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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
adventurous
emotional
tense
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:
No
2.75 ⭐️
I had to think about this story after finishing because it was a mixed experience for me. It was enjoyable but not as impactful as Skin of the Sea, which sparked my interest in West African fantasy. I appreciate Natasha Bowen’s writing. She has a strong way of writing emotion and action scenes, where I can feel how the characters are feeling and envision the fighting scenes.
It was nice to revisit the beauty of this world, Simi and her friends, but I did not care for Simi in this sequel. She seemed bossy and like she was the only one who could do things. The romance still feels underdeveloped. Overall, this one didn’t carry the same weight as the first novel, especially if you’re going to undo sacrifices, cheapen original conflicts, and set up a new danger to team up with former enemies.
I had to think about this story after finishing because it was a mixed experience for me. It was enjoyable but not as impactful as Skin of the Sea, which sparked my interest in West African fantasy. I appreciate Natasha Bowen’s writing. She has a strong way of writing emotion and action scenes, where I can feel how the characters are feeling and envision the fighting scenes.
It was nice to revisit the beauty of this world, Simi and her friends, but I did not care for Simi in this sequel. She seemed bossy and like she was the only one who could do things. The romance still feels underdeveloped. Overall, this one didn’t carry the same weight as the first novel, especially if you’re going to undo sacrifices, cheapen original conflicts, and set up a new danger to team up with former enemies.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Great way to expand on the previous storyline. Love the additional lore included. Mostl6 balance between plot and character development
I can't even fairly rate this one because... I'm stupid. I thought this was the second book in a series that I loved. But when I finished it, still a bit confused about the plot, I realized it was the second book in a series which I haven't read yet. So, I dove in with none of the info from book 1 in my head. Idiot.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-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:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Slavery, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Colonisation
Love the West African mythology woven into this story. Well written and exiting.
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:
Complicated
This book follows Skin of the Sea and together they share a story of nuance. I came away happy that in the end Simidele chooses herself and what she desires most. Through her journey I felt the tension of constantly being between two worlds and wanting things that seemed to oppose each other. In some ways I don’t know that she fully came to understand that her drive to help people was not her downfall. However, she seemed open to learning and seeing the world and her options in a more nuanced way. The mythology weaved in the story often spoke of balance and Simi seemed to be figuring out her own balance within herself and what she knows of the world.
I adored the relationships between Simi and her friends, old and new. They served to strengthen and support her. The loss of some of them emboldened her while she also held her grief for them. I appreciated that Simi takes so much space to grieve. Some authors might speed past a death in the middle of the battle but Bowen really spends time reminding us that every life lost, on either side of conflict, is still sacred life now gone.
A beautiful story of mythology and self discovery. I enjoyed the read. Thank you Natasha Bowen for your work.
I adored the relationships between Simi and her friends, old and new. They served to strengthen and support her. The loss of some of them emboldened her while she also held her grief for them. I appreciated that Simi takes so much space to grieve. Some authors might speed past a death in the middle of the battle but Bowen really spends time reminding us that every life lost, on either side of conflict, is still sacred life now gone.
A beautiful story of mythology and self discovery. I enjoyed the read. Thank you Natasha Bowen for your work.