Books :: Secrets of the Shell by Shavonne Bulme

Historical fiction with elements of mythology, friendship and self-acceptance Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of ancient Greece with "Secrets of the Shell", a captivating tale of forgotten identity, enduring friendship, and the mystical power of the sea.

Aelodia, a once-powerful sea goddess, is trapped in a mysterious shell with no memory of her divine origins. Lost and confused, she can communicate only with Eirene, a young girl who discovers the shell
and becomes her only link to the world outside. Through their nightly conversations, Eirene helps Aelodia piece together fragments of her past, revealing the secrets of her divine heritage. As Eirene matures into a young woman, she faces the challenges of love and family duty, betrothed to the noble Alexios. Her bond with Aelodia remains strong, providing her wisdom and comfort during turbulent times.
Aelodia, guided by the gentle wisdom of Gaia and the comforting presence of Nyx, embarks on a journey of self-discovery. She must come to terms with her past choices and their far-reaching consequences. Through her deepening friendship with Eirene, Aelodia learns the true essence of her identity and the power of acceptance. "Secrets of the Shell" is a beautifully written narrative that weaves together elements of mythology, historical fiction, and personal growth. It is a story of forgiveness, the passage of time, and the unseen connections that bind us. Perfect for fans of ancient myths and heartfelt stories, this novel explores how the whispers of the past can shape the future in ways we never imagined. Join Aelodia and Eirene on their journey of discovery and transformation, where the secrets of the shell reveal the enduring strength of love and the true meaning of self-acceptance

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Nikki Mascis

South Africa

2024/10/15, 09:58 PM

5

Advantages

Easy to read and follow.

Disadvantages

None.

Comment

Wow! This is an amazing story, with plot twists and turns you won't see coming. Ideal for just about anyone who loves a little fantasy, adventure, romance and good story telling.

There are lessons to be learnt too. This book will transport you back to the times of ancient Greece while you meet some traditional names and new ones too.

I was taken aback with how easy it was to read without having to focus too much. As a working mom of 2, and I can recommend this as a quick escape to distract yourself from the daily mundane tasks we endure. The end of this story gave me goosebumps and tears too. But no spoilers from me!

Beba

South Africa

2024/10/15, 09:51 PM

5

Advantages

PLEASE NOTE THE TRIGGER WARNINGS: SELF HARM

Just the dedication alone got me all chocked up. I knew the real truth behind the story before I started the book, I knew that it would challenge me, emotionally, psychologically and yet, having experienced a similar event, it was a read I had to. I'm so so glad I did. I'm so so glad I took the plunge. What I found, what I read, was beautiful, tender, considerate and penned with such respect, I applude Shavonne for her courage. Her courage to be able to give voice, to give heart, to highlight a very real issue in the most compassionate of ways, wrapped up in a story of pure fiction. In her own words "literature is a powerful tool, to uplift, to inspire, to bring hope, encouragement and raise awareness of very important issues." More appropriate words I've never read.

The way Ms Bulmer does this is through fiction, she takes us out of the reality of the situation at hand in a very well written story, one with so much between the lines, detaching the reality from the fiction in a superb manner, one is left absorbing the beauty of her words, of her story, through the eyes of fantasy fiction. And so the tale begins, a young girl, Eirene, playing on the beach, collecting shells. Her joy radiates from the pages, her youthful exuberance yet not realising this shell she clamps close to her ear, is more than just a shell. The entity trapped in the shell has few memories but as she starts to tell her story, her memories resurface, slowly, painfully. The love she felt from her family, her siblings and she royalty, her parents god and goddess of the sea, her name...Aelodia... Then the hurt, the betrayal, the pain of rejection, the fury of her emotions crushing her.

This is very much a little mermaid retelling, just not at all as one could possibly have envisished, Aelodia is a siren, her love, a human male. I loved the references to the gods, Poseidon, Aphrodite, Nyx, Gaia, a magical world unravelling before me, and a tale of a forbidden love. Where pain turned to sorrow, then anger, then pure rage. A story full of mortals, regret, immortality, fallen gods and devious scheming deities. I loved how the author infused a streak of nastiness to a deity I always saw as benevolent, so realistic, we all have a streak that wants to bite us in the a*se. And the consequences of a single decision that has a resounding effect on a family, the pain they feel, the helplessness they feel, the devastation they feel and the acceptance of it all, the loss, the healing and the peace one feels of finally letting go. The beauty of the love Eirene and Alexios is so warming and thought the contents are more than just a simple story, the hope is apparent through all the devastation and that's why I'm left with a feeling of warmth, not loss.

Comment

Excellent, poignant and captivating read