Morgan Fezza is a powerful voice in contemporary poetry. Drawing from her personal experiences with betrayal, motherhood, and independence, Fezza crafts poetry that is both deeply intimate and universally resonant. With Moonlight & Warpaint, she cements her reputation as a poet who doesn’t shy away from vulnerability; she owns it. (Full disclosure: I consider Morgan a dear friend of mine, but she didn’t ask me to write this; she doesn’t even know that I did. But you all know that I write reviews for the books I read and so this is no different.)
A Voice That Commands Attention
In a world saturated with surface-level emotions and fleeting words, Morgan Fezza’s Moonlight & Warpaint emerges as a thunderous heartbeat. This poetry collection doesn’t whisper; it roars, bearing its soul in verses that cut deep and shine even deeper. It is a masterclass in emotional resilience, told through the lens of betrayal, rebirth, motherhood, and the fierce grace of womanhood.
Fezza’s voice is unflinching and unmistakably authentic. Each poem is a confession, a reckoning, a celebration. She captures the brutal sting of betrayal with such clarity that it feels personal, yet she doesn’t leave the reader in the shadows. Instead, she guides us upward, showing us what it means to rise from the wreckage stronger, wiser, and beautifully scarred. Her poetry speaks directly to anyone who’s ever faced heartbreak and had to rebuild themselves from scratch.
Rising from Betrayal
Fezza confronts the sting of betrayal with fierce clarity. These poems are not passive reflections—they are battle cries. They show the painful unraveling and the forceful rebirth that follows. You feel each heartbreak, and, even more powerfully, you feel the strength required to rebuild.
The Fierce Love of Motherhood
Motherhood is portrayed in its rawest, most transformative form. Fezza writes of maternal love not as an idealized softness, but as a force that grounds and uplifts. Her words pulse with devotion and vulnerability, giving readers a tender yet unfiltered look at what it means to nurture both body and spirit. For those who know Morgan, or follow her on social, you’re already aware the mama bear she is with her daughter. She and her amazing husband are raising a little girl who is so real, so open and so going to be a leader. I love how they encourage her to find her voice and to set boundaries. More parents need to follow that example.
Independence Redefined
Fezza’s celebration of independence is both gritty and graceful. She redefines what it means to be a strong, independent woman, not as stoic, but as beautifully complex. Her poems affirm that strength is not about silence; it’s about finding your voice after it’s been stolen. I’ve known Morgan for a couple of years now and while we haven’t been able to hang out often, each time I am in her presence I am in awe of how sincere and genuine she is, she is truly admirable.
Style: Intimate, Evocative, Unapologetic
Fezza’s writing balances lyrical elegance with raw intensity. Her imagery is evocative enough to paint vivid emotions, but never overwhelming. The structure of her poems invites a quiet conversation, almost a shared confidence. You want to read passages aloud and carry them like mantras. And I have, truly, I have bookmarked pages and read the words out loud to myself on more than one occasion. Page 117, “Gods and Monsters” is one of those. As is page 302, “Battleworn.” There are many more, but see, this is why you need to buy the book and read it for yourself. Then you’ll get it.
Why Everyone Needs This Book
Moonlight & Warpaint is more than a collection—it’s an emotional pilgrimage. It leaves lasting impressions on the heart and mind. It reminds readers that healing is a non-linear process, that pain can be a vessel for strength, and that poetry can be both a weapon and a balm.
I’m not only keeping this book for myself—I’m gifting copies to family, friends, and anyone who needs to feel seen, heard, and empowered. This is a collection that belongs on nightstands, in classrooms, and in the hands of every reader seeking genuine solace and courage.
Final Verdict
Moonlight & Warpaint by Morgan Fezza is more than a must-read—it’s a must-feel. This collection deserves a permanent place on your shelf and in your heart. Five stars and a chef’s kiss!
And because I always end my book reviews with music, here’s a track for you! Rise up!
