Thank you NetGalley, Random House Children's and Random House Books for Young Readers, for the chance to read and review this book in exchange of an honest review.

Simi serves the gods as Mami Wata, a mermaid, collecting the souls of those of died at the sea and blessing their journeys back home. When a living boy is thrown overboard, Simi decides to go against the rules and saves him. Awaiting her punishing and willing to protect others like her, Simi decides to go to the Supreme Creator to make amends. Everything is complicated by the boy she saved, who knows more and something else is following Simi, willing her to fail. In her journey Simi has to face dangers, secrets, gods and creatures, in a complex and intricate story risking not only her fate as a mermaid, but also everything she knows.

Skin of the sea is the first book in a brilliant and imaginative series, with a powerful and captivating main character. The author mixes West African history and Yoruban mythology in creating this evocative fairytale with a Black mermaid as main character. Set in the mid 1400, when the Portuguese started to abduct and buy West Africans, taking them back to Europe and colonized land, the author blended mythology and history, religion and adventure. It was interesting and brilliant reading about gods, creatures and so on with African origin and to learn more about African history, religion, knowledge and so much more in this wonderful book.

Simi is a fantastic main character, conflicted, willing to fight to do the right thing, asking questions, fighting back and her journey is inspiring, bringing her, and the reader with her, through treacherous lands, meeting creatures and gods, facing dangers, discovering secrets and lies in a thrilling story, that captured my attention right away. I also loved her relationship with Kola, with Yemoja, complicated and well developed.
I must admit I was drawn to this book by the cover, because it's really beautiful and, at the same time, because I've never read any story with a Black mermaid, so I was curious and I wasn't wrong.
I was captivated by the story and the characters since the first page and the plot was full of twists, immersive and well written. I can't wait to read more!

Skin of the Sea is very loosely based on The Little Mermaid, this was a highly intense and action packed African tale with well thought out folklore. It's high-paced, thrilling and such an adventure. My favorite thing about this book is definitely the dynamic characters and the phenomenal world building. The incorporation of the magical creatures and the amount of time put into the design of the scenery and elements of illusion really kept me intrigued. Creative, diverse and fascinating!!

I absolutely loved this mermaid tale! I highly recommend this for those who love both the classic Little Mermaid story as well as lovers of mythology and historical fiction. An absolutely magical story that I can'not. wait to recommend!

Thoroughly enjoyed the concept and the exposure to West African/African traditions and mythologies. Those parts were my favorite to read. I was severely disappointed that the main twist was so obvious from the second it entered the story (or, at least it was for me), and I have to admit that I often skipped over the romance bits; they were somewhat boring to me, not fleshed out well and possibly a *tad* unbelievable when there wasn't an explanation behind it. I could guess why it happened, sure, but sometimes it's nicer to read it through the character's voice (not all handholding is bad). I don't think the other characters were given enough substance, that they lacked proper development, so that their fates weren't as impactful; however I did like Simidele (lead female) and Issa very much. The abrupt ending would come across better as a cliff-hanger ending to a show/movie where you knew more was to follow (as I assume of the series, considering this is book one), but I like the deal made between Simi and another God.

I would recommend it as a read, though I don't think I'll be buying it.

When I got this book and started reading, I was so excited. It seemed almost like an African Little Mermaid. Look at the cover- it's gorgeous! Simi is a Mami Wata, a mermaid, that helps collect souls and send them back to their God. Many of these are people stolen from their homelands and on ships to be sold as slaves. When one young man is thrown overboard, Simi goes to help collect and release his soul. But she is shocked to find he is still alive. She chooses to save him and in the process puts all the Mami Wata in danger. It is then her responsibility to collect the 2 rings that can solve this disruption she created.

I loved the idea of the story. I loved the beginning and the imagery of her changing from mermaid to human. So clever. I thought we would get more into the story of these stolen people, but that didn't happen. We got glimpses into her past life, which helped along the story.

I didn't love the last third of the book. I feel like somehow we got off track and I had a hard time believing all the things that happened (according to what I knew of the characters). Overall a great idea, but it ended up falling flat for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was a highly anticipated read for me and I was very disappointed by it. It took until 80% of this book for it to actually kick off, and by then I had lost steam. But my biggest issue with it is that I sent excerpts describing the orishas to a friend who practices the religion of Umbanda, and she explained that this book did not depict the gods well.

Also, if you hate villain monologues as much as I do, I wouldnt recommend this.

I was torn about what to rate this novel. I loved the concept and the first part of the book really drew me in but some moments in the second half of this book that seemed disjointed and felt they were added to be relevant in the sequel but did not flow in this novel. I also wish there had been an appendix giving us more information on some of the mythological creatures and some of the language was not common in the US and should have been added to an appendix or edited for America vs UK. The example was wrapper and this was used constantly. I think after awhile you got the idea they were referring to clothing. I did find the story intriguing enough to want to read the sequel. I did feel the second half goes away from it being a mermaid story and a little mermaid retelling. It felt more like a fantasy world with many mythological elements and a journey through many parts of a world. Only the first part of the book was in water but more than half of the book was on land and a journey through different parts. Overall I enjoyed this read and would give it 3.5 Stars out of 5

Skin of the Sea is billed as the Little Mermaid fairytale weaved with lush West African mythology. Skin of the Sea suffers from all plot and no character depth. I was more interested in how Simi would make amends for her actions than learning more about the actual characters. I felt you could put any mermaid and the human she shouldn’t have said in, and the plot would still work. The action was intense, which made me want to read to the end, especially since this is a setup for a series or duology not sure yet. As we raised to the end, though, and anticipating this big climactic cliffhanger, it all came crashing down in a relatively flat way. If it is a stand-alone, the ending works fine but still lacks the finality excitement I wanted. But it did not make me clamor to continue the storyline: a very well executed plot-driven story but lack of character excitement.

Skin of the Sea is billed as the Little Mermaid fairytale weaved with lush West African mythology. Skin of the Sea suffers from all plot and no character depth. I was more interested in how Simi would make amends for her actions than learning more about the actual characters. I felt you could put any mermaid and the human she shouldn't have said in, and the plot would still work. The action was intense, which made me want to read to the end, especially since this is a setup for a series or duology not sure yet. As we raised to the end, though, and anticipating this big climactic cliffhanger, it all came crashing down in a relatively flat way. If it is a stand-alone, the ending works fine but still lacks the finality excitement I wanted. But it did not make me clamor to continue the storyline: a very well executed plot-driven story but lack of character excitement.

I am so happy I had the opportunity to read Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen! I am now released from a perspective that is only informed by Greek mythology! Thank you to TBR and Beyond Book Tours and NetGalley for providing a copy of the digital arc in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Skin of the Sea is a beautifully written historical fantasy. You will find yourself immersed in the story. Check out my top 3 reasons you should read Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen along with a bonus, my favorite quotes from the book.

1. Black Mermaid Tales Should Be Told More Often
If you have been waiting on a book that features Black mermaids, then you need to check this out. Simidele is my girl/mermaid! Ariel is cool, but there is another chick on the block now and she is part of the Mami Wata. I know I said I would discuss three reasons in the title, but here are some sub-reasons to read this book, just because I love Black mermaids.

Reason #1, the book cover is super beautiful and if I ever get my hands on a cover print, I’m going to frame it. Reason #2, Simi is on a mission to honor the souls of those who are tossed from the slave ships. She is connected to the orisas and was created by Yemoja, the mother of all orishas. (Google some images of her and you will be blown away, by the way.) Simi follows behind the ships and if someone is thrown overboard, she collects their spirit and takes it to Yemoja to be blessed.

Simi is strong and fierce. When faced with sticking to her task or allowing Kola to die she chooses what is right in her heart. Mermaid tales often have dark elements to them, hence the trigger warnings I mention at the end of this review. But I love the portrayal of Simi.

2. African Mythology Is Amazing
For me, this was my first introduction to the world of Yoruba mythology. Don’t get me wrong, there have been other books published, especially in the past few years that feature orishas and other African mythology. But this was my first. And I have to say Ms. Bowen did an A+ job of creating this world where humans and orishas interacted.

The introduction of Oya and Sango was just, chef’s kiss! This Black god couple just ripped from the heavens ready to take this supposed slave ship out! My imagination was flying into overtime at the description of both of them appearing in the sky, ready to attack! Sango: “Sango opens his mouth to roar, the long twists of his hair standing on end as he glares down at the ship. In one hand he wields a giant double-headed axe, its edges crackling with blue lightening.” Oya: “She floats next to her husband, hair a mass of black that almost eclipses the last of the sun.”

Also, THERE ARE BLACK FAIRIES! They are called the Yumbo. I am so glad my ignorance about the existence of fairies in African mythology has been revolved.

3. It’s A Tale Of Resistance, Strength And Power
This book was beautifully written. It dealt with the slave trade from a perspective I had not read before. The horror of the trade is still there. But the beauty of the people and their fight to resist the dark changes that are racing over their lands is not overshadowed by the horror. There are acts of resistance from both the people and the gods. For those who read and research Black history, this is a reminder that Black American/diaspora history did not start with the slave trade. We have a full and rich history that comes with its own traditional stories and mythology.

I thought it was important that this story begins with a focus on those who did not make it across the ocean. Simi’s one task is to rescue the souls of those who are tossed dead overboard callously by their captors. Simi also has connection to those on the ships and her memories haunt her from when she was human. Kola, the boy Simi rescues, represents those who encountered but escaped. He is desperately trying to protect his family after being taken. I won’t go much more into it to avoid spoilers!

Trigger Warnings:
This book combines 15th century history with fantasy. There are depictions of violence, enslavement and suicide.

What an amazing Little Mermaid retelling!! I loved this book so much. Bowen’s writing style is so beautiful and descriptive, and Simidele is such a strong, compassionate character. I really enjoyed this retelling and the mythology included in it. I’m hoping there will be a sequel!

Loosely based on The Little Mermaid, this was an action-packed African tale with well thought out folklore, and a very non-Disney journey. I’m curious how middle grade and YA readers will react to this one. I struggled to engage with the main characters and feel a connection to their struggle, although the descriptions of the kidnapped slaves on ships was heartbreaking. The idea of Mami Wata in the water, helping souls along, is creative and beautiful. The actual plot was not very compelling to me thought and the ending a bit disappointing.
Thanks for the chance to review!

Drawing on West African myth and lore, Skin of the Sea is a great middle-grade book about a human girl who has become a mermaid-like water spirit, a Mami Wata, charged with helping the souls of the drowned to their final rest. But when she saves a living boy, things get complicated, and we're off on a fantastic, high-paced, and thrilling adventure in which readers are introduced to a range of orisas, or gods, their relationships and powers, non-human creatures of all kinds, treachery, and lots of magic. I loved the cooperation of the characters and their understanding of responsibility and compassion. This is a fun book that is full of African representation and that will leaves reader waiting for the next installment of the series.

First, the cover caught my eye- it's stunning. Then I decided to read the synopsis and discovered it's about mermaids? I'm sold.

Skin of the Sea follows Simidele, a Mami Wata that is tasked by the orisa Yemoja to collect and bless the souls of those who pass away in the sea. She is newly remade and struggles with her new life. She grasps at what's left of the memories of her life before and is disappointed at how little she is able to remember. When she finds a body thrown from a ship she expects to collect his soul as normal, until he opens his eyes. Not knowing what to do, she chooses to save him. However there are consequences to her actions and now she must seek atonement.

I enjoyed Skin of the Sea very much. It was on its way to being a 5 star read for me, had it not been for the ending. I'm not going to spoil it here, but it felt rushed.

This book was action packed and full of fun and interesting creatures from West African folklore. I absolutely adored Issa, he is perfect.

I wish we could have explored more of Simi's underwater family and their relationship with Yemoja. That would have been interesting to see.

Overall I loved this book. I'm grateful to have had the chance to read the ARC. I highly recommend it to fans of mythology and mermaids.

4.5 stars

Simi is a Mami Wata, a mermaid tasked with helping the souls killed at sea travel to the afterlife. When a living boy is thrown into the water, Simi saves his life, going against an ancient decree and putting the rest of the Mami Wata at risk. Now, Simi must go on a journey to seek the forgiveness of the Supreme Creator.

I was initially drawn to this because of its gorgeous cover. This took a while for me to get into, as I did find the beginning to be a bit slow. I did enjoy Simi as a character as she was compassionate and caring while still being fierce and courageous. I also really loved Issa, he was such a fun addition to the story. I also enjoyed Kola and liked learning more about him as the journey continued. The biggest downfall in my opinion was the romance... I just didn't care, not even a little bit. I would have much preferred a platonic relationship between the two, that focused more on finding the twins and bringing them back home. I also was not a fan of the ending... it felt extremely abrupt and a tad disappointing in the end.

Black mermaids! That's really all I have to say about this book.

Oh, also, thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.

For real, though, the mythology was compelling and Simi was an unusual main character... mostly in that she was constantly dealing with the challenges of being a mermaid on land. The romance was not compelling- I think the book would have been stronger without it? But overall really interesting reinterpretation of West African mythology. Gorgeous story.

The prose in this book is beautiful. Like Night Circus, strange the dreamer level beautiful. It feels like reading a book in verse or pieces of poetry. I think that really added to the world building and the beauty and the mystery of the sea.
The problem with this book falls in the plot of the story. While I was caught up in the words of the book, I felt like I never really got to know the characters and their struggles, and I didn't feel like the stakes were ever high enough for what they actually are.
I will definitely read more from this author though. If this is the beginning, I can't wait for what is to come!

I was provided an ARC via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

First off can we talk about how absolutely stunning the cover is? I had no idea what this was about and I wanted to read it based on the cover alone, then I read the synopsis and I was even more excited to read it!

I really enjoyed this, especially the folklore/mythology aspects of this book. I love learning about different cultures through their lore and myths and this was an excellent journey through West African tales at during a time of great strife. Gods and Goddesses in many cultures or Orisas in Africa are often seen as great and powerful beings whose wrath is mighty, but who also protect those who pray to them and pay them homage. This tale is no different, we have Yemoja, who is an Orisa of the sea and she has created the Mami Wata or mermaids that captures the souls of the fallen slaves. The Mami Wata bless the souls and help them on their journey to the Creator. Slave trade has become rampant and when our main character comes across a man in the water who is not dead, she decides to save him instead of guide is sole to the creator. Her actions go against the task she was given as a Mami Wata and may put her kind at risk. Simidele begs Yemoja for forgiveness, however it is not hers to grant and Simi must go on a journey to seek absolution from the Creator directly. She is aided by the boy she saved, Kola, as he knows where the high priest who can help them. As Kola and Simi race to Kola's village, they encounter friend and foe along the way. The also discover that the Creator's messenger has grown power hungry and is not doing what is best for humans and orisas. Not only must they save the Mami Wata, but now there is much more at stake.

I really thought the author did a great job with the world building. The descriptions of the mythical creatures and the Orisas was done really well. This is not the first book I've read about Yemoja and her Mami Wata, and I've done some research on the subject because it is quite fascinating. I think she did a wonderful job blending the historical points with the lore and the more fantastical aspects of the story. I also really enjoyed learning about Simidele through her flashbacks before she became a Mami Wata, I thought her struggle with who she is today and her letting go of her humanity was done very well and the emotions came through on the page. There was also a good bit of action in this to keep the pace going. I could have done without the budding romance, but it wasn't so overpowering it took away from anything. This does end a bit abruptly. It isn't quite a cliffhanger, but it leaves you with that cliffhanger feeling. I believe there are going to be more books and I hope there is more to Simi's story because there are some unanswered questions about what happens next to Simi, Kola and their friends. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future!

So beautifully written and the world building is gorgeously written. I was so sucked in to this book that I neglected many bedtimes just to keep it going. I love mermaids and loved that this was taken from African folklore. I love how detailed and gorgeous Simidele was described in this book. I loved how the beautiful writing made me feel the pull she felt to her human form and her decision to save the drowning boy. I love how this book was crafted to be so fast paced yet so detailed I didn't miss a single thing. This story had me sucked in from start to finish.

Thank you to netgalley for providing an e-galley for review. Any readers who are looking for a Children of Blood and Bone read-a-like, pick this book up. Even the wording is similar. It seemed as if it was in the same world.