There will be no holding back here for this short, if you have not read this book please do. The walls of my library are filled with books of diversity and representation and I will not lie, most of them are horrible. This book gives you that diversity without stuffing it down your throat and clouding the journey that is the novel itself. Full of beautiful world, fast pacing, characters that are well created and formed, and the writing style is amazing. Some will love this book and some will hate this book. To those of you that are just at the point of being done with novels that keep through representation in your face with no real meaning than this book is for those seeking that but not the tongue lashing that goes with it.

Natasha Bowen is a genius and needs her name screamed aloud everywhere! This book is such a unique take on the mermaid story. If you haven't already, pick up a copy of this book and devour it like I did.

I love a good mermaid story, so I was excited to pick up this debut — and I was not disappointed! Not unlike many Little Mermaid retellings, this one certainly has dark aspects; these heavier moments really made the book what it is, however, and I felt like this was a wholly unique and fresh take on YA mermaid fantasies.
As mentioned in the content warnings, SKIN TO THE SEA melds fifteenth century history — specifically the beginning of kidnapping and enslavement of West Africans by the Portugese — with West African mythology. In particular, Mami Wata and Yemoja. The Mami Wata in SKIN OF THE SEA are mermaids who rescue the lost souls of those who die in the sea, and escort them home. I thought the blend of mythology and history created not only a captivating world that I felt completely enmeshed in, but also an incredibly compelling story.
Simi is a Mami Wata who does the forbidden, and rescues a boy from the sea, leading to her journey to beg forgiveness from the gods. She was such an engaging protagonist — I was rooting for her every step of the way. I love characters who are given as much depth as she is, and are allowed to express so many emotions. She’s fierce and brave, but still has fears and traumas she’s grappling with. She’s protective and loving, but also filled with righteous anger and doesn’t shy from violence.
Though the plot captured me and I felt invested in the outcome, I felt more sucked in by the world-building and character interactions in this novel. SKIN OF THE SEA does such an amazing job of approaching a traumatic and horrifying history, but melding it with a story that centers the history and lives of the people within it. SKIN OF THE SEA is filled with violence and hurt, yes, but there are also so many moments of love between families, romance, and glimpses into lives filled with delicious food, beautiful clothes and fashion, and customs and traditions. As Bowen states in the Author’s Note, Black history doesn’t start with slavery. SKIN TO THE SEA is a story rich with depictions of fierce love and spirit, not just pain and trauma, and Simi is a character that encapsulates so much of that as she struggles to fulfill her duty and fights against her feelings for the boy she rescued.
SKIN TO THE SEA was full of action, heart-wrenching emotion, and compelling characters that made it impossible to put down. With a bold finale that had me on the edge of the seat, I look forward to hopefully reading more of this world!

I need this book to be made into a movie so I can see everything that was so richly described in the book. It was an excellent story and I loved learning about the Yoruba myths and culture. I’m hoping there’s a sequel so I can learn what happens to the characters next.

This was such a solid debut. The world was rich and I loved learning more about the African mythology shown in this book. While I felt like the main character was kind of flat and I didn't really feel any chemistry between her and Kola, I was ultimately very pleased by the plot of this book. I didn't know this was a duology and generally don't like reading a series where all the books aren't out, but I' glad I gave this book a chance. Also, THIS COVER IS STUNNING. So gorgeous and makes me want to get my hands of a physical copy asap.

This is a wonderfully written book. I really enjoyed all the characters and seeing how they fit into The Little Mermaid inspiration as well as the African Stories used throughout the book. The inspirations were blended well and resulted in a great depth to the story Overall I really enjoyed this book.

I just finished this and my mind is reeling from it. This is all that I had hoped and wished for, minus a couple details. I found Natasha’s writing to be a perfect fit for the West African retelling. I felt every bit a myth/fairytale as The Little Mermaid, but with the details of the West African myth of Mami Wata. I found Natasha did a great job at taking myths and gods from West African culture and introducing them. Natasha wove in so many different myths and legends from West Africa that I found myself searching each one to understand more about these.


Rating: 4.5
The story I found went at a nice pace, especially with the fairytale feel it sometimes had. There were the odd moments where I felt a little lost, but overall the story was great. I found a few characters I had less attachment to, but our mains, Simi and Kola had me from the start. I wanted to know more about Kala’s friend though. This is Where I think this would have benefitted from a duology. We could have gotten more of the gods/goddesses and more about Kola’s village and friendship. But of course this is more for selfish reasons.

This does deal with slavery and I am not the reviewer to read opinions of that. I believe it was well written and I know from the authors notes that this time period was well researched. That being said, I highly recommend you reading from black diverse reviewers: Cocoa With Books, Reading Stewardess, and Bri’s Book Nook

I haven’t read many Little Mermaid retellings and those that I have hated ended up only being fine. This one, however, went above what I could have hoped. This shows that we really do need to diversify our retellings even more! If this wasn’t on your list, put it there! I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys fairytales and mythical retellings that hold true to the originals while making their own path.

Rich storytelling layered within such beautiful prose, characters and setting. I loved the origin stories and interactions with the gods, but truly wanted more. The mythology fascinated me! Could not stop reading! Imagination prepare to get the latest upload in Skin of the Sea!!!

To come across a story of mermaids based in African culture, absolutely beautiful! Natasha created a beautiful world with a blend of history..it was fantastical. The resiliency was inspiring…enjoyed the read

Wow! To say I was blown away by this novel is actually a bit of an understatement. The storytelling, the weaving of folklore into this book was flawless, and I devoured it. I will be adding this to my list of books that I hope to share with students, because I think they will really resonate with the characters and the storytelling. What was my favorite part of this book was the depth of the characters; they are all complicated but someone who you can see yourself in. They are fearful but brave, confused but determined, and again, may really resonate with teens reading this book. Natasha Bowen has done something outstanding with this publication, and I would read anything published by this author and recommend them to others as well.

After Yemoja went against the decree for all Orisa not to interfere with humans, Simidele saves the life of a man who was meant to die. I loved this mermaid tale with mythology and haunting memories of a life once known woven into the chapters. While not quite as life changing as the children of blood and bone, this book has definitely earned a place on my bookshelf.

I really enjoyed this mix of African mythology and the little mermaid. The only problem I had was that's in first-person point of view and I'm not a big fan of those kinds of books.

Stepping outside my comfort zone and back into a fantasy book after reading pure romcoms was definitely a hard switch. However, this book was completely magical. The writing was fantastic, the storyline was intricate and left room for so much more, and the characters were well written and believable.

I'm obsessed with mermaids, but sadly I haven't been able to find tons of mermaid books that weren't middle grade. Skin of the Sea delivers to the YA audience who loved the Little Mermaid growing up.

There are so many more deeper themes in this book than a simple Little Mermaid retelling. You also get images and treatment of enslaved people and people stolen from their homes.

I highly recommend listening to the audio because the reader really made the story come alive for me. I loved her voice so much and I loved being able to hear all the names I probably would have butchered if I tried reading it on my own.

A West African mythology inspired retelling of the Little Mermaid (the original Anderson version, not the Disney-f
ied one)? Yes, please!

I loved everything about this book. The characters are well-rounded, the pacing spot-on and the ending perfect. Set against a backdrop of the slave trade, Simi is a Mami Wata tasked with assisting the souls of those who pass on the water to the afterlife. When she saves a boy thrown overboard rather than allow him to die so his soul can be collected, she sets in motion a journey for forgiveness that involves gods jockeying for power and a balance of the ecosystem.

I highly recommend this book for readers in grades 8 and up (and the adults who love them). History and fantasy fans alike will like this text.

🌊 𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓣𝓸𝓾𝓻: 𝓢𝓴𝓲𝓷 𝓞𝓯 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓢𝓮𝓪 𝓫𝔂 𝓝𝓪𝓽𝓪𝓼𝓱𝓪 𝓑𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓷 🌊

Skin of the Sea is a struggle of self-understanding, courage, and survival. Simi is a Mami Wata, a mermaid who collects the soul of the departed voyagers. She’s been at it for three months until she rescued a boy. To protect her sisters, she must travel to the Supreme Creator together with the boy, her troubled self, and a dangerous being lurking behind.

This is the mermaid story that I’ve been looking for! I’ve always wanted a mermaid to have the same color as mine and Natasha brought her to life! Natasha’s writing is poetic and very whimsical. I did have a hard time during the first few chapters because of some words and the descriptions but they were all translated afterward so that was a plus! The way she plays with words while making the readers understand is an amazing talent!

Simidele or Simi, is the mermaid who went against an ancient decree to save Kola. She’s determined to protect her sisters and the world. Kola is the young man that was thrown out to sea. He is a natural leader who’s ready to face any challenges. I felt that the relationship between Simi and Kola was a bit rushed. Though, I know the focus was more on the journey and challenges ahead.

Lastly, the ending was abrupt and I kinda feel like there would be a second book! Truly love the diversity in this book! It especially made me curious about African Mythology and I even looked up the gods and goddesses! This is truly an eye-opener for all little girls who dreamt to be mermaids! I know I was one of them and here we have it! 😭😍

I was drawn to this due to the gorgeous cover and the synopsis. I love stories that take place at the sea with mythical creatures like mermaids. I just love these types of stories.

There were a lot of great things going for this book - fantasy, diverse characters, and a strong female personality. Semi was an absolutely amazing character she was courageous and down to earth but fierce and protective. She is a character I always love to read about. I loved her interactions with Isso and Kola.

But what was most important about Semi is representation. In my 20 years of reading (because trust me when I say I was an avid reader when I started to learn what reading is), I have never come across a mermaid that is of a different culture and ethnicity other than Caucasian. Bowen has finally created a world where mermaids of different color and shape actually exist which is so important in today’s society. Girls need to grow up knowing they are represented in the stories we tell, especially in fantasy where skinny white girls are the most portrayed.

The issue I had most with the book - the romance. I am not one for insta-love or love that just doesn’t connect. The romance in this book was just uncomfortable and seemed quite forced on the authors side of things. Honestly, I would not have minded a more platonic relationship between the two. If a romance is not believable it just won’t sit right.

The plot was wonderfully woven yet not focusing too much on suffering and the pain of slave trade. The author does a wonderful job of acknowledging it but also showing that not everything has to be bleak. However, I am grateful Bowen incorporates history Into this story and weaves in mythology and religion. It gives it originality even when it has the elements of The Little Mermaid.

All in all, this was a incredible diverse debut novel from Bowen. A tale of the sea with diversity, adventure, hope, and love all mixed in together to create this wonderful novel.

What struck me initially with SKIN OF THE SEA is how Natasha Bowen crafts such an immediately immersive world, one that lures you into its depths from the first page until the last.

There is a seamless blending of the fictional with the historical. The world of SKIN OF THE SEA is very much rooted in fifteenth century history, but it does not make the traumatic realities of the time the focus. Rather, it acknowledges that pain while prioritizing the fantastical—an escape in the form of mermaids (known as Mami Wata) and African mythology. It is a story of resiliency and strength and, at its heart, family.

By and large, my favourite part of SKIN OF THE SEA was the lush mythology, and all the magical beings and deities. From the Mami Wata and various orisa to the abada and the yumboes. The magic is so integral to the world, a living and breathing entity that fully captured my imagination. In particular, Natasha Bowen’s approach to mermaids feels incredibly fresh. I loved how the specific workings of Mami Wata magic made this an adventure traversing land as much as sea, and how it enabled moments for characters to navigate chronic pain—something I always love to see explored, in fantasy settings especially!

Yet what is a world without its characters?

Simi is a protagonist you immediately want to root for. She is determined and driven, with an undeniable fierceness—which also feels refreshingly nuanced when tempered with her doubts and fears. She is someone still trying to understand her place in the world, to figure out who she is—and who she was—and how both halves of herself will help define who she wants to become.

Acting opposite Simi is Kola, headstrong and perhaps a little impulsive at first. Together, he and Simi balance each other’s personalities spectacularly. There is a quiet tension between them, a back and forth that ebbs and flows like a tide coming in and then going back out. It is a series of seemingly fleeting moments, of gently caressing hands and briefly touching knees. Yet, these moments feel monumental. Big enough to change the world. In some ways it could have felt too instantaneous, but it doesn’t. If anything, it felt both inevitable and impossible.

And that leaves me endlessly intrigued to see how things will progress. Throughout SKIN OF THE SEA, we are also introduced to a number of supporting characters, and truly? I am the biggest sucker for a ragtag band that comes together. It’s what I live for. Even with somewhat limited time on the page given the pace at which the plot must play out, each feels incredibly, fully realized.

What makes each of these pieces so successful as a whole, though, is Natasha Bowen’s prose. Her writing is beautiful, rich and ruthless all at once. Her sentences craft both character and world so as to paint perfectly rendered masterpieces in my mind as the story unfolds. There is a magic in her words that lends itself effortlessly to the magic of the world. It was such an immersive experience that I was more than happy to be swept along. And honestly? I was so caught up in the current that I didn’t even try to guess where things were headed…which resulted in quite the reaction as those final chapters—and the revelations contained within—came to pass.

SKIN OF THE SEA is a beautifully realized debut. It is whimsical and cutting, engrossing and powerful. And given its ending? I am all the more eager for when I can dive into the sequel.

Mermaids and West African Mythology? What a fantastic combo found in Natasha Bowen's debut novel Skin of the Sea.

Simidele had one job. Collect the souls of those who perished at sea and give them blessing on their to Olodumare. One day she sees a living boy, Kola, thrown overboard. Conflicted she decides to intervene and save his life instead of waiting for him to drown. However, saving lives is against the rules of the ancient covenant. Due to her actions Simi puts the Mami Wata in danger. Simi sets off on a quest to make amends and along the way finds trouble lurking in the shadows.

This was a wonderful historical fiction fantasy that I would definitely add to my list of recommendations.

Thank you Netgalley for an e-arc of this book.

Obsessed with this book. I was approved for this but ended up buying my physical copy. Such a wonderful read! 🙌🏻

This book is beautiful , both its cover and its writing. The author did amazing with the world building. This book is very slow to start and it takes a while to get into it because you are just thrown into this world of mermaids and learn as you go . I like the different twist that Natasha Bowen added of mermaids collecting souls of the dead. That said this book did seem to get a little boring at times and the romance seemed very instalove. There seemed to be no development between the two main characters.