Member Review

Soul of the deep by Natasha Bowen

Thank you Netgallery UK and Random House for the e-book ARC for an unbiased review.

Melancholy, hurt, anger and sadness that spilt from the opening pages has the book hitting the ground running.

And this is kind of where the book faltered for me, but stick with me here as there are things I loved! That fast pacing went on throughout the book, and if it isn't balanced out with a slower pace at times, it can be as detrimental as a slow paced book that just doesn't pick up. I felt occasionally I just wanted it to slow down a notch so we could all collectively catch our breath.

Simi as a character is great and frustrating in equal measure. Even in the 1st book I just wished they stopped to think about decisions. Too often they were making choices without thought of consequences, particularly to those around her. I also feel that the love interest between her and Kola isn't quite gelling for me. Best friends, absolutely, but I couldn't grasp the love factor. Of course others might well love it.

Having said all that I loved the West African mythology (anyone who knows me, knows I'm a sucker for any mythology, especially in a fantasy setting).
Despite my thought in regards the pacing, there is no doubt the prose used really brings the emotions to the fore particularly for Simi and others around her.
The honouring of the dead I felt was hauntingly beautifully.
Simi despite all that has happened doesn't forget her humanity. And there's a certain beauty about that too.

The cover is gorgeous and does the book justice. 

I do recommend you read Skin of the Sea first if you haven't already. This is a worthy successor to that book.

I'm happy to give this 4/5 stars 🌟