Spectred Isle

Green Men Series, Book 1

By: KJ Charles

Narrated by: Ruairi Carter

Length: 7 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

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 fulfill 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.

Contains mature themes.

©2017 KJ Charles (P)2018 Tantor

Magnificent

I loved the blend of magicalness and myth with an AU historical romance. Saul and Randolf were perfectly flawed and worked so well together.

Second read is just as wonderful

I read the ebook first and loved this story. The audio version with Ruairi Carter’s wonderful narration was even better.

fantastical story, great book one

I enjoyed the way the story tied faxamal in with this tale of comarady and supernatural.

Fast paced enthralling storyline but over too soon!

I’ve loved everything I’ve read by KJ Charles. The Narrator of this book, (Rauiri Carter) wasn’t as good as Cornell Collins, who narrates a lot of KJC’s other books. R.Carter spoke very fast causing him to confuse characters’ voices. He also mispronounced: Irreparable, Macramé and rapprochement. Also, perhaps owing to the narration speed, this book seemed rather short. To the author: I’m gonna need you to write new content fast—I’m nearly finished reading everything you’ve written. More please! XX

Good listen

Not my favorite by KJ Charles, but still very enjoyable. Listened to it over one Saturday.

Where does the UK find its narrators?

I loved every word of this first book of The Green Man series. I devoutly hope the sequel will arrive soon! Ruairi Carter is a new name for me, but he did a brilliant job with this. The voices! The accents! It really gave an extra dimension to the story. KJ Charles hits every note with me. Stunning stories. Don't miss out on them.

Enjoyable listen, good narrator

Really enjoyed the characters and plot, even if I was a touch confused by the magic at times. The narrator was very talented; he had good, distinguishable voices for the characters, was easy to understand, and helped immerse me in the story. Definitely worth a listen!

Interesting take on English mysticism

This is an interesting story with it's peculiar take on lore and mystical magic. The story is set right after WWI and the mystical society that's kept the forces of darkness at bay have been ravaged by lose. The young were killed in war, and the old are dying off without passing on their knowledge - and those that do remain are heavily outnumbered for their duties. Enter our unlikely MC and how he gets all wrapped up in this mess - and the mysterious man that keeps running into him. It's a fun listen, not the best audible I've heard, but still fun for an afternoon listen. The narrator is good too, so that's a plus.

Delightful!

Such a feel-good book, I absolutely loved it! I'll be purchasing the next ones immediately!
The characters are flawed and in-keeping with their own voices and characteristics, I want to know more about those who are only mentioned, I need to know more about the world we're in a d the arcane.
I laughed out loud more than once while listening/reading and appreciate so much when I find dialogue that is written well enough to do that.
The hot, bossy sex is just superb, with adorable, flowery, era appropriate romance.

Paranormal Historical Romance

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.