cw (from the opening pages): "child abuse, gun violence, intimate partner abuse, sexual assault, eating disorder, self-harm, suicide, alcohol, trauma, death, violence, fire, & possibly more. remember to practice self-care before, during, & after reading."

I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley. This does not affect my rating or opinions.

3.5 stars.

There are still striking images and important messages of recovery and self-care, as with the previous two books in this series, but as a collection it felt scattered. Part of it might just be the different voices (part IV features several other poets), and various literary references are made throughout, and while the effect is far from unpleasant I was a tiny bit disappointed.

[b:The Princess Saves Herself in This One|30075802|The Princess Saves Herself in This One (Women Are Some Kind of Magic, #1)|Amanda Lovelace|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1462211636s/30075802.jpg|50494177] remains my personal favorite of the series, but I have simultaneously enjoyed following Amanda Lovelace's journey through each installment; based on the afterword she seems to be in a good place now — and to have told her story in a way that rings true and brings peace to her — and so for that alone I love this book just for existing.

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um this book is available to Read Now on Netgalley??? who needs sleep? (jk I do. I need sleep.)