more life.

I didn’t enjoy this poetry collection.
Maybe I just didn’t “get“ it, but I didn’t notice any real plot or felt any kind of emotions listening to the audiobook.
The narration was done alright though.
Overall the book just didn’t resonate with me.

I really liked Bridgett Devoue's voice -- her narration was really nice and soothing. I didn't really care for the writing style, however. I guess the subject matter of her poetry isn't something that is particularly interesting for me.

Bridgett Devoue is a poet who gained popularity by sharing her poetry on Instagram. Her first book, SOFT THORNS, came out in 2017. She is now releasing SOFT THORNS VOL II. Unlike her first book, this one encompasses several relationships and promises to dive deeper than her first publication.

The poetry collection of course uses plenty of flowery imagery (it is called SOFT THORNS after all). The book begins with the concept of hunger for life, but very quickly shifts focus to the heavy disappointments that come with dating. She points out how dating can feel like a constant transaction for temporary validation and how the overinvestment of this transaction leads to the loss of one’s identity. Other themes in the collection include rejection, sexual assault, falling in love with a fantasy, moving on, and nostalgia.

I would’ve liked to see more unique comparisons and imagery, as well as imagery that remained consistent with flowers and nature overall. The brief allusions to angels, demons, and prison felt out of place. The collection does eventually tie back to nature towards the end.

Overall, this collection shows how someone grows in maturity after each relationship. Every poem is easy to read and full of relatable emotions that the audience will connect to instantly.
SOFT THORNS VOL II will be out May 4, 2021.

This post was possible thanks to an audiobook provided for free by the publishers via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this audiobook a lot-:The narrator did an excellent job.
The collection of poetry was relatable and beautifully written; an excellent sequel to the authors first collection.

Looking forward to reading more from Bridgett Devoue.

Wow, i mean WOW. Thank you SO much to the publisher and. Netgalley for giving me the opportunity of reading this amazing poetry book and author! This is the first audiobook i listened here and the most appealing thing was that the author narrated it herself! Such sweet voice, such feelings. I felt overwelmed in a good way and embrassed by it. And most importantly I felt really related, and conected with all this. I recommend it to the entire world.

All in all this one wasn't my favorite. It felt disjointed at times and very vague. It was lacking a sense of personalization that I definitely expected from a book about this topic. I read a lot of poetry and am a big fan of the poetry written by Amanda Lovelace and Courtney Peppernell, but Devoue's style unfortunately just wasn't the best for me.

Soft Thorns Vol II, is a poetry composition that is raw, mournful, lustful, pitiful, painful, decisive and healing. Five chapters that nearly made me bleed with conflicting emotion for her.
In Ms. Devoue’s prologue she states “ Don’t worry if it burns a little...that’s what happens when you play with fire”.

Call the Fire Department!

Audio Version: While the poetry itself is heartfelt, I feel Ms. Devoue did a disservice to her work, by narrating it herself. Her voice is extremely monotone. With little, to no emotion read into her words, the reading of her poetry sounded as if she were “dead” inside, or devoid of any true feeling....lest she intended the listener to imagine that.
IMHO, powerful heartfelt words, need an equally emotionally and convincing voice

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and Bridgett Devoue for an AAC in exchange for my honest opinion.