Scan barcode
ziraphen's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Death
Moderate: Colonisation
Minor: Suicide attempt
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.paigeinabook's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Deportation, Child death, Death, Dysphoria, Forced institutionalization, Adult/minor relationship, Cultural appropriation, Murder, Religious bigotry, Sexual harassment, Slavery, Medical content, Trafficking, Body shaming, Colonisation, Hate crime, Pedophilia, Racism, Suicide attempt, Abandonment, Animal cruelty, Blood, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Xenophobia
hanna_lein11's review
adventurous
challenging
informative
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Being white in the US, I had never heard of any of the West African myths. This book is beautifully written, and it immerses you in West African history and myth in a fun and exciting manner. The plot has several twists to keep you engaged. Plus, who doesnt love mermaids?!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Trafficking, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicide attempt
libraryofmadison's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? N/A
3.75
3.75⭐️
While I enjoyed this book, at times it felt as if the storyline was dragging. I loved the mythology that was woven into it, I’ve never really looked into African mythology so I enjoyed learning about it through this book! However, I felt as if the relationship between Kola and Simi was a little forced. It felt as if maybe it just wasn’t expanded on enough? I can’t quite tell why it didn’t work for me. Maybe it will make more sense in the next book. I also did guess the main plot twist that was in the last portion of the book, so I didn’t really have that shock. Overall though I definitely recommend it! Just know going in that this is a tough read as it deals with heavy mentions of slavery and the slave trade. It is also not very fast paced, more slow to medium!
While I enjoyed this book, at times it felt as if the storyline was dragging. I loved the mythology that was woven into it, I’ve never really looked into African mythology so I enjoyed learning about it through this book! However, I felt as if the relationship between Kola and Simi was a little forced. It felt as if maybe it just wasn’t expanded on enough? I can’t quite tell why it didn’t work for me. Maybe it will make more sense in the next book. I also did guess the main plot twist that was in the last portion of the book, so I didn’t really have that shock. Overall though I definitely recommend it! Just know going in that this is a tough read as it deals with heavy mentions of slavery and the slave trade. It is also not very fast paced, more slow to medium!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Slavery, and Violence
lindseyhall44's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-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? Yes
4.25
Skin of the sea is a beautiful fantasy read, which will keep you on the edge of your seat and reading late into the night. The world building and intertwined elements of mythology resulted in an unforgettable epic journey of love, loss, and justice.
To any fantasy enthusiasts, I would highly highly recommend!
*please check trigger warnings prior to reading!
To any fantasy enthusiasts, I would highly highly recommend!
*please check trigger warnings prior to reading!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Slavery, War, Torture, Suicide attempt, Violence, Grief, Racism, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Suicide, and Murder
plumpaperbacks's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
While I was intrigued by this book’s premise and opening chapters, only the first 25% truly held my attention. The other 75% was excruciatingly slow, and I found many of the twists predictable. Although I liked Simi and Kola, I never really got attached to them or invested in their story.
This wasn’t a bad book, but it wasn’t as good as I’d hoped, either. Going in, I hadn’t known there would be a sequel, so there were a few minutes where I was confused by the cliffhanger. I’m currently unsure whether or not I’ll read said sequel.
Despite my criticisms, I would recommend this book to anyone interested. It’s a historical fantasy retelling of The Little Mermaid inspired by West African history and mythology, and Bowen’s writing is good. I definitely think she has potential, and just because most aspects of the story weren’t my cup of tea, doesn’t mean they won’t be someone else’s.
Representation
This wasn’t a bad book, but it wasn’t as good as I’d hoped, either. Going in, I hadn’t known there would be a sequel, so there were a few minutes where I was confused by the cliffhanger. I’m currently unsure whether or not I’ll read said sequel.
Despite my criticisms, I would recommend this book to anyone interested. It’s a historical fantasy retelling of The Little Mermaid inspired by West African history and mythology, and Bowen’s writing is good. I definitely think she has potential, and just because most aspects of the story weren’t my cup of tea, doesn’t mean they won’t be someone else’s.
Representation
- full Black cast
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Gore, Violence, Slavery, and Death
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicide attempt
Injuries described include whipping, blade wounds and animal bites. The mentioned suicide attempt happened prior to the story but is detailed in a flashback—attempted drowning. As for slavery, it’s discussed frequently and both the protagonist and love interest spent time on slave ships, but none of it is actually on-page.
More...