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 … 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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While 1920s is not my favorite historical time period, the fact that the story is happening in Simon Feximal universe and is sort of a spin off from The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal is something I didn’t know or I would have read it sooner. I loved the connection through Sam Caldwell and Jo the soothsayer whom Robert Caldwell and Simon Feximal met on one of their cases. I loved the historical and arcane pieces woven into the story as well as the typical behaviors of bachelors of the day. The danger, the spooky factor and the love between two bitter and lonely men made this a story to enjoy and remember.
I liked Saul Lazenby. He is a man of principals, strong and loyal to a fault. He is the perfect counterpart to brash, outgoing and mysterious Randolph Glyde, the last remaining member of practically royal family in Arcane world. I enjoyed their conversations so much. They were at first glib and insincere, then aggressive and demanding and finally caring and passionate. Both men had so many faucets to explore. Their separate histories of how they got to be here in the moment were fascinating. I absolutely loved the fact that this time the story was told from both Randolph and Saul’s POVs. It made it so much easier to get to know them both.
The magic and occult side of the story was amazingly written. It was equal parts captivating and gory. I gobbled it all up with gusto! I hope there will be more of Saul and Randolph whose journey is by no means over for it continues beyond the written pages of this book.
A RITA finalist too!
A terrific romance featuring magic, the ‘Green Man’, an alternative First World War, and an on-off romance between two men who seem to keep tripping over each other, sometimes literally, in all the magic hotspots around London. The world-building is excellent and the characters well drawn and convincing. I perhaps enjoyed this slightly less than the Slippery Creatures series and would have liked one or two loose ends tied up at the end of the book. However, it’s still a four star plus rating and I’ll be looking out for more in the series.
Spectred Isle is a the first book in the Green Man series, and set in the same world as The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal book. I have not read the The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal before and had no trouble following along with Spectred Isle. I’m read The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal now and kind of wished I had read it before starting Spectred Isle.
This is a paranormal, historical romance between two different men who find love with each other as they navigate a post-war England. The book feels like a set up to a larger series plot, but unfortunately, at the time of this review, the second book has not yet been written. I hope KJ Charles writes the next book because I’m fascinated with this world. I loved the character development between the two men and their romance was lovely. There was humor, action, drama, and tender love.
Ruairi Carter narrated the audiobook and did a nice job. He had an enjoyable performance and used many different character voices that were easy to distinguish and follow.
Loveable characters with beautifully distinct voices. Fabulously imagined story.
And the audiobook is out of this world! Highly recommended.
1920’s London. Paranormal shenanigans and a great M/M romance. K.J. Charles is one of my fave m/m writers and this one is fab!
I cannot get enough of K J Charles right now. The settings, the characters, the story, all just brilliant. And I’m discovering that I like romance more than I thought I did! What draws me to these stories is the supernatural element, set in an historical setting, but the relationships are hot and steamy and heart-breakingly beautiful.
My introduction to KJ Charles. Wonderful storyteller, well-drawn and believable characters, fascinating world building, great paranormal details. For readers who love PNR and m/m romance. I am now seeking all her books!
It was a real pleasure to return to the world of Simon Feximal, and great fun to pick up with Sam as an adult. KJ Charles always brings a fresh perspective to what could be a tired trope and makes it engaging and thrilling. As always, her characters are the heart of the story, even when there’s clearly some political commentary happening at the same time. I am anxious to find the sequel.
The book was a good read, read the book in one day