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Skin of the Sea

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( 16,033 ratings, 3,314 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen is a captivating Young Adult novel that reimagines the West African myth of the Mami Wata, mermaid-like creatures. Set on the open sea, the story follows Simi, a mermaid tasked with collecting souls of those who die at sea. When Simi saves a boy from drowning, she must embark on a quest to appease the gods, encountering adventure and danger as she explores themes of identity and destiny.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you love richly woven fantasy tales with elements of West African mythology. You might enjoy following the journey of a mermaid who must confront gods and humans alike as she navigates a thrilling adventure. If you appreciate stories filled with magic, folklore, and strong characters, this Young Adult novel should captivate your imagination.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A powerful YA debut infused with West African mythological creatures and gods, perfect for fans of The Gilded Ones.

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 a devastating time in history, told through the eyes of a bold and unforgettable heroine.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Natasha Bowen's Skin of the Sea has been acclaimed for its originality and imaginative storytelling, set in a world infused with West African mythology. Nicola Yoon praises it for its epic and heartfelt narrative, while Namina Forna highlights its beauty and thought-provoking nature. Kirkus reviews mention its inspiration and exploration of West African culture, and The Guardian describes it as a compelling fairytale. Kalynn Bayron and Publisher's Weekly commend its powerful storytelling and lush, cinematic quality. The Observer notes the vivid backdrop of fantastical creatures and vengeful gods, emphasising a young girl's journey to self-discovery.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241413975

Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 November 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd

Audience: Teenage

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 21.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 234g

Pages: 336

About the Author

Natasha Bowen is a writer, a teacher, and a mother of three children. She is of Nigerian and Welsh descent and lives in Cambridge, England, where she grew up. Natasha studied English and creative writing at Bath Spa University before moving to East London, where she taught for nearly ten years. Her debut book was inspired by her passion for mermaids and African history. She is obsessed with Japanese and German stationery and spends stupid amounts on notebooks, which she then features on her secret Instagram. When she's not writing, she's reading, watched over carefully by Milk and Honey, her cat and dog.

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