Review of Spectred Isle (Green Men 1) by KJ Charles

by KJ Charles

4.5 Stars

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.

WOW, what a book!  Spectred Island is the first book in in a new paranormal romance series by KJ Charles, and man does it deliver on all promises. 

Saul Lazenby is a disgraced archeologist who finds himself employed by a rich eccentric, who regularly sends Saul on his magical flights of conspiracy theories.  Life has not been easy for Saul, named as a traitor in the War he paid his dues, but lost his family, career and friends for his choices.  Randolph Glyde is a aranist, holding the secrets of his long dead family, struggling with being the last of an ancient line, his obligations to England and why he keeps holding on to his secrets.  When Saul finds himself at the wrong place at the wrong time over and over, he starts to wonder if Randolph is following him, or part of the supernatural things that keep happening.

Let us start off by saying that this book is a lot to chew, but if you are into paranormal you will understand.  The first half of Spectred Isle is a steep learning curve, it feels as if you are dropped in this world that you have no reference for, the spirits, magic, wars are all foreign, but so engrossing that you can’t help but read. And once you fall into the story and figure out all the pieces, it was engrossing.   Spectred Isle is a gorgeous book, beautiful words, stunning words, lovely flow, engaging story, so so so so so good! This is a fast paced, intense book with twists and turns.

The relationship between Randolph and Saul takes a while to really develop, yes they find themselves running into each other over and over, but are rather annoyed.  It is a slow burn, but once it catches fire, wooohoo, their chemistry is overwhelming.  They are straight forward lovers and don’t have time to waffle, and one of the beautiful things about their relationship it is angst-free, they genuinely like each other.  They have both been alone for so long, Saul because of the choices he has made and Randolph because of the secrets he keeps and there is a calm that settles over both of them when they finally accept the pull between them.  But don’t be mistaken, like most KJ Charles books, the between-the-sheets time is burning!   

“…. dear God, I’d like to find the places that make you moan. You seem to me a man who could be usefully lavished with attention, and also tongue.”

Spectred Isle also introduces us to the Green Men, a group of friends that “look after the land and borrow its power”.  We meet 3 of this group and a little look into their stories and we are excited to see them again in the next books. There are magical places and evil spirits and so much more that we really want to talk about, but really can’t give away – needless to say the story itself aside from the romance is fantastic on its own.

KJ Charles magically weaves a paranormal story hit – we loved this book; the magic, the romance, the mystery, it all comes together in a concentrated authentic story.  We can’t wait for the rest of this fantastic series!