The Alchemy of Blood
A Poetry Collection Debut by Richard LaBrie
A debut collection of contemporary verse poems by psychologist Richard LaBrie. The poems address relationships, nature, psychology, our developmental stages, society, climate change, and the struggles and successes of human connection.
RELEASE DATE: APRIL 7, 2026
Print Book available for pre-order now. eBook and Audio Book available beginning in March.
Critical Review Links
“The debut collection from psychologist LaBrie is a magnetic amalgam of punchy, thought-provoking verses that, through a variety of thematic channels, express “our vaporous organic truth.”
“A thorny, probing, and occasionally moving collection.”
“Psychology, philosophy, art, and life’s stranger-than-fiction moments alchemically collide in The Alchemy of Blood. … LaBrie presents a collection that is unafraid to bite into the rawness of being alive. … The result is a collection that asks readers to consider how decay, healing, and renewal exist within ourselves and within humanity as a whole. … LaBrie seeks to capture human existence as it actually is, and that honesty requires a careful balance of both ugliness and grace. Those willing to enter this collection with open minds and open hearts may be rewarded with a final message that a life worth living is one to which we can and must answer a resounding ‘yes.’ “
IBR/Independent Book Review
—Samantha Hui,
Raw, unguarded, and ultimately hopeful in the face of harsh reality, The Alchemy of Blood by psychologist and poet Richard LaBrie transmutes the creeping despair of an observant healer into a striking collection of sensitive artistry.
—SBR/Self-Publishing Review
“The Alchemy of Blood is a raw and visceral collection of poetry. It grasps with a strong fist and delights with its unabashed honesty and gritty truths. Reading the collection evoked a spiral of emotions in me. Sometimes I was shocked, sometimes I was moved, other times what I read made my stomach churn. But that drew me to this collection, and kept me reading.”
—Rebecca Fearn, Reedsy Discovery
”There are strong poems in this collection that are delightful to read and think about …which any lover of modern poetry will enjoy reading and feel compelled to digest. Those who like contemporary verse and don't mind a bit of obscurity will find plenty of lines to enjoy rereading.”
— Mark Heisey, US Review of Books
About Richard LaBrie
Richard LaBrie writes poetry, plays music, works as a clinical psychologist, and walks the Earth as an individual, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Each of these endeavors influences the others. This is his first collection of poetry. He lives in Southern California.