The Tinker's Apprentice

by Jordan Castillo Price

Magical bonds can move mountains…or at least keep the magichanical appliances running.

Conrad has a special talent—one for overthinking even the simplest of decisions. As a tinker’s apprentice, he should have mastered at least some magichanics by now. Unfortunately, he hasn’t even picked out his starting tool. A glimpse of an intriguing young man at the auxiliar shop makes him wonder if maybe a magical mascot can help him level up—but how would he ever pick the right one? Can Conrad settle on a magical assistant, or should he just grab a random tool and hope for the best? Either way…it’s now or never.

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy, Magic, LGBT

109 pages, ebook

Published January 1, 2022

About the author

Author 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.

Reviews

[the kevin (vaguely alive) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ultimately, I felt like I was reading a cross of a Pixar movie where sad lonely toys break out of their shop to find happy children owners, and a weird coming of age story involving a wildly indecisive person and goofily named tools.

I was positively overwhelmed with questions and confusion the entire time I was reading. Everything else fell flat because I was focused on trying to figure out the world.

Auxilars or whatever: what the hell are they? Why are they expensive if no one wants them? They’re immortal?? Then why do they care about being not in a shop? They’re not pets, but they act like it and show up as animals? Do they actually need to eat because it seems like they can just sleep forever. And it doesn’t seem to matter if they don’t have an owner because they’re all just sitting there anyway. What the hell are they

THe tool shit: are you telling me, this whole time, imagination was the solution?

The characters: The MCs were pretty bland, one was just so useless at deciding anything except when sex was involved, and the other was some sort of blob except when he decided to be a hot guy. The sex was fade to flowery euphemism.

There was also a neckbeard side character so….idk what the hell that was, guess he’s gonna fuck a weirdo immortal catgirl. auxiliary. whatever.

Overall, I was just so lost. Infinitely lost. I only finished this because I was hoping for some explanation about the world or like anything ever. It never happened. It was incredibly frustrating to read when there’s so much in this world and none of it is actually explained. It was too complex and detailed not to explain more, and so I am displeased by the experience even though the writing wasn’t bad.

[ancientreader]

You know those graphs that plot two sets of numbers against each other, with one rising over time and the other dropping, and the two lines on the graph are mirror images?

I started out enjoying this as a piece of magical fluff, and I was interested in the whole idea of auxiliars, which are kind of like familiars that can change form and that also are as intelligent as people and have fully formed personalities.

But. It turns out that the way a magician gets an auxiliar is by ... buying one. Which would be bad enough (given the intelligence and personality) if they were in animal form, but Conrad (MC #1) has as his auxiliar (and the second MC) Rune, who's in human form when he's awake, and the closer I got to the end of the book the queasier I felt. At some point Conrad remarks that Rune doesn't have to obey him or whatever, which only left me suspecting that someone did a pre-publication read-through and said HOUSTON WE HAVE A PROBLEM and JCP shoehorned that line in, dusted off their hands, and said to themselves Well, that's sorted. Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh no.

[PaperMoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the author's books are downright hair-raising scary but not this one. In an alt-universe magic-imbued world where even Karens are to be found (and managed), this paranormal romance was both adorable and interesting. I loved both MCs and 'tis a great pity this appears to be a standalone and not the start of a new series.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm still loving all the amazing short, sweet offerings from Your Book Boyfriend's Boyfriend giveaway at Prolific Works, but I gotta say, some of them could stand to be just a little bit longer. That's definitely the case with The Tinker's Apprentice, but mainly because a taste of Rune and Conrad was just a tease and definitely left me wanting more. *sigh*

[Susan Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Jordan Castillo Price, especially their The ABCs of Spellcraft (and have the T-shirt to prove it!). In The Tinker’s Apprentice they have created a whole new world of magic. Magic is used to create hybrid appliances that do more than their purely mechanical counterparts. The human MC, Conrad, embodies analysis paralysis, the opposite from his carefree parents.This makes his training to repair magical appliances a challenge for his boss. Without giving anything away, the other MC is just about the most original character ever created and I totally did not see it coming. Now, as with JCP’s other series, I just have to bide my time until the next book comes out, maybe that of Conrad's BFF Jeff, although there are a plethora of interesting side characters needing their own story.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute. A very nice story. Short and sweet and fluffy isn't JCP's usual, but it works if that's what you're looking for. Some questions are left unanswered, but I guess that's okay. Any new JCP is always a cause for celebration. Also, it may still be free, which is always a bonus.

[Milyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite JCP's story. It really took me a while to get into it, and I'm still not sure that I liked it

[Brooks 59 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful, light-hearted, JCP at her best. A little world building, a little steam, some great characters, this is a fun, humorous story.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun novella set in an alternate universe where strange magical devices are part of everyday life.
A young gay man who’s drifting through life without direction meets up with a magical being recently awakened into modern life.
It’s a cute light read from Jordan Castillo Price, my favorite author. This is a free book to introduce readers to her style.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this one, it was fun and very entertaining. I hope we'll learn more about this magical world (and the auxiliars!)in the next stories (there WILL be more stories, won't be?)

Conrad and Rune are delightful, each of them in their own, particular way, and their romance is... particular *laughs*

I'm looking forward to more stories in this Universe :D

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short story. Rune and Conrad are sweet, and I think there works has potential. It’s a short story so it does feel a bit light on explanations of what auxiliaries are and how the bonds work. But still an enjoyable read and wouldn’t mind reading more like it.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book pretty much met my expectations. Some really fascinating/interesting world-building, but not quite long enough to really build it out in a way that felt totally satisfying. I never felt like I had a really solid idea of what an auxiliar was, and what this life-long bond/connection entailed, and that murkiness was particularly frustrating given the romantic/sexual relationship between Conrad and Rune. I did enjoy it, but as usual, I tend to wish this author wrote longer and gave her really interesting worlds enough time to develop.

[Caipi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, light and humorous story with an interesting world building full of magical devices.
Unfortunately, at least to my reading sensation, there was no real appreciable romance and I didn't care much for Conrad.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute! It was an interesting world that I’d like to know more about. I liked Rune and Conrad but the story only works because of the mystical connection. However I was very entertained.

[Kendra T · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a genre I tend to prefer, so it was a bit out of my wheelhouse. The Magical world that was developed was interesting, but it was a bit overwhelming for me. There were a lot of nuances that I didn't quite get the feel of right off the bat, and since this was a short story, by the time I understood a little more, the story was over. I read it for a challenge, and I'm glad I took advantage of that to read this as I love JCP as an author, but it wasn't my favorite.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delight. Humorous without being too over the top, fantastic world building, and adorable characters. I loved nearly everything about it . . . Except Jeff. Jeff bugged the shit outta me. When I re-read this (and I'll definitely re-read this) I'll skim past the parts with Jeff harassing the food cart girl.

[Jenn (not Lily) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable! A perfect little bite of a story. I wouldn't mind more in this universe, but it's exactly enough as is.

[Lois - Who Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an adorable story.

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely novella about a young gay man who doubts himself, and a surprising being who enters his life and changes everything. Nothing like new love to alter your reality.

[Tara Woolpy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The romance is so sweet. I'm not usually a fan of shapeshifters but this one is utterly charming.

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great surprise! Good start of 2022

[Sbr_books are all you need · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 75%
I really tried to finish this book, but I couldn’t get into it even at 75%.
It was boring and really it didn’t make sense at all most times.
I mean after 1year, the MC still couldn’t choose a tool to learn between 3 choices, but then asks a guy for a date in 2min?? And the tools looked simple, I just don’t see how he’s going to spend 5-10yrs to learn how to use one of them?
Also, the auxiliars are not pets, but they all look and act like pets. What’s with that?
Finaly, if there was at least some sexy times, but no, even that is skipped by the author…
I really didn’t enjoy this book 🤷‍♀️

[Monika · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3.5 Stars**

This was different but in a good way. A fun read that could have used more.

QUICK THOUGHTS

** Urban fantasy
** Magical
** What a cool world
** Not remotely real life
** A bit overwhelming at times
** Kind of fluffy
** Low angst
** Low steam
** Made me chuckle
** Likeable MCs... Conrad & Rune
** I would have really liked more
** Satisfying enough ending

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though it involves magic and familiar (or auxiliary, as the term here) - it's pretty unique because Rune, who ends up being Conrad's auxiliary as well as his lover is a, well, RUNE *laugh*. Fast read and quite entertaining.

[Idamus · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Fun read, great world building, but I didn’t really care about either MC.

[Grammy 1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful world to visit! Jordan Castillo Price creates a charming world or vintage magical mayhem when she introduces us to Conrad, a magichanical tinker in a world where machine and magic blend. The world is filled with curious appliances, strange tools, and auxiliars, shape-shifting creatures that bond with humans as a cross between assistant and friend.
Conrad is sweetly inefficient, a bumbling and indecisive young man who can’t make headway with anything he attempts. He has been training for years to master magichanical skills, and still hasn’t even picked one tool to start with. He’s supported by a cast of quirky characters who want him to make a decision and get on with his life, but alas, Conrad is, like his grandfather’s vintage clock, at a standstill.
That all changes when a sinfully handsome man named Ryan crosses his path. For once, Conrad acts with decisive momentum, courting Ryan and bedding him on their first date. Is Conrad’s life going in the right direction? Maybe he can adopt an auxiliar, get control of his career, and fix a precious heirloom, making his family proud.
There’s just one complication. The auxiliar who Conrad wants to adopt did indeed bond with him… but not like he expected. Rune, posing as Ryan, appeared as a human and wormed his way into Conrad’s head, heart, and bed! Eventually, the pair accept that they’re meant to be in this short, sweet story of unusual love and comedy.
Price creates an extraordinary world, great back stories, and fascinating paths, but doesn’t delve into any of them much, leaving this novel feeling incomplete. In addition to that, there are consent issues that remain unresolved in this story. For example, how come auxiliars can be bought and sold? The idea that they bond with humans is great, but the picture of them trying to pick appealing forms so they can get out of the “pet store” more quickly is heart wrenching and confusing.
Then, there is Rune AKA Ryan, who watches a porn crash course to understand how to mate with Conrad, knowing full well that Conrad thinks he’s human. Even though one could argue that as a shapeshifter, Rune can be human sometimes, the fact is that he lets Conrad believe he’s something else, and even lies to him and changes his name to ensure Conrad thinks he’s dating a human. That issue is never dealt with completely, but swept under the rug in a cute day-after scene where Conrad ends up accepting his new “pet/lover/friend.” I’m all for acceptance, and I don’t mind interspecies romances in paranormal romance, but I think it could have been handled with more heart and less humor in this case. Not only that, at the end, Conrad sees his best friend falling in love with a beautiful woman… and realizes its one of the auxiliars from the same shop as Rune. Does he warn his friend? No. He walks off smiling thinking that his pal will be excited when he “scores with an alien.” Perhaps this sort of thing has become the norm in Conrad’s world, but for the readers who enjoy fully informed consent, this may be an issue.
Overall, a read that will leave you smiling, albeit in a bemused way, and wishing you could go visit Conrad’s wonderful world. I’d certainly love to immerse myself and learn more!
Reviewed byy Paranormal Romance Guild

[Heather York · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightfully fun, creative, and unique novella that made me smile. The Tinker's Apprentice is a contemporary setting of a world openly filled with magic that has a steampunky-like quality about it. I've not read many but enough steampunk to know the Victorian era is key so no Tinker is not steampunk but the magichanicals(hope I got that right) remind me a bit of that genre. Made me think that perhaps this is where the world would be if a steampunk timeline were to naturally progress into present day.

As for the concept of Auxiliars, I was reminded of what familiars are to witches, and was fascinated how the author highlighted how they make things easier but they aren't there to do everything for you. A concept that we should apply to many new-fangled contraptions in the real world today😉.

Conrad and Rune are adorable, together and individually. I want to wrap Conrad up in bubblewrap for protection one minute and smack him the next screaming "make a decision!" Some might label Conrad as "wishy washy" but me? I think of him more as needing that one thing to jumpstart his focus. As for Rune, well he's just all kinds of lovely and when introduced to You Tube(and other websites) to brush up on a few things that loveliness is taken up a notch or two. Together they seem to be the other half of each other.

No ideas if the author plans to do more with these characters and the magicanichal world she's created but I know I'd be ready to follow along with the adventures. Some might be a bit confused as there's a lot of world building for this fantasy short but for me The Tinker's Apprentice is simply put: delightful, smile-inducing fun.

[Ulysses Dietz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tinker’s Apprentice
By Jordan Castillo Price
Published by JCP Books, 2022
Five stars

Conrad is a nerdy guy who wants to learn how to use magical tools to repair old-school “magichanicals.” Rune is a somewhat jaded auxiliar, a magical helper for magical humans. Rune remembers when “magichanicals” were beautifully crafted and did amazing things. He’s been asleep on a shelf in the same shop for a long time, not quite sure why he’s woken up.

This is a substantial short work, that fulfills its goal and provides both interesting characters and a strong ending that leaves the reader satisfied. But I wished it was longer, or that there could be a sequel in this universe, because I loved the idea of magichanicals (magically enhanced machines, appliances) and auxiliars (which are not quite the same as familiars). This entire world, which we only begin to explore through Conrad’s and Rune’s eyes, is something I’d like to get to know better.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in an alternate world where magic exists, and the "Boomer" years 1940's-1960's were a sort of magical renaissance where magical appliances and machinery were created by the Apex company (cousin to Acme company that made the Coyote's rocket powered roller skates maybe?). Current day sees the Apex magichanicals as valuable antique heirlooms but the current magical appliance scene is more like todays big box mart stores, cheaply made and disposable. Conrad, our hero has airs to becoming a magichanical repair man, but his inability to make a decision or commitment has him poised at the starting line of his apprenticeship. Would having an auxiliar (ie magic/android familiar?) help him finally make a decision? Maybe that cute guy at the shop next door could help him find one? Cute story in unexpected ways.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely an interesting short story, but it rather suffered in not truly explaining a major part of the story and the world. Though the history of magichanicals is described, and there is a good follow through with Apex and the jobs that exist since its closure, there isn't really a good explanation of Auxiliars. This is weird since auxiliars are a main part of the story and one of the characters is an auxiliar. As such, not knowing if they were from Apex or before, if they were organic or mechanical, if they aged, and why they were being sold when they were apparently sentient beings, mafe it all very odd. Add in that the character is one half of a romantic pairing and it feels weird as it doesn't really seem right in some ways. It just rather held back from the story being as good as it could have been.