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Sparks and Recreation #2
Second Chance Charms
Community non-profit administrator and not-very-good magician Charlie Cross is having a bad week.
Her big night of celebration turns into a magical medical emergency, pixies are breaking stuff in the Thirteenth Avenue Rec Center locker rooms, and her part-incubus boyfriend Anton is afraid he might hurt her with his spicy demon powers if they move too fast.
Magical drugs and Faerie intrigue are way out of her comfort zone.
But when dangerous fae magic returns to the streets of Manhattan and Charlie's friend and co-worker Oona gets caught in the cross-fire, Charlie will do whatever she can to put things right. Risk arrest? Sure. Talk to illegal potions dealers? She's on it.
Work with Oona's awful boyfriend, the Tenth Class wizard Blake?
Ugh, if she has to.
Because when it comes to her friends and her community, Charlie's discovering there's almost no danger she won't face. Even if--even when--the consequences could be deadly.
Her big night of celebration turns into a magical medical emergency, pixies are breaking stuff in the Thirteenth Avenue Rec Center locker rooms, and her part-incubus boyfriend Anton is afraid he might hurt her with his spicy demon powers if they move too fast.
Magical drugs and Faerie intrigue are way out of her comfort zone.
But when dangerous fae magic returns to the streets of Manhattan and Charlie's friend and co-worker Oona gets caught in the cross-fire, Charlie will do whatever she can to put things right. Risk arrest? Sure. Talk to illegal potions dealers? She's on it.
Work with Oona's awful boyfriend, the Tenth Class wizard Blake?
Ugh, if she has to.
Because when it comes to her friends and her community, Charlie's discovering there's almost no danger she won't face. Even if--even when--the consequences could be deadly.
- GenresUrban Fantasy
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an early copy of Second Chance Charms through Ms Healey's Kickstarter (and an even earlier one through her Patreon, although I didn't get around to reading it till just now), and I absolutely loved it.
Charlie's really finding her feet - and her place - in amongst her found family at the Thirteenth Avenue Rec Center. The main plot thread - find out who's distributing the nasty drug Shimmer, and how, in time to save one of her new family members - is compelling enough on its own. But what really makes the story for me is seeing Charlie's relationships with her workmates - including her grumpy mentor, Bev - develop and deepen. And yes, there's a romantic plot thread as well, but to me, it's the friendships - particularly with Oona, Hannah and Lawrence - that really keep me reading.
And, as with Book 1, there's a fair amount of thinly veiled political commentary woven in with the story (and no, I don't consider the inclusion of a trans character to be "political commentary" - I'm talking about the uneasy relationship Charlie has with Detective Morell who will apparently never understand why no, they're not on the same side - or the constant machinations of, and division sown by, the anti-supernatural lobby.)
But as I've said before, I don't object to that commentary in the stories I read - if anything, it's a feature, rather than a bug. If you don't feel the same way, however, this book is unlikely to be one you'll enjoy as much as I did.
Bring on Book #3!
Charlie's really finding her feet - and her place - in amongst her found family at the Thirteenth Avenue Rec Center. The main plot thread - find out who's distributing the nasty drug Shimmer, and how, in time to save one of her new family members - is compelling enough on its own. But what really makes the story for me is seeing Charlie's relationships with her workmates - including her grumpy mentor, Bev - develop and deepen. And yes, there's a romantic plot thread as well, but to me, it's the friendships - particularly with Oona, Hannah and Lawrence - that really keep me reading.
And, as with Book 1, there's a fair amount of thinly veiled political commentary woven in with the story (and no, I don't consider the inclusion of a trans character to be "political commentary" - I'm talking about the uneasy relationship Charlie has with Detective Morell who will apparently never understand why no, they're not on the same side - or the constant machinations of, and division sown by, the anti-supernatural lobby.)
But as I've said before, I don't object to that commentary in the stories I read - if anything, it's a feature, rather than a bug. If you don't feel the same way, however, this book is unlikely to be one you'll enjoy as much as I did.
Bring on Book #3!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A great second installment in the Sparks and Recreation series. It was great to catch up with all the main characters again and delve further into what it would be like living in our world but with the addition of all manner of other beings. A complete story in itself but can't wait for the next book in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Charlie's whole world continues to be delightful, and little did I know I'd wind up obsessed with the pixies.
The cliffhanger was brutal, but I'm very excited for the story to continue.
I received my copy early as a kickstarter backer.
The cliffhanger was brutal, but I'm very excited for the story to continue.
I received my copy early as a kickstarter backer.
July 19, 2026
The perfect continuation of a great series!
Review of advance copy
Great book, it was wonderful to see the world building emerging through out the book, with great engaging characters
September 9, 2026
Book 2 is a real winner. Thanks for the world building in book 1… I enjoyed it but this book was great. Can’t wait for book 3.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews