This sequel to Accidental Demons picks up where the first volume left off. Bernadette “Ber” Crowley, who comes from a line of witches who do blood magic, has finally learned to manage her diabetes and monitor her blood glucose without summoning demons every time. She’s still tired of people not understanding what it’s like to have diabetes, though. She’s also dealing with the consequences of the previous volume and the loss of a family member, with only a mysterious prophecy (is there any other kind?) from the demon she’s bound to her, Finley MacIntire. But Ber uncovers more about the demon dimension, and about her own family history and secrets, as she tries to save her relative—and perhaps the entire magical world.
As in the first volume, the impressive magical system and amusing dialogue is balanced with a thoughtful look at living with diabetes, informed by author Claire Edge’s own experience. This volume digs deeper into some of the issues raised in the first, though, notably the prejudices we may have to unlearn from our families. Ber and friend Cai’s romantic relationship also grows, and we see Ber try to adjust to the idea of being someone’s girlfriend, an endeavor made harder because Cai can read minds.
In addition to Fin, who is “beyond gender,” Ber’s sister Maeve has a girlfriend, and Grandma Orla is a lesbian. A significant other character also comes out as “gender nonconforming? Or maybe enby?” or maybe preferring “no labels at all?” This happens later in the book and is therefore a bit of a spoiler, so if you want to know, click and drag over the white space below.
It is Cai who says this; Ber is immediately affirming and supportive.
Readers are advised to start with the first volume; once they do, they’ll likely want to read this next tale in the recommended duology.
Ber and her family are White; Cai is biracial (Japanese and White). A two-dad couple are neighbors and secondary characters.
