What do you think?
Rate this book
The ABCs of Spellcraft #8-11
The ABCs of Spellcraft Collection Volume 3
Dixon Penn has settled happily into his role as the go-to Scrivener to fix wonky Craftings. And his grown man friend Yuri Volnikov is fitting in perfectly with the Penn family clan—and not just because the Seens he paints are brimming with magic. But Spellcraft has a way of keeping a guy on his toes!
In a half-baked attempt to track down Spellcraft gone amok, Dixon and Yuri pull on their baking caps. Unfortunately, it takes more than a clever disguise to do the job.
The same could be said for impersonating a plumber. Or a painter. Or a competitive eater. But that doesn’t keep Dixon and Yuri from trying.
And speaking of baking, brownies aren’t the only treats in store. Someone’s got a bun in the oven…and the Penn family will never be the same.
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 stories 8 through 11 of The ABCs of Spellcraft series: Brownie Points, Forging Ahead, Mayor May Not, and the Christmas short, Present Tense.
In a half-baked attempt to track down Spellcraft gone amok, Dixon and Yuri pull on their baking caps. Unfortunately, it takes more than a clever disguise to do the job.
The same could be said for impersonating a plumber. Or a painter. Or a competitive eater. But that doesn’t keep Dixon and Yuri from trying.
And speaking of baking, brownies aren’t the only treats in store. Someone’s got a bun in the oven…and the Penn family will never be the same.
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 stories 8 through 11 of The ABCs of Spellcraft series: Brownie Points, Forging Ahead, Mayor May Not, and the Christmas short, Present Tense.
347 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 2021
19 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 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 17, 2022
One of my favorite things about this series, especially as it's progressed, is how touched Yuri is to realize he's loved and part of a family, because he never had that kind of love before and never thought he would. It's very sweet.
I also just love the relationship between Yuri and Dixon. They're so adorable together. Even things that could be considered flaws or quirks or frustrating, they love about each other. And they really care and respect each other and try to do right by each other. And although their relationship hasn't been the focus of the series since the beginning when they met and got together, I love just getting to see them go through life together as a couple in an established relationship.
Also, Meringue, their bird, is adorable. I feel like I haven't appreciated her enough before now.
Once again, fun stories with silly shenanigans. I love that too. It's nice to have a series I can turn to when I want something with depth in the characters and emotion but lightness and fun in the stories. These are generally low stakes and low stress books.
It was also fun to have some previous characters show up again. And some things happened this time that will definitely impact future books. It'll be interesting to see what new sorts of shenanigans the characters will get into because of it!
The audiobook narration by Nick Hudson was great yet again. He truly brings these stories and characters to life in all their unique, sitcom-esque glory. Especially Dixon. This series is one of those times when the audiobook is better than what I would've imagined in my head.
Overall, another fun and sweet book in the series!
*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 also just love the relationship between Yuri and Dixon. They're so adorable together. Even things that could be considered flaws or quirks or frustrating, they love about each other. And they really care and respect each other and try to do right by each other. And although their relationship hasn't been the focus of the series since the beginning when they met and got together, I love just getting to see them go through life together as a couple in an established relationship.
Also, Meringue, their bird, is adorable. I feel like I haven't appreciated her enough before now.
Once again, fun stories with silly shenanigans. I love that too. It's nice to have a series I can turn to when I want something with depth in the characters and emotion but lightness and fun in the stories. These are generally low stakes and low stress books.
It was also fun to have some previous characters show up again. And some things happened this time that will definitely impact future books. It'll be interesting to see what new sorts of shenanigans the characters will get into because of it!
The audiobook narration by Nick Hudson was great yet again. He truly brings these stories and characters to life in all their unique, sitcom-esque glory. Especially Dixon. This series is one of those times when the audiobook is better than what I would've imagined in my head.
Overall, another fun and sweet book in the series!
*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
October 31, 2023
Original Audiobook Review October 2023:
What can I say about the audiobook collection featuring books 8-11 that wasn't said in my original ebook reviews? Honestly? Nothing. Still brilliantly fun with hilariously intriguing characters that never let you rest. Seriously, if you let your guard down even for just a second and are reading/listening to Dixon and Yuri's journeys in a public setting you will find yourself being stared at with renewed sudden bursts of ROTF laughter. So be sure to keep that guard up especially in public so you can have some chance at controlled laughing outbursts to minimize starage😉.
Once again, as far as Nick Hudson's narration, well it's topnotch and perfect for this kind of series that may be made up of standalone-ish entries but listen as a long running sitcom with heart. I've said it before in this series and I'll say it again: between Hudson's voice and Price's words, the entertaining enjoyment I feel is reminiscent of the feels I have when listening to the old radio shows of the 30s, 40s, & 50s that I collect. For those who have never experienced that form of entertainment may not understand but for me that is the highest form of compliment I can give when reviewing audiobooks.
Present Tense #8
Original Review January 2021:
Oh my gosh, Dixon Penn at Christmas? Talk about a character that was made for the holiday. In the world of magic you'd think conjuring up the perfect Christmas gift would be easy peasy but then again when did Dixon and Yuri ever do anything easy and without a few mishaps?
Present Tense is short, sweet, adorable, funny, and the way both Dixon and Yuri are left scrambling to come up with last minute gifts for the other is priceless. I don't want to say "predictable" because let's face it, when you are dealing with Dixon and Yuri(especially Dixon) nothing is predictable, nothing is certain other than their love for each other but you know Present Tense is going to end in HEA for the pair, so in that regard I know some might use the term but not me. As so often with great stories, the fun isn't in the ending but how they get there and this Christmas short is no different.
If you've been reading ABCs of Spellcraft as it's been written than you'll definitely want to read this holiday gem, if not . . . well what are you waiting for? Short, long, in-between, this series is brilliant and the characters are just so darn loveable you can't help but smile.
Brownie Points #9
Original Review August 2021:
When I first started The ABCs of Spellcraft I knew right away it was going to be special. Dixon and Yuri are just plain fun! What I didn't expect was it to be one of my favorite series and I definitely look forward to their new adventures.
Speaking of their adventures, Brownie Points starts a new story arc in their journey and it's wonderful. The blending of magic, mystery, humor, family, friendship, and love is pure reading gold. I won't go into too many details but with spellcrafts possibly going wonky, Yuri's skin reaction, Dixon's desire to unravel the cause, and of course Dixon's family . . . well Jordan Castillo Price brings an all around great package to the party.
I've said all along that ABCs of Spellcraft remind me of the old movie serials of the 30s and 40s my parents collect as well as the audiobook versions having a quality of the old radio shows that I collect of the same era. This still rings true for me but it also combines the magical humor of Bewitched and the zany madcappery(and yes I know that's not a real word but I think it's very Dixon-ish) of I Love Lucy but also a hint of The Thin Man's Nick and Nora Charles chemistry between Dixon and Yuri as they trace their way around the spellcraft maze of what went wrong and who wrote what.
If you are new to this Spellcraft universe Jordan Castillo Price has created and wondering if you need to start at the beginning, my answer is "yes". Each arc ties up nicely and each entry has it's own little mysterious wonky-ness going on but if for no other reason than to watch Dixon and Yuri's journey evolve, I can't imagine not reading this series as it was written. The author calls it "cozy paranormal", I didn't even know that was a thing until I discovered this series but however you define it, I call it entertaining that sucked me from the getgo and left me hungering for more.
Forging Ahead #10
Original Review October 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.
Mayor May Not #11
Original Review November 2021:
I have loved this series from the very first entry, Quill Me Now and not to give anything away but there are a few elements that make Dixon and Yuri recall that first meeting and the situation surrounding it. Not spoiling anything of the plot aside, I just want to add that this pair of unique and intriguing gentlemen never fails to delight and Mayor May Not is no exception. Tack on a baby on the way, a mayoral(as if you couldn't tell from the title) election, a new Hand-job up for grabs(and yes that is what Dixon's parents call it and frankly I'm laughing too much to try and go into details), and Uncle Fonzo asking Dixon and Yuri to find a proper mayor candidate and what you have is a recipe for . . . well for fun.
As with the previous entry, Forging Ahead, Yuri further finds himself a true part of the Penn family. Truth is he probably has been for a very long time but it's just been the last couple of installments that he begins to feel it and I found that element quite heartwarming and gave an extra level of depth to the story and their journey together. There has never been doubt that Dixon and Yuri were in love but seeing the family chemistry deepen adds so much to the enjoyment.
As another story arc comes to a close in The ABCs of Spellcraft in the most deliciously way that only the brilliant Jordan Castillo Price could create, I am already anxiously awaiting the next round of mischief the men find themselves facing.
What can I say about the audiobook collection featuring books 8-11 that wasn't said in my original ebook reviews? Honestly? Nothing. Still brilliantly fun with hilariously intriguing characters that never let you rest. Seriously, if you let your guard down even for just a second and are reading/listening to Dixon and Yuri's journeys in a public setting you will find yourself being stared at with renewed sudden bursts of ROTF laughter. So be sure to keep that guard up especially in public so you can have some chance at controlled laughing outbursts to minimize starage😉.
Once again, as far as Nick Hudson's narration, well it's topnotch and perfect for this kind of series that may be made up of standalone-ish entries but listen as a long running sitcom with heart. I've said it before in this series and I'll say it again: between Hudson's voice and Price's words, the entertaining enjoyment I feel is reminiscent of the feels I have when listening to the old radio shows of the 30s, 40s, & 50s that I collect. For those who have never experienced that form of entertainment may not understand but for me that is the highest form of compliment I can give when reviewing audiobooks.
Present Tense #8
Original Review January 2021:
Oh my gosh, Dixon Penn at Christmas? Talk about a character that was made for the holiday. In the world of magic you'd think conjuring up the perfect Christmas gift would be easy peasy but then again when did Dixon and Yuri ever do anything easy and without a few mishaps?
Present Tense is short, sweet, adorable, funny, and the way both Dixon and Yuri are left scrambling to come up with last minute gifts for the other is priceless. I don't want to say "predictable" because let's face it, when you are dealing with Dixon and Yuri(especially Dixon) nothing is predictable, nothing is certain other than their love for each other but you know Present Tense is going to end in HEA for the pair, so in that regard I know some might use the term but not me. As so often with great stories, the fun isn't in the ending but how they get there and this Christmas short is no different.
If you've been reading ABCs of Spellcraft as it's been written than you'll definitely want to read this holiday gem, if not . . . well what are you waiting for? Short, long, in-between, this series is brilliant and the characters are just so darn loveable you can't help but smile.
Brownie Points #9
Original Review August 2021:
When I first started The ABCs of Spellcraft I knew right away it was going to be special. Dixon and Yuri are just plain fun! What I didn't expect was it to be one of my favorite series and I definitely look forward to their new adventures.
Speaking of their adventures, Brownie Points starts a new story arc in their journey and it's wonderful. The blending of magic, mystery, humor, family, friendship, and love is pure reading gold. I won't go into too many details but with spellcrafts possibly going wonky, Yuri's skin reaction, Dixon's desire to unravel the cause, and of course Dixon's family . . . well Jordan Castillo Price brings an all around great package to the party.
I've said all along that ABCs of Spellcraft remind me of the old movie serials of the 30s and 40s my parents collect as well as the audiobook versions having a quality of the old radio shows that I collect of the same era. This still rings true for me but it also combines the magical humor of Bewitched and the zany madcappery(and yes I know that's not a real word but I think it's very Dixon-ish) of I Love Lucy but also a hint of The Thin Man's Nick and Nora Charles chemistry between Dixon and Yuri as they trace their way around the spellcraft maze of what went wrong and who wrote what.
If you are new to this Spellcraft universe Jordan Castillo Price has created and wondering if you need to start at the beginning, my answer is "yes". Each arc ties up nicely and each entry has it's own little mysterious wonky-ness going on but if for no other reason than to watch Dixon and Yuri's journey evolve, I can't imagine not reading this series as it was written. The author calls it "cozy paranormal", I didn't even know that was a thing until I discovered this series but however you define it, I call it entertaining that sucked me from the getgo and left me hungering for more.
Forging Ahead #10
Original Review October 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.
Mayor May Not #11
Original Review November 2021:
I have loved this series from the very first entry, Quill Me Now and not to give anything away but there are a few elements that make Dixon and Yuri recall that first meeting and the situation surrounding it. Not spoiling anything of the plot aside, I just want to add that this pair of unique and intriguing gentlemen never fails to delight and Mayor May Not is no exception. Tack on a baby on the way, a mayoral(as if you couldn't tell from the title) election, a new Hand-job up for grabs(and yes that is what Dixon's parents call it and frankly I'm laughing too much to try and go into details), and Uncle Fonzo asking Dixon and Yuri to find a proper mayor candidate and what you have is a recipe for . . . well for fun.
As with the previous entry, Forging Ahead, Yuri further finds himself a true part of the Penn family. Truth is he probably has been for a very long time but it's just been the last couple of installments that he begins to feel it and I found that element quite heartwarming and gave an extra level of depth to the story and their journey together. There has never been doubt that Dixon and Yuri were in love but seeing the family chemistry deepen adds so much to the enjoyment.
As another story arc comes to a close in The ABCs of Spellcraft in the most deliciously way that only the brilliant Jordan Castillo Price could create, I am already anxiously awaiting the next round of mischief the men find themselves facing.
March 22, 2022
Sweet and funny, the antics Dixon and his family get up to are hilarious! There is only one intimate scene and it is not detailed at all so not quite fade to black, but might as well been. This is ok though as these stories are not about that, but about the love these two opposites have for each other. Yuri really realizes he has a home and family that love him while following Dixon on his escapades. He balances Dixon's enthusiasm and Dixon brings him a sense of joy. I really hope there is more planned for these characters and their world.
Also, I loved the narration! It really brings Dixon and Yuri to life. This will be a book I will revisit often.
Also, I loved the narration! It really brings Dixon and Yuri to life. This will be a book I will revisit often.
August 19, 2022
l am growing very attached to Dixon and Yuri. They have a very sweet relationship that makes all their adventures just a bit more entertaining because of their dynamic. They are constantly thinking of one another while balancing out the needs of their family. l also enjoy the new and creative adventures that Jordan Castillo Price cooks up for the pair. The odd quirks of the Scriveners culture are so reminiscent of certain Midwest culture that I almost get homesick for Mom's casserole and Grandma's stash of "things to be refurbished".
The narration by Nick Hudson is nicely done, and I look forward to more from this writing and narrating team.
The narration by Nick Hudson is nicely done, and I look forward to more from this writing and narrating team.
April 11, 2022
book 8 - Present Tense
A Christmas themed story.
book 9 - Brownie Points
Poor Yuri.
book 10 - Forging Ahead
book 11 - Mayor May Not
I didn’t appreciate Nick Hudson’s narration until this volume of Spellcraft stories. He does a really good job, has distinct tones and accents for the main characters and supporting ones. I love the contrast between Dixon and Yuri. At times, these stories treaded a bit too close to the overly sweet/twee territory.
Bought from audible
A Christmas themed story.
book 9 - Brownie Points
Poor Yuri.
book 10 - Forging Ahead
book 11 - Mayor May Not
I didn’t appreciate Nick Hudson’s narration until this volume of Spellcraft stories. He does a really good job, has distinct tones and accents for the main characters and supporting ones. I love the contrast between Dixon and Yuri. At times, these stories treaded a bit too close to the overly sweet/twee territory.
Bought from audible
January 17, 2022
I think the only character in here that I really like, is Yuri, but for the most part, the stories are fun. Dixon and babies are however not, so I might stop here.
January 20, 2022
I adore this series. It is so much fin
January 4, 2023
Slapsticky sweetness, lol funny
November 20, 2024
Narrator changed his style! Now reads with an upward lilt at the end of sentences. :(
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews