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The ABCs of Spellcraft #10
Forging Ahead
They say a picture's worth a thousand words. But once in a while, you really hit pay dirt.
Yuri is no stranger to pigment and brush, so he can't help but be curious when he reads about a rare piece of art discovered in Pinyin Bay—a Shul Cadfur painting rumored to be worth a million dollars. And the painting soon turns up on his doorstep in the hands of his Boardwalk buddy, Drew Draws, who's desperate to have his find authenticated.
If only the reclusive Cadfur had signed the canvas.
Fortunately, Dixon loves to sign things—whether or not the name he's signing is his own. All he needs is a good look at the artist's signature. Not only has Cadfur himself mysteriously disappeared, but even his signature proves more elusory than a wolverine in witness protection.
The situation is so convoluted, one might even suspect Spellcraft is involved.
Can Dixon and Yuri square away the painting before the art appraiser gets there? Or will the million dollars dry up like an open tube of paint?
Yuri is no stranger to pigment and brush, so he can't help but be curious when he reads about a rare piece of art discovered in Pinyin Bay—a Shul Cadfur painting rumored to be worth a million dollars. And the painting soon turns up on his doorstep in the hands of his Boardwalk buddy, Drew Draws, who's desperate to have his find authenticated.
If only the reclusive Cadfur had signed the canvas.
Fortunately, Dixon loves to sign things—whether or not the name he's signing is his own. All he needs is a good look at the artist's signature. Not only has Cadfur himself mysteriously disappeared, but even his signature proves more elusory than a wolverine in witness protection.
The situation is so convoluted, one might even suspect Spellcraft is involved.
Can Dixon and Yuri square away the painting before the art appraiser gets there? Or will the million dollars dry up like an open tube of paint?
113 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2021
22 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Jordan Castillo Price
139 books2,133 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 21, 2021
Best of the series so far!
I absolutely adore this series and will never get enough of Yuri and Fillings misadventures! Not too mention the multitude of quirky fellow residents of Pinyon Bay! Totally Awesome!!!
I absolutely adore this series and will never get enough of Yuri and Fillings misadventures! Not too mention the multitude of quirky fellow residents of Pinyon Bay! Totally Awesome!!!
wrote
September 17, 2021A Post-it note scrawled with the words “Meringue flies away” has been sitting in the detritus around my computer for ages, with the tacky strip on the back getting furrier and furrier. I finally get to toss it! And while she didn’t actually fly away…events unfolded as if she had.
The working title of this book was False Alarm until I decided the external storyline was the main plot, and the family’s affairs were more of a constant, connected thread running through the series as a whole.
The working title of this book was False Alarm until I decided the external storyline was the main plot, and the family’s affairs were more of a constant, connected thread running through the series as a whole.
August 17, 2022
Another fun book. This one brought back a couple characters introduced in previous books. I actually like Vano (I don't know how to spell that), he seems like a decent guy. Drew Drawz (not sure of that spelling either, audiobook struggles) is a lot, but he's fun. He's very good at thinking on his feet, I'll give him that! Anyway, enjoyable!
I enjoyed the audiobook, narrated by Nick Hudson. Further thoughts on the audio can be found in my review for Book 1 or The ABCs of Spellcraft Collection Volume 1, 2, or 3.
*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2022 // Format: Audiobook*
Recommended For:
Fans of previous books 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
I enjoyed the audiobook, narrated by Nick Hudson. Further thoughts on the audio can be found in my review for Book 1 or The ABCs of Spellcraft Collection Volume 1, 2, or 3.
*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2022 // Format: Audiobook*
Recommended For:
Fans of previous books 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
September 20, 2021
4.5 stars
Cute and funny. I loved the hijinks. It was fast paced and we see all of the crazy characters that Dixon and Yuri know. It was all that I expect from this series!
Cute and funny. I loved the hijinks. It was fast paced and we see all of the crazy characters that Dixon and Yuri know. It was all that I expect from this series!
September 18, 2021
I absolutely LOVE this series! How to describe the (mis)adventures and hilarity of a day with Dixon and Yuri? It’s like looking at a maze reflected in a funhouse mirror viewed through a kaleidoscope. I absolutely love Dixon and his always-sunny disposition. He is like the metal ball in a pinball machine, bouncing back and forth off all the bumpers while the scoreboard lights up (ding, ding, ding), and Yuri is the calm, guiding hand that keeps the game from ‘tilting.’ I am always amazed at the author’s creativity and ingenuity. If you think you know how any of the Spellcraft stories will go…you're wrong. Sit back and enjoy another crazy ride with Dixon, Yuri, Sabina, Uncle Fonzo, and all the other denizens of Pinyon Bay.
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
September 19, 2021
I'm such an audiobook addict that it's a true testament to how much I love this series that I buy the ebooks immediately upon publication. I simply can't wait for the audiobook collection, even though I know how delightful it will be.
Anyway, about the book. You know you're in good hands when a long running series just gets better and more fun. I fall even more in love with the large cast of characters with every installment, and the plots never fail to be anything less than convoluted glory. I love how minor character's roles keep expanding to the point you come to love them almost as much as the MCs. I'm really happy about Drew Draws and Vano having bigger parts to play- and Rufus Clahd too! I'm really looking forward to where this series is going, and how it doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
Anyway, about the book. You know you're in good hands when a long running series just gets better and more fun. I fall even more in love with the large cast of characters with every installment, and the plots never fail to be anything less than convoluted glory. I love how minor character's roles keep expanding to the point you come to love them almost as much as the MCs. I'm really happy about Drew Draws and Vano having bigger parts to play- and Rufus Clahd too! I'm really looking forward to where this series is going, and how it doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
November 29, 2022
Absolutely enjoyed this entry as well. Seriously wonder how Jordan spins these hare brained stories out into such fun reads. Loved the wild goose chase and the unexpected twists along the way, as well as some past faces popping up here and there.
As usual, well plotted, well written and a hoot and a half. So easy to just fly through the pages in a single sitting, if not for life getting in the way and making me having to spread out the read.
As usual, well plotted, well written and a hoot and a half. So easy to just fly through the pages in a single sitting, if not for life getting in the way and making me having to spread out the read.
December 18, 2021
Yuri and Dixon on a crazy madcap adventure through the city of Pinyin - even more frenetic than their usual adventures if that is possible. Quite a few recurring secondary characters make an appearance with Meringue given a starring role in the first chapter!
May 9, 2023
This was another crazy adventure with Yuri & Dixon. A few recurring characters make an appearance, which was nice. Drew cracked me up but I especially loved Meringue!
QUICK THOUGHTS
• Paranormal/magic
• Established couple
• Quirky town
• A bit of high jinx & mystery
• A few twist and turns
• Recurring secondary characters make an appearance
• Drew made me chuckle
• Love the MCs... Yuri & Dixon
• Satisfying ending
• NOT a stand-alone
QUICK THOUGHTS
• Paranormal/magic
• Established couple
• Quirky town
• A bit of high jinx & mystery
• A few twist and turns
• Recurring secondary characters make an appearance
• Drew made me chuckle
• Love the MCs... Yuri & Dixon
• Satisfying ending
• NOT a stand-alone
August 17, 2022
Forging Ahead (Spellcraft 10)
By Jordan Castillo Price
Published by the author
Four stars
I wonder if I’ve commented before that this series would make a great sit-com on television—sort of a contemporary take on Bewitched, or even more recently, the Wizards of Waverly Place.
The Penn family is a hot mess; but apparently that’s not atypical of the magical denizens of the fictional town of Pinyin Bay. They tend not to play by the rules of the handless world (i.e. non-magical), and thus maintain a sometimes fraught balance between community engagement and eccentric lawlessness.
For all the fact that he is a brilliant Scrivener—someone who writes spells that work and work well—Dixon is an oddball with the attention span of a cockatoo (and I say that because his pet cockatoo Meringue plays a significant role in this story). His boyfriend (grown-man-friend, LOL) Yuri is both more mature and less impulsive, but even he seems to be fairly comfortable with the makeshift lifestyle of Pinyin Bay’s magical aristocracy. OF course, Yuri is also a brilliant Seer—the visual part of any good spell being its Seen (another play on words I really love).
It's not just Dixon and Yuri, however, since his whole family is the same, from his cousin Sabina to his mother Florica; as are the various other leading lights of the magical community (the Stranges and the Shirques). Everything seems just a little off-balance and odd, which is both normal and a point of some pride.
The core comic device in this book is the attempt to forge a signature on an unsigned painting that will make it hugely valuable (hence the title). The logical aspect of the plot is entirely accidental, as so much in this world seems to be. The whole purpose of all of Dixon and Yuri’s adventures seems to be to underscore the importance of family in creating a world where everybody is embraced for who they are.
To rephrase my opening line: I would love to see a television series made of these books, because they don’t make a lot of sense, but they are truly a lot of fun.
By Jordan Castillo Price
Published by the author
Four stars
I wonder if I’ve commented before that this series would make a great sit-com on television—sort of a contemporary take on Bewitched, or even more recently, the Wizards of Waverly Place.
The Penn family is a hot mess; but apparently that’s not atypical of the magical denizens of the fictional town of Pinyin Bay. They tend not to play by the rules of the handless world (i.e. non-magical), and thus maintain a sometimes fraught balance between community engagement and eccentric lawlessness.
For all the fact that he is a brilliant Scrivener—someone who writes spells that work and work well—Dixon is an oddball with the attention span of a cockatoo (and I say that because his pet cockatoo Meringue plays a significant role in this story). His boyfriend (grown-man-friend, LOL) Yuri is both more mature and less impulsive, but even he seems to be fairly comfortable with the makeshift lifestyle of Pinyin Bay’s magical aristocracy. OF course, Yuri is also a brilliant Seer—the visual part of any good spell being its Seen (another play on words I really love).
It's not just Dixon and Yuri, however, since his whole family is the same, from his cousin Sabina to his mother Florica; as are the various other leading lights of the magical community (the Stranges and the Shirques). Everything seems just a little off-balance and odd, which is both normal and a point of some pride.
The core comic device in this book is the attempt to forge a signature on an unsigned painting that will make it hugely valuable (hence the title). The logical aspect of the plot is entirely accidental, as so much in this world seems to be. The whole purpose of all of Dixon and Yuri’s adventures seems to be to underscore the importance of family in creating a world where everybody is embraced for who they are.
To rephrase my opening line: I would love to see a television series made of these books, because they don’t make a lot of sense, but they are truly a lot of fun.
October 27, 2021
Dixon and Yuri just keep getting better and better. Their connection and chemistry is stronger with each new entry in this amazingly fun, clever, and entertaining series. How two people can find themselves in the middle of such adventures is equal parts zany and adorable. Dixon may be a trouble magnet but Yuri can stand his ground when it comes to trouble too.
In Forging Ahead, the author jumps right into the zany-pool from the first page as Dixon finds himself at the Creature Feature Talent Show, what could possibly go wrong? Well I won't spoil it but lets just say he is in fine form. As always I find I loved every word of this ABCs of Spellcraft entry but what really grabbed my attention was it appears to be the first time Yuri really feels part of the Penn family not just someone they tolerate as Dixon's partner.
I find it safe to say that each entry has a certain level of Lucy/Ethel mischief but Forging Ahead really captures that comedic chemistry, not just between Dixon and Yuri but between all of the characters. As much as I laugh at each of the previous stories, there was just something that I can't quite find the right words for in Forging that gave it an extra special layer of hilarity.
I don't wish to spoil so I'll end there but I will add that if you are new to ABCs of Spellcraft, I definitely recommend reading in order. Each installment has it's own spellcrafting hi-jinkery but the relationships are ongoing and some even have elements that overflow into the next. Would you be lost if you started in the middle? Not really but I think there would be more than a few moments of "wonder what's behind that comment?" or "that sounds like an interesting scenario, wonder what brought that up?". Dixon and Yuri's adventurous journey is not one to be missed.
In Forging Ahead, the author jumps right into the zany-pool from the first page as Dixon finds himself at the Creature Feature Talent Show, what could possibly go wrong? Well I won't spoil it but lets just say he is in fine form. As always I find I loved every word of this ABCs of Spellcraft entry but what really grabbed my attention was it appears to be the first time Yuri really feels part of the Penn family not just someone they tolerate as Dixon's partner.
I find it safe to say that each entry has a certain level of Lucy/Ethel mischief but Forging Ahead really captures that comedic chemistry, not just between Dixon and Yuri but between all of the characters. As much as I laugh at each of the previous stories, there was just something that I can't quite find the right words for in Forging that gave it an extra special layer of hilarity.
I don't wish to spoil so I'll end there but I will add that if you are new to ABCs of Spellcraft, I definitely recommend reading in order. Each installment has it's own spellcrafting hi-jinkery but the relationships are ongoing and some even have elements that overflow into the next. Would you be lost if you started in the middle? Not really but I think there would be more than a few moments of "wonder what's behind that comment?" or "that sounds like an interesting scenario, wonder what brought that up?". Dixon and Yuri's adventurous journey is not one to be missed.
October 14, 2021
Yuri and Dixon have a knack for getting into trouble… and out of it!
Dixon is all for helping friends, even it that means skipping the law. But helping Drew Draws authenticating his art piece turns out to be much more complicated than they first imagined. As always, family and friends are willing to help, even if that does not involve any help at all…
I think this is my favourite in the series so far. Here, we get to see how Dixon’s bizarre family really works, and it is the first time I feel Yuri thinks himself a part of this family… That’s really endearing.
There is humour, magic on the loose and crazy adventures. All you can ask for and more
I really enjoyed it
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.
Dixon is all for helping friends, even it that means skipping the law. But helping Drew Draws authenticating his art piece turns out to be much more complicated than they first imagined. As always, family and friends are willing to help, even if that does not involve any help at all…
I think this is my favourite in the series so far. Here, we get to see how Dixon’s bizarre family really works, and it is the first time I feel Yuri thinks himself a part of this family… That’s really endearing.
There is humour, magic on the loose and crazy adventures. All you can ask for and more
I really enjoyed it
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.
January 22, 2024
This story is like one of those where to get this thing that they need they have to get another object, that the person will only trade for another object and another, all the way until getting the original. Only in this case the object they have to get keeps being the same one with no success at finding the original at any point in time. Despite being a bit ridiculous in the way that it keeps not working out, it remains a fun and light story with the antics of Yuri and Dixon at the center. This story is just a treasure hunt, but the interesting thing is what is reveals about the town and the changes coming ahead for the family. A bit of a fun ride of a starter for this next arc, it continues to be a light and joyful story series to read!
September 17, 2021
Yuri and Dixon are the kind of characters that you simply love: deeply, unquestionably. Dixon is a bubbling ball of energy and bad decisions, Yuri is his gentle giant who helps him to extricate himself from the consequences :P
This is what happens here, of course... except... not really *laughs* Dixon and Yuri are mixed with a supposedly very rare piece of art by a mysterious artist who can't be found anywhere and soon things become... complicated. So many hilarious, twisty surprises in this new adventure!
A lovely addition to this series that has become my favourite comfort reading ♥
I received an ARC of this story, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
This is what happens here, of course... except... not really *laughs* Dixon and Yuri are mixed with a supposedly very rare piece of art by a mysterious artist who can't be found anywhere and soon things become... complicated. So many hilarious, twisty surprises in this new adventure!
A lovely addition to this series that has become my favourite comfort reading ♥
I received an ARC of this story, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
September 17, 2021
My name is Susan and I’m a The ABCs of Spellcraft by Jordan Castillo Price addict. The books in this series are easily one of the things that has kept me sane during the never-ending months of the pandemic. The latest, Forging Ahead, brings back characters from earlier books in a zany search for an authentic signature. Not only do our heroes go all over Pinyon Bay, they venture into outlying areas and unpleasant houses. I figured out one twist but was totally surprised by the one at the end. The author does a great job of leaving the reader wanting the next book now!
September 19, 2021
More adventures with Yuri and Dixon in JCP's latest book Forging Ahead! Both of them embark on a scavenger hunt to find the original painting of Mayor Dunce when Drew Draws appears on their doorstep. The hunt for the original painting leads them to different houses around Pinyin Bay as they encounter some familiar faces. While Yuri and Dixon are chasing down a painting, Sabina is being chased by Dixon's nemesis Vano Shirque! Romance is brewing in the air for Sabina and the book ends on a very surprising note. Can't wait to read more as the adventure continues for Yuri and Dixon!
November 21, 2021
I love these guys, but my brain was just too tired to really enjoy their shenanigans this time! :(
I will attempt to wait until I am more refreshed before I read Mayor May Not, because who wants to fall asleep while reading and miss all the fun? LOL!!!
I will attempt to wait until I am more refreshed before I read Mayor May Not, because who wants to fall asleep while reading and miss all the fun? LOL!!!
September 17, 2021
Talk about a crazy round robin! Hunting for the real portrait of Mayor Dunce leads our wonderful guys on another adventure. Yuri is ever stoic as he gently guides exuberant Dixon away from his more dangerous ideas. Old friends are brought back in as they help discover what is real and what isn't. There are so many twists and turns and quite a few surprises.
Highly recommended author and series
Highly recommended author and series
September 20, 2021
I absolutely love going on another journey with Dixon and Yuri. These two are always getting mixed up into some crazy adventures. This is definitely a series that I love to read. I love the twist and turns with this story. Jordan Castillo Price has made another story that I just couldn't help but love. I can't wait for more adventures with these two.
February 10, 2023
3.5 stars
This was average for the series. I laughed out loud once but a lot of the humor fell flat. I felt like Yuri and Dixon didn’t spend as much time together, at least not thinking about how much they love each other which is something I really like. I think if that romantic dynamic had been in there I would have felt like this was more of a four star book.
This was average for the series. I laughed out loud once but a lot of the humor fell flat. I felt like Yuri and Dixon didn’t spend as much time together, at least not thinking about how much they love each other which is something I really like. I think if that romantic dynamic had been in there I would have felt like this was more of a four star book.
September 20, 2021
More Dixon and Yuri Adventures
This is such a great series and the pursuit of a portrait in this installment is classic Dixon and Yuri. It's imaginative and loads of fun, as usual. 4.5*
This is such a great series and the pursuit of a portrait in this installment is classic Dixon and Yuri. It's imaginative and loads of fun, as usual. 4.5*
September 24, 2021
Yuri and Dixon😍😍
After reading a few books lately that were good but not amazing, I needed a book to cheer me up and boy, did Forging Ahead do the trick!! It was fun and absolutely brilliant!! I knew Yuri, Dixon and Jordan Castillo Price wouldn't let me down!
After reading a few books lately that were good but not amazing, I needed a book to cheer me up and boy, did Forging Ahead do the trick!! It was fun and absolutely brilliant!! I knew Yuri, Dixon and Jordan Castillo Price wouldn't let me down!
September 24, 2021
Forging Ahead by Jordan Castillo Price
I’m sure I’m not alone in having devoured this joyous new installment in the ABCs of Spellcraft Series. Wonderful wacky fun with Yuri, Dixon and their Pinon Bay family and friends.
I’m sure I’m not alone in having devoured this joyous new installment in the ABCs of Spellcraft Series. Wonderful wacky fun with Yuri, Dixon and their Pinon Bay family and friends.
October 2, 2021
Good fun
I am loving these short stories in the ABCs of Spellcraft world. I wasn't on page two before I literally laughed out loud. A bit of chaos and fun with Dixon and Yuri and an expanding cast of other characters.
I am loving these short stories in the ABCs of Spellcraft world. I wasn't on page two before I literally laughed out loud. A bit of chaos and fun with Dixon and Yuri and an expanding cast of other characters.
September 19, 2021
Enjoyed this story, enjoyed the story. Was glad to see Vano and Sabrina get together--the baby was a surprise. Each book is a like learning what your friends are up to now. Definitely recommend.
October 2, 2021
I love how unpredictable their adventures are!
I'd love more cuddly times between Dixon and Yuri, though. Even just a very long hug.
I'd love more cuddly times between Dixon and Yuri, though. Even just a very long hug.
October 3, 2021
Ahhhh, so cute.
December 14, 2021
These are always fun but I'm missing some one on one Yuri/Dixon time. The ending though... Yes.
December 26, 2021
3.5*
The magical mishaps that occur when Dixon and Yuri get together continue again.
With animal talent shows, pregnancies on off and on again and a painting paper chase, mayhem continued apace.
The magical mishaps that occur when Dixon and Yuri get together continue again.
With animal talent shows, pregnancies on off and on again and a painting paper chase, mayhem continued apace.
January 8, 2023
epub on Kobo: 9781944779221; 113 pages
Dixon and Yuri on the trail of a portrait with the signature of a missing painter... Mayhem as they track from site to site...
Enjoyable, light reading.
Dixon and Yuri on the trail of a portrait with the signature of a missing painter... Mayhem as they track from site to site...
Enjoyable, light reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews