Wicked Treasure

The Charm Collector #2

by Melissa Erin Jackson

Secrets are more valuable than gold.

Kayda

Kayda Verdan and Harlow Fletcher have been ride-or-die best friends since they were teenagers. And yet, when Harlow’s life hits the skids after she steals a sentient dragon sword, she doesn’t seek Kayda’s help. Harlow ghosts her friend altogether under the guise of keeping Kayda safe.

Kayda is not amused. When Harlow leaves Luma and Kayda behind, Kayda is downright angry.

As the Collective and their trained werecats try to track Harlow down, they turn their sights on Kayda, propelling her into an adventure she never expected. An adventure that reveals a secret group threatening Luma’s veil magic—and the lives of everyone who resides within the hidden magical city.

~ ~ ~

Harlow

Harlow and Caspian Blackthorn left Luma to let the dust settle back home. While enjoying some much-needed rest and relaxation, they strategize their search for the origins of the sentient sword.

The road trip leads them to a black-market auction where fae are selling dangerous items to fae and mundanes living outside the hubs. When Harlow and Caspian get their hands on a treasure chest that was extracted from a sunken pirate ship, they uncover not just a piece of the sword’s past, but the Collective’s.

The treasure they find is more valuable than gold—treasure that powerful fae would kill for. And without magical friends to call for help, Harlow, Caspian, and the sword will have to fend for themselves. So much for a relaxing vacation …

Genres: Audiobook, Urban Fantasy

542 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 10, 2022

About the author

Melissa is a professional pet sitter and an author of paranormal mysteries. There are two books out in her Riley Thomas mystery series--The Forgotten Child and Shuttered Secrets. Her Witch of Edgehill cozy paranormal mystery series is complete at five books. The first two books in her urban fantasy series, The Charm Collector, are out now. Unholy Magic and A Mythical Case of Arson are up next! She owns too many pets and lives in Northern California with her equally pet-obsessed boyfriend. For information about her books, you can join her newsletter at melissajacksonbooks.com

Reviews

[Melissa Erin Jackson]

Prequel link (it's free!) --> https://geni.us/E51ta

Ebook link! --> https://geni.us/gJWfJ

Audiobook link! --> https://geni.us/HuJM1B

[Laura (auntieyorgareads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

HAPPY RELEASE DAY!!!

I have been wanting more of The Charm Collector series since I read Diabolical Sword. Let me tell you... I was absolutely BLOWN AWAY by this second installment!!!!

After Harlow goes on the run with Caspian Blackthorn, her bestie Kayda Verdan was not a happy camper. In this book, we get to learn more about Kayda's POV and follow her outrageous adventures with her crush, Henri. Kayda is one bad a** draken who can toss juvenile orcs out of the casino and still show up ready to party in her thigh-high slit dresses. Despite being over 7-feet tall and stronger than an ox, Kayda has a soft & sensitive side, and she still gets nervous around Henri and his nervous stutter. They make a dynamic duo, and along with glamour witch Welsh, they learn more about the Vampire Hunters of America and the dark forces behind the ferals slipping through the veil into Luma.

Harlow and Caspian are on the hunt for treasure, and not just any old treasure will do. They are looking for special treasure that has something to do with their friend, the sentient magical cutlass. But this treasure might just have them in over their heads. Trolls are terrifying, did you know that?? I still have anxiety (read TERROR) after reading about the massive trolls that work for the black-market trade where the sunken pirate ship booty can be found. Now they've got a treasure chest full of items that both the fae AND the Collective want and are willing to hunt them down for. Harlow also gets a surprise visit from someone in her past!!

Yet again, Melissa Erin Jackson DID NOT DISAPPOINT with fantastic world-building and characters that you just can't help but love! If you're looking for an urban fantasy that will take you on multiple adventures and keep you on the edge of your seat, look no further! This is the series for you.

The only downside? Now I have to wait for book 3 to be written!!!!

I want to extend a HUGE thanks to the author for an advanced digital review copy of this book. I am providing an honest review as a courtesy and all thoughts are my own.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Wicked Treasure is the second book in The Charm Collector series by Melissa Erin Jackson. This is an action-packed urban fantasy- with an engrossing and original storyline full of intriguing developments, imaginative touches, wonderful world-building, quirky/interesting characters, friendship, magic, witches, mystery, adventure, danger, drama, humour, the paranormal, fun, and excitement. Oh, and did I mention a sentient dragon sword- yes! so very intriguing!!!
A wonderful second addition to the series and I can’t wait to see where we go from here!
Happy Reading!

Thank you, Melissa Erin Jackson!

[SaviLeeLind · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books was such a fun read. Magic, drama, friendship, and adventure thrown into an exciting journey. A great storyline with the perfect amount of build up and unexpected twists. The author did a great job drawing you in and keeping you engrossed in the story. I am so eager for what’s next!

[Jerricka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. I could not put it down. With each turn of the pages, I wanted more and more. I loved how it was like reading two different stories. All the aspects of this book worked wonderfully together. The author did an amazing job turning the words into a mental picture.

[jeliy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual stars 4.5.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book one, Diabolical Sword, felt like both introduction and teaser of the world where magic exists. Not only does magic itself thrive in a city, but there are supernatural forces - and beings - that have and use it. I fell in love with the series within the first few chapters of the first book, so when I had the opportunity to read this, the second of the Charm Collector series, I jumped on it. And I'm so glad that I did! Wicked Treasure is the continuation of Harlow's story with the added mix of her best friend, Kayda's, point of view. Harlow, her sword, and the illusive Caspian are on the run, attempting to solve the mystery of the origins of the sentient sword...one thing leads to another, and our heroine finds herself in yet another precarious situation.
Meanwhile, Kayda's left in Luma to handle the fallout- and something she never expected to have to deal with. The concept behind the draken is so intriguing to me, so I'm thrilled that the author decided to expand on them just a bit in this book. Kayda struck me as a fierce-warrior in book one, but we get to see a little more complexity from her in the sequel. The characters, even the side characters, in these books feel so alive and well-written that the entire story practically weaves itself into your imagination. Now I'm trying to be patient and wait for the next book, but I have a feeling - just like with this one - that the third book will be worth the wait!

[Santana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of The Charm Collector series and it is just as thrilling as the first. Full of excitement and magical creatures and items, I could not put this down.

The book is set shortly after Harlow leaves the city with the cursed sword from the first book. This time we see some of Kayda’s point of view. Kayda and Harlow have been best friends for years so when Kayda finds out that Harlow left the city, sword in tow, with one of the most known “bad guy” Caspian Blackthorne, to say she is pissed would be an understatement. With only a little note delivered by messenger bird, Kayda is left alone to worry about her bestie and why she wasn’t asked to help.

With the help of Kayda’s crush Henri and the witch Welsh, she finds out more than she was planning. Especially about the so-called “Collective” and the veil that is slowly thinning more and more.

Meanwhile, Harlow and Caspian are on the run. They work together to try to find the root of where the sentient sword came from. Where there is magical treasure also lies magical and supernatural enemies to overcome.

This book is by far more action packed than its previous. I was intrigued by Kayda in the first book. She was fashionable yet badass. So when the book started from her point of view, I was immediately excited. I loved getting to know all of the characters more as time went on. I absolutely cannot wait for book 3!

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Wicked Treasure is an original Paranormal Urban Fantasy mystery story. Melissa’s story telling is fun, entertaining yet fraught with perils and danger. There is lots of action and intrigue, mystery, magic, lies and deceit and adventure. This book picks up where the first one ended so I do recommend reading these books in order.

The fantastic world building drew me in and had me totally engrossed. I love me a good supernatural paranormal story and this one is unique and a little thrilling that made for an exciting tale. I love the sassy Heroines Melissa writes.

Magic, witches, the Collective, swords, treasure and mythical creatures are what you can expect in this book. The characters are quirky and have unique personalities. As with the first book I especially loved that the sword was a character and had a fiery spirit all of its own. There is a lot going on in the story but the author has pulled it all together nicely.

Harlow's story continues in this book along with the story of her best friend Kayda. Harlow is on the run wanting to find the mystery behind the dragon sword. Kayda has been left behind to deal with the Collective who is creating chaos and trying to close ranks and hope that their secrets are not revealed. Kayda is not happy and thus her story unfolds.

I am eager for more of this series!

[Brittany Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is incredible and so very well written. Wicked Treasure is the second novel in The Charm Collector Series. In it, Harlow is on the run from The Collective and trying to find more information about the origin of her sentient sword. This takes her and Blackthorn on several adventures, leading her to reunite with someone from her past and possibly wind up working with her enemy. We also get a lot from Kayda, Harlow's best friend, in this installment. Kayda is at a loss, having essentially been ghosted by Harlow, and finds herself under the surveillance of werecats. She herself falls into adventure with our favorite cranky witch, Welsh, and her crush, Henri. Through their investigative work, what they uncover about the increase in ferals breaking through the veil leads to shock and a thrilling showdown.

I said it once and I'll say it again, this is urban fantasy at its finest! This series has adventure, magic, secret plots, drakens, witches, sorcerers, elves, a whole plethora of fae like creatures, and a sentient, murder happy sword.

I absolutely cannot wait for the next novel in this series. I need to fall back into Harlow's world and uncover all the twists and turns this author has in store.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in The Charm Collectors series. I do recommend reading these books in order so that you can follow the story. This is a urban fantasy and the author does an amazing job of making the reader visualise and experience everything as if they were actually there. The characters are really well written as well and they are relatable.

This books picks up where the first one ended. Kayda and Harlow have always been friends. Partners in crime going through life together. That is until Harlow leaves. Going on the run with Caspain.
With Harlow gone the Collective turn their attention to Kayda. Now Kayda is in for something she never expected before and she has to face it without her friend.

Meanwhile Harlow and Caspian have left, hoping the dust will settle behind them. They are on the hunt for a magical sword. While searching they also uncover secrets about the Collective which makes them even more targets than they were before they left.
This book is full of adventure from start to finish and with loads of twists and turns and mythical dangers along the way it Will definately keep the reader wanting more.

[Mandy Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 Stars

Wicked Treasure: An Urban Fantasy Mystery (The Charm Collector #2) by Melissa Erin Jackson

Another fantastic read by the author. Wicked Treasure is the second book in The Charm Collector Series and hot dang. This book is amazing and I couldn't put it down.

Kayda is Harlow's best friend and is worried sick about her friend. She isn't sure what Harlow has gotten herself into, but she's not a rat. She won't give her friend up even if it costs her everything. The quote I chose for Kayda is: “You want me to rat out my best friend and anyone she might know to … you?”

Harlow is still with her friend and still has the sword. Things are going to get interesting and she isn't sure what to make of all of it. She isn't sure what is going to happen to her and now she isn't sure if she'll see her loved ones again. The quote I chose for Harlow is: “Probably. But, honestly, Kay. I know it was shitty of me to ghost you. You’re my favorite person on the planet. I couldn’t let anything happen to you. And then … it sounds like trouble found you anyway. Someone broke into your apartment?”

Highly recommended for Fantasy lovers.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Charm Collector series is fast becoming one of my favorite urban fantasy book series. Wicked Treasure is book 2 and is just as much, if not more, exciting as Diabolical Sword (book 1). Harlow and Caspian are now on the run trying to locate magic treasure related to their friend, Cutlass. Kayda is pissed because Harlow ghosted her. Though, not much time for that because the Collective is creating chaos in Luma. There is drama, mystery and adventure no matter where you turn. I found myself on the edge of my seat, unable to stop reading because I had to keep going…one page more…what’s going to happen next..This story is so well-written. It engages you right from the start. The characters involved are so quirky and full of personality that you can’t help but love them all. I love following the conversations with the sword. The author builds a wonderful world with the story through her descriptions and art of story-telling. I will eagerly be awaiting book 3 of the series. Highly recommend this series.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leaving her friends behind to deal with her new magical sword might have seemed like a good idea at the time, but all it really does is cause trouble for all of them. Trouble that they are going to need to resolve pretty quickly if any of them want a future.

This is book two of the series. it does pretty well as a standalone, but you will be missing some of the backstory. The essentials are covered early on, just not the details.

This is a fast paced urban fantasy story. The story is well written and easy to read with a fascinating setting that is fun to explore. The characters are also well developed and diverse. I particularly like our heroine who is tough and smart, and yet still gets herself into all kinds of trouble. The story moves at a rapid pace and includes plenty of action and mystery, all of which kept me glued to the page. Overall, a very entertaining read and I look forward to seeing what comes next.

Highly recommended,.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Charm Collector series and they just keep getting better. This book alternates POV between Harlow and her best friend Kayda, as Harlow is now outside of Luma and Kayda, left behind to keep her safe, is struggling in Luma to survive. She's now a target for those who want to find Harlow and someone needs to figure out why Luma has so many feral vampires getting past the border.

This was an excellent book, well written with relatable and loveable characters and the plot gripping. Henry, with his sweet support and stutter, and Aster, with her sassy charm are only two of the side characters I fell in love with. I'm on to book 3 and already a little sad that book 4 won't be out for months.

I enthusiastically recommend this series for fans of well written Urban Fantasy, but start with the prequel novella, Veiled Threats to learn why Harlow, a human, is living in a paranormal hub city.

#UrbanFantasy #Mystery #Contemporary #Paranormal #Vampires #Indie #BIPOC

[Lorrene Huisman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was struck hard with love with the prior book, and this one continued the fantasy story that I had very much fallen in love with. I loved this one I think actually, a bit more! The writing was perfectly done.

I loved this one as it still had those adventurous fantasy elements that intrigued me in the first novel, but this one went down a road that gave more and made your mind visualize more Also, loved seeing the characters from the first book again. I saw a lot of character growth in this one. I loved the more deeper we dove in this one, the more that came to light, the end is not near yet for our heros! Cant wait to see what happens next in this most amazing series! I love hoe the flow goes, the characters, and I love this book!

The series is amazing, and I very much enjoyed how the author did this installment! The author, book, sand series are must reads for sure! High recommendation for all of them from this love struck reader!

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked Treasure (The Charm Collector Book 3) by Melissa Erin Jackson . This is a great 3rd book in The Charm Collector series. Its full of danger, intrigue and paranormal. Harlow has left everything and everyone behind including her best friend. Kayda. Harlow is on the hunt for a magical treasure and she won't come back until she has found it. Kayda doesn't have a clue why Harlow left and didn't tell her but she is too busy taking care of the all the chaos left behind. Kayda is tall and not a dainty flower but she's not used to being a hardcore rule enforcer but she is actually enjoying it and doing a great job. Harlow encounters all kinds of danger on her trip including trolls. Will Harlow be able to find what she's looking for and will Kayda forgive her when she decides to return. Read this fast paced, page turning paranormal story. You won't be disappointed.

[Shavon Brown]

If you are a fan of Percy Jackson then you need to read this series. You will need to start with the first book as Wicked Treasure picks up right where Diabolical Sword left off.

This book is from Kaydas perspective as we start off with her getting a courier bird from Harlow. They are still on the run. The collective are doing their best to paint themselves in a better light, doing what they can to recover from what happened in the first book.

In this book Harlow and Caspian are on the hunt for treasure. Special treasure that has sentient magic. On this adventure they face many mythical creatures mainly Trolls. But that is not the only danger they face.

This book is Urban Fantasy at it's finest and I loved it from start to finish.

[fred jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I have read so far this year. Following on from book one but this time splitting the story between Harlow now outside the hub investigating the pirate treasure and Kayda adventures inside. I love strong female characters and the book is full of them all lethal and with attitude, and who can resist a living sword. There are several great twists and surprises, new friends and a world challenging conspiracy , lots of action in a fast paced but very involving story. Melissa is a great storyteller, an excellent writer has a great touch with characters, slight touch of humour and a has wonderful ideas and is rapidly becoming a favourite author. .A book to savour. I received a complimentary copy from the Author and am leaving a honest voluntary review.

[Sarah☀️ Somerville · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book picked up where Diabolical Sword left off, but added in Kayda’s adventures while Harlow was out of town.

This was a really fortunate addition, because for the first half of the book, Harlow’s sections felt kind of slow and less engaging - it was a relief whenever the book switched back to Kayda. Similar to Diabolical Sword, the book picked up at around the halfway point, and both points of view were equally enjoyable.

The book really benefited from a lot less Felix and reflecting on their previous relationship. Hopefully the reduced exposure to Felix continues throughout the series!

So again: slow start, but a fun read overall. Looking forward to reading the next when it comes out.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kayda feels left behind, her best friend Harlow has gone into hiding, but can find her or should she find Harlow? And can she help Harlow? Harlow, Caspian and the sentient dragon sword went into hiding to protect those they care about. Although they still need to try and expose secrets and track down the possibility that there are more sentient weapons out there. Can they get answers and protect people? I enjoyed this intriguing tale, with magic and mystical creatures - count me in, and I enjoyed jumping from Kayda and Harlow's POVs.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

the unique characters in this series are negotiating very troubled waters.

the rules of their society seem to be causing harm to some of those inhabitants- even those who have long worked to help it.

the rules of the Collective are making outcast some skilled folks who might just be essential to battling the latest tricky evils.

alliances and betrayals are central to the action and to the hearts of several key folks involved in these adventures.

can the disparate players work together to keep their worlds safe?

action and drama packed paranormal saga.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review was originally published on Myth and Magic Book Club

Myth: 3/5

Book two in The Charm Collector series picks right up where Diabolical Sword left off. Harlow and Caspian are off on their adventure and in their absence in Luma, Harlow’s bff Kayda is thrust into her own adventure. I definitely wanted more Harlow than we got in this book, I had a harder time getting into Kayda’s story because I couldn’t pull together the larger story threads connecting her findings in Luma, the Collective’s motivations and the veil magic surrounding the city. As a side, Kayda’s love interest subplot is super sweet.

I really enjoyed Harlow’s story, chasing the history of her sword, they continued with the same fun relationship I loved in the first book.



Magic: 3/5

The world of Luma and the other portal cities was further explored, bringing in more history of the veil magic that surrounds them and the risks to life as they know it. I struggled to connect this with the original concept of finding the sword and its origination, but it might just be a thing that comes together more later as more of the pieces are revealed.

Overall: 3/5

An urban fantasy world with magic and mayhem inside and outside of the Collective’s reach. Harlow and Kayda are thrust into adventure whether they’re ready for it or not. They’ve each got to decide who to trust and how to make the best of the sticky situations in which they find themselves.

[Ash Bash · Rating 5 out of 5]

After just finishing book 1 of the charm collector series I dove right into Wicked Treasure as soon as I could help it! The author once again does not disappoint! This story is very entertaining from the start as the drama between Harlow and her friends really stirs up the controversy of the book giving it even more depth. As the story with the mysterious sword begins to build, Harlow embarks on what ends up being a failed vacation with Caspian, and is once again in trouble! It's amazing what she goes through in this story. I'm thirsty for more from the author and will get into her other book series as well!

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I just finished this book, and I am so blown away! The depth and great writing of this series so far, including this book, are phenomenal. Perfect, no, but great, yes. I was so glad to see Kayda in this one along with Harlow, and we see them fighting, so to speak, on two fronts. I didn’t want to put this book down, and pretty much finished this in one setting. I really want to read the next one, but I need to get some work done. LOL! Don’t start here if you haven’t read the others. You need to start the wild ride from the beginning. If you love urban fantasy, don’t hesitate to pick up this series. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to delve back into this story and these characters after reading this first book. This one definitely lives up to my expectations and is easily better than the first. It was jam packed full of exciting storylines and brilliant characters. It is one of those books I struggled to put down, even if it were 3am!
I thought the plot development in this book was even better than the first, pushing it into the next level for me. the author pieces together everything so well and it is such an enjoyable read. I would highly recommend this series and I cannot wait for what comes next.

[Heather Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had aa little trouble getting into this book. I wish I had read the first one so I could better understand this novel. It has a lot of drama and fantasy creatures in it which is right my ally. This novel shows a lot of friendship and what one will do for loyalty, Melissa does well with the writing the two different stories, Kayda’s and Harlow’s point of view gives you a better understanding of both characters. Get ready for adventures reading this novel. I would read these in order to better understand what is going on but great read.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since reading the first book in this series I couldn't wait to devour more. So the minute that the second book to this series hit my Kindle I had to download it and open it immediately. But what I was not prepared for was the for the second installment to be even better then the first. The cover is just breathtaking, the story was full of magic, mystery, adventure, friendship and so much more that I simply couldn't put it down. The only downside to this book is now I have to wait for out author to write book three.

[Jennifer Reimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Once again, this author has made an incredible story with dragons, swords, mysteries, magic, mystical creatures, and so much more. I absolutely find it entertaining to get back stories on all the characters and this did not disappoint, I love knowing them on a different level to understand the characters and why they do things or the reasoning behind something. I really couldn’t put this book down; it was so well written, and everything once again flowed into one another that it was easy to read. highly recommend this series.

[Angel Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!
The world building in this series is fabulous! Orcs, vampires, pixies, elves, draken and other fantastical beings reside in a world alongside, but veiled from, humans. As with most species there are good and bad and co-existing can be a huge challenge. My fav part are the sentient weapons. The twists and turns this story takes keeps the fantasy going full blast! Loved every minute of it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.