Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Secrets of the Shell: Silence to Liberation

Rate this book
Some secrets are whispered only by the sea...

Trapped in a shell. Forgotten by time. And remembered only by a child.
Aelodia, a once-mighty sea goddess, awakens with no memory of her divine past, only the sound of a young girl’s voice.

When curious, kind-hearted Eirene finds a mysterious shell on the shore, she becomes the only person who can hear the voice within. Night after night, the two form an unbreakable bond, piecing together Aelodia’s true identity and the tragedy that imprisoned her.

But as Eirene grows up and faces an arranged marriage to the noble Alexios, her quiet beachside world begins to shift. Through her trials of love and duty, Aelodia offers guidance and friendship, even as she wrestles with her own forgotten mistakes.

Guided by Gaia and comforted by Nyx, Aelodia must confront the truth of who she once was and the choices that cursed her.

Will she reclaim her voice in time to save the only human who ever truly saw her?

"Secrets of the Shell" is a lyrical blend of mythology, historical fiction, and heartfelt coming-of-age.
Perfect for fans of Circe, The Song of Achilles, and poetic retellings, this novel is a moving story of friendship, forgiveness, and the quiet power of self-discovery.

Dive into the world of ancient gods and mortal girls. The sea is waiting to speak.

Please Font and spacing are ADHD and Dyslexia friendly.

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2024

2 people are currently reading
34 people want to read

About the author

Shavonne Bulmer

6 books21 followers
Shavonne Bulmer is an author whose remarkable journey inspires her storytelling. At a pivotal moment in her life, she courageously walked out of an abusive relationship when she was 34 weeks pregnant, demonstrating immense strength and resilience. Her experiences have fueled her passion for writing, which she employs to craft books with profound underlying messages for society.

Shavonne, through her writing, aims to be a catalyst for positive change. She firmly believes that literature has the power to transform, offering hope, encouragement, and raising awareness on crucial issues. Her books are not just stories; they are instruments of change, sparking conversations, fostering empathy, and promoting understanding.

Shavonne Bulmer's commitment to her craft and her mission to influence society is evident in every word she writes. With each book, she strives to uplift, inspire, and shed light on the complexities of human existence. Her narratives are an invitation for readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of a brighter future.

Shavonne has a great passion for promoting independent authors. It has started a small business called Unbox Africa that supports small businesses and local independent authors in South Africa internationally.

If you would like to follow her on social media:
Instagram: @ShavonneBulmerAuthor
TikTok: @ShavonneBulmerAuthor
Threads: @ShavonneBulmerAuthor
Facebook Page: @ShavonneBulmerAuthor

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
12 (60%)
4 stars
8 (40%)
3 stars
0 (0%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Andrew Baltasar.
Author 3 books142 followers
September 11, 2025
Secrets of the Shell is a beautifully crafted, lyrical tale that seamlessly weaves mythology with coming-of-age themes. The connection between Eirene and Aelodia feels genuine and deeply moving, while the undersea adventures are vividly brought to life. The story’s pacing is natural, blending quiet, reflective moments with emotional intensity. I particularly enjoyed how the author explored themes of memory, identity, and friendship in such an enchanting manner. Personally, I feel a more epic cover could complement this story even more, but that’s just my opinion.
Profile Image for Chii ✨.
82 reviews
November 4, 2024
TW: Self-Harm and it may be distressing for readers.

It was a quick and easy read; set in the times of Ancient Greece where get a mix of myth and and fictional reality. It gave me The Little Mermaid retellings; the tale of Aelodia and her forbidden human love. We meet the infamous gods and goddesses, Poseidon, Aphrodite, Nyx and Gaia, and other notable Greek deities. We learn how Aelodia was bound to oaths and promises, and made choices which led to tragedy. You could feel the Aelodia's tragedy through the pages and the love between Eirene and Alexios is what gives you hope for a better future. Aelodia being there to reassure her was lovely.

The writing was flowery, ethereal and almost poetic but this is what made it somewhat difficult for me. It felt a bit too flowery for my personal tastes but don't let that deter you from reading this. it's overall message is meaningful, as is all myths, legends and folklore are. The spacing may throw you off but it's meant to be ADHD & Dyslexic friendly.

If you like Greek mythology, acceptance of loss, bitter sweetness, this is for you.
Profile Image for Mabel.
Author 2 books22 followers
February 7, 2025
Awe Inspiring Novel

Another mesmerizing book from Shavonne Bulmer! I am truly in awe with her impeccable writing skills. Her words flow flawlessly and touch my heart.

At four years old, Eirene found a shell on the beach and was astounded when the shell spoke to her. She took the shell home and cherished their heartwarming conversations.

Aelodia was a sea goddess that fell in love with a mortal but was forbidden to marry him because she was betrothed to another god. When she refused the marriage, her soul had been bound to Triton’s shell. The defiance also brought severe consequences to her family.

Shavonne is passionate in her writing and her entrancing books are filled with inspiration. I’m looking forward to reading future books written by this amazing author!
Profile Image for Meg.
236 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2025
3.5⭐
A beautifully told story of forgotten identity, enduring friendship, and the mystical powers of the sea.

* Please check your Trigger Warnings *

This was a tragically beautiful read!
Profile Image for DarkDigital Belle.
72 reviews3 followers
February 21, 2025
I received a copy directly from the author and all views are my own honest opinions


The weaving of the tale of a sea goddess and her many trials and sacrifices melded with the memories of a dearly departed friend.

I will admit I was taken aback by the tale of the sea goddess Aelodia, who lost everything because of her own stubbornness and her loss of a love.

But following little one and her journey through her life and how she eventually became the friend of the sea goddess and told her when she was wrong? That was brilliant.

Selflessness is the moral of this story. And that no matter who you are, you are always loved by others. Your actions matter.
Profile Image for Aylesia Baase.
16 reviews
November 22, 2024
i love greek mythology, so this was a pretty easy read for me. there are some triggers in this book relating to self-harm so be cautious. It was definitely different than what I have read, because the way the author writes is very poetic. I also appreciate the effort made to format the book to help those with ADHD and dyslexia!!
Profile Image for LindzAnn..
57 reviews
October 21, 2024
"Secrets of the Shell" is a beautifully crafted novel that captivates readers from the very first page. The author’s intricate writing style weaves a narrative rich in detail and emotion, forging a deep connection to its characters that truly pulls at the heartstrings.

Set against the backdrop of Greek mythology, the story effortlessly transports you into a world where myth and reality intertwine. The characters are not only relatable but also resonate with their depth and authenticity, making the reader invest emotionally in their journeys and struggles.

**Trigger Warning: This novel contains themes of self-harm that may be distressing for some readers.**

The author has a unique writing style that is both poetic and engaging, promising to linger in the reader’s mind long after the final page is turned. This novel stands out for its originality and the powerful way it brings ancient myths to life with modern relevance.

In a moving dedication, the author honors Amber, who lost her battle with mental health and inspired this poignant story. This dedication adds an additional layer of sincerity and heart to the narrative.

I am eagerly looking forward to the next book by this talented writer. Her ability to blend mythological elements with compelling storytelling is impressive and promises more enthralling reads in the future. If you're a fan of mythology and stories that touch the soul, "Secrets of the Shell" is a must-read.
Author 2 books18 followers
February 26, 2025
I found this author through tik tok and was pleasantly surprised by this book. I don't typically read books with themes of greek mythology and gods and goddesses, however, this was really well done. Following the life of Aelodia and her decisions when it comes to personal choice with falling in love and the arc of her character as it's tied into Eirene's story as the little girl that found Aelodia in a seashell was very creatively done. There was great character building in this book, great life lessons, and the way Shavonne portrayed this world with such eloquent description was exceptional. My only challenge in reading this book is how there was a high volume of characters in terms of gods/goddesses and their kids and it was sometimes hard for me to remember who was who. However, aside from that I was enthralled with the book from beginning to end and very impressed by this author! It was definitely a FIVE STAR READ!!
7 reviews
July 28, 2024
ARC reader here! 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!

I cannot wait to get a hard copy and to see what new adventures and stories are coming next from this outstanding author!
Profile Image for BAM xo.
101 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2025
While not my usual book theme, I honestly found this book heartfelt and it touched my heart, the way only a well learned lesson could.

I had to ask my husband, at the start of the book, what he recalled of greek mythology, I being the stubborn child amongst school peers, who fought every thing that was taught to her, ending with various verbal assaults to teachers, who had tried to educate me, I had consequently not learned nearly as much as I wish I could have.

I remember only aspects of things that would sincerely affect the way I viewed the world.

My husband being the stubborn know it all he is, mentioned that greek myths often hold very deep meaning beyond their teachings.

After taking that in to consideration, I viewed the story in a new light.
While at first, I had only skimmed the surface of the meaning of the book, for me at least, it transpired that the essence of the story, while such a comforting read, felt all too familiar to the passions I've faced my whole life.

Living headstrong, believing that my life, while it is my own, doesn't stand apart from the bonds of familial ties, unless I make choices that can benefit not only I, but to those I love too.

There are consequences to each every path I forge. Some negative and some positive.

I cannot be selfish and put myself before others without accepting that that could destroy the balance I so carefully wish for.

To be selfless and be at peace with all the decisions you've made, is to free yourself of unnecessary burden. Knowing that fate has its ways and it's plans, that diving headfirst through life, acting on desires alone, could lead to utter turmoil.
Leading to self destruction.

I can't deny that I have put myself before others on sporadic whims, aided by lust or envy or hurt.
But I can, if I want it so, allow the past to redirect the guilt and shame into a new positive way forward.

You can't live in the past, there is no undoing human or non human error, I guess. So accepting the things you can't change and embracing them in stride is the only way forward.

Don't be a martyr by any means, but sacrificing small parts of yourself, to make the world better can only be a good thing right?

Anyhoo,
I found this book very captivating and so cozy it would enthrall almost any reader.

If you read this review before diving in wholeheartedly, and begin to question the shells purpose, you and I are the same.
I cannot tell you how to feel or think on such a beautiful notion as this story holds, but, and I can't stress this enough, the meaning of the story can resonate differently for anyone. My personal feeling decides with my own past mistakes that I hope to learn from.

This is not a story of a child's sea shell collecting, it is not a guide to live your life by, but it is a calm reminder that the world isn't as it seems, the world maintains a balance that we are forever on the cusp of tipping, allowing for human error while also having a shot at rebalancing through redemption.

We as beings of this world, come and go with the ebb and flow of the sea. Life isn't supposed to be easy. It comes and goes in the froes of choices made.

Maybe you can't guarantee anything in this world. I however, will allow myself some peace. After all, my past decisions have led me to great happiness now.
I don't believe that it was all for nothing.

I am shaped by my past, but I certainly look forward to whatever my future entails.
The decisions that will define my happiness and also the happiness of those I cherish.

If you need something cozy to read, with a slight educational meaning/purpose. Then I shall recommend this book.
Full of the wonders of nature and many interesting beings.
A sweet tale of love, loss and letting go.

I will keep my eyes peeled for more greek mythology, I wonder how I will reflect on more teachings, more knowledge, that I so hastily defied in my youth.

4 shiny stars from me.
😀
1,487 reviews86 followers
August 16, 2024
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.

2,713 reviews10 followers
September 6, 2025
loved it !! what a wonderful story !!! love Aelodia and Eirene...this is their story... a well paced mythish wonderful story... Aelodia is imprisoned in a shell ... and the shell washes up on a beach... Eirene finds it and discovers that she can talk to the woman inside... Eirene is a little girl and they talk through out her life... Aelodia tries to remember her life and what happened that trapped her in the shell... a magical story !!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for DeLanni Matthew.
120 reviews2 followers
November 26, 2024
Beautiful and descriptive writing! It gives me a cross between Percy Jackson and the Little Mermaid. Greek mythology mixed with romance. I enjoyed the storyline and the character development. I just wished that the beginning included the pronunciation of the names so I didn’t screw them up so bad in my mind lol. Overall, I definitely recommend if you’re interested in reading Greek mythology!
Profile Image for Andrea Riche.
Author 2 books31 followers
August 30, 2025
I love seeing local voices bringing fresh stories to life. This isn’t the kind of book I would usually read, but I still wanted to support a fellow South African writer.

This would be perfect for fans of once upon a broken heart who enjoy Greek mythology, keeping in mind it is not a retelling, but a reimagining).
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.