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Skin of the Sea

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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

This is the story of a great love - a love that will threaten worlds and anger Gods.

This is a story that will change history.

Simidele is one of the Mami Wata, mermaids duty-bound to collect the souls of those who die at sea and bless their journeys back home to the Supreme Creator.

But when a living boy is thrown overboard a slave ship, Simi saves his life, going against an ancient decree and bringing terrible danger to the mami wata.

Now Simi must journey to the Supreme Creator to make amends - a journey of vengeful gods, treacherous lands and legendary creatures. If she fails, she risks not just the fate of all Mami Wata, but also the world as she knows it.

An epic love story infused with West African mythology. For fans of The Gilded Ones, Children of Blood and Bone and Circe, this book is a powerful new imagining of one of history's darkest stories, told through the eyes of a bold and unforgettable heroine.

© Natasha Bowen 2021 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

 Fiction Historical Fiction Literature & Fiction Romance Science Fiction & Fantasy Fantasy Africa Heartfelt Merfolk

Critic reviews

One of the most epic and original fantasies I've read in a long time. Natasha Bowen has crafted a world full of heart and imagination.
The most engrossing, thought-provoking, beautiful novel...knocks your socks off and leaves you wanting more.
Bursting with innovative inspiration...A divine debut that explores the glories of West African myth, religion, and history
A compelling, moving YA fairytale, richly woven with west African mythology
A triumph of storytelling.
A dazzling debut . . . Bowen relays a story as lushly described as it is cinematic, centering a brave headstrong protagonist coming into her own power in an age of change
'Fantastical creatures and vengeful gods form a vivid backdrop to this rich and original story of one girl's journey to find herself' Observer (YA Books of Month) (Fiona Noble)
All stars
Most relevant
Love the story and the reference to a dark period of the African history but seen in another light.

Magnificent

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I can't remember ever being this invested in a book. Narration also deeply wonderful.

Magical and beautiful

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it was an amazing story, so much cluture to learn about, looking forward to the sequel though I personally love mermaids I always have.

really loved it.

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I have so enjoyed listening to this book, it has been a struggle to make myself stop. The storyline is very well crafted, the use of African mythology through is fantastic, and the person who reads has an awesome voice. All in all I was really sad to when the book ended.

So enjoyable

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The narration is fantastic. I knew some stuff about Yemuja and Exu from afro Brazilian culture, so it was very interesting to learn more about these faiths, myths and characters as well as other folklore from the African diaspora. It's a fresh setting for a YA novel, but personally I didn't feel the chemistry between Simi and Kola, even if I liked them as characters.

Incredible Narration

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