I’ve been seeing more poetry in TBR piles, read lists and on Goodreads, and I’m not sure if that’s because I’m looking out for it more or we are reading more poetry as we start a new year in this strange, half lockdown, new normal life.

I was lucky and pleased we watched the live stream of Max Porter read ‘Grief is the thing with feathers’ (although I feel like we have been haunted by crows ever since, in real life and they seem to be following me through my books too).

When this collection popped up on Netgalley, I was drawn to the blurb but also the simple formatting, the well curated design and thought through typography.

I read this through, trying not to write all of the poems down as quotations I wanted to remember. In this story, the princess does not need a prince to be the best she can be, and part of it is a conversation between sisters which was lovely to read.

Amanda Lovelace has published a huge amount, and I am sad that I haven’t come across her work before. She writes about modern women, the balance between being perfect and beautiful but also strong and supportive.

I can’t wait to read more of this modern fairytale theme of hers, with other titles such as “the witch doesn’t burn in this one” and “the princess saves herself in this one”. This one, in fact, is book two of the series “ you are your own fairytale”.

A great read for poetry lovers who like their lines free flowing and slightly tongue in cheek, but genuine and heartfelt.

I think the description says it all. "This is a story about not letting society dictate the limits of your potential. it’s time to take back your power & realize that you don’t need a king in order to be a queen." Another beautifully written poetry collection from Amanda. The artwork is stunning. The physical copy will be a pleasure to hold in your hands for sure.

I absolutely loved this book. I’ve read another of Lovelace’s books and it didn’t really connect with me. But this one seemed to be written just for me. Which is the beauty of poetry. It’s always a great reminder that what you feel about yourself and the world around is shared by others and you are truly not alone.

This latest collection from Amanda Lovelace is full of the kind of indispensable advice and words of wisdom that the best big sisters give. A great fit for YA readers and anyone in need of some sisterly advice.

Beautiful words as always, amanda. I love the big sister persona as I have said those words in my own way to my sister and friends. I do hope that she expands on the sex/slut shaming as those are topics I feel need represented. Overall, lovely work.

I LOVED this collection of poetry. I think it's rare, if ever for me to like every single poem that I read in a collection, but I shouldn't known if anyone could make that happen, it's Amanda Lovelace. Lovelace's poetry is always so impactful for me. I think I especially loved this one because these poems surrounded 2 sisters and some of the poems were titled big sister says...and it was just a self reflection of me. I'm an older sister. My sister is four years younger than me and there's nothing I wouldn't do for her. So many of these poems are things I wish I had the chance to tell her growing up. I loved the theme of this collection I think the most out of Lovelace's previous works not just because it felt so personable to me, but because she found a way to make the poems enchanting and mystical like a fairytale with so many lessons. I really enjoyed the poems surrounding the themes of feminism and self growth and being able to bask in one's own company. I really couldn't sing enough praise about this work and it's definitely one I will end up buying the physical copy of and convincing others to read. Keep in mind, there's a handful of TWs (it's in the first page of the books I believe) and because this is more contemporary poetry, keep that in mind too. If you're more into philosophical, old school Shakespeare type poetry, this is not that. However, it is just as beautiful.

★ 3.5 stars ★

this is classic amanda lovelace, deceptively simple and direct yet poignantly honest, accompanied by lovely illustrations too. unapologetically feminist, with an emphasis on both solidarity and self-actualization; the themes and messages will be familiar if you've read lovelace's other works, but each iteration is framed and/or phrased differently enough to bring different nuances and resonance.

while i would've liked to see the fairytale theme a bit more prominently developed (as it was in "break your glass slippers"), this is still an enchanting collection with some gentle reminders that most if not all of us need to hear.

I was a bit sceptical about this book because when I read the previous one, Break Your Glass Slippers, it wasn't exactly my cup of tea, even if I really liked Amanda's previous work. But with Shine your Icy Crown, I was pleasantly surprised :)

I still feel like these poems are more self-help mantras than poetry, but I really liked them, so what the hell.

This book has two main parts, the first one feels like a very useful psychotherapy session, where one person is telling all its troubles and the second person (big sister) it answering. The second part of the book contains a lot of uplifting and empowering messages.

it is your divine right
to heal as messily
& as inconsistently
&as loudly as possible


i'm afraid i don't have time to go into the kitchen & make you a sandwich - you see, i already have my hands full, for i'm busy saving the world.
-my sincerest apologies.


if i decide to be with you,
it's not because i think you complete me

i'm already a complete
spiritual being
without anybody's help.

if i'm with you,
it's because i think you
let in more stardust than storm clouds.

-what i look for.

I felt so much better after reading this book. I think that it's the main purpose is to open it whenever you are feeling low and it will help you feel better.

When a collection of works speaks to you and lightens you, not only on an intellectual, but on an emotional, and spiritual and self- healing level, it weasels its way into your heart and shoves open the stiff windows to let in the starlight.

I don’t think I’ve ever been so profoundly connected to a writer’s work like I have with Amanda Lovelace’s ‘Shine Your Icy Crown’. The writing is elegant and honest. It’s angry and overwhelmed, yet so strong and empowering.

“Make them rue the day they underestimate you.”

“I’m afraid I don’t have time to go in the kitchen and make you a sandwich - you see, I already have my hands full, for I’m busy saving the world.”

The book comes with a trigger warning page which highlights content of trauma, sexual assault, child abuse, toxic relationships, eating disorders, mental illness, self-harm, suicide, and sexism, but the poet also reminds the reader to practice self-care techniques before, during and after. As a reader, that element makes me feel safe, included, and valued.

The illustrative work throughout the book was nothing short of stunning. The books main theme was the colour pink, and that was a clap back at the main issue being tackled with the poet’s work; fighting for equal rights, fighting against toxic society standards, toxic relationships, etc.

I cannot recommend this book enough and I feel incredibly honoured to have had the opportunity to review the ARC of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley

I think this might be my favourite Amanda Lovelace's poetry collection. It's such a powerful and meaningful group of poems. I especially liked the first part of this book and overall I really liked how empowering and feminist these poems were.

Right off the bat of starting this book, it’s feminist and talks a lot of princess sisters and how much the big sister loves the little sister. It’s mostly the little sister telling us what the big sister is saying to her to motivate her, I love it. I’ve never had a sister and this motivates me in a lot of ways. It switches between “big sister says” and the main protagonists perception of something she feels. There’s quite a few references to life being like a book and it gave me a positive perspective. “...You’re only at the beginning of the very first book. Give the rest of your story a fair chance to unfold.” Chapter 2 is the best in my opinion, it’s empowering and the feminism is really there encouraging and explaining how we all have magic and to let it shine. The art is beautiful in this book

I've read a few of Lovelace's collections before and love her creativity when it comes to reimagining fairytales to tackle heavier subjects with a feminist perspective. In shine your icy crown, Lovelace writes poems centred around an independent princess who does not need the approval of others and around a pair of sisters who happen to be princesses. The rejection of the familiar expectations of princesses or feminine characters known to many through fairytales is a great vehicle for examining gender stereotypes that Lovelace uses well.

What I loved about this collection were the poems from an older sister's point of view in response to a younger sister's. This collection felt like it juxtaposed insecurities and obstacles with wisdom for strength to get through the difficulties girls are faced with when growing up facing sexism in societal interactions. I loved the focus on self care and empowerment. I would definitely have loved reading these poems in high school.

The poems were concise and felt like meditations on empowerment, resilience, and supporting other women. Reading through the collection I enjoyed both the artwork and the writing for creating a space to explore the power women can exert in their own stories.

Another empowering fairytale installment from feminist poet Amanda Lovelace 🙌

I always feel so empowered after reading Lovelace's poems! This latest book of hers was no exception. Once I saw it on Netgalley I jumped at the chance to read it.

I appreciate looking at the classic fairytale tropes through a modern lens, and while I didn't agree with every sentiment expressed within this slim book of poetry, it was still a refreshing read.

Big thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing for sending me an ARC copy of this book!

I absolutely love all of Amanda Lovelace’s poetry books and this one is no exception. Amanda has a way with words that really makes you question what you know and believe about feminism. It also makes you think deeper and critically about feminism.

I really liked Amanda Lovelace's poetry and this poetry book was no exception. I liked the direct message and her twist on fairytales. Illustrations were gorgeous as always too.

Shine Your Icy Crowns by Amanda Lovelace was my first book of 2021, and I'm so glad that it was. This book is book #2 in the You Are Your Own Fairytale series. This book was beautifully written and full of encouragement for finding yourself, embracing yourself, and falling in love with yourself. The book is woven together with pieces of a non-traditional fairytale, poems, and words of advice from big sister. It was extremely easy to connect with all pieces of this. I read this book cover to cover because I didn't want to stop, but I think it would also be wonderful broken down and savored. It is so powerful and encouraging and uplifting for women young and old. I will definitely by buying a copy to share with my daughter.

I received a digital copy of this title from NetGalley, which did not affect the content of my review. All opinions are my own.

big sister says:

begin with
your wildest dreams.

accept nothing less.
nothing.

I’ve said this before and I’m sure I’ll be saying it again in the future, but Amanda Lovelace is the reason I love poetry. Her poems always grip something in me and leave an impact.

I really loved the first part of the book with the big sister advice and how it echoed the fairy godmother in Break Your Glass Slippers. What I love most about her poetry is that she often manages to put into words emotions and feelings that I don’t know how to express. But not only that, there’s also always poems that are what I want/need to hear. Especially in the collections in this series.

The second part of the book focuses on feminism- not only how we treat and judge ourselves but also how we pass judgments on others. Lastly, the illustrations in this are just gorgeous. I’m excited to see what the next collection will hold.

This poetry collection was so freaking good. I know why Amanda Lovelace is one of my favourite author !! I need my physical copy like now!!!
Thank you to Netgalley for the e-arc.

Shine Your Icy Crown is a sequel to Break Your Glass Slippers, which I read at the beginning of 2020 and enjoyed. Despite not remembering a lot from the first book, I think I liked this one more since it didn't directly retell a fairytale as the first one did and instead borrowed classic themes and arcs from them.
Like the first book, this one has some beautiful illustrations that made the reading experience even more enjoyable and immersive. While dark at times, this series is the most hopeful of Amanda Lovelace's works. And despite not loving all of them, it was nice to end the year reading these poems.

i love amanda lovelace's poetry. not just the style, but the things she talks about, so beautifully, in her poems. the feminist, encouraging and warrior in us thank her.