An absolutely beautiful tribute to girls and women everywhere. Shine Your Icy Crown is a collection of poetry that begins as the fairytale of a broken Princess and ends with her birth as a Queen, secure in who she has become. Throughout the journey our princess faces insecurities, criticism and fears. However, having a big sister as her guardian angel, she learns to stop devaluing and underestimating herself and instead love herself fully. A true story of metamorphosis, this would make a wonderful gift for any young lady ready to spread her wings and fly.

shine your icy crown was very similar to other collections by this author. I liked the overall message that was being sent in the series of poems, however it felt a little cliche in some parts. I think it would be great for an introductory book on poetry and I'd recommend this to my middle/high school age students.

Shine your Icy Crown is an empowering feminist book that inspires women to be confident, have faith, and do what they wish/love to do. It talks about sisters (women in general) supporting and being kind to each other. The illustrations and pictures were beautiful, and some lines were just lovely. Overall, it's an easy read, and after, you might even be motivated to do or achieve something that you've had on your list for however long.

For some reason I find myself returning to Amanda Lovelace’s works over and over again, even though in the past I haven’t enjoyed them very much. Her most popular work, The Princess Saves Herself in This One, really didn’t do a lot for me. While I did connect with the topics of that poetry collection, the execution just fell flat.

So, when I saw that she was coming out with a new series, tackling fairy tale retellings from a feminist perspective – a concept which I loved – I couldn’t help being drawn to them…. even with my track record.

Break Your Glass Slippers is a novel take on Cinderella where the princess learns to leave Prince Charming and instead find herself. In Shine Your Icy Crown Lovelace says the story is inspired by multiple fairy tales, but feels most strongly as if it’s loosely based on The Snow Queen. Both tales focus on “princess” empowerment, weaving tales of women finding their independence through metaphors of breaking glass slippers (and glass ceilings) and donning their (icy) crowns.

I found both poetry books, particularly the second, to be – surprisingly – really enjoyable! Between the gorgeous illustrations, the overall themes and the artful story telling, Lovelace manages to create beautiful finished products well worth the hype. In “You Are Your Own Fairy Tale” everything I felt that was missing from Lovelace’s previous works finally comes together.

In her previous works I often found the connections between each poem flimsy and disjointed, but here, its evident Lovelace takes advantage of the fairy tale storylines to craft unique poetry that fits together almost seamlessly into a concise whole.

In particular, Shine Your Icy Crown really stood out to me in a way none of Lovelace’s previous works have. Maybe it’s because the topic was more about sisterly love and women supporting women rather than heartbreak and emotional abuse at the hands of men – but I really connected with it much more than I expected to.

Often, I find a lot of poetry that advertises itself as “feminist” still manages to focus most of its attention of men – Lovelace’s work in particular – which is all fine and good, but sometimes I just want something else. In that way, Shine Your Icy Crown was so refreshing! And the eye-candy that was the b-e-a-utiful ~aesthetic~ illustrations that tied everything together? Well, those were just the cherry on top.

Thank you to the publisher, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC of Shine Your Icy Crown. All thoughts are my own.

I’ve been a big fan of Amanda Lovelace since I first picked up The Princess Saves Herself in This One a few years ago and openly wept like a baby on the 6 train. I know her particular poetry style is not for all, but I have always appreciated the depth of emotion she invokes in me. Shine your Icy Crown is the second book of her You Are Your Own Fairy Tale poetry series.

As this was a digital review copy, I couldn’t take screenshots of the poems that made me feel so strongly I wanted to scream or cry -- I’ll have to wait for my own copy to arrive on January 26th! I loved the addition of Janaina Medeiros’s artwork; it really enhanced the beauty of the poems.

I thoroughly appreciated the remarkable departure from the aggressive embankment shown in the author’s first three books. Indeed, the more paragraph-like poems interspersed between her “traditional” stanzas were a refreshing break. One poem from “Big Sister” simultaneously broke my heart and filled me with joy. Even if a reader could find fault with her writing style, I believe the beauty and power of Lovelace’s words will evoke similar reactions.

As with her other books, my only complaint is that the book ends too soon. I would have gladly read on for dozens of more pages.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for sharing a digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

CW: child abuse, toxic relationships, sexual assault, eating disorders, mental illness, self-harm, sexism, suicide, trauma

This is the second installation in the series "You Are Your Own Fairy Tale" and I can honestly say that Amanda Lovelace never disappoints.

Her pieces are always poignant, relatable and easy to pick up. It's impossible to stay indifferent in front of a Lovelace's poem because they know how to get under your skin.

Lovelace speaks the truth on important topics such as feminism, anxiety and depression, most of the time intertwined.

The art is gorgeous and it really contributes to the magic of Lovelace's words.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an early copy.

I gave this a four out five stars. I really enjoyed this poetry collection. I related to a lot of the poems.

I received an eARC copy in exchange for an honest review from Andrews McMeel Publishing via NetGalley.

This poetry (without much of poetry, so it seems) collection was my Amanda Lovelace first poetry collection I read. I wanted to see what the excitement is all about and why everyone is recommending her poetry. I read it in one sitting and was left with a meh feeling.

I understand the message, and it is a powerful one. A woman is a queen in every aspect of it, and a woman needs no man by her side to define that. A woman is capable; a woman is strong; one woman empowers other women. There is a strong premise about it, side by side with equality, rights, and love, and it's quite prominent.

Yet, with every page I turned, the feeling was slowly dissipating, vanishing into thin air. The words did not feel right, did not fall into the right places, leaving an incompetent and unfulfilling emptiness. There was no connection between the book and me; I felt more like just flipping the pages of an aimless and somewhat forced book. The book did not go deep into the topic, and it should have, as that would illustrate far deeper connections and emotions.

On the other hand, I loved the illustrations; they resonated with me much more than any poem or short statement I read in this collection. The full-page graphics are beautiful more than words can describe.

"it is your divine right to heal as messily & as inconsistently & as loudly as possible"
Another feminist anthem by Amanda Lovelace and a reminder to always fall in love with yourself first. I have loved her since reading the women are some kind of magic series. Lovelace's poetry has a way of peering into your soul, and her newest book of poetry is no different. Plus the illustrations are gorgeous! As a woman in my late twenties, I felt this book speaks to the many challenges, both societally and personally, that we face in a misogynistic world. Especially if you're a woman not following a "normal" trajectory. If you've ever been told you're too much, not enough, too emotional, too broken, too opinionated... this poetry is for you. I love how accessible Amanda Lovelace's style of poetry is - I find myself relating over and over again. I love how this book bounces back and forth between big sister and the narrator. It's like one big pep talk. Amanda Lovelace's poetry is truly therapy for the shattered heart and stokes the fire in my soul.

Thank you so much for the arc of this poetry collection.

I have read some of the other works from this author. I definitely prefer some of her other work. This one seemed a little too repetitive at times to me. I did enjoy some of the poems, but some just did not spike my interest. Nothing really provided that wow factor like some of her other work has. I hope to enjoy her next collection more.

“You say lonely.

I say self-sufficient.
I say content dating myself.

-your local spinster.”

I’ve read Amanda Lovelace’s Women Are Some Kind of Magic poetry trilogy last year to step out of my comfort zone, and I found something in each one that I really loved. But I feel like her latest works for You Are Your Own Fairy Tale series is my favourite. This book was by far my favourite of all of Amanda Lovelace’s work.

There was something different about Shine Your Icy Crown, and it was the fact that I myself could relate to a lot of what was being explored. The poem I’ve quoted above is one of them that really spoke to me. There are all these expectations for women to be this and be that, and even now, there’s sometimes no place for women/girls who don’t want certain things i.e. marriage, children. There was a poem about being the you that is the most comfortable – instead of doing all these things that make you less you. I felt empowered while reading this and very seen, and I’m glad I’ve finally found a poetry collection that does that for me.

I love the layout of this poetry collection. Lovelace always seems to have a layout that makes sense, you know. The illustrations were gorgeous, all with pink and beige colouring. One of the things I love about modern poetry is the addition of beautiful and meaningful illustrations.

As always, there are trigger warnings listed at the start (which I always appreciate). I will also list them here, but Amanda Lovelace has also posted a picture on her Instagram lately of the very same list. TW: child abuse, toxic relationships, sexual assault, eating disorders, mental illness, self-harm, sexism, suicide and trauma.

Really, really loved this! I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to receive this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for this ARC.

I have enjoyed all that I have read by this author but this is my favorite by far. This book of poetry empowers women and reminds us to not give up. The message from each exert is that women are Magic and not to be underestimated. Thank you to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel publishing for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

"When other people choose not to believe in your magic, you must take it upon yourself to believe in your own magic. There will be no greater satisfaction than proving them wrong." - page 7

I loved "Break Your Glass Slippers", the first installment in this series, so I was incredibly excited to have an ARC of book 2 to read. While I didn't enjoy "Shine Your Icy Crown" as much as I did book 1, it was still an empowering and beautiful collection of poetry. Amanda Lovelace is, in my opinion, an unbelievably talented poet, and I could not put this book down until I had reached the end. Even then, I wished there was more. Combined with the gorgeous illustrations and layout of the book itself, this was an inspiring read. I cannot wait to buy my own copy of this once it is released.

"Make them rue the day they underestimated you." - page 73

the only one stopping you from holding the moon in your own two hands is you.

i feel seen.
i've been a fan of the author for a long time and naturally i was excited to read her latest collection and it did not disappoint. i think i can safely say that i can add this to my favorite poetry collections because it has definitely left a mark on me.
i was pleasantly surprised by the tw list at the beginning of the book and that's one thing i appreciate, alongside the amazing illustrations that fit the theme perfectly.
the poems are empowering and beautiful and i found myself relating to most of them.
i enjoyed it and i also enjoyed the first volume so i can only say that i'm so excited to see what the series has in store for us.
***
i was received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. all the opinions are my own.

This was a wonderful book full of empowering poems. Featuring poems about how you are worthy of love, worth more than any diamond, and how those who see you as different it's their issue. If you are looking for a new book to fall in love with check this one out.

Let me tell you my favorite thing about this collection: I have seen many poets of late creating poetry of this style. Short and emotionally aggressive, adorned with sketches alongside them on the page. I love this one because of the element of kinship and sisterhood evident in every single poem. And, because I love a theme, the ongoing idea of "big sister" showing up every few poems made me genuinely happy. It's a call to action and empowerment, to personal strength and recognition of one's own power.

I will say that I didn't read the previous collection that this was created to follow, but I don't believe you need both to successfully read this one.

Lovelace has always been good at giving readers these small, compelling little poems that say exactly what they need to hear, and this collection is no exception. I particularly enjoy the conceit - a fairy tale, an ice princess, a love between sisters, examining the patriarchy. If you've enjoyed Lovelace's other work, you'll enjoy this.

This was such a quick read! Not my favorite by Lovelace (I will always love the first two installments of The Princess Saves Herself in this One the most) but by no means any less entertaining, thought-provoking, healing, inspiring and wanting me to go riot against the patriarchal forces in life.

There's something about Lovelace's writing that always draws me in and she finds the best way to describe some of the most universal feelings in different settings and worlds that make everything work perfectly together.

Can't imagine ever not picking up one of her poetry collections.

Shine Your Icy Crown by Amanda Lovelace is a collection of poetry and prose surrounded around the theme of siblinghood and taking power as a queen.

Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Warning
This book contains the topics: child abuse, toxic relationships, sexual assault, eating disorders, mental illness, self-harm, sexism, suicide, trauma, and etc.

To admit this is my maybe third time reading a modern poetry collection but I enjoyed reading a collection of writings from the present century. There was something sorrowful yet sweet about Lovelace’s writing. To understand this collection, you do not need to have a sister, this collection becomes your companion guiding you. Perhaps, calling this collection, a book of advice would be more suitable. It contains both prose and poetic writing style matching with the themes, that are talked about.

If you do not get triggered around the subjects mentioned above, it is an intriguing book. It felt as if Lovelace’s is talking to their readers in a way they are talking to their sister. I am curious to read the first books in this collection as well in the future.

The themes I loved the most was on childhood and equality, the way Lovelace talks about feminists and self-loving was refreshing. At first, I was wondering if this book is going to be another judgemental feminist book. As a feminist, I dislike the term being used to hate other identities and marginalised groups and stay away from that kind of book unless I decide to analyse them for my blog. They tend to ignore all these wonderful identities LGBTQIA+ and all ethnicities, that exist outside of the prejudiced media outlets. It made me extremely hopeful reading the rest of the poems because the poet, indeed, breaks this horrible cycle of blaming others and whining like a teenager. In 2021, we need a change from this mindset that “men prey on women” and feminists only talk about how horrible men are. That is not what modern poetry is about, which is what Lovelace is trying to claim. I adore the way they didn’t focus only on what other judgemental people did to them but mostly on a universal sense of siblinghood, owning their self-power and exposing themselves honestly to the reader.

Perhaps I let you read two excerpts to let you decide:

"if your feminism comes to a screeching halt whenever you don’t like how tightly her dress hugs her curves… then stop to consider this: are you actually a feminist?"
-do better.

"stop judging a woman on
whether or not she takes
her spouse’s last name.
…
her decision,
her bussiness."

-doesn't she deal with enough already?

I did my best to stay true to Amanda Lovelace’s pronouns and the content of their book, Lovelace prefers (she/they) and it is important to value their non-binary identity as well.

-LiteratureGeekBlog

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Shine your Icy Crown is my first experience with Amanda Lovelace poetry. It's about how you need to be able and have the strength to stand up for yourself, and be true to yourself. And wow, I loved so much and it felt so much. I'll def pick up more poetry collections by Lovelace, cause' this was everything I didn't knew I wanted.

After finishing this one I'm craving more. And I feel like a reread will be something that I can stand by. My favorite poem was the one about how you need to be able to feel secure with yourself; that you can go to the cinema with yourself and eat at a restaurant by yourself. In this society when it's always on how many friends or followers you have, it feels so great to have that quote to look back to, and realize that no, you don't need to be around people all the time - sometimes you need to be with yourself. And that's a really nice thought.

As of the layout of the poems I did really enjoy the small "chapter" brakes with the illustrations in them. My only wish is that it could've been longer.