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Unwritten Runes: A Paranormal Novella Duology
Some people are drawn together—no matter the universe. KD Casey presents two paranormal reimaginings of the Unwritten Rules series…
Unwritten Runes
Zach Glasser hunts ghosts…and sometimes they hunt him. He’s spent years sending the most dangerous spirits to rest, a task that’s left him with an empty bank account, an empty bed, and both feet in the grave.
So when his handler saddles him with a new recruit—Eugenio Morales, who’s learned all about ghost hunting…from books—Zach swallows his reservations and says yes. What’s a few days together in a cabin in the deeply haunted Western Maryland woods? Except Eugenio isn’t some stuffy academic; he’s a capable attentive student, who takes quickly to ghost hunting…and to Zach.
But ghosts don’t rest that easy. Soon they’re rattling the walls of the cabin, threatening Zach and Eugenio’s newfound romance. Zach has spent so long chasing death. Being with Eugenio gives him something to live for. If they can both survive the night.
Ordinary Ghosts
Alex Angelides doesn't know how ghost-hunting equipment ended up in his library’s materials lending inventory. It doesn’t really matter: Alex’s job is to serve the community, just as he’s been doing for the last ten years, even if his days are spent on dull grant applications and painful community hearings and his nights are spent alone with books he’s too tired to read. Besides, there’s no such thing as ghosts or ghost hunters.
So when Jake Fischer, certified handsome annoyance, comes in dead set on borrowing ghost-hunting equipment, Alex has no opinion about that. Or on Jake’s inviting eyes or his supposedly untouchable skin. Or how he runs toward danger and entices Alex to follow—despite all of Alex’s gut instincts, which definitely aren’t premonitions, telling him not to. And when Jake limps in after a supposed ghost encounter and asks for Alex’s help on one last job, Alex knows he should say no. But something about Jake makes him want to risk it all. Including his own life.
Unwritten Runes
Zach Glasser hunts ghosts…and sometimes they hunt him. He’s spent years sending the most dangerous spirits to rest, a task that’s left him with an empty bank account, an empty bed, and both feet in the grave.
So when his handler saddles him with a new recruit—Eugenio Morales, who’s learned all about ghost hunting…from books—Zach swallows his reservations and says yes. What’s a few days together in a cabin in the deeply haunted Western Maryland woods? Except Eugenio isn’t some stuffy academic; he’s a capable attentive student, who takes quickly to ghost hunting…and to Zach.
But ghosts don’t rest that easy. Soon they’re rattling the walls of the cabin, threatening Zach and Eugenio’s newfound romance. Zach has spent so long chasing death. Being with Eugenio gives him something to live for. If they can both survive the night.
Ordinary Ghosts
Alex Angelides doesn't know how ghost-hunting equipment ended up in his library’s materials lending inventory. It doesn’t really matter: Alex’s job is to serve the community, just as he’s been doing for the last ten years, even if his days are spent on dull grant applications and painful community hearings and his nights are spent alone with books he’s too tired to read. Besides, there’s no such thing as ghosts or ghost hunters.
So when Jake Fischer, certified handsome annoyance, comes in dead set on borrowing ghost-hunting equipment, Alex has no opinion about that. Or on Jake’s inviting eyes or his supposedly untouchable skin. Or how he runs toward danger and entices Alex to follow—despite all of Alex’s gut instincts, which definitely aren’t premonitions, telling him not to. And when Jake limps in after a supposed ghost encounter and asks for Alex’s help on one last job, Alex knows he should say no. But something about Jake makes him want to risk it all. Including his own life.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2022
18 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
K.D. Casey
11 books308 followersKD Casey is a writer and baseball enthusiast. Come chat about writing and baseball at kdcaseywrites on Instagram. Want a free story? Let's keep in touch at kdcaseywrites dot com.
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September 26, 2024Hi! This is my book! If you like seeing your favorite characters (Jake and Alex, Zach and Eugenio), but as ghost hunters, check it out. Happy spooky season!!
September 13, 2024
So you don't HAVE to read KD Casey's Unwritten Rules baseball trilogy to love these novellas, but you should read them anyway, because they are AMAZING.
But I digress. These novellas, Unwritten Runes and Ordinary Ghosts, feature characters from Unwritten Rules (Eugenio and Zach, and Alex and Jake, respectively), but they exist in a universe where ghosts are real, and they are ghost hunters instead of pro ballplayers. And I loved them.
In Unwritten Runes, KD Casey manages to write a full love story in just 74 pages. It's hot and sweet and spooky, and I loved it.
Ordinary Ghosts is a little longer and might be my favorite of the two, possibly because Alex and Jake are my favorite UR couple. This novella is haunting both in terms of the ghosts themselves and the poignant and bittersweet plotline. I also learned that Alex's last name (Angelides) is supposed to be pronounced "ANGLE-ides" not "an-JEL-ih-dees" like I was doing. The more you know!
Anyway, these novellas are beautifully written, tender and chilling, and I might read them again come Halloween time.
A portion of the profits from this duology will be donated to SMYAL, which supports queer youth, so there's no excuse not to pre-order it.
I received an advance copy courtesy of the author.
But I digress. These novellas, Unwritten Runes and Ordinary Ghosts, feature characters from Unwritten Rules (Eugenio and Zach, and Alex and Jake, respectively), but they exist in a universe where ghosts are real, and they are ghost hunters instead of pro ballplayers. And I loved them.
In Unwritten Runes, KD Casey manages to write a full love story in just 74 pages. It's hot and sweet and spooky, and I loved it.
Ordinary Ghosts is a little longer and might be my favorite of the two, possibly because Alex and Jake are my favorite UR couple. This novella is haunting both in terms of the ghosts themselves and the poignant and bittersweet plotline. I also learned that Alex's last name (Angelides) is supposed to be pronounced "ANGLE-ides" not "an-JEL-ih-dees" like I was doing. The more you know!
Anyway, these novellas are beautifully written, tender and chilling, and I might read them again come Halloween time.
A portion of the profits from this duology will be donated to SMYAL, which supports queer youth, so there's no excuse not to pre-order it.
I received an advance copy courtesy of the author.
October 4, 2024
Unwritten Runes 4.5 stars
I really liked this one a lot! Great chemistry and interesting world-building -- easily could have read a full novel with these two!
Ordinary Ghosts: 3 stars
This was less enjoyable for me. It felt like this one suffered more for being a novella -- there was a lot of backstory and world-building I felt I was missing, and I just didn't vibe as much with the characters, but it was fine.
I really liked this one a lot! Great chemistry and interesting world-building -- easily could have read a full novel with these two!
Ordinary Ghosts: 3 stars
This was less enjoyable for me. It felt like this one suffered more for being a novella -- there was a lot of backstory and world-building I felt I was missing, and I just didn't vibe as much with the characters, but it was fine.
December 24, 2024
I didn't know this book even existed until someone mentioned it in a comment at AAR. I wasn't a fan of Unwritten Rules, but I liked the other books in the series, and this novella duology set in an AU where ghosts exist sounded like fun.
The first - Unwritten Runes - re-imagines Zach Glasser and Eugenio Morales as ghost hunters, with Zach as a world-weary veteran and Eugenio as an eager newbie in a story that delivers some really scary moments alongside a cute romance. The chemistry is there (more than I felt in the original novel!) although I think it works best if you're familiar with the characters.
The second novella, Ordinary Ghosts features my favourite couple of the series - Jake Fischer and Alex Angelides - and I loved the way the author puts a different spin on some of the key elements of Diamond Ring. In this story, Alex is a prickly librarian while Jake is a ghost hunter who shows up at the library Alex works at to borrow some ghost hunting equipment Alex doesn't even remember purchasing. He doesn't know Jake - he's sure he doesn't - and yet there's something very familiar about him, and he feels drawn to him in a way he's never felt drawn to anyone.
This is my favourite of the two stories - the connection between Alex and Jake leaps off the page and I enjoyed watching them finding their way back to each other.
Because these are novellas, the worldbuilding is pretty minimal - it works but I wanted to know more - and I'd happily read full-length stories about these guys and their ghost-hunting exploits.
The first - Unwritten Runes - re-imagines Zach Glasser and Eugenio Morales as ghost hunters, with Zach as a world-weary veteran and Eugenio as an eager newbie in a story that delivers some really scary moments alongside a cute romance. The chemistry is there (more than I felt in the original novel!) although I think it works best if you're familiar with the characters.
The second novella, Ordinary Ghosts features my favourite couple of the series - Jake Fischer and Alex Angelides - and I loved the way the author puts a different spin on some of the key elements of Diamond Ring. In this story, Alex is a prickly librarian while Jake is a ghost hunter who shows up at the library Alex works at to borrow some ghost hunting equipment Alex doesn't even remember purchasing. He doesn't know Jake - he's sure he doesn't - and yet there's something very familiar about him, and he feels drawn to him in a way he's never felt drawn to anyone.
This is my favourite of the two stories - the connection between Alex and Jake leaps off the page and I enjoyed watching them finding their way back to each other.
Because these are novellas, the worldbuilding is pretty minimal - it works but I wanted to know more - and I'd happily read full-length stories about these guys and their ghost-hunting exploits.
October 30, 2024
Novellas are always hit or miss for me, but this was almost perfect. You have to have read "Unwritten Rules" for it to show how perfect this character transition fits and hits all the same struggles and joys of the big book. It's just spooky enough for me too 😆
September 28, 2024
I’m an absolute fan of KD Casey’s writing. Who knew some of our favourite sports romance characters - Zac, Eugenio, Jake and Alex had ghostbuster tendencies? In this duology we see the couples have some ghostly battles, with little glimpses into their relationships as well.
Some of the proceeds from this duology got to a wonderful charity for LGBTQIA+ youth.
Dig deep and do good x
Some of the proceeds from this duology got to a wonderful charity for LGBTQIA+ youth.
Dig deep and do good x
September 25, 2024
Fantastic give me 14 more of them!
I might be biased because I love the characters from the Unwritten Rules series with my whole heart and I would gladly read anything that they do. Ghost hunting is just a little cherry on top because it's perfect for the season.
So if you've read the series: Hello, this is perfect for you.
If you haven't read the series: Hello, this is your sign to go do so. (You could technically just read these if you want but it's so much more satisfying seeing all of the little nods to the original stories.)
I might be biased because I love the characters from the Unwritten Rules series with my whole heart and I would gladly read anything that they do. Ghost hunting is just a little cherry on top because it's perfect for the season.
So if you've read the series: Hello, this is perfect for you.
If you haven't read the series: Hello, this is your sign to go do so. (You could technically just read these if you want but it's so much more satisfying seeing all of the little nods to the original stories.)
September 4, 2024
The beauty of novellas is that when they are well written, they are a quick and satisfying treat. I read Unwritten Runes and Ordinary Ghosts in 24 hours, and this duology was the highlight of my weekend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The idea behind Unwritten Runes is that it’s an alternate universe story that envisions Zach Glasser and Eugenio Morales from Unwritten Rules as ghost hunters instead of baseball players. Here Zach is an experienced and cynical ghost hunter, while Eugenio is an enthusiastic newbie. At its heart, it’s a lovely story about mystery and fear, and how being together makes them stronger as a pair than as individuals.
The second part of this duology, Ordinary Ghosts, is an even more engaging novella. I love the reimagining of Alex as a librarian and Jake as a ghost hunter. Jake shows up at the library to borrow ghost hunting equipment, and Alex thinks there is something familiar about him, but can’t quite figure out what. The connection between these two jumps off the page, whether they are hanging out at the library or investigating the scariest situations. The parallels to Diamond Ring are a treasure for readers familiar with the original book, but the story is so well written that it can easily be read as a standalone.
Both these ghost-filled stories are perfect fall reading. So curl up on the sofa with some warm cider and spend an evening with some of the most satisfying novellas around. Unwritten Runes and Ordinary Ghosts are fantastic tales with original takes on familiar KD Casey characters, and I can’t recommend this duology enough.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The idea behind Unwritten Runes is that it’s an alternate universe story that envisions Zach Glasser and Eugenio Morales from Unwritten Rules as ghost hunters instead of baseball players. Here Zach is an experienced and cynical ghost hunter, while Eugenio is an enthusiastic newbie. At its heart, it’s a lovely story about mystery and fear, and how being together makes them stronger as a pair than as individuals.
The second part of this duology, Ordinary Ghosts, is an even more engaging novella. I love the reimagining of Alex as a librarian and Jake as a ghost hunter. Jake shows up at the library to borrow ghost hunting equipment, and Alex thinks there is something familiar about him, but can’t quite figure out what. The connection between these two jumps off the page, whether they are hanging out at the library or investigating the scariest situations. The parallels to Diamond Ring are a treasure for readers familiar with the original book, but the story is so well written that it can easily be read as a standalone.
Both these ghost-filled stories are perfect fall reading. So curl up on the sofa with some warm cider and spend an evening with some of the most satisfying novellas around. Unwritten Runes and Ordinary Ghosts are fantastic tales with original takes on familiar KD Casey characters, and I can’t recommend this duology enough.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 7, 2024
So K.D. Casey has decided that writing characters who came through and emotionally wrecked me the first time wasn't enough, she's reprised the pain in an AU with ghost hunting but kept the devastatingly sweet and intense pining the same as the first time.
From one Kaci to another Casey, babes, Alex and Jake can hurt me in any AU you want, and I'll say, "Thank you, may I have another."
From one Kaci to another Casey, babes, Alex and Jake can hurt me in any AU you want, and I'll say, "Thank you, may I have another."
November 29, 2023
This is such fun if you’re a fan of the KD Caseyverse (which—if you’re not, you should be!). It’s making me wonder if KDC would ever write a fantasy novel or if she has some SFF stories stashed somewhere, because the speculative elements in this were so good!
Zach and Eugenio are my favorite romance characters maybe EVER, so I loved seeing them in a new context and really enjoyed the way KDC took interactions from Unwritten Rules and translated them to the ghost hunter world. She’s just a fantastic writer and I’ll read any words she decides to publish.
Zach and Eugenio are my favorite romance characters maybe EVER, so I loved seeing them in a new context and really enjoyed the way KDC took interactions from Unwritten Rules and translated them to the ghost hunter world. She’s just a fantastic writer and I’ll read any words she decides to publish.
November 24, 2023
Pining indefinitely until Casey writes a full novel of this. 😭 The parallels were so satisfying, and this was such a fun idea.
November 3, 2024
Don't expect any rational thoughts coming out of me every time KD Casey publishes something, it's not happening.
(I love when authors do these kind of things!!)
(I love when authors do these kind of things!!)
December 1, 2024
“Whatever patch of universe I end up as, I always wanted it to be right next to yours.”
Meanwhile, in an alternate universe…
Unwritten Runes is a paranormal novella duology set in an alternate universe version of Unwritten Rules and Diamond Ring. Ghosts and stuff live in this universe. So far, I've only finished Alex and Jakes book.
Overall, I liked the AU concept and I honestly wanted more from this paranormal world. My main complaint is the ten-year separation between Alex and Jake. I did not like the way it was handled in this novella. Amnesia plot-points are hit or miss for me and in this case it was a definite miss.
Still, Unwritten Runes was a solid novella and I'll update my rating once I finish Eugenio and Zach's book.
January 13, 2025
This was fun—revisiting two characters that I really liked but seeing them in a completely different universe.
July 28, 2025
OMG y'all, so Unwritten Runes is a paranormal alternate universe version of two of KD Casey's baseball romances and WHY ON EARTH AREN'T ALL AUTHORS DOING THIS?! I DEVOURED these two novellas, SO good, the characters and their actions are so on the nose, and it's amazing how the author was able to take a bunch of ball players and turn them into ghost hunters SO EASILY. The first novella, which is actually titled Unwritten Runes, features Zach Glasser and Eugenio Morales from Unwritten Rules. Zach is a seasoned veteran ghost hunter forced to teach a "rookie" all he knows while they are holed up in a cabin in the middle of nowhere, so, pretty on the nose. The second story, Ordinary Ghosts, parallels the story of Jake Fischer and Alex Angelides from Diamond Ring. It's a bit longer with a slightly more fleshed out plot and I LOVED IT. There were tons of allusions to moments in the baseball stories that I absolutely loved, it's angsty and sad and intense, and I CRIED over them (more than I did in Diamond Ring).
I THINK these novellas could work on their own if you prefer paranormal and don't want to read the baseball books, but as a follow-up, they are FANTASTIC. I seriously loved revisiting these characters and seeing what they might be like if they weren't ball players. This made me love the characters (and the original stories) even more, and I am SO glad I gave them a shot. HIGHLY recommend!
I THINK these novellas could work on their own if you prefer paranormal and don't want to read the baseball books, but as a follow-up, they are FANTASTIC. I seriously loved revisiting these characters and seeing what they might be like if they weren't ball players. This made me love the characters (and the original stories) even more, and I am SO glad I gave them a shot. HIGHLY recommend!
September 29, 2024
4.5 / 5: “Whatever patch of universe I end up as, I always wanted it to be right next to yours.”
this was so comforting 🤍
just like in their original story, alex & jake’s gave me an emotional gut punch in the latter half. it both felt surprising and nostalgic at the same time, so i love them even more for that. and zach & eugenio!! their dynamic always had this way of making me smile; just like how eugenio manages to make zach feel at ease even when there’s literal ghosts lingering around this time.
im very happy to have gotten to revisit these characters in a different universe—it was done wonderfully :’) the paranormal setting was so cozy and mystifying, i was obsessed.
my most favorite read of the month, it’s been decided ☝🏽
this was so comforting 🤍
just like in their original story, alex & jake’s gave me an emotional gut punch in the latter half. it both felt surprising and nostalgic at the same time, so i love them even more for that. and zach & eugenio!! their dynamic always had this way of making me smile; just like how eugenio manages to make zach feel at ease even when there’s literal ghosts lingering around this time.
im very happy to have gotten to revisit these characters in a different universe—it was done wonderfully :’) the paranormal setting was so cozy and mystifying, i was obsessed.
my most favorite read of the month, it’s been decided ☝🏽
October 22, 2024
A delight to see my favorite Casey baseball guys repurposed as ghost hunters. (Of course, I would love to see Charlie and Reid again as well... maybe next Halloween?)
September 14, 2024
Just give me all my faves in alternate universes. Thanks!
November 24, 2023
Exquisite!!!!
September 20, 2025
Ugh! I wish this were full length! I need more! A series would be great. Kthanxbye!
September 14, 2024
I don't read fic at all, so this was my first experience reading characters from books (in this case baseball players in the outstanding Unwritten Rules series) and plunking them down in a totally new context. I thought it worked outstandingly well, Casey's characters are so fully developed and distinct I recognized them completely from their original books, but a reader just coming across these stories would have a completely satisfying read as well. In this world ghosts and magic are real, and ghost hunting is a job people have.
Unwritten Runes has Zach, an experienced and world-worn ghost hunter being tasked with showing Eugenio how to see them (idk, it's ghost stuff). It's the same veteran/rookie dynamic from their book, but here its a spooky, tender love story written with Casey's typical heart and skill. For a short novella I was completely immersed in both the world building and the relationship.
Ordinary Ghosts was one of the most compelling love stories I've read in a while, how Casey did this in under 100 pages is a wonder. I refuse to even hint at a spoiler, but the themes from Alex and Jake's book Diamond Ring echo here as well. It's all about living together on terms that can work for both people, and finding what is true and important and cherishing that in a relationship, and being Safe and being Home.
I did cry like four times reading this duology, but also laughed a bunch. I also possibly read this a little too close to bedtime - I'm a scaredy cat and not up on the ghostly rules of the game!
A portion of the profits from this duology will be donated to SMYAL, which supports queer youth. Speaking of the youth, while showing loving physical relationships, this book is less explicit than Casey's baseball books, and would make an excellent book for any teen of any age regardless of orientation. The ideas of hidden aspects of our power and person that make us targets or hard for others to understand, or make it hard for us to maybe have the relationships we want are ones that would resonate with anyone.
I received an advance copy of this courtesy of the author.
Unwritten Runes has Zach, an experienced and world-worn ghost hunter being tasked with showing Eugenio how to see them (idk, it's ghost stuff). It's the same veteran/rookie dynamic from their book, but here its a spooky, tender love story written with Casey's typical heart and skill. For a short novella I was completely immersed in both the world building and the relationship.
Ordinary Ghosts was one of the most compelling love stories I've read in a while, how Casey did this in under 100 pages is a wonder. I refuse to even hint at a spoiler, but the themes from Alex and Jake's book Diamond Ring echo here as well. It's all about living together on terms that can work for both people, and finding what is true and important and cherishing that in a relationship, and being Safe and being Home.
I did cry like four times reading this duology, but also laughed a bunch. I also possibly read this a little too close to bedtime - I'm a scaredy cat and not up on the ghostly rules of the game!
A portion of the profits from this duology will be donated to SMYAL, which supports queer youth. Speaking of the youth, while showing loving physical relationships, this book is less explicit than Casey's baseball books, and would make an excellent book for any teen of any age regardless of orientation. The ideas of hidden aspects of our power and person that make us targets or hard for others to understand, or make it hard for us to maybe have the relationships we want are ones that would resonate with anyone.
I received an advance copy of this courtesy of the author.
October 24, 2024
Alternative universe
Fun idea for an author to kinda write AU fanfic of their own characters. 😂 I preferred the second story, Ordinary Ghosts, over the first one. The first one is pretty short and can’t say I fully understood what was going on. But I can be a dum dum. 3 stars from me. I enjoyed the second story more because I understood it a bit better and there was a line that really hit me in the feels. And overall I thought the premise and execution was clever. I liked how it all unfolded. 4 stars.
Fun idea for an author to kinda write AU fanfic of their own characters. 😂 I preferred the second story, Ordinary Ghosts, over the first one. The first one is pretty short and can’t say I fully understood what was going on. But I can be a dum dum. 3 stars from me. I enjoyed the second story more because I understood it a bit better and there was a line that really hit me in the feels. And overall I thought the premise and execution was clever. I liked how it all unfolded. 4 stars.
October 3, 2024
This book contains Unwritten Runes (Zack & Eugene) and Ordinary Ghost (Jake & Alex). See goodread Ordinary ghost listing for my comments on that story
Zack ghost hunter, sees them all the time, often injured by them. Only support person blackmails Z into testing Eugene to see if he has talent to become another hunter.
The connection for zack & eugene doesn't work (for me) as well as the one between Alex & Jake
Zack ghost hunter, sees them all the time, often injured by them. Only support person blackmails Z into testing Eugene to see if he has talent to become another hunter.
The connection for zack & eugene doesn't work (for me) as well as the one between Alex & Jake
January 8, 2026
I read a lot of paranormal and fantasy and I couldn't figure out what was happening in either of these novellas. I needed more world-building to make more sense of what was going on with the ghost hunting. Since I didn't understand the situation, I also didn't understand the stakes. They also might have hit harder if I remembered more about the characters but it's been a couple years since I read their books.
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October 21, 2024Not sure about how to rate because I didn't get everything.
October 29, 2024
KD Casey never fails me!! A fun novella duology for Halloween week. Alex and Jake continue to make me :,,,)
December 9, 2024
more authors should write aus of their own work i support this
January 22, 2025
ghost hunting AUs of baseball kissing books are always gonna hit the spot
November 20, 2024
zach, eugenio, ghosts, the horror of driving in the DMV
September 14, 2025
The writing is good, but I felt like I was supposed to know these characters already, and I don't. The problem is that I got this as part of a giveaway, which is normally a way for authors to introduce people to their writing, characters, and series, not something that requires me to already know all that.
Largely, I found both these frustrating and, if the intention was to get me to want to read more from the author, it absolutely failed.
Largely, I found both these frustrating and, if the intention was to get me to want to read more from the author, it absolutely failed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews