Adonis

Salt and Starlight, Book 1

By: L Sherleen

Narrated by: Benjamin Crow

Accused of a hate crime and expelled from school in his final year, Connor returns home to his seaside town to let everything blow over.

There, not only does he have to learn to deal with the addition of two new stepbrothers and a new stepdad, but he also has to grapple with a world set against him.

It's not all bad, though.

Within his dad's underwater lab, he discovers something in the deep. Something exciting. Something that calls to him. Something that doesn't shy away from the ugly in him, as the world does. And Connor could use the distraction…even if it endangers his life.

Adonis is an m/m merman mystery adventure.

©2023 L Sherleen (P)2025 Podium Audio

This is a fascinating story. I was hooked from the start.

This is one of those stories where no matter how sleep deprived you get you're hardly tired, you don't even feel it because the story is so exciting nothing else matters. A lot of it was kind of intense but there were some funny burst out laughing parts too. I read this book in an 18 hr period and only slept for 3 of those hours. I feel all proud and puffed up just like Adonis when he was talking to Trevor about his tail. 😂

I think Connor is so cool. I felt so much for him and right along with him while I was reading this. Adonis is precious. He's so sweet and beautiful and powerful. I love how possessive he is of Connor and how protective they are of each other. Omg they're so hot together. 🔥

I love Trevor so much. I hope he gets a book. Maybe a bi awakening or gay for you book... that would be cool. He's such a good dad. He makes me want to cry but not in a bad way. And Laurence is the cutest sweetest little kid brother. I loved the part where Adonis called him Connor's little one. Adonis is so funny and adorable. I love Connor's little found family.

This book is gold! I'm so happy that there's more and I can't wait to start Sam's book!

I listen to the audiobook right after I finished reading this book. The narrator is awesome. I love the Irish accent. ❤️

Adonis

Adonis opens Salt and Starlight with a perhaps unintentionally unsettling dynamic, framing the initial relationship in a way that feels deeply creepy between a young man and a fish until later revelations recontextualize it as sentient and consensual rather than monstrous and animalistic. That delayed clarity was emotionally risky to me as a reader, creating an early sense of unease that may alienate other readers before the story earns their trust. Sherleen’s prose remains controlled and atmospheric throughout, using restraint to let tension and curiosity simmer rather than explode. From the audiobook performance, a subtle, well-handled accent grounds the setting and sense of place without ever tipping into distraction or caricature. It’s a strange, thoughtful beginning that ultimately rewards patience with a more coherent emotional and thematic shape.

Absolutely fantastic!

I’ve already read and loved this book, but this narrator, who’s new to me, has the most delightful Irish accent and brought the book to life! I couldn’t put it down!

Great book

Such a unique and interesting story and the audio (and Irish accents) were great! I love Connor as a main character. The found family aspect of the book was gorgeous as well.