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Spectred Isle (Green Men Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.5 out of 5 stars 1,178 ratings

Archaeologist Saul Lazenby has been all but unemployable since his disgrace during the War. Now he scrapes a living working for a rich eccentric who believes in magic. Saul knows it’s a lot of nonsense...except that he begins to find himself in increasingly strange and frightening situations. And at every turn he runs into the sardonic, mysterious Randolph Glyde.

Randolph is the last of an ancient line of arcanists, commanding deep secrets and extraordinary powers as he struggles to fulfil his family duties in a war-torn world. He knows there's something odd going on with the haunted-looking man who keeps turning up in all the wrong places. The only question for Randolph is whether Saul is victim or villain.

Saul hasn’t trusted anyone in a long time. But as the supernatural threat grows, along with the desire between them, he’ll need to believe in evasive, enraging, devastatingly attractive Randolph. Because he may be the only man who can save Saul’s life—or his soul.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

RITA® Finalist for Paranormal Romance, 2018

"It's a fantastic book and I loved every moment of it."--
All About Romance

"The historical setting is palpable, which is a given with the author. This book additionally shines through both the main characters and their romance, as well as the paranormal aspect that was a pure delight."--
Just Love

"
Spectred Isle made me cry repeatedly. It is my favorite of KJ Charles' books (and as someone who sold their soul to A Seditious Affair, I do not say that lightly), thanks to the incredible atmosphere, often creepy plot, beautiful romance with wonderful characters. The plot itself made me excited for more and I honestly can't wait to see what happens next."--Book Me Up!

"I would have never thoughtthat I would find reading a historical romance novel, and a paranormal one to boot so riveting, but once I started this book, I read it straight through. This is Charles's start of a new series...thank God,because I wasn't ready for this one to end."--
Smexy Books

"An utterly captivating mix of adventure, mystery and romance all bound up in old English folklore, myth and magic."--
Romantic Historical Reviews

About the Author

KJ Charles is an editor and RITA-nominated author. She lives in London with her husband, two kids, an out-of-control garden and a cat of absolute night. She writes mostly historical queer romance, some paranormal. Smut, skulduggery, and swashbuckling may occur.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B077NNZRLS
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ KJC Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 20, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.7 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 253 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0995799073
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 1 ‏ : ‎ Green Men
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 1,178 ratings

About the author

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KJ Charles
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KJ Charles is a recovering editor and RITA-nominated author. She lives in London with her husband, two kids, an out-of-control garden and a cat of absolute night. She writes mostly historical: queer romance, paranormal, fantasy, mystery. Shenanigans may occur. High body count.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,178 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this book's balance between mystery and romance, with well-developed characters and a humorous, witty dialogue. The pacing is well-researched, and customers appreciate the scariness level with its ghosts and occult elements, while the historical accuracy features an interesting time period. The imagination receives mixed reactions, with some praising the perfectly imagined world while others find the plot line confusing and bland.

48 customers mention "Suspenseful plot"48 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the suspenseful plot of the book, describing it as a grand bit of storytelling with an absolutely lovely love story.

"...an entire street, a flaming tree, and a circuitous walk kept the story moving along. The relationship between Saul and Randolph sparked...." Read more

"...I was invested in the romance and the supernatural thriller elements of the book. Those were both great...." Read more

"...traditional review format, I can say that I loved the MCs and really liked the plot...." Read more

"...overt gestures like sudden events, but there are also subtle hints to folkloric curatives, rituals that have been part of local culture being part..." Read more

28 customers mention "Character development"28 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one review noting how the author excels at creating characters with semi-tragic backstories.

"...KJ Charles writes fascinating, complicated characters and puts them in stories that absolutely stretch my imagination...." Read more

"...The two leads are developed with plausible traits and motivations, but beyond that we don't get much. I think that's fine...." Read more

"...of having those traumas be very different, and both play nicely into their characterization...." Read more

"I absolutely cannot wait for more books in this series!! I love Saul and Randolph — the entire cast, honestly — and I’m obsessed with how Charles..." Read more

21 customers mention "Pacing"18 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, finding it well-researched and involving, with one customer noting that the circumstances are always engaging.

"...There was some backstory and interesting info, but not enough for the pages and pages it went on. That's my biggest quibble with the book...." Read more

"...I would absolutely recommend Spectred Isle...." Read more

"...as good as completely losing myself in a story and Sceptred Isle captivated me...." Read more

"...detail can be a huge plot factor so let me just say: Spectred Isle was awesome! Saul and Randolph both spoke to me in multiple ways...." Read more

20 customers mention "Enjoyment"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable, describing it as enthralling and heart-wrenchingly wonderful, with one customer particularly appreciating the sex scenes.

"...however, develops before the trust, and that’s certainly a delightful dynamic...." Read more

"...An mm romance fantasy set in a historical mystery context. Pleasurable and well written. Just one or two missing words...." Read more

"...from K.J. Charles and a completely unique story makes this a really fun and interesting recommend." Read more

"...of room for continuation, but it is a complete tale that is highly enjoyable to anyone who is a fan of Charles’ other works...." Read more

15 customers mention "Scariness level"15 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's scary elements, particularly the ghosts and occult shenanigans, with one customer describing it as a highly imaginative paranormal fantasy.

"...; a stunning combination of historical fiction and highly imaginative paranormal fantasy...." Read more

"...Threads of political schemes, magic maliciousness, and the hints and reflections of the cultural changes that occurred postwar...." Read more

"...use of English folklore and includes all my favourite bits - ghosts, real history, magic, and archeology...." Read more

"...The balance of romance, folklore, action, horror, and humor is perfect." Read more

10 customers mention "Humor"10 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, particularly its superb dialogue and spot-on wit, with one customer noting its wonderful snarkiness.

"...I highlighted so many lovely phrases and descriptions. Probably more than any other ebook I've read...." Read more

"...Humor scale 1-5:3 Likable snarkiness, with K.J's style. Chuckles and clever phrasing, not a laugh out loud book. Likable MCs: 1-5:4..." Read more

"...The balance of romance, folklore, action, horror, and humor is perfect." Read more

"...The characters were interesting and likeable too and the humour spot on with out being in the way." Read more

9 customers mention "Historical accuracy"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the historical accuracy of the book, with several noting its interesting time period, and one customer highlighting its portrayal of magic in 1923 England.

"...set during the aftermath of The Great War, and it’s such an interesting time period to work with...." Read more

"...includes all my favourite bits - ghosts, real history, magic, and archeology...." Read more

"...It is such an interesting time period and I really felt for the characters and the losses they had been through...." Read more

"...The superb dialogue is witty and of the period, I almost wanted to copy some down to use myself!..." Read more

17 customers mention "Imagination"11 positive6 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's imagination, with some praising its perfectly imagined world, while others find the plot line confusing and bland.

"...it soon picked up and I fell into the flow of the story and the imaginative world created by KJ Charles...." Read more

"...That said, this book takes awhile to get started because there's a LOT of world building to establish the context of the story, and those that will..." Read more

"...And then there’s the pictures those words paint; you can see the scenery, feel the atmosphere and almost smell the aromas...." Read more

"...passion and attraction between Saul and Randolph just resonates off the page so beautifully as does the author's attention to detail when it comes..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2017
    In this Book One of the Green Men series, we are introduced to a small band of people who fight evil and mischievous spirits in and around London. Usually this work is something they were born into—carrying on the family traditions—but disgraced soldier and archaeologist Saul Lazenby is surprised to realize he’s been given a “super power,” too. He just has to learn how to use it! I thought the book was slow in the beginning but it soon picked up and I fell into the flow of the story and the imaginative world created by KJ Charles. I don’t read many paranormal books and it takes me a bit to catch on to the plot and the out-of-the-ordinary activities. I must admit, however, that I will read anything by KJ Charles; she’s that good! I love the Magpie Lord series. As for Spectred Isle, by the time the two main characters went for a (never-ending) walk in the country, I was hooked! Although this book revisits the world of Simon Feximal and Robert Caldwell (The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal), I don’t think it’s an issue if you haven’t read Secret Casebook but I highly recommend reading it. I love dear, sweet Robert Caldwell!

    Another reviewer said that KJ Charles is one of the best at world building and I agree. I put Jordan L. Hawke on that list as well. KJ’s inventive use of an ornery spirit that takes over an entire street, a flaming tree, and a circuitous walk kept the story moving along. The relationship between Saul and Randolph sparked. The secondary characters (Sam and soldiers Isaacs and Barney) were more than fillers. I was happy to see that Sam and Jo (from Secret Casebook) are doing well. One of the things I like about M/M fiction is the inclusion of characters from the entire LGBTQ+ spectrum. In this book, there is mention of Jo, who is Sam’s foster sibling and the most talented soothsayer in England. Jo is neither man nor woman and is referred to as “they.” I hope to learn more about Jo, as well as the rest of the ghost fighters, in future Green Men books.

    I’m so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and took the plunge a few years ago with the first Magpie Lord book. KJ Charles writes fascinating, complicated characters and puts them in stories that absolutely stretch my imagination. To me, that’s the makings of a very good read! Spectred Isle is one of those stories.

    I was given an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    It's hard to talk about a novel without getting into spoilers, which I'm sure no one here wants to read. So here's my best attempt at avoiding all that:

    I was invested in the romance and the supernatural thriller elements of the book. Those were both great. The characterization is decent for a novel like this. The two leads are developed with plausible traits and motivations, but beyond that we don't get much. I think that's fine. Less is often more in romance. I still have whiplash from trying to keep track of the extended family members in Taltos even all these years later. It's nice to see a writer try to do more with less.

    The sex scenes came across as a bit silly though. I hate to say it, but I started skimming those sections since the supernatural elements of the story were much more interesting. On some level I think the steamy scenes almost take away from the book because it would work as an urban fantasy without them. Having a gay couple solving ghost crimes in postwar England is compelling and original enough.

    For anyone familiar with William Hope Hodgson's less popular writings, there's a few references sprinkled in here. JK Charles deserves a medal if she actually waded through all of Carnecki the Ghostfinder as research for this book. It's not an easy feat. Hodgson died in WWI during the German Lys offensive, so it makes Spectred Isle a bit spookier given the context. I think the implication here is Hodgson was one of the occultists lost in the war, though it's never explicitly stated. I thought that was a clever touch.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2017
    I can't say enough good things about KJ Charles' books. Along with Joanna Chambers, she's the best m/m historical or historical fantasy writer working today. The previous reviews describe how great this book is. So, instead of doing that, I'm going to post some of the wonderfully written passages from Spectred Isle. I highlighted so many lovely phrases and descriptions. Probably more than any other ebook I've read. I wanted to wrap Charles' writing around me like a blanket and snuggle. Both of the MCs are broken in different (yet complementary) ways. Even though both try to appear stoic and unaffected, their emotions eventually leak through in slivers exposed by Charles' beautiful prose. Here are some of my favorite passages:

    "Whether there's more to the world than meets the eye? Of course there is, one way or another. People create poetry and mustard gas. We invent gods and monsters and gods that might as well be monsters. We act with extraordinary grace and unfathomable cruelty. We're so terribly intelligent and dreadfully easy to fool..."

    " 'I believe that you do not want to do harm; I shan't let you be tricked into it.' Saul wanted to clutch the words to him, curl round them, to write them down and keep them pressed between the pages of a book. He wanted to believe them, and he hated the small scarred part of his mind that pointed out, he knows your story. He knows what will bring you to your knees. If he wanted to manipulate you, how better?"

    "You seem to me a man who could be usefully lavished with attention, and also tongue." (Isn't that a great line??)

    "I don't need sympathy." "How do you know? Have you had any?"

    "Randolph knew the armour well: a casual pose and a light voice, making everything sound trivial. It wouldn't do to show yearning, to reveal weakness, to embarrass anyone. Randolph knew it because it was his own armour, deflecting all feeling, leaving him protected and alone. He hated seeing it on Saul, who didn't even do it well."

    "Randolph wanted to give him everything - or to rid him of everything, to drive it all away and leave nothing but this, the two of them in a room, the world locked out."

    "Randolph's mouth was open to his, in long, blissful kisses that said all the things two lonely, hoping men were afraid to put in words."

    "...his hard-edged understanding which meant more because it came not from a kindly nature, but from bitter experience."

    "...letting his thoughts curl carefully around his feelings like a cat nudging kittens into order."

    "He couldn't find words for Randolph's unsentimental generosity, his acceptance, as strong and supple and steadfast as a blade. He'd looked past everything, and seen a light that Saul had thought gone out for good."

    I even skipped a few additional favorites so I wouldn't lose anyone still reading this.

    In a more traditional review format, I can say that I loved the MCs and really liked the plot. I didn't feel like we got to know the secondary characters very well, but there will be more Green Men books featuring them. Though, I must say that I was disappointed to see that book 2, Last Couple In Hell, features a m/f couple. I haven't read a het romance in ages. Like, years. I'm sure it will be great, since it's KJ Charles, but I'm not nearly as excited about it as I would another m/m story. I'm sure other readers will be happy to see het. But I love my men in love with men.

    ETA: There is one uncharacteristically dull segment of the book. Randolph spends a very long time talking to the two agents from the Shadow Ministry and I couldn't see the point of most of it. There was some backstory and interesting info, but not enough for the pages and pages it went on. That's my biggest quibble with the book.

    Anyway, you MUST read Spectred Isle and find your own favorite passages. I guarantee you will find many.
    4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Wicket
    5.0 out of 5 stars The paranormal, secret government agencies, tentacles: what's not to love?
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 3, 2017
    I'm an avid reader of KJ Charles as I feel she's one of the finest m/m romance authors around. Having read 15 different authors in this genre this past year, it makes you realise how uncommon well written, well plotted romance is without toe-curlingly trite writing, bad sex scenes or shoe-horned plot devices.

    Spectred Isle is her best work so far: it's the most developed of her books. The story world is fleshed out even more thoroughly than before, the characters three-dimensional, and the sex dialed down. I'm sure many read her books for the excellent sex scenes but this particular plot benefits from the appropriately selective approach.

    The story of two damaged men finding redemption and each other is a well trodded path, but it's bloody marvellous. I'd quite happily post each paragraph that had me re-reading the phrasing with pleasure or caused an unfortunate degree of eye-wetness, but why spoil your joy?

    Read the book, have fun. It's actually even better the second time around - I received an advance review copy and liked the book so much I bought it as well. How's that for love?
  • didi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love it
    Reviewed in France on March 25, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Une histoire superbe, vraiment, et qui m'a permis de profiter encore un peu de l'univers de Simon Feximal.
    K.J. Charles va devenir une de mes auteurs préférés
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  • cb
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in Canada on June 8, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I’ve recently discovered the excellent storytelling of K.J Charles. The Spectred Isle combines all my favourite genres: historical, romance and fantasy. Great characters, great story. There were references to an earlier novel, the Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal which promised to give a bit more background on the world and some of the earlier characters, so I did read that first before continuing with this. It wasn’t necessary but I’m glad I did. Waiting impatiently for book 2.
  • Margaret Clifton
    5.0 out of 5 stars Straight away went looking for the next book
    Reviewed in Australia on February 3, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I thoroughly enjoyed this book and immediately went looking for the second book in the series. (Not out yet.)
    I enjoyed the plot line and the character development. The later concentrates on the two POV characters, for one of the others it helps to have read The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal, and there are some very interesting tidbits about the final two members of the group - particularly towards the end of the book. (I like Barney and Isaacs, but never want to meet them to think that I'm not their friend or that I'm one of the bad guys.)
    I would say more about the plot and my surmises, but "Spoilers." I look forward to the rest of the series.
  • Olivia Helling
    4.0 out of 5 stars KJ Charles returns to the world of the Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal (hurray!)
    Reviewed in Canada on September 25, 2017
    After the Great War shattered a generation and the Vale between worlds, arcanist Randolph Glyde struggles to hold back the supernatural. But at each supernatural disaster, Randolph always finds the disgraced archaeologist Saul Lazenby. That can’t be coincidence.

    The first in KJ Charles’ Green Men series, Spectred Isle picks up after the war in the world of the Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal (which I absolutely love). However, Spectred Isle is an action adventure traditional romance, meeting and falling in love over one week of adventure, rather than like the Secret Casebook. It’s still an engaging read, with the dark tone of terrible tragedy they may have avoided but barrelled into (like a lighter version of Ginn Hale’s Swift and the Black Dog). I highly recommend it

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