Ptolemy's Tablet

Shadownotes #1

by L.J.K. Oliva

Rev. Emil Stone is a curator of knowledge.
Misha “Puzzle” Kaslov is a knight.
They’re supposed to be partners…and they are. But their relationship is significantly more than just business.

Rev. Emil Stone and his bodyguard (and then some) Misha "Puzzle" Kaslov are doing what they do best: tracking down an artifact of mystical make and unknown power. Their assignment takes them to the shores of the Mediterranean, where they find themselves pitted against mercenaries, secret police...and each other.

Will they be able to complete their mission, or will their personal feelings prove too much to overcome?

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is an m/m companion novella to A World Apart (Shades Below, #1), but it can also be read as a standalone.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Romance, LGBT, Gay, Paranormal, M M Romance

ebook

First published March 22, 2015

About the author

L.J.K. Oliva chases ghosts and writes urban fantasy in the ShadowVerse. She loves a good love story, and has a soft spot for magic.

When not poking the thing that lives in her closet, she enjoys exploring the shadows of the San Francisco Bay Area and searching for faeries in the creek near her house. She hasn’t found any yet, but thinks that’s because they’re better at hiding than she is at searching. She’s still waiting for one to slip up.

Reviews

[Barbara Strickland · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this very much as I am a fan of this series. The only reason I have given it a three star and not more was that it is a short story and more of a expansion of characters we meet in the main plot through the series. It wouldn't be fair to those novels as these are much more complex.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

....but what does the tablet do?!?

If Indiana Jones and James Bond are lovers and agents of a secret society a bit like the Library meets Warehouse 13.

[Geetha Krishnan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it, but I would have loved to see more of how Emil and Misha's relationship got where it did. The evolution is completely bypassed. Still, I loved their dynamics.

[Klara Sjo]

Lots of action, but I feel like the background was missing. It seems like there is a prequel, but this is listed as the first book, so a line or two about what who why would be welcome.

[Shaunta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am an independent reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock. I received Ptolemy's Tablet from its author and from them. This short novella has two main characters Emil and Misha who are worldly partners in an attempt to save the mundane (human) world. The story takes with the two in Egypt, the authors knowledge of the culture and area were very thoroughly researched and made you feel like you were actually seeing the scenery and action taking place. The author also used a good blend of the Arabic language and English or translation within the text so that way the reader was not scratching their head or using a translation key so I was very impressed. This book was really well written. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a thirst for history, enjoys same sex romance and action packed adventure.. This is for an 18+ audience... I give this novella 4 Fangs...

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, sweet, adventurous tale

I'm glad we get a little peek into Emil & Misha. You don't need to read the 1st book in this series to enjoy this story. If you want to wet your appetite on this you could, and then when you inevitably want more you'll be able to spot the moment they leave for Egypt, and then come back with the info & just feel that much smarter for knowing their secrets & adventures.

There is some gay lovin' in this novella if you are sensitive about such things. I thought it was written well & very much about the characters & their relationship.

Each of the books in this series (I've read 1 and 1.5 along with this one) explores new characters that I can't help but love. And this one has some great suspenseful action.

[Lakshmi C · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short story in the Shades Below series and takes us on an adventure with Emil and Misha. They are in Egypt to recover a dangerous artifact, but they are not the only ones. Emil and Misha struggle with their feelings for each other as they are hunted by the secret police and mercenaries. I liked Emil, he was clever and considerate, the name Puzzle is apt for Misha. The author describes action sequences really well and Egyptian culture is woven seamlessly into the narrative. I just wish it wasn't so short and the next book releases soon.

[Lilly [Hiatus due to School] · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was such a mediocre read. It was a short story and it was hard to even finish it. I won't be reading the rest of the series.