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bbygirl21's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
This is a good book. It just wasn't my favorite. I'm mostly a romance reader, so even in a mythology packed fantasy book, I need at least some romance in it, and they're just wasn't in this book. The main character and the boy she saved are supposed to like each other, but I just didn't feel any romantic chemistry between them. Maybe that develops more in the second book, but I don't plan on reading that yet.
I did get quite emotional at some parts. Especially when it came to a particular death scene. I thought the writing was great, even if it wasn't for me. The ending was really good as well.
The ending is done well enough that you wouldn't necessarily need to read the second book. Yes it ends kind of open ended, with some questions left unanswered. But I don't necessarily consider it a cliffhanger. You could stop with this book and be fine in my opinion.
Overall this is a good book. I loved the mythology and the plotline. I wanted more romance, but if that's not your thing this is definitely for you. I'd probably still recommend this even if it wasn't entirely for me.
I did get quite emotional at some parts. Especially when it came to a particular death scene. I thought the writing was great, even if it wasn't for me. The ending was really good as well.
The ending is done well enough that you wouldn't necessarily need to read the second book. Yes it ends kind of open ended, with some questions left unanswered. But I don't necessarily consider it a cliffhanger. You could stop with this book and be fine in my opinion.
Overall this is a good book. I loved the mythology and the plotline. I wanted more romance, but if that's not your thing this is definitely for you. I'd probably still recommend this even if it wasn't entirely for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Body horror, Grief, Blood, Death, Genocide, Confinement, Murder, Colonisation, Child death, Racism, Slavery, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Physical abuse, Violence, and Trafficking
Minor: Pregnancy
vercopaanir's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I felt like this book started off slow, although that could totally have been a lack of interest because it didn’t have the same vibes as the book I finished prior. But once it got going, it was really good. I loved the story, learning about West African mythology, and the characters. Simi is an amazing MC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child death, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Colonisation, Genocide, Kidnapping, Racism, Slavery, and Suicide attempt
The book takes place in the mid-1400s, so there is talk about White Europeans kidnapping and buying West Africans during the early slave trade. These are important catalysts for the events of the book and mentioned throughout, but the book is not about enslavement. The author gives a clear content note in the beginning for those concerned, as well.abbythebookreviewer's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Skin of The Sea was an interesting read, a dark yet refreshing take on a mermaid plot. I found some of the prose to be repetitive, but still, it was well-written. This story is plot driven which leads a bit to be desired of the characters but I found them to be likable. The historical portion of the story was by far the most intriguing, the intertwining of African culture was a refreshing break from the more Westernized novels. The pacing of the story was a bit off in places, I found myself skimming at parts because the scenes held little to no purpose to the main plot, while I can appreciate a history lesson it felt forced in some areas. It's a quick read, with several points of high tension that left me on the edge of my seat. Overall, I would recommend this to young adult readers and lovers of historical fantasy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Slavery, Torture, War, Violence, Blood, Physical abuse, and Racism
theuncannydani's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
The book was stuffed with myths, but didn't take time to flesh out every one of them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Blood, Child death, Death, Violence, Gore, Slavery, Torture, Physical abuse, and Genocide
Moderate: Kidnapping
librarianlayla's review
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
A richly woven story with deeply detailed mythology.
I wish there had been more of a connection with the characters, I felt that this was a very forced relationship where not a lot was said/done for such strong feelings to develop so rapidly. But I adored the storytelling and the world building, the descriptive writing really helps to draw the reader in. I also appreciated the nod to true historical events that, whilst horrific, made their world feel more rooted within our own.
Fans of forbidden love stories, diverse folklore and high stakes adventures will love this story. Iook forward to the sequel.
I wish there had been more of a connection with the characters, I felt that this was a very forced relationship where not a lot was said/done for such strong feelings to develop so rapidly. But I adored the storytelling and the world building, the descriptive writing really helps to draw the reader in. I also appreciated the nod to true historical events that, whilst horrific, made their world feel more rooted within our own.
Fans of forbidden love stories, diverse folklore and high stakes adventures will love this story. Iook forward to the sequel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Colonisation, War, Slavery, Death, and Genocide
maggie_atwood's review
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Colonisation, Genocide, and Slavery
bandysbooks's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This is a beautifully written fantasy which was clearly inspired by the Yoruba religion. The Orishas are actual characters in this story and quite a few Nigerian mythological creatures pop up in the story as well. It reminded me a bit of reading a modern retelling of Greek mythology, similar in vein to Circe. I loved learning more about Yoruba and Nigeria.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Genocide, Racism, Violence, Murder, Slavery, and Trafficking
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