You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
I needed the closure from the first book in this series, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, but it just wasn't as good. It was good! But it wasn't AS good.
Definitely want more from this author though.
Definitely want more from this author though.
4 solid stars
Like the first book, there was much for me to like about this book. The author includes many rich details about this world, making it easy for me to picture it, and while I didn't understand whenever the language was spoken (I couldn't even begin to try reading it), it just drew me into the world. But this is where I think an audiobook would have enhanced my experience, especially with a good narrator. While I'm not as familiar with the source of mythology and folklore as I am with Greek mythology, I absolutely loved everything she included. This book does a beautiful job celebrating black people, especially black women and I loved the little details that she added, including water drumming. The author includes a note at the beginning discussing the folklore and spiritual elements that inspired her story and I found that to be just as interesting.
I thought she did a great job of resolving most of the story, but I feel like she left things open enough that she could add a third book. I have no idea if she is planning one, but I would love to read it if she does.
Overall, I loved this two-book series and think it's a very strong debut series for this author. The only thing I wasn't thrilled about was that the story was written in the first person, from Simidele's point of view. While it's certainly an appropriate way of telling the story, it's not my favorite method. Still, the author did a great job of making an old tale into a unique story, and I recommend this with no hesitation.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book is being published on September 27, so look for it at a local store near you!
Like the first book, there was much for me to like about this book. The author includes many rich details about this world, making it easy for me to picture it, and while I didn't understand whenever the language was spoken (I couldn't even begin to try reading it), it just drew me into the world. But this is where I think an audiobook would have enhanced my experience, especially with a good narrator. While I'm not as familiar with the source of mythology and folklore as I am with Greek mythology, I absolutely loved everything she included. This book does a beautiful job celebrating black people, especially black women and I loved the little details that she added, including water drumming. The author includes a note at the beginning discussing the folklore and spiritual elements that inspired her story and I found that to be just as interesting.
I thought she did a great job of resolving most of the story, but I feel like she left things open enough that she could add a third book. I have no idea if she is planning one, but I would love to read it if she does.
Overall, I loved this two-book series and think it's a very strong debut series for this author. The only thing I wasn't thrilled about was that the story was written in the first person, from Simidele's point of view. While it's certainly an appropriate way of telling the story, it's not my favorite method. Still, the author did a great job of making an old tale into a unique story, and I recommend this with no hesitation.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book is being published on September 27, so look for it at a local store near you!
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Beautiful language and scenery, although I do think it very slow paced for my taste. But otherwise, mermaid!
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I couldn't get immersed into the storyline. It felt less captivating than the first book.
I must admit that I didn’t love it as much as the first one. It jumped around a lot and didn’t wrap up certain aspects of the plot. And the things I wanted to know more about or a direction I thought was going didn’t happen unfortunately. The ending was just meh. I did like seeing more African mythology! And parts of the book had me flipping pages! And the cover on both books are stunning.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is a sequel that ended up being just as good as the first book. With new and old characters alike, there was still a sense of adventure and discovery, along with betrayal and loss. With Orisas (gods) helping them along their way, there was no other option than for Simi and Kola to succeed. An incredible and spiritual story about love, loss, and the lengths we will go to save what matters most.
I loved this continuation of the first book. I can’t wait for this book to be a movie. I will recommend it to everyone. It’s so great seeing African mythology and history from a black woman’s pov.
2.5 (rounded up) ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much to Penguin Randomhouse and NetGalley for an e-arc of this book.
And another victim to second book mediocrity (I need to think of a good phrase for this).
Recently so many second books are really just not cutting it, and unfortunately this is another one.
There are a lot of characters in this book, to the point it gets a bit confusing. The romance was absolutely pointless and then every so often remembered it just felt very false.
The ending was better, and I do love the African lore, I just wish it was better executed. Rounded up as the ending did pull it together a bit.
Thank you so much to Penguin Randomhouse and NetGalley for an e-arc of this book.
And another victim to second book mediocrity (I need to think of a good phrase for this).
Recently so many second books are really just not cutting it, and unfortunately this is another one.
There are a lot of characters in this book, to the point it gets a bit confusing. The romance was absolutely pointless and then every so often remembered it just felt very false.
The ending was better, and I do love the African lore, I just wish it was better executed. Rounded up as the ending did pull it together a bit.