Blood and Roses: A Gothic Collection of Poetry

by Jack Townson

Jack Townson is the FangFam community leader and alternative creator on several social media platforms (tiktok, instagram, twitch). An actor, singer, and writer; Jack has been a part of many different projects, being most known for The Vampire Jack Townson original story on TikTok, delving deep into the secret life of a monster and what it means to find your humanity once more.
Take a look into the mind of the undead bohemian, Jack Townson, an artist who found himself trapped in a world of nightmares , a life without sunlight, never to feel the warmth of day or the permanence of true love.
Jack dives inward to put pen to paper, filling each page with forbidden secrets--from the loves he's lost, to the friends he's made, to the villains who have plagued him, and the dreams of tomorrow. Step into the shoes of a child of dusk trying to find his way back into the dawn.

Genres: Poetry, Gothic

130 pages, Paperback

Published February 14, 2022

About the author

A 2023 Witchy Award nominee, Jack Townson, a multi-talented artist, is the heart and soul of the thriving FangFam community across various social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and Twitch. With an ever-expanding following that now exceeds four hundred thousand devoted fans, he’s left an indelible mark on the digital landscape, garnering an impressive 4.2 million likes under the #Fangfam hashtag.
Beyond his online presence, Jack is a versatile artist, encompassing the roles of actor, singer, and writer. His most celebrated work to date is “The Vampire Jack Townson,” an original story that first captivated audiences on TikTok and has been endorsed by New York Times bestselling author and 5-time Bram Stoker Award winner, Jonathan Maberry. This immersive narrative plunges into the hidden world of a supernatural being and the profound journey towards rediscovering one's humanity.
Jack extends an invitation to his followers, beckoning them to peer into the psyche of an undead bohemian—an artist and a creature of the night, eternally ensnared in a world of nightmares. It’s a life devoid of sunlight’s warmth and the enduring embrace of true love, offering a unique glimpse into the enigmatic existence he portrays through his creative endeavors.

Reviews

[Archaeologize · Rating 1 out of 5]

What in the world have I just read? I thought this person was interesting on TikTok so I picked this up, but by the time I got it I started seeing all the TikToks of girls petting and pawing at the book. On Amazon the book has 36 5-star ratings, which is terribly misleading.

To put it simply, this book is an anthology of poetry written by someone who doesn't know what poetry is; there is no meter, no technical artistry that lets me know the author has any idea what poetry is. It's reminiscent of a middle school student trying hard to be dark and assuming that there are 'no rules' to poetry and thus their work cannot be criticized. It is not 'artistry' to spill words on paper and call it art, and his fans do him a great disservice by fawning over it without constructive criticism.

A true friend will tell you if you have lipstick on your teeth, and a true fan well tell you when your writing is immature and embarrassing.

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yikes. I thought I was a super good writer in high school too.

one star for the sheer audacity of publishing this, and also for it being short.

[Johnny Frazier · Rating 1 out of 5]

Amature, cliché and contrite. Not only is the poetry something cringe it is very much on the level of a sad little emo kid who pretends to self harm for attention. The imagery and ideology is that of an individual who manipulates others with gaslighting, degradation and toxic masculinity. I am without a doubt glad I got this from a free library instead of spending money on it. My best guess is that someone decided to leave in there because it wasn't worth keeping. If I could give it less than 1 star I would.

[Gloria · Rating 1 out of 5]

There was absolutely nothing redeeming about this… I listened to the audiobook and that random rap song? Just no

[Lisa Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t been known to read a lot of poetry but This Book is a must read! If you follow this Author you know he has a Best selling Novel out Fame has its Price , and another about to hit the shelves in less than two weeks , no doubt another Best Seller. This poetry tends to be written in the characters point of view I believe. At least the author does write them in such a way if you know his characters you can pick out those written about who or what. I thoroughly enjoyed this Book. I found Strength and hope in some and a peace and calmness in others. Some Excite you . Again This Author writes with such a passion you feel each emotion in the words of each poem and can picture it as if it is actually playing out on a screen in front of you. You will soon find out you have favorites as well ! This is a Great Read! If you like poetry you will Absolutely Love this Book. It touches you deep in such a way you will never forget it! Definitely a 10 out of ten!!

[Book Slut Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to it on audible. The rap song threw me off 😂 I did not hate it! Didn’t know Jack can rap.

[Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unbearably repetitive.

Reads like one of those mass market paperback paranormal romance from the early 2000s.

...And she purrs under my clutches,
She writhes, squirms, and begs
Call this monster her master
And gushes to ever digits twitch...

From the poem: Blood and Roses (from which this anthology is named)

I don't actually consider the majority of this poetry.

[Mercedes · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ummmmm no. Big fancy words does not equal good poetry. 1 star

[Zondra Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not typically one for poetry, unless it's gothic or not the typical idea of poetry in some way. This collection was so poetic (ha punny). It is an anthology collection, if I'm correct is connected to Jack Townson's vampire stuff he does. (He's thevsmpirejacktownson on Instagram and TikTok)
If you like poetry, and vampires then I suggest reading this collection. Hopefully I'll read Jack's other book he has out soon ish.

[Cora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the Audible version. I had absolutely no idea what I was getting into as I grabbed it during a sale along with a 'stack' of other audiobooks and wasn't familiar with the Vampire Jack Townson. It turned out to be a delightful surprise. I love reads that feel different, and this definitely does. Maybe it's not everyone’s cup of tea, but it genuinely leveled up my day. Poetic and beautifully gothic.

[Crystal Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an amazing compilation of poetry filled with so much emotion and meaning that it's hard not to re-read it multiple times. Even though the overall theaming of the whole book is similar each poem has its own vibe and feeling.perfect for those who like romance or prefer reading material with a deeper meaning.

[Cassie Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect when I read this one. It was recommended by a vampire novel author, & the author does vampire cosplay, so I was down to try it.

I'm glad I did.

This was well written, held a lot of emotion, & screamed Gothic. My favorites were the love poems. I also quite enjoyed the tortured monster ones.

For sure pick this up if you like vampires and poetry.

[Dani Gamer Warrior · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is perfect for those who love a more grim and gothic poetry book. Not very big but I found many of them to depict some pretty cool imagery in my mind. If you're into poetry but find many books are just too cute or bright and are looking for something that satisfies that vampiric, gothic, and somewhat risqué need, this might be something you're into.

[Raven Dracul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood and roses

I really enjoyed reading this,there is not one thing I did not like. I quite enjoyed the whole book.Definitely worth reading.

[Stephanie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I often wonder about the person who is able to flippantly tear apart a creation someone else put their passion into. That being said, I liked it.

[𝕳]

If you are a darkling, you will find exactly what you’re looking for. ‘Autumn’s Flame’ and ‘Of Bones and Black Roses’ are my favourite.

[Avery Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hauntingly beautiful poems with a romantic touch. Anyone who is a fan of poetry and the world of vampires would love this!