The Alchemy of Blood
A Contemporary Poetry Collection by Richard LaBrie
Poems of psychological transformation inspired by the alchemical stages of Carl Jung.
Praised by Kirkus Reviews, BookLife, Midwestern Book Review, Independent Book Review,
Self-Publishing Review, and more.
A debut collection of contemporary poems by psychologist and poet Richard LaBrie. The poems address relationships, nature, psychology, our developmental stages, society, climate change, and the struggles and successes of human connection.
Pre-order the limited first edition now.
A NATIONAL POETRY MONTH RELEASE DATE: APRIL 7, 2026
eBook and audiobook editions coming soon.
A debut collection of contemporary poems by psychologist and poet Richard LaBrie. The poems address relationships, nature, psychology, our developmental stages, society, climate change, and the struggles and successes of human connection.
Pre-order the limited first edition now.
A NATIONAL POETRY MONTH RELEASE DATE: APRIL 7, 2026
eBook and audiobook editions coming soon.
The Alchemy of Blood has been described by reviewers and readers as raw, moving, unguarded, funny, harsh, and ultimately hopeful. Its 4 sections follow the stages of Carl Jung's interpretation of human change via the concept of alchemy. The content visits our collective and individual journeys as we navigate relationships, family, society, politics, nature, and our planet through a variety of voices. The author is also a clinical psychologist, and for some pieces that lens is prominent.
Critical Reviews
“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. Each instance of connection in the “Rubedo” section makes this challenging collection worth completing.”
“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.’ “
—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.”
“For those willing to engage with its depth and intensity, this book offers a powerful and thought-provoking experience. Readers will not easily forget the book, which might be its greatest strength.”
—Suzie Housley,
Midwestern Book Review (scroll down in MBR link)
“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.
Press and Review Copies
Review copies of The Alchemy of Blood are available for journalists, reviewers, podcasters, and booksellers.
Requests may be fulfilled as PDF review copies or closer to April 7th as limited print editions.
Press inquiries and review requests: press@wealtownpress.com
Rights inquiries: rights@wealtownpress.com
Digital and physical press kits available upon request.
Interviews, podcast appearances, and reading events are welcomed.