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The ABCs of Spellcraft #14
It's All Relative
If Spellcrafters value anything, it’s family. (And a good deal from the clearance rack, and an exceptional hand of poker. But mainly family.)
So, when a long-lost relative surfaces, everyone is absolutely thrilled…until the newcomer challenges Dixon for the title of Hand.
Yuri is perfectly willing to force the usurper back under whatever rock he crawled out from, but Dixon insists on proving himself the best man for the job. A magic string chose him as the Hand, after all. And while Spellcraft can be capricious, surely it would never let Dixon down.
Would it?
To make matters worse, Dixon’s attention is divided. Not only is he scrambling through town on a magical scavenger hunt, but a Handless customer with a sob story has him searching for her lost dog. Because, as Yuri points out, there’s always a dog.
From one end of Pinyin Bay to the other, the whole family pitches in to help Dixon keep his rightful place in the final installment of this heartwarming series.
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.
So, when a long-lost relative surfaces, everyone is absolutely thrilled…until the newcomer challenges Dixon for the title of Hand.
Yuri is perfectly willing to force the usurper back under whatever rock he crawled out from, but Dixon insists on proving himself the best man for the job. A magic string chose him as the Hand, after all. And while Spellcraft can be capricious, surely it would never let Dixon down.
Would it?
To make matters worse, Dixon’s attention is divided. Not only is he scrambling through town on a magical scavenger hunt, but a Handless customer with a sob story has him searching for her lost dog. Because, as Yuri points out, there’s always a dog.
From one end of Pinyin Bay to the other, the whole family pitches in to help Dixon keep his rightful place in the final installment of this heartwarming series.
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.
121 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2022
3 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Jordan Castillo Price
138 books2,129 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 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 14, 2022
Wow! What a way to end the series with a huge bang!
Absolutely adored this final Spellcraft adventure! I am seriously going to miss Dixon and Yuri and the rest of the zany residents of Pinyon Bay! Wish it would never end!
Absolutely adored this final Spellcraft adventure! I am seriously going to miss Dixon and Yuri and the rest of the zany residents of Pinyon Bay! Wish it would never end!
December 2, 2022
Last book, last wild adventure.
It's sad to say goodbye!
It's sad to say goodbye!
February 27, 2023
Say it ain't so! The end is here! No more Dixon and Yuri! As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end . . . doesn't mean I have to like it😉.
The ABCs of Spellcraft may be over. No more new adventures for the always over-optimistic and endless ray of sunshine Dixon and his stern but never not supportive man-friend Yuri, and the incredibly intriguing cast of wacky family, friends, and occasionally not-quite friendly characters. Yes, that's sad to hear but their adventures will live on in re-reads and re-listens and they will never get old, I will never tire of re-visiting Pinyon Bay for a ride-along. For me, that statement alone is the best way to explain how much I enjoy this series and characters. I have a list of books that I re-read/re-listen to every summer, it's not that long but the year would never be complete without them and I am 99.999% certain Spellcraft has just hitched a ride on that list.
Now, as for the final entry, It's All Relative, itself.
What can be said that hasn't already been mentioned in my previous entries reviews?
Jordan Castillo Price has a unique and creative way to bring the world of magic to life, to make it real, to make one look up and expect to see a crafting, or the result of a crafting, float by your front window. Frankly I don't know how Yuri stays so calm. If my significant other had the never-ending energy that Dixon lives life by I would be off my rocker. My mother always looks at life postiviely but her views on "it's going to be okay" has nothing compared to Dixon, so I don't know how Yuri does it but he manages to not only stand by his man sanely but he does so with Dixon's family as well. His desire in Relative to see Dixon keep his place as the Hand probably tests his control more than any other obstacle the couple has tackled but he maintains his voice of calm and focus.
I've probably given away more than I intended to so I won't say more but know it's brilliant and if this series had to end, I can't think of a better way to do so. This series is simply put: FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN! and what's the word I'm looking for? Oh yeah: FUN!!!!!
Now I realize that for some 14 books, even novellas, can seem daunting if you haven't been reading as they've been released. That's a lot of zany, madcappery magic to digest but trust me, you won't regret it. Dixon and Yuri and the whole Spellcraft gang is so enjoyable the time will fly by and before you know it you will be where I am right now, the end with no more new coming and you'll be a little sad but also happy for having discovered such a crazy, fun, romantic, entertaining universe.
The ABCs of Spellcraft may be over. No more new adventures for the always over-optimistic and endless ray of sunshine Dixon and his stern but never not supportive man-friend Yuri, and the incredibly intriguing cast of wacky family, friends, and occasionally not-quite friendly characters. Yes, that's sad to hear but their adventures will live on in re-reads and re-listens and they will never get old, I will never tire of re-visiting Pinyon Bay for a ride-along. For me, that statement alone is the best way to explain how much I enjoy this series and characters. I have a list of books that I re-read/re-listen to every summer, it's not that long but the year would never be complete without them and I am 99.999% certain Spellcraft has just hitched a ride on that list.
Now, as for the final entry, It's All Relative, itself.
What can be said that hasn't already been mentioned in my previous entries reviews?
Jordan Castillo Price has a unique and creative way to bring the world of magic to life, to make it real, to make one look up and expect to see a crafting, or the result of a crafting, float by your front window. Frankly I don't know how Yuri stays so calm. If my significant other had the never-ending energy that Dixon lives life by I would be off my rocker. My mother always looks at life postiviely but her views on "it's going to be okay" has nothing compared to Dixon, so I don't know how Yuri does it but he manages to not only stand by his man sanely but he does so with Dixon's family as well. His desire in Relative to see Dixon keep his place as the Hand probably tests his control more than any other obstacle the couple has tackled but he maintains his voice of calm and focus.
I've probably given away more than I intended to so I won't say more but know it's brilliant and if this series had to end, I can't think of a better way to do so. This series is simply put: FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN! and what's the word I'm looking for? Oh yeah: FUN!!!!!
Now I realize that for some 14 books, even novellas, can seem daunting if you haven't been reading as they've been released. That's a lot of zany, madcappery magic to digest but trust me, you won't regret it. Dixon and Yuri and the whole Spellcraft gang is so enjoyable the time will fly by and before you know it you will be where I am right now, the end with no more new coming and you'll be a little sad but also happy for having discovered such a crazy, fun, romantic, entertaining universe.
February 11, 2023
It’s All Relative (ABCs of Spellcraft 14)
By Jordan Castillo Price
JCP Books, 2022
Five stars
Is this the last of the series? I don’t feel I’m done with Dixon Penn or his large grown-man friend, Yuri.
The twist in this episode is the sudden appearance of Vano Shirque’s long-missing father – who challenges Dixon’s role as Hand for the local community of Scriveners. All the anxiety caused by this threat to Dixon’s happiness (because it’s more about Yuri’s work visa than Dixon’s need to feel important) brings the focus of the book right onto Dixon, and how Yuri sees him.
What we really learn about in this book is Dixon’s big heart – his soft spot for stray dogs and people in trouble; his love for his family above all things (except Yuri). We are reminded of Dixon’s great gift as a Scrivener, both his ability to create good, strong magic, and his skill at de-fusing bad scribing. He is impulsive and giddy and every bit as irresponsible as the rest of his family is; but he’s really the best of them, even if he doesn’t know it.
The strange community of Pinyin Bay is full of eccentrics and characters. The ridiculous adventures that Dixon and Yuri encounter in their quest to meet the challenge really serve just one purpose: to make it clear just how strong a couple this man-boy and his looming Russian friend really are.
Like all the books in this series, it’s absurd; but there’s a gentleness that comes to the fore as Dixon desperately works not for himself, but for the man he loves.
I dunno about what could come next; but even though Scriveners seem to disregard the customs of the Handless community around them, I think a wedding would be a great way to guarantee Yuri’s green card.
By Jordan Castillo Price
JCP Books, 2022
Five stars
Is this the last of the series? I don’t feel I’m done with Dixon Penn or his large grown-man friend, Yuri.
The twist in this episode is the sudden appearance of Vano Shirque’s long-missing father – who challenges Dixon’s role as Hand for the local community of Scriveners. All the anxiety caused by this threat to Dixon’s happiness (because it’s more about Yuri’s work visa than Dixon’s need to feel important) brings the focus of the book right onto Dixon, and how Yuri sees him.
What we really learn about in this book is Dixon’s big heart – his soft spot for stray dogs and people in trouble; his love for his family above all things (except Yuri). We are reminded of Dixon’s great gift as a Scrivener, both his ability to create good, strong magic, and his skill at de-fusing bad scribing. He is impulsive and giddy and every bit as irresponsible as the rest of his family is; but he’s really the best of them, even if he doesn’t know it.
The strange community of Pinyin Bay is full of eccentrics and characters. The ridiculous adventures that Dixon and Yuri encounter in their quest to meet the challenge really serve just one purpose: to make it clear just how strong a couple this man-boy and his looming Russian friend really are.
Like all the books in this series, it’s absurd; but there’s a gentleness that comes to the fore as Dixon desperately works not for himself, but for the man he loves.
I dunno about what could come next; but even though Scriveners seem to disregard the customs of the Handless community around them, I think a wedding would be a great way to guarantee Yuri’s green card.
November 21, 2022
I began this book with a tinge of sadness, knowing that this one was the last in the series and that, once I read it, that would be it, no more Dixon and Yuri adventures. But, of course, as soon as I immersed myself in it, I only could laugh at their antics, Dixon's wild leaps of logic, Yuri's unfaltering faith in him and fall a bit more in love with them.
We always knew how important family is for Dixon and how important Dixon is for Yuri, therefore, by transitive property blah, blah :P But in this book, we see that, when Dixon's position as the Hand is challenged and some not-very-subtle threats are made to Dixon's parents' business future, well... all bets are off.
And oh, how I loved Uncle Fonzo here! ♥ He will do whatever it takes to protect their own. :D
And if that wasn't enough, there is a missing dog, and, well... you know Dixon *laughs*
I'm sad to see these two go, but they are happy, loved and respected: this is an excellent place to let them. It's been a wild, exhilarant ride; thank you, boys (and author!) I will miss you ♥
We always knew how important family is for Dixon and how important Dixon is for Yuri, therefore, by transitive property blah, blah :P But in this book, we see that, when Dixon's position as the Hand is challenged and some not-very-subtle threats are made to Dixon's parents' business future, well... all bets are off.
And oh, how I loved Uncle Fonzo here! ♥ He will do whatever it takes to protect their own. :D
“If cheating entails making sure some nobody doesn’t come along out of nowhere after twenty years and steal the position I passed on to Dixon, then yes.”
And if that wasn't enough, there is a missing dog, and, well... you know Dixon *laughs*
I'm sad to see these two go, but they are happy, loved and respected: this is an excellent place to let them. It's been a wild, exhilarant ride; thank you, boys (and author!) I will miss you ♥
November 21, 2022
I am soo sad to know this is the last we will see of Dixon and Yuri (and all their family and friends), but what a great send-off. When a long-lost relative turns up, it turns Dixon's world topsy-turvy when he challenges Dixon for the position of Hand of the family. Let the contest begin! Of course, with Spellcrafters, nothing is ever straight-forward, and when everyone cheats, who knows who will win. So many twists and turns and 'almosts.' Every time you think it's in the bag (or in the hand, in this case), there is another sharp right, left, up, down, or U-turn. What ensues is a mix of comedy, lost dogs, crazy birds, sewers, and...wolverines? (And phallic flashlights and chalk, don't ask.) And always the fickle Spellcraft leading the way...sort of...maybe. As always the author's imagination and creativity make for a hilarious, wild ride. What I loved most was the way Dixon's family supported him wholeheartedly. They truly are the most wonderful, dysfunctional, loving family ever! I will miss them. And don't worry, a HEA is had by all. The joy is in the ride!
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.
December 12, 2022
Magic works in mysterious ways, and when a craft brings back a long lost relative, all the family rejoices… until he challenges Dixon’s position in the family, and by doing so endangers everything he holds dear, even Yuri’s welfare. Dixon will do anything in his hand to protect his family and his lover, but his sweet, compassionate nature keeps distracting him from the path to success…
So… I kept postponing reading this novel because I know it is the last instalment in the series, and I was reluctant to part with these characters… Fourteen times I’ve read their adventures, and fourteen times I’ve enjoyed them to the full… This last instalment rounds up everything. All characters have evolved during the series but the one who shows a biggest change which somehow summarizes the spirit of these books is Yuri. He moves from a cold and distant person who does not belong anywhere, to a loving companion willing to do anything to protect the family he loves…
As always, there is humour, adventure, unique characters and settings, and a goofy smile at the end
I’m gonna miss them!
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review
So… I kept postponing reading this novel because I know it is the last instalment in the series, and I was reluctant to part with these characters… Fourteen times I’ve read their adventures, and fourteen times I’ve enjoyed them to the full… This last instalment rounds up everything. All characters have evolved during the series but the one who shows a biggest change which somehow summarizes the spirit of these books is Yuri. He moves from a cold and distant person who does not belong anywhere, to a loving companion willing to do anything to protect the family he loves…
As always, there is humour, adventure, unique characters and settings, and a goofy smile at the end
I’m gonna miss them!
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review
November 16, 2022
I so very much love Dixon and Yuri. Every time I open one of their stories it's with a smile and as soon as things get screwy I say to myself, "and away we go!" Each adventure has been a wild ride but so much fun. Dixon's new position has been challenged by another and it's a wild chase through tunnels and the forest, touching some well-known places as they chase their quest. I liked that all Yuri can think of is the effects of losing would have on Dixon and the family. Dixon's worry is for Yuri and, of course, the missing dog. Dixon's priorities are always the people he can help above himself. I have enjoyed every word of each book and I hope that just maybe Ms. Price will give her fans one more Christmas story of Dixon and Yuri living their HEA.
Highly recommended author and series
BRAVO!
Highly recommended author and series
BRAVO!
May 17, 2023
I was hoping the final instalment would be an exciting and satisfying end to this series but I don't feel like I got that. It wasn't a bad story, by any means, sadly it just didn't do it for me.
QUICK THOUGHTS
• Paranormal/magic
• Established couple
• Quirky town
• A bit of a mystery
• I wanted this to make me laugh
• Recurring secondary characters make an appearance
• Great family
• Love the MCs... Yuri & Dixon
• I was looking for more from this
• NOT a stand-alone
• I think this is one for my "Is it me or the story" shelf
January 6, 2023
epub on Kobo: 9781944779220; 107 pages
Last in series - but I seem not to have read the previous several books...
Much the mixture as before, with Dixon managing to muddle through the latest problem - a challenger to his new position as Hand who turns up after Dixon UnCrafts a Spell for a customer - ably supported by Yuri. Much mayhem involving underground strm darins, a rinaway dog and a missing wolverine...
Not exactly demanding stuff but enjoyably relaxing.
Last in series - but I seem not to have read the previous several books...
Much the mixture as before, with Dixon managing to muddle through the latest problem - a challenger to his new position as Hand who turns up after Dixon UnCrafts a Spell for a customer - ably supported by Yuri. Much mayhem involving underground strm darins, a rinaway dog and a missing wolverine...
Not exactly demanding stuff but enjoyably relaxing.
February 17, 2024
Gutted😭😭😭😭😭
While I absolutely ADORED It's All Relative, I'm also incredibly and utterly gutted that it's the last Spellcraft book. I love Yuri and Dixon and I'm very sad to say goodbye to them. I'll just have to re-read the series again at some point and at least I've got the audiobooks to look forward to!!!
While I absolutely ADORED It's All Relative, I'm also incredibly and utterly gutted that it's the last Spellcraft book. I love Yuri and Dixon and I'm very sad to say goodbye to them. I'll just have to re-read the series again at some point and at least I've got the audiobooks to look forward to!!!
November 28, 2022
I'm going to miss Dixon and his grown man friend Yuri. This was a fun series to read.
December 14, 2022
I'll miss these characters.
December 31, 2022
These books are just so *charming*.
May 28, 2023
I’ve loved reading these books. From the characters to the humor and world building I’ve enjoyed each part of this series.
May 24, 2023
Their final Caper
I love Dixon and Yuri! They balance each other out so well. That being said I found each book got crazier and crazier! However, seeing this pair tackle their last challenge was entertaining.
I love Dixon and Yuri! They balance each other out so well. That being said I found each book got crazier and crazier! However, seeing this pair tackle their last challenge was entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews