Skin of the Sea

Skin of the Sea, Book 1

By: Natasha Bowen

Narrated by: Yetide Badaki

Length: 11 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The must-hear Black mermaid fantasy series that #1 NYT bestselling author Nicola Yoon calls “epic and original,” in which one mermaid takes on the gods themselves. Perfect for fans of Children of Blood and Bone and anyone who can't wait for the live-action The Little Mermaid.

“Riveting.”—NPR

“Evocative.”—Entertainment Weekly

“Remarkable.”—Buzzfeed

A way to survive.

A way to serve.

A way to save.

Simi prayed to the gods, once. Now she serves them as Mami Wata—a mermaid—collecting the souls of those who die at sea and blessing their journeys back home.

But when a living boy is thrown overboard, Simi goes against an ancient decree and does the unthinkable—she saves his life. And punishment awaits those who dare to defy the gods.

To protect the other Mami Wata, Simi must journey to the Supreme Creator to make amends. But all is not as it seems. There's the boy she rescued, who knows more than he should. And something is shadowing Simi, something that would rather see her fail . . .

Danger lurks at every turn, and as Simi draws closer, she must brave vengeful gods, treacherous lands, and legendary creatures. Because if she fails, she risks not only the fate of all Mami Wata, but also the world as she knows it.

©2021 Natasha Bowen (P)2021 Listening Library

Critic reviews

Instant New York Times Bestseller

NPR Best Book of the Year

PopSugar Best New Book–November 2021

Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year

Children’s Africana Book Awards–2022 Honor Book for Older Readers

Top 10 YALSA Amazing Audiobook for Young Adults

"Bowen has built an impressive mythology to buttress her fairy tale, and it's a pleasure to discover this world through Simi's eyes."—The New York Times

"Riveting . . . I'm sure that Simi has many ardent fans to await her further adventures."—NPR

“Skin of the Sea is one of the most epic and original fantasies I've read. . . . Simi's story will stay with me for a long time to come.”—Nicola Yoon, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Instructions for Dancing

The Little Mermaid Black Girls Need

Such a powerful story that reimagines the Little Mermaid as told from an African perspective. Filled with African folklore, traditions, Gods, mythical creatures, the slave trade, death, friendship, betrayal, tragedy and fighting for what's right in the face of tough choices. This is a powerful story, well written and narrated, that will transport you to another time and place. Do yourself a favor and get this book!

Representation is Everything

Growing up I never saw myself in books, I had to re-imagine the words to make them fit me and the world I grew up in. But to have a book that from start to finish resembles you and opens you up to a culture stolen from you has been an absolute gift. Thank you.

From the fist few paragraphs I was captured !

As one who is familiar with the Yoruba orishas, I can not begin to tell you how this story co to use to wow me. I found myself wanting to brag about what this writer had done in this wonderful book. This is a classic. I will absolutely be purchasing this again in hardcover for my shelves, to read to my children and my grandchildren. Yes representation does matter. Thank you Natasha for gifting such a wonder work to the world. I cannot wait to read your next novel!!

Beautiful engaging story

Loved learning about African mythology, mermaids, goddesses, gods through this stunning story. Beautifully read and was hooked from the beginning to end.

Wow! The Author's note pulled it all together

Fantasy, Spiritualism, Culture, Ancestry, History, Pure Agony, Happiness, Hope, Horror, Fear. Hate and Love. Romantic Love, Agape Love, Love of ourselves, Love of our people, Love of our planet! This book had me flushed, cringing. crying! Get this book.

Amazing

I am speechless. Representation matters. I've never image a Mermaid story could be so intriguing and captivating. But when you entangle it with African mythology, and stories rich in black history it becomes Phenomenal. Makes you want more stories like this . More stories of our amazing culture.

Representation Matters

A rich and beautiful story that lead to one of my favorite pastimes, research. Thank you!

OMG, WOW!!!!

I can't even put into words how astonishing this book is! From how it was written, to the narration, the story and plot, all 12/10! The eloquence and detail in this book is so captivating! The Authors Notes section of her expressing her views and what she has learned can be heard and felt throughout the story! This has made it into the Top 5 Books, Top 5 Authors, and Top 5 Narration, for me! Give it a listen 🥰!!!!!!

beyond good

I can not describe well enough how powerful this book is. the writers note says it all. a must read!

Read the book

This is a great story, but it’s told in flashbacks. The book doesn’t acknowledge the transitions which makes it difficult to understand. The story is wonderful and the performance is amazing but be aware of the back and forth between the present and past.