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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
informative
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:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
I liked the first one so much and this one.... left me a little sad on how disappointing it was. It's not the plot or the storytelling that was the issue. Just the way the story progressed and developed was... not it for me
I feel like because I wasn't that into the first one, it was hard to pay attention to this one. The audio book was easy to tune out. I like the romance, though, it's sweet. I got the just of the book, the just of the plot. I think I recommend this for middle schoolers, I think I would have loved it if I was younger, great rep, and a cute story. Idk why I couldn't get into it because by all accounts, I should have loved it. I think I'm distracted
adventurous
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Category: YA Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Romance
Summary:
Soul of the Deep is based on stories and figures from Ifá spirituality and set in 15th century West Africa. The second book in the Skin of the Sea duology, SOTD picks up where Book 1 left off.
Having sacrificed her freedom to bind the trickster Esu and save her love, Kola, Mami Wata Simidele has spent six months trapped deep under the sea, companion to the exiled orisa Olokun. Simi yearns for her sister Mami Wata and to see the sun again, but accepts that this life on the seafloor is the cost she must pay.
Simi spies people wearing the ajogun's (anti-gods) insignia and is horrified to learn that the ajogun are gaining influence. It was Esu's job to maintain the balance and prevent these gods of ruin from unleashing their destruction on humanity. Simi begins to suspect that maybe Olokun didn't turn Esu over to Olodumare. Maybe, against his word, he's been keeping Esu imprisoned.
Simi worries she has sacrificed herself only to doom her friends and the world. Now, she must face the consequences of her well-intentioned heroism. This time, Simi and her friends must work together with Esu to bind the ajogun and, once again, save the world.
Review:
Just as beautifully written as SOTS, Natasha Bowen once again delivers absolutely spell-binding imagery and a captivating world. SOTD highlights West African culture and traditions, as well as Ifá stories and fantastical folkloric creatures.
All of the characters are nuanced and empathetic--there is no absolute good or evil (except for the ajogun). Forgiveness and grace are key themes in this story, especially as the protagonists must now rely on someone who caused significant harm in the first novel. Even Simi must confront the fact that her well-intentioned actions had serious consequences. SOTD is about taking accountability for your actions, and learning to rely on community strength over individual heroism.
Skin of the Sea and Soul of the Deep are an excellent duology that both young people and adults will appreciate. The novels touch on serious topics, but I think this is a great series for teens, especially those interested in fairytales and retellings.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A great finale to a wonderful duology, SOUL OF THE DEEP picks up shortly where its predecessor left off and completes Simi's journey to find and fight for her friends, even if it means allying with an enemy and angering the gods.
Simi remains a great, empathetic character. She cares deeply for her friends and is always willing to sacrifice her happiness. She endures quite a bit in her journey to protect those she loves, which was inspiring to see. It was equally as wonderful to see many familiar characters return as well as new ones be introduced.
The story was packed with adventure, action, emotional moments, and plenty of world building inspired by mythology and culture. I felt that the plot moved at a good pace, though I don't feel entirely sold on the antagonist. It felt like that could have been fleshed out more for greater impact at the ending.
Despite the ending being a little bit rushed, I deeply enjoyed this duology. It's a perfect series for anyone who is looking for a fresh, culturally inspired take on The Little Mermaid, for anyone who likes empathetic heroines, and is looking for a fresh voice in YA fantasy. Check it out!
Simi remains a great, empathetic character. She cares deeply for her friends and is always willing to sacrifice her happiness. She endures quite a bit in her journey to protect those she loves, which was inspiring to see. It was equally as wonderful to see many familiar characters return as well as new ones be introduced.
The story was packed with adventure, action, emotional moments, and plenty of world building inspired by mythology and culture. I felt that the plot moved at a good pace, though I don't feel entirely sold on the antagonist. It felt like that could have been fleshed out more for greater impact at the ending.
Despite the ending being a little bit rushed, I deeply enjoyed this duology. It's a perfect series for anyone who is looking for a fresh, culturally inspired take on The Little Mermaid, for anyone who likes empathetic heroines, and is looking for a fresh voice in YA fantasy. Check it out!
I really liked how this wrapped up. (I think this series is only a duology, but I would not complain if there was a third installment or companion novel in the future)
If you're looking for a mermaid fantasy/ magic realism book I would wholeheartedly recommend this series, I loved every aspect of it.
If you're looking for a mermaid fantasy/ magic realism book I would wholeheartedly recommend this series, I loved every aspect of it.