Skin of the Sea

By: Natasha Bowen

Narrated by: Yetide Badaki

Brought to you by Penguin.

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.

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 one of history's darkest stories, told through the eyes of a bold and unforgettable heroine.

© Natasha Bowen 2021 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

Critic reviews

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.

The most engrossing, thought-provoking, beautiful novel...knocks your socks off and leaves you wanting more.

Bursting with innovative inspiration...A divine debut that explores the glories of West African myth, religion, and history

A compelling, moving YA fairytale, richly woven with west African mythology

A triumph of storytelling.

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

'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)

An epic start to this duology!

I loved not only the representation in this novel but how African mythology has been weaved into this epic adventure. It looks me a while to get into this book but the audiobook swept me off my feet! I absolutely loved it and using it to follow my story.