Skin of the Sea

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, Simi must find a way to meet the Supreme Creator before the consequences rain upon her and her kind. But fighting against gods isn’t always an easy job.

The book is inspired by West African mythology and I’m honestly shocked that this is a debut novel because it blew me away. The writing is amazing, with the description allowing the book to become a film in my head. I love books based off mythology and loved to hear about the different gods and their roles. I think the author mixed culture, mythology, fiction and facts really well together and never once did I think this was a story that couldn’t have happened. It was just so real, from the characters to the plot, which helped me connect emotionally with the story.

I don’t actually think there was anything that I disliked about the book. The story just flowed really well and I had my heart in my throat at times, especially the end. I think the ending might be a bit marmite for some people because it does leave a sort of open ending. As in there could be another book, but the ending would also suit as a stand-alone.

Honestly, this book was just incredible and if you love The Little Mermaid, you’ll love this book! I generally will be heartbroken if this doesn’t get turned into a film, because people need to hear this story. The author is amazingly talented and I cannot wait to see what her next book brings.

Thank you so much to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a chance to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.