What do you think?
Rate this book
The ABCs of Spellcraft #5-7
The ABCs of Spellcraft Collection, Volume 2
Pinyin Bay is in peril!
Dixon Penn has done his share of traveling and is ready to settle down in the city where he grew up. Yuri Volnikov has finally found a place he can call home. But their idyllic life together is threatened when a mysterious buyer starts scooping up properties in Pinyin Bay…and not with the intention of sprucing things up. To add insult to injury, the buyer is using Spellcraft to get what they want.
Pinyin Bay might not be a thriving metropolis, but from the ramshackle tenements of Scrivener Village to the crumbling splendor of Shirque Mansion, the city is rich with Spellcraft history. Even more importantly, it’s the place Dixon and Yuri call home.
Yuri’s Spellcraft talent is exceedingly rare. And although Dixon came into his magical potential recently, he’s been training his whole life to wield his quill. The magic is notoriously capricious — but with explosions rattling the shoreline, Spellcraft is the city’s best hope. Can Dixon and Yuri harness the forces of Spellcraft to save Pinyin Bay?
The ABCs of Spellcraft is a series filled with bad jokes and good magic, where M/M romance meets paranormal cozy. A perky hero, a brooding love interest, and delightfully twisty-turny stories that never end up quite where you’d expect. This collection contains novellas 5 through 7 of The ABCs of Spellcraft Last but Not Lease, Don’t Rock the Boardwalk, and What the Frack?
Dixon Penn has done his share of traveling and is ready to settle down in the city where he grew up. Yuri Volnikov has finally found a place he can call home. But their idyllic life together is threatened when a mysterious buyer starts scooping up properties in Pinyin Bay…and not with the intention of sprucing things up. To add insult to injury, the buyer is using Spellcraft to get what they want.
Pinyin Bay might not be a thriving metropolis, but from the ramshackle tenements of Scrivener Village to the crumbling splendor of Shirque Mansion, the city is rich with Spellcraft history. Even more importantly, it’s the place Dixon and Yuri call home.
Yuri’s Spellcraft talent is exceedingly rare. And although Dixon came into his magical potential recently, he’s been training his whole life to wield his quill. The magic is notoriously capricious — but with explosions rattling the shoreline, Spellcraft is the city’s best hope. Can Dixon and Yuri harness the forces of Spellcraft to save Pinyin Bay?
The ABCs of Spellcraft is a series filled with bad jokes and good magic, where M/M romance meets paranormal cozy. A perky hero, a brooding love interest, and delightfully twisty-turny stories that never end up quite where you’d expect. This collection contains novellas 5 through 7 of The ABCs of Spellcraft Last but Not Lease, Don’t Rock the Boardwalk, and What the Frack?
Audible Audio
First published June 26, 2020
29 people want to read
About the author
Jordan Castillo Price
138 books2,128 followersAuthor and artist Jordan Castillo Price writes paranormal sci-fi thrillers colored by her time in the Midwest, from inner city Chicago, to various cities across southern Wisconsin. She’s settled in a 1910 Cape Cod near Lake Michigan with tons of character and a plethora of bizarre spiders. Any disembodied noises, she’s decided, will be blamed on the ice maker.
Jordan is best known as the author of the PsyCop series, an unfolding tale of paranormal mystery and suspense starring Victor Bayne, a gay medium who's plagued by ghostly visitations.
Jordan is best known as the author of the PsyCop series, an unfolding tale of paranormal mystery and suspense starring Victor Bayne, a gay medium who's plagued by ghostly visitations.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 25, 2020
Audiobook reviewThe release of this book was a happy surprise, there’s something about this world and these quirky characters that makes me smile. And during these times we just can’t smile enough.
In the last collection of stories we followed Dixon and Yuri around on one adventure after the other, some quite insane ones (remember the so called SPA with cleaning supplies?). This time the adventures take place at home, maybe a tad less insane but more important. And it all started with an eviction notice, forcing Yuri to find a new place to live. It’s the start of an insane apartment hunt, and I do mean hunt, as in hunting parties. Add some spellcraft and a huge dose of competition over the most insane dumps of apartments you could ever imagine. I can only imagine how much fun Jordan Castillo Price had while creating them, because they were insane. And over the top crazy.
We, or rather the guys, go from apartment hunting, to helping a mime undo a spell that's helping an outsider destroy the Boardwalk – a place close to Dixon’s heart. The problem is, as a mime has a habit of not doing, the mime isn’t talking so finding out exactly what’s going on is about as insane as you can imagine. Add some family drama and the stage is set. I mean who’d end up in those insane situations except Dixon and Yuri?
Though this book contains three different stories they all share a common theme; saving the Boardwalk from being torn down. And through it all we see Dixon and Yuri grow together. I love how they communicate with a look or a touch, each knowing what the other needs. I just love them, they are so sweet together.
Nick Hudson really brings both Yuri and Dixon to life – I just love his accent for Yuri. He captures them both just right; the more careful Yuri and Dixon’s over the top personality. I also have to say that he captures the sense of place. And in the case of the apartments I could see every cringe-worthy detail in front of me and let me tell you it was not a pleasant sight. And it’s not only our main characters he captures perfectly, but he nails every single quirky one, and it makes for a great listen.
This is a fun book and a great catch if you want to smile for a while.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
January 19, 2022
4 Stars
Review:
I listened to the audiobook of The ABCs of Spellcraft Volume 2, which collects Books 5-7 (more like novellas). I enjoyed this one more than the previous, I think, and got more into the relationship between Dixon and Yuri, which has only gotten deeper and more adorable as the series has gone on. These stories also felt a little less ridiculous on the silly scale, but still light and fun. This is a great example of how stories can be entertaining and make me want to keep reading/listening even with relatively low stakes. Anyway, here are some mini reviews for each individual novella.
Last But Not Lease (Book 5) - It had admittedly been a little while since I listened to the previous books, but I think this was a little less silly and more moderately believable but still fun. It made me chuckle. The apartment hunting, and the horrible apartments themselves, were interesting and fun. Though the stakes were relatively low, the story kept my attention the whole way through. But I really liked the more serious parts too, like Yuri still not being able to believe Dixon actually wants to be with him. I just want to give that man a hug sometimes. His insecurities really hit me in the feels. I also just really enjoyed seeing their relationship deepen. It's sweet. Honestly, I've read a lot of books lately in which sex was the main focus of the relationship with no other parts being developed, so it's very nice to read about a couple whose relationship is actually based on who they are and spending time together, with sex being just one part of their connection, mentioned sometimes, but off screen. I felt the love between them. I will say, I didn't love the subplot about breaking up a couple just because the guy was not smart. He seemed like a nice guy who treated Sabina right, and that was what counted. But I was glad that Sabina stood up for him, and it wasn't necessarily implied that trying to break them up was ok. I enjoyed this overall, even more than the previous books.
Don't Rock the Boardwalk (Book 6) - This was another cute and enjoyable story. A bit of the usual silly shenanigans. Also an interesting and enjoyable story with a bit of a mystery. But it also had some really sweet relationship stuff, what with Yuri showing some of his vulnerable, squishy side, and Dixon knowing how hard it is for Yuri to show his emotions and vulnerability and taking care with those situations despite being someone who normally blurts out everything he's thinking and feeling. *SPOILER* *END SPOILER* I love how much they love each others' quirks and opposite-ness, like how Yuri likes is that Dixon is so optimistic and has enough hope for both of them, and how Dixon loves how butch and strong Yuri is. *SPOILER (Ok, not really, but it's more fun to hear things from the character sometimes.)* *END SPOILER* It was honestly the sweetness of the relationship that stood out the most to me in this story, even though that wasn't really the focus. I kept saying awww and just really loved it. Overall, a sweet, fun, enjoyable book!
What the Frack? (Book 7) - For some reason, this story was a little less memorable to me than the previous two. The plot felt a little more disconnected, I think, and I didn't fully understand everything about it in the end. But I did still enjoy the book! It was another fun story with fun characters I've come to care about and a sweet ending to this second arc of Dixon and Yuri's story!
The narration for the audiobook by Nick Hudson was great again. He really seems to nail Dixon's optimistic, somewhat over-the-top, enthusiastic personality. But he also does a great job with Yuri's more serious, stoic nature. Again, I'm not sure how accurate the Russian accent is, but it doesn't bother me. I really enjoy the audio for these.
Overall, this was another great, fun, somewhat silly collection of novellas with a bit of light mystery and a unique magic system and even sweeter relationship moments that I enjoyed even more than the first!
*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2021 // Format: Audiobook*
Recommended For:
Fans of Volume 1 (or Books 1-4) in Jordan Castillo Price's The ABCs of Spellcraft Series. Anyone who likes sweet m/m romance, unique magic systems, and silly, sitcom-esque stories that aren't meant to be taken too seriously.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
I listened to the audiobook of The ABCs of Spellcraft Volume 2, which collects Books 5-7 (more like novellas). I enjoyed this one more than the previous, I think, and got more into the relationship between Dixon and Yuri, which has only gotten deeper and more adorable as the series has gone on. These stories also felt a little less ridiculous on the silly scale, but still light and fun. This is a great example of how stories can be entertaining and make me want to keep reading/listening even with relatively low stakes. Anyway, here are some mini reviews for each individual novella.
Last But Not Lease (Book 5) - It had admittedly been a little while since I listened to the previous books, but I think this was a little less silly and more moderately believable but still fun. It made me chuckle. The apartment hunting, and the horrible apartments themselves, were interesting and fun. Though the stakes were relatively low, the story kept my attention the whole way through. But I really liked the more serious parts too, like Yuri still not being able to believe Dixon actually wants to be with him. I just want to give that man a hug sometimes. His insecurities really hit me in the feels. I also just really enjoyed seeing their relationship deepen. It's sweet. Honestly, I've read a lot of books lately in which sex was the main focus of the relationship with no other parts being developed, so it's very nice to read about a couple whose relationship is actually based on who they are and spending time together, with sex being just one part of their connection, mentioned sometimes, but off screen. I felt the love between them. I will say, I didn't love the subplot about breaking up a couple just because the guy was not smart. He seemed like a nice guy who treated Sabina right, and that was what counted. But I was glad that Sabina stood up for him, and it wasn't necessarily implied that trying to break them up was ok. I enjoyed this overall, even more than the previous books.
Don't Rock the Boardwalk (Book 6) - This was another cute and enjoyable story. A bit of the usual silly shenanigans. Also an interesting and enjoyable story with a bit of a mystery. But it also had some really sweet relationship stuff, what with Yuri showing some of his vulnerable, squishy side, and Dixon knowing how hard it is for Yuri to show his emotions and vulnerability and taking care with those situations despite being someone who normally blurts out everything he's thinking and feeling. *SPOILER* *END SPOILER* I love how much they love each others' quirks and opposite-ness, like how Yuri likes is that Dixon is so optimistic and has enough hope for both of them, and how Dixon loves how butch and strong Yuri is. *SPOILER (Ok, not really, but it's more fun to hear things from the character sometimes.)* *END SPOILER* It was honestly the sweetness of the relationship that stood out the most to me in this story, even though that wasn't really the focus. I kept saying awww and just really loved it. Overall, a sweet, fun, enjoyable book!
What the Frack? (Book 7) - For some reason, this story was a little less memorable to me than the previous two. The plot felt a little more disconnected, I think, and I didn't fully understand everything about it in the end. But I did still enjoy the book! It was another fun story with fun characters I've come to care about and a sweet ending to this second arc of Dixon and Yuri's story!
The narration for the audiobook by Nick Hudson was great again. He really seems to nail Dixon's optimistic, somewhat over-the-top, enthusiastic personality. But he also does a great job with Yuri's more serious, stoic nature. Again, I'm not sure how accurate the Russian accent is, but it doesn't bother me. I really enjoy the audio for these.
Overall, this was another great, fun, somewhat silly collection of novellas with a bit of light mystery and a unique magic system and even sweeter relationship moments that I enjoyed even more than the first!
*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2021 // Format: Audiobook*
Recommended For:
Fans of Volume 1 (or Books 1-4) in Jordan Castillo Price's The ABCs of Spellcraft Series. Anyone who likes sweet m/m romance, unique magic systems, and silly, sitcom-esque stories that aren't meant to be taken too seriously.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
July 12, 2021
Summary: The author really hits her stride in this volume and the world building is fully fleshed out. It's an adventurous ride and there's no predicting what's going to happen next. It's good light fun with a comic, cozy mystery feel. Each book is very short, but by reading them in a volume each book feels more like a chapter.
Pros:
- The audio performer is outstanding! His tone and different voices energize the whole story.
- This is the perfect bit of fluff to make you feel better after a tough day.
Cons:
- No sizzle.
- I wish the stories were a little longer. It's like getting a tiny piece of cake when you want a big honking slice.
Pros:
- The audio performer is outstanding! His tone and different voices energize the whole story.
- This is the perfect bit of fluff to make you feel better after a tough day.
Cons:
- No sizzle.
- I wish the stories were a little longer. It's like getting a tiny piece of cake when you want a big honking slice.
October 31, 2020
Audiobook Review October 2020:
First off, there isn't much I can say that I didn't already mention in my original reviews earlier in the year. Jordan Castillo Price's ABCs of Spellcraft just keeps getting better and better with each adventure Dixon and Yuri find themselves in. They still remind me a bit of the old serials of the 30s and 40s my folks collect, each has it's own storyline but still connected and continued on. There's mystery but always fun. Entertaining from beginning to end.
As for the narration, Nick Hudson has once again brought life to Dixon and Yuri in a way that I can't imagine anyone else doing as great a job. Dixon can be a bit over the top at times but that's part of his charm and in Don't Rock the Boardwalk he has no trouble playing his part and Hudson's narration of the character is spot on. I could see Dixon on the boardwalk playing to the tourists. Once again, listening to the mens' journeys I truly felt like I was listening to one of the old radio shows I collect, I kept expecting Harlow Wilcox to interrupt Dixon and Yuri with the sponsor's ad(and if you don't know what I'm talking about, I highly suggest Googling it because they were a true brilliant form of entertainment).
Whether in ebook or audio, Jordan Castillo Price's ABCs of Spellcraft is a series that bring endless hours of enjoyment and personally I can't wait to see what adventure awaits them next.
Last but Not Lease #5
Original Review April 2020:
Who knew home-hunting could be so . . . magical? Dixon and Yuri are back!!!! I love these two, they are such a mismatched pair on paper but the minute they're together you just know that not only are they perfectly matched, there really is no one else for either. Dixon's peppy-ness and Yuri's stoic-ness should make them run for the hills in opposite directions but they calm each other, balance each other, makes the other stronger. I guess what I'm saying is Jordan Castillo Price knows how to make them work and work they do!
So, in Last but Not Lease, Yuri has lost his home and Dixon's place is cramped, sardines-in-a-pea-pod cramped, so the logical thing is to go home-hunting. But as you can imagine, this pair always seems to find themselves in an intriguing, controlled chaos(and if you don't know what I mean then you haven't been reading the series and need to go back to the beginning-trust me you'll love it!). So I'm not going to give anything away because the magical craziness of this duo is something you need to experience yourself to fully appreciate them and their predicaments.
The best way for me to explain the meshing of humor, magic, mystery, and chemistry is Lucy & Ethel meets Samantha & Darren Stevens meets Nick & Nora Charles. Brilliant characters, great world building, and amazing storytelling make for an all around reading gem that just keeps getting better and better. This is a series that is best read in order as each entry has a little something that is part of a bigger picture as well as following along with Dixon and Yuri as their relationship grows.
The ABCs of Spellcraft was one of my favorite series last year and their new adventures seem to be well on the way to being a fave of 2020 too.
Don't Rock the Boardwalk #6
Original Review June 2020:
This isn't the first time the guys have gone in undercover to discover the "faulty" or misused crafting but there was something about doing so in their own backyard that made Don't Rock the Boardwalk that much more interesting. I hesitate to say "more fun" because the whole series has been fun from the beginning but it does seem to have that something extra special and again for me that was being right their in Pinyin Bay and having come from the Penn family shop.
The whole series has had the perfect blend of romance and humor to label it romantic comedy, for me however it does seem odd to use that genre tag with an equal blend of paranormal and mystery but Jordan Castillo Price makes it work. Don't Rock the Boardwalk is no different. Dixon as a tour guide and Yuri as a street artist is absolutely divine. Let's face it, if you've been reading Dixon and Yuri's adventures you know by now that Dixon has the gift of gab so the tour guide disguise is pure genius, even if some of his facts are of his own creation or embellishment and when Yuri finds himself on the tour one day, I'll just say it may not have been Who's On First? but their timing was as spot on as many classic comedy routines are.
As for Dixon and Yuri on a personal level, they just continue to grow both in their individual crafts and their love for each other. I don't want to say they tackle this case different than others but as they do take on roles that don't work together I think they are apart more in Boardwalk than any other entry in the series. Which in one way is a bit of a disappointment because I love seeing them interact but on the other hand I think it shows just how much they've grown to be able to work apart and still get the job done and still find time for that Dixon/Yuri magic that ABCs of Spellcraft is known for.
If you are wondering about reading order, well The ABCs of Spellcraft needs to be experienced as written. There's a certain level of completion to each novella but there is an overall arc to boys' journey. So far Jordan Castillo Price has two story arcs in the series, #1-4 and #'s 5 & 6 and the upcoming 7: What the Frack?. Trust me, if you enjoy magic, mystery, romance, humor, and heat then Spellcraft is definitely a series for you.
What the Frack? #7
Original Review August 2020:
I want to start by saying there has yet to be a cover in The ABCs of Spellcraft series that isn't brilliant and that Dixon and Yuri don't look Yummy in but there is something about What the Frack? that has that little something extra. Is it the hardhats to give the men that hard-at-work look? Is it Dixon in flannel and bibs to give him a rugged edge? Is it Yuri with the sledgehammer in his hand teetering between work and rest? Or is it that slight tip-of-the-hat that gives them a gentlemen yet blue collar look? I don't think I can narrow in on any one thing, it really captures the characters and gives you an inkling into what their latest "case" will entail. Then of course there is the colors, the purplish, bluish, aquaish blend that draws your attention and an almost graphic novel artistry that tells you no matter how much drama they face, Jordan Castillo Price hasn't lost the comedic slice that help get Dixon and Yuri in AND out of trouble.
And who says a cover is just a cover?😉
So let's get to What the Frack? This is the finale of the second story arc in ABCs of Spellcraft, Dixon and Yuri continue to grow and strengthen their relationship. We get to see some of the ins and outs of Pinyin Bay, and though it may not be New York City, Atlanta, or Chicago in the hustle and bustle part of activity, it's no sleepy little burg either. So as the title suggests, the guys are faced with mining in Pinyin Bay and knowing the way these two get themselves into trouble it won't be welcomed by everyone.
What could go wrong? More like what won't go wrong?😉😉
I don't want to give anything away so I'll end it there and just add that if you are already a reader of JCP's newest series then you know it'll be brilliant, if you have yet to experience The ABCs of Spellcraft, now is the perfect time as the second story arc is finished and we await a new set of adventures for our lads. This is a series that must be read in order but you won't regret it. The blending of magic, mystery, romance, mayhem, and humor is enough to tick all my sub-genre boxes making What the Frack? and The ABCs of Spellcraft as a whole a perfect choice no matter what kind of mood I'm in.
First off, there isn't much I can say that I didn't already mention in my original reviews earlier in the year. Jordan Castillo Price's ABCs of Spellcraft just keeps getting better and better with each adventure Dixon and Yuri find themselves in. They still remind me a bit of the old serials of the 30s and 40s my folks collect, each has it's own storyline but still connected and continued on. There's mystery but always fun. Entertaining from beginning to end.
As for the narration, Nick Hudson has once again brought life to Dixon and Yuri in a way that I can't imagine anyone else doing as great a job. Dixon can be a bit over the top at times but that's part of his charm and in Don't Rock the Boardwalk he has no trouble playing his part and Hudson's narration of the character is spot on. I could see Dixon on the boardwalk playing to the tourists. Once again, listening to the mens' journeys I truly felt like I was listening to one of the old radio shows I collect, I kept expecting Harlow Wilcox to interrupt Dixon and Yuri with the sponsor's ad(and if you don't know what I'm talking about, I highly suggest Googling it because they were a true brilliant form of entertainment).
Whether in ebook or audio, Jordan Castillo Price's ABCs of Spellcraft is a series that bring endless hours of enjoyment and personally I can't wait to see what adventure awaits them next.
Last but Not Lease #5
Original Review April 2020:
Who knew home-hunting could be so . . . magical? Dixon and Yuri are back!!!! I love these two, they are such a mismatched pair on paper but the minute they're together you just know that not only are they perfectly matched, there really is no one else for either. Dixon's peppy-ness and Yuri's stoic-ness should make them run for the hills in opposite directions but they calm each other, balance each other, makes the other stronger. I guess what I'm saying is Jordan Castillo Price knows how to make them work and work they do!
So, in Last but Not Lease, Yuri has lost his home and Dixon's place is cramped, sardines-in-a-pea-pod cramped, so the logical thing is to go home-hunting. But as you can imagine, this pair always seems to find themselves in an intriguing, controlled chaos(and if you don't know what I mean then you haven't been reading the series and need to go back to the beginning-trust me you'll love it!). So I'm not going to give anything away because the magical craziness of this duo is something you need to experience yourself to fully appreciate them and their predicaments.
The best way for me to explain the meshing of humor, magic, mystery, and chemistry is Lucy & Ethel meets Samantha & Darren Stevens meets Nick & Nora Charles. Brilliant characters, great world building, and amazing storytelling make for an all around reading gem that just keeps getting better and better. This is a series that is best read in order as each entry has a little something that is part of a bigger picture as well as following along with Dixon and Yuri as their relationship grows.
The ABCs of Spellcraft was one of my favorite series last year and their new adventures seem to be well on the way to being a fave of 2020 too.
Don't Rock the Boardwalk #6
Original Review June 2020:
This isn't the first time the guys have gone in undercover to discover the "faulty" or misused crafting but there was something about doing so in their own backyard that made Don't Rock the Boardwalk that much more interesting. I hesitate to say "more fun" because the whole series has been fun from the beginning but it does seem to have that something extra special and again for me that was being right their in Pinyin Bay and having come from the Penn family shop.
The whole series has had the perfect blend of romance and humor to label it romantic comedy, for me however it does seem odd to use that genre tag with an equal blend of paranormal and mystery but Jordan Castillo Price makes it work. Don't Rock the Boardwalk is no different. Dixon as a tour guide and Yuri as a street artist is absolutely divine. Let's face it, if you've been reading Dixon and Yuri's adventures you know by now that Dixon has the gift of gab so the tour guide disguise is pure genius, even if some of his facts are of his own creation or embellishment and when Yuri finds himself on the tour one day, I'll just say it may not have been Who's On First? but their timing was as spot on as many classic comedy routines are.
As for Dixon and Yuri on a personal level, they just continue to grow both in their individual crafts and their love for each other. I don't want to say they tackle this case different than others but as they do take on roles that don't work together I think they are apart more in Boardwalk than any other entry in the series. Which in one way is a bit of a disappointment because I love seeing them interact but on the other hand I think it shows just how much they've grown to be able to work apart and still get the job done and still find time for that Dixon/Yuri magic that ABCs of Spellcraft is known for.
If you are wondering about reading order, well The ABCs of Spellcraft needs to be experienced as written. There's a certain level of completion to each novella but there is an overall arc to boys' journey. So far Jordan Castillo Price has two story arcs in the series, #1-4 and #'s 5 & 6 and the upcoming 7: What the Frack?. Trust me, if you enjoy magic, mystery, romance, humor, and heat then Spellcraft is definitely a series for you.
What the Frack? #7
Original Review August 2020:
I want to start by saying there has yet to be a cover in The ABCs of Spellcraft series that isn't brilliant and that Dixon and Yuri don't look Yummy in but there is something about What the Frack? that has that little something extra. Is it the hardhats to give the men that hard-at-work look? Is it Dixon in flannel and bibs to give him a rugged edge? Is it Yuri with the sledgehammer in his hand teetering between work and rest? Or is it that slight tip-of-the-hat that gives them a gentlemen yet blue collar look? I don't think I can narrow in on any one thing, it really captures the characters and gives you an inkling into what their latest "case" will entail. Then of course there is the colors, the purplish, bluish, aquaish blend that draws your attention and an almost graphic novel artistry that tells you no matter how much drama they face, Jordan Castillo Price hasn't lost the comedic slice that help get Dixon and Yuri in AND out of trouble.
And who says a cover is just a cover?😉
So let's get to What the Frack? This is the finale of the second story arc in ABCs of Spellcraft, Dixon and Yuri continue to grow and strengthen their relationship. We get to see some of the ins and outs of Pinyin Bay, and though it may not be New York City, Atlanta, or Chicago in the hustle and bustle part of activity, it's no sleepy little burg either. So as the title suggests, the guys are faced with mining in Pinyin Bay and knowing the way these two get themselves into trouble it won't be welcomed by everyone.
What could go wrong? More like what won't go wrong?😉😉
I don't want to give anything away so I'll end it there and just add that if you are already a reader of JCP's newest series then you know it'll be brilliant, if you have yet to experience The ABCs of Spellcraft, now is the perfect time as the second story arc is finished and we await a new set of adventures for our lads. This is a series that must be read in order but you won't regret it. The blending of magic, mystery, romance, mayhem, and humor is enough to tick all my sub-genre boxes making What the Frack? and The ABCs of Spellcraft as a whole a perfect choice no matter what kind of mood I'm in.
October 24, 2021
LAST BUT NOT LEASE
Dixon and Yuri are on another adventure. I love these guys. Finding a new apartment has begun a comedy of circumstances and spellcraft used to insnare potential renters. There were lots of laugh-out-loud moments. Seeing them come together to use their combined skills made me smile. The outcome was even better.
DON'T ROCK THE BOARDWALK
Oh My God! I adore Dixon and Yuri. This newest addition to the series is terrific. A mime (poor Yuri), Naturists (again, poor Yuri), old friends, and new bring another adventure. The story is a bridge from the last book and to the next with plenty of action, adventure, awkwardness, and laughs. The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger (very unusual for Ms. Price) but the 'volshebstvo' aka. magic does work in mysterious ways.
WHAT THE FRACK
Dixon and Yuri always make me smile. Once again they're up to their hijinks. Dixon's flair for the dramatic is still grandly used and Yuri is still stoic. The cast of extra characters adds color to the storyline. The ending was sweet and I'm looking forward to more adventures with them.
Recommended author and series
Dixon and Yuri are on another adventure. I love these guys. Finding a new apartment has begun a comedy of circumstances and spellcraft used to insnare potential renters. There were lots of laugh-out-loud moments. Seeing them come together to use their combined skills made me smile. The outcome was even better.
DON'T ROCK THE BOARDWALK
Oh My God! I adore Dixon and Yuri. This newest addition to the series is terrific. A mime (poor Yuri), Naturists (again, poor Yuri), old friends, and new bring another adventure. The story is a bridge from the last book and to the next with plenty of action, adventure, awkwardness, and laughs. The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger (very unusual for Ms. Price) but the 'volshebstvo' aka. magic does work in mysterious ways.
WHAT THE FRACK
Dixon and Yuri always make me smile. Once again they're up to their hijinks. Dixon's flair for the dramatic is still grandly used and Yuri is still stoic. The cast of extra characters adds color to the storyline. The ending was sweet and I'm looking forward to more adventures with them.
Recommended author and series
March 23, 2021
Last But Not Lease
Dixon and Yuri lose Yuri’s tiny beach cabin (eviction). Dixon and his family get their house back, and are able to move out of the attic. There are spell craft shenanigans, of course. The narrator (Nick Hudson) is great - his Dixon is such a hyper, excited person and his Yuri is staid and dour. It’s an amazing contrast.
Don’t Rock the Boardwalk
Trying to figure out why a mystery person is buying up all of Pinyon Bay’s real estate.
What the Frack?
The mystery continues, in that wacky Pinyon Bay way. It’s all so absurd and silly, yet written with such affection that it makes me smile instead of rolling my eyes. Honestly, I didn’t catch all of the nuances of the plot. And I don’t really care - the characters are what make this series so good. Dixon drives me batty with his high energy. Yuri is my favorite stoic Russian. It’s all so good.
Bought from audible.
Dixon and Yuri lose Yuri’s tiny beach cabin (eviction). Dixon and his family get their house back, and are able to move out of the attic. There are spell craft shenanigans, of course. The narrator (Nick Hudson) is great - his Dixon is such a hyper, excited person and his Yuri is staid and dour. It’s an amazing contrast.
Don’t Rock the Boardwalk
Trying to figure out why a mystery person is buying up all of Pinyon Bay’s real estate.
What the Frack?
The mystery continues, in that wacky Pinyon Bay way. It’s all so absurd and silly, yet written with such affection that it makes me smile instead of rolling my eyes. Honestly, I didn’t catch all of the nuances of the plot. And I don’t really care - the characters are what make this series so good. Dixon drives me batty with his high energy. Yuri is my favorite stoic Russian. It’s all so good.
Bought from audible.
October 31, 2020
After finally finding Uncle Fonzo, Dixon and Yuri return to Pinyin Bay only to find its under threat. Over these three novellas, Dixon and Yuri tackle a host of crazy characters and situations to save Dixon’s home town. There is a loveable goofiness in Dixon - despite his questionable morals, he thinks the best of most people. Yuri is mistrustful, saturnine, and terse, so it’s always great fun to see JCP put him in awkward situations. It’s also lovely to watch Yuri thaw over these books. You’d imagine Yuri was immovable, but in fact Dixon never changes, and it’s their mutual love and fondness for each other that helps Yuri to grow as a person. 🎧 Nick Hudson always seems to have fun narrating and he obviously enjoys voicing Dixon and Yuri - it’s a pleasure to listen to him.
November 23, 2020
This audio book was as much fun as the first in the series. Listening to Yuri and Dixon interact is entertaining all by themselves, and the weird supernatural puzzles they encounter are equally entertaining.
I like getting to know the people and places of Pinion Bay. I am starting to feel like I might be listening to a grown up version of Scooby Doo with a parrot instead of a dog, and the mystery really is supernatural. I want to see bit more of the parrot...
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a light hearted series of supernatural mysteries with a dash of romance.
I like getting to know the people and places of Pinion Bay. I am starting to feel like I might be listening to a grown up version of Scooby Doo with a parrot instead of a dog, and the mystery really is supernatural. I want to see bit more of the parrot...
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a light hearted series of supernatural mysteries with a dash of romance.
May 31, 2021
These stories are adorable, and the audio narration is great, but Dixon can be a bit much in large doses like this. I think next time I'll spread the audiobook out over a longer period of time. Assuming there is a next time? I sure hope so. This world and these characters are great.
October 20, 2020
So much fun. I raced through this one. Excellent narration and great stories. Only one small concern in the first novella but otherwise just fab.
June 9, 2021
I really like this series - it's funny, low heat, and has interesting characters. I loved the narration - all the voices were distinct and really added to my enjoyment of the stories.
February 7, 2022
~ 3.5 stars ~
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews