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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
I preferred the first book more than this sequel, but it did a great job tying up the loose ends from the first book. I felt as though the part with Kola being an orisha was slightly the author trying to put the two in their "happily ever after", but I wasn't too mad about that. This book did a great job noting how the tribes were pitted against each other because of the influence of the white man, which also took place historically today. I love a good fantasy novel, so this was enjoyable to me!
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:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, War
Moderate: Slavery, Blood, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Physical abuse
I received an e-ARC of this book from Random House Books for Young Readers, through TBR and Beyond Tours and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Trigger warnings: violence, death, kidnapping, mentions of slavery
SOUL OF THE DEEP is the second (and final?) book in the Skin of the Sea series. It follows Simidele, a mermaid charged with gathering and releasing the souls of the dead in the sea called a Mami Wata, as she tries to restore the natural order of her world.
I read both of the books in this series back to back so they’re kind of one big story in my head haha. However, I think I enjoyed this one a little more! The plot of this book in particular was really interesting; I loved how it both rounded out and expanded the world and relationships. I really enjoyed how the mythology is part of every facet of the story. I didn’t connect to the characters as much as I expected, but I really liked the friendships portrayed in this book. Would recommend if you enjoy retellings, mermaids and African mythology!
Trigger warnings: violence, death, kidnapping, mentions of slavery
SOUL OF THE DEEP is the second (and final?) book in the Skin of the Sea series. It follows Simidele, a mermaid charged with gathering and releasing the souls of the dead in the sea called a Mami Wata, as she tries to restore the natural order of her world.
I read both of the books in this series back to back so they’re kind of one big story in my head haha. However, I think I enjoyed this one a little more! The plot of this book in particular was really interesting; I loved how it both rounded out and expanded the world and relationships. I really enjoyed how the mythology is part of every facet of the story. I didn’t connect to the characters as much as I expected, but I really liked the friendships portrayed in this book. Would recommend if you enjoy retellings, mermaids and African mythology!
I missed these characters so much - this was such a lovely follow up to Skin of the Sea. Natasha Bowen always leaves me wanting more in the best way. It felt like Simi really grew in this book in relation to herself and how she sees and interacts with the world.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
sad
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:
Yes
3/5
I was so excited when I remembered this book was coming out. I enjoyed the first one so much and this one wasn't a letdown, but it wasn't my favorite either. the plot was great, it kept me reading it. Though it felt like it took a week to read. I wish there was more to the characters and the world itself. I felt like there wasn't enough desperations to really get me into the world.
I was so excited when I remembered this book was coming out. I enjoyed the first one so much and this one wasn't a letdown, but it wasn't my favorite either. the plot was great, it kept me reading it. Though it felt like it took a week to read. I wish there was more to the characters and the world itself. I felt like there wasn't enough desperations to really get me into the world.
adventurous
dark
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
r/Fantasy Bingo - Under the Surface; Does it count for hardmode, with 50% of story underwater? There are mermaids.
adventurous
emotional
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:
No
I love the characters of this book. The middle lost my interest a bit but I’m not sure if it’s the fault of the book or my mood while reading it. Regardless I was very into it the majority of the time and it’s a beautiful story.
I loved the first book so much so I'm not surprised I loved the second book either. There is even more African mythology in this book which I enjoyed reading about. It was interesting seeing more of Esu and even Olokun and the demons. I thought the way Bowen used those mythological stories to represent how some people turn to hate and anger and revenge because of their circumstances was beautiful. I loved how Kola and Simi remained true to themselves, despite everything that happened to them, all the pain and loss they dealt with. There were so many good liners in this book between them when they were comforting each other! And that ending battle when everyone joined together was very moving. Ugh, and Kola and Simi truly do have my heart. That ending was everything! I was a bit frustrated in the beginning because of the lack of romance between Kola and Simi but that ending was perfect for Simi, and truly that ending was the heart of this piece and Simi's journey, and I loved it. It has always been about who Simi is, and I'm so happy that she's figuring that out. Truly, a fitting end to this duology.