Inspired by West African mythology, Bowen’s mesmerising tale revolves around a mermaid forced to undergo a perilous quest after interfering with the natural order by saving a child thrown overboard from a slave ship.
An epic love story infused with West African mythology. For fans of The Gilded Ones, Children of Blood and Bone, and Circe, this book is a powerful new imagining of a devastating time in history, told through the eyes of a bold and unforgettable heroine.
This is the story of a great love - a love that will threaten worlds and anger Gods. This is a story that will change history.
Simidele is one of the Mami Wata, mermaids duty-bound to collect the souls of those who die at sea and bless their journeys back home to the Supreme Creator. But when a living boy is thrown overboard a slave ship, Simi saves his life, going against an ancient decree and bringing terrible danger to the mami wata.
Now Simi must journey to the Supreme Creator to make amends - a journey of vengeful gods, treacherous lands and legendary creatures. If she fails, she risks not just the fate of all Mami Wata, but also the world as she knows it.
Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK
ISBN: 9780241413975
Number of pages: 336
Weight: 234 g
Dimensions: 198 x 129 x 21 mm
One of the most epic and original fantasies I've read in a long time. Natasha Bowen has crafted a world full of heart and imagination. - Nicola Yoon, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Instructions for Dancing
The most engrossing, thought-provoking, beautiful novel...knocks your socks off and leaves you wanting more. - Namina Forna, New York Times bestselling author of The Gilded Ones
Bursting with innovative inspiration...A divine debut that explores the glories of West African myth, religion, and history - Kirkus
A compelling, moving YA fairytale, richly woven with west African mythology - The Guardian
A triumph of storytelling. - Kalynn Bayron, bestselling author of Cinderella is Dead
A dazzling debut . . . Bowen relays a story as lushly described as it is cinematic, centering a brave headstrong protagonist coming into her own power in an age of change - Publisher's Weekly
'Fantastical creatures and vengeful gods form a vivid backdrop to this rich and original story of one girl's journey to find herself' Observer (YA Books of Month) - Fiona Noble, Observer
I requested this book because it looked like all the things I love, mermaids, African mythology, and a strong female protagonist! From the very first page I was drawn into Simi’s story, and the rich world Bowen had... More
The cover of this book enticed me as soon as I saw it because I love mermaid stories. But Skin Of The Sea is no ordinary mermaid story. Using West African mythology, Natasha Bowen set her tale in a version of the mid... More
As a Mami Wata (a mermaid), Simi’s job is to collect the souls of those who die in the sea, but when Kola is thrown from a slave ship, she chooses to save his life instead. Not knowing there is a decree against this,... More
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