A stunning, emotionally rich sequel. The stakes seem even higher than before, and I was cheering Simi on all the way. What a gem of a character and book in general. The way Natasha Bowen writes is with immense care and endless possibilities for what could come next. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to review.

First thoughts, oh my word such an effective and beautifully written novel.  The prose is evocative and emotive and l was drawn into the world that Natasha Bowen has created.  It is the second novel in a series and despite the potential drawbacks to a quick immersion into the world, any gaps in my knowledge were filled in deftly.  What we have is Simidele our protagonist. A Mami Wata who at the beginning of the novel is trapped in service to a god of the dead.

Simi is a wonderful protagonist. She is forever trying to do what is right whether that bodes good or ill for her.  Her desire to sacrifice what she wants for the greater good is admirable and causes some angst that anyone can relate to.

I loved the west african mythology threaded through the novel.  I was already aware of Orisas and Mami Wata but this added to my scant knowledge and I felt it evoked strong images and even where the language wasn't familiar, I was still able to relate to characters and root for them.

My favourite character is Esu, mainly for being a trickster and agent of chaos. I do love a good trickster. Kola was everything you wanted for a love interest.  The relationship between Simi and Kola is delicate and nuanced beautifully against their competing interests.

The plot is linear, and some of the twists were signposted quite well.  And losses when they happened felt real and hit my feels as much as they did Simi. The journey Simi travels is both literal and metaphorical and by the end there is much that has been learned, lost and won.

I have gone back to seek out the previous novel Skin of the Sea so that I can fill in any gaps.

This is the second book in this exciting fantasy series. It continues the story of Simi, a mermaid, who in dealing with Orishas has given up everything to save those she loves. Now the world is again endangered she is in the middle of the battle once more. This is a fictional story set within African/black culture and history with a strong female lead. Definitely worth a read. I had read the first book, but this could be read as a stand alone. Thank you to Random House Books and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine.

I loved Skin of the Sea and I adore mermaids so will read anything I can about them. It’s been a year since I read the first book, but it was so easy to pick up this sequel and enter Natasha Bowen’s world.

Simi is trapped at the bottom of the sea in the Land of the Dead in exchange for keeping her family and friends safe. She is separated from everyone apart from Olukun, who promised to return Esu, the trickster god, to Olodumare. However, after a visit from her friend, Folasade, Simi quickly realises that Esu is still trapped in the sea. This has caused a ripple effect as Esu’s job is to control the ajogun, anti-god warlords who would destroy their world. Simi takes it upon herself to find and free Esu, and help him control the ajogun to prevent this from happening.

‘There is no ‘you’ in this. There is only us. All of us. And we will do this together, bear the burden together.’

On this journey, she is reunited with Kola, who over the last few months has made some changes with his life and is now in charge of his father’s army. There was a lot of will-they-won’t-they between these two characters and the ending only half satisfied me! The moments we got were full of angst and I felt like I needed more from these two.

‘We are bound now, no matter what. And I will always find you.’

Similar to the first book, I loved the West African mythology and would love to read more books with this (so please send recs my way!), the culture was so interesting and I loved learning more about the orisa’s. The pacing felt very quick and I was a little overwhelmed at times as I didn’t always feel like I knew what was happening, but once I actually thought about it, my brain quickly caught up! I really enjoyed this sequel and feel like the ending is slightly open-ended so there could be another instalment!

An ingenious tale ofmyths, war and epic love.

Soul of the Deep continues the story of Simi the brave and noble heroine of Skin of the Sea. Having sacrificed everything to save those she loves Simi is now serving a new God chained to the depths of the ocean.

When a threat emerges she breaks her vow and returns to the land beyond the waves, fighting again to save the world.

Demons invade the human realm, old loyalties are challenged and loves reignited.

Steeped in the myths and legends of West Africa Natasha Bowen once again creates a mesmerising multilayered world inhabited by exciting and likeable characters.

Simi is conflicted, caught between love, the Gods and duty. She is a strong and kickass female MC, who is also vulnerable and seeks her own path.

I loved learning more about the magical creatures including the Mokelle mbemeb a sort of African Loch Ness Monster and the depiction of the Gods themselves.

Blending fifteenth century West Africa with fantasy and myth, this is an exciting adventure with emotional depth and a fitting follow up to the exquisite Skin of the Sea.

I adored the first novel in this fantasy series and was really excited to dive (sorry) back into the world of the mami wata and continue Simi's tale.

She has sacrificed a life on land and the chance to be with Kola in order to help Olukun bury those who lie at the bottom of the sea. Simi pines for her family and especially for Kola. When Simi realises she's made a mistake with her decision, she's forced to return to land and try to defeat more monsters and creatures.

We return to most of the characters we met in the first novel. I liked the relationship between Simi and Folasade and if there's a third book, I'd really love for Bowen to explore the sisterhood of the mami wata a bit more.

My favourite aspect of these novels is how rich they are in African mythology. I just love learning about the new myths and creatures, legends I never knew existed.

I would say this follow up wasn't as good as the first, but I'm hoping for a final book as I feel there are still some loose ends to tie up.

Thank you so much to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with an arc in return for an honest review.

As always I want to start by saying that I was given a copy of this to review. My review is honest and left voluntarily and avoids spoilers. #PenguinRandomHouse #PenguinRandomHouseChildrensUK #SoulOfTheDeep #NatashaBowen #Netgalley

Soul of the Sea is the follow on to the popular Skin of the Sea both deal with difficult themes such as enslavement, violence and death that were prevalent in the fifteen-century. I have to say I have loved both books and how they have given me insight into West African Mythology. Natasha Bowden holds no punches with bringing to life that devastating time in history melding fact and fiction to create another unforgettable tale.

Simi sacrificed everything to keep those safe – her freedom, her life as mami wata, and the boy she loves. Now she serves a new god, watching over the Land of the Dead at the bottom of the ocean. Only the tide of change is coming and when Simi discovers demons have entered the human realm bent on distraction she must break her vow and return the world above the water. The fate of the world rest in her hands.

Bowden brings us back to the violent and beautiful world she had brought to life in Skin of the Sea. The writing style flows beautifully and keeps you hooked. I could hardly put it down. On occasions Simi was a little frustrating with the choices she made but at the same time this made me feel she was more human and actually made me like her more because she was not infallible.

If you enjoyed the first instalment you are bound to love this second thought-provoking and beautiful novel. Just as the first novel stayed with me so will this one with the continuation of Simi’s engrossing story

Thank you Penguin Random House, Childrens U.K. and NetGalley for the arc of Soul of the Deep by Natasha Bowen in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

I really enjoyed revisiting the world-building in Soul of the Deep and Bowen’s writing, which continued the story of Skin of the Sea. The story continued the pace, and action of the first and pulled me into its watery world.

Once again Bowen relates more about West African mythology and the pairing with the world Simi lives in, I do love a mermaid tale.

If you love mermaids, West African mythology and great world building, then definitely pick up this duology.

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin for the e-ARC these are my honest reviews and opinions.

What can I say I was blown away once again by this amazing story. Skin of the Sea had me captivated, Soul of the Deep had me mesmerized and compelled I could stop reading.
This rich but brutal world was wonderful to read it was a beautiful and soul cleaving experience that was worth every moment, these books should be an instant classic.
The infused West African mythology was amazing and added a even intricate layers to the story and world,.
Simidele (Simi) was a good protagonist she was strong, beautiful, intelligent and determine. I felt for her and kept me intrigued and wanting to read more.
Nautical theme stories are not normally the books I read but see the beautiful cover from the first book and the story being out a black mermaid with West African mythology had me hooked before I even read the first page.
This sequel didn't disappoint it was a truly unique and epic story, that had me hungry for more; Natasha Bowen is a force of nature I can't wait to read her next book.
My Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Instant classic, epic storytelling, breathtaking world.
#Netgalley #SouloftheDeep #NatashaBowen

This spellbinding sequel to Skin of the sea was incredible, whilst I didn’t feel it quite match up to its predecessor I genuinely couldn’t put it down.

I grew up with “the little mermaid” in all of its incarnations and this mythology steeped duology (I mean who isn’t hoping for one more book though) was absolutely breathtaking,
The character developments, the heartache, I can’t put across the feelings I was experiencing with simi on her action packed journey.

Highs and lows but all in all;

Honestly incredible!

Thank-you NetGalley for this ARC!

Soul of the Deep

Amazon Review

One life. One choice. One sacrifice.

To save those closest to her, Simi sacrificed everything - her freedom, her life as mami wata, and the boy she loves.

Now she serves a new god, watching over the Land of the Dead at the bottom of the ocean. But the tide of change is coming and when Simi discovers demons have entered the human realm bent on destruction, she must break her vow and return to the world above the water.

The fate of the world lies in her hands.

My Review

Thank you to Net-galley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Wow what a beautiful cover!! This is the 2nd book of the series and it docent let you down.

I love the mythology in this book, the world building is beautifully descriptive and the plot fast paced and immersive. I really enjoyed reading this book.

This is a well deserved 4 stars

This is the second instalment in the Skin of the Sea series.

Simidele was once saved by the sea, but now she is imprisoned in it. She traded her heart and her freedom for the safety of others and now must spend her days on the sea bed, preparing the dead for their next journey. But when old enemies resurface, she must find a way to free herself from her present prison or the entire kingdom above will fall to the waves, along with her.

Simidele, as one of the Mami Wata, presented the perspective of both the human and the fantastical other. She felt everything so keenly and it made her insights imbued with high emotion at all times. She found as much to appreciate in sunlight as she did in the world beneath the waves, but found elements to mourn in both too. There was always wonders to experience but loss to feel, which made this book one full of as much awe and beauty as it was grief and pain.

I adored how steeped in mythology this was. Creatures appeared, abilities were uncovered, and battles were fought consistently, making this a fast-paced read. It almost veered on the edge of becoming a little confusing on times, so regularly were these new elements introduced, but the author ensured her reader did not stumble as she took the time to deliver proper introductions even as action was allowed to dominate.

I adored the conclusion to this story, which saw a hoped-for resolution come to fruition but also the appearance of something other I did not anticipate. It ensured closure for this narrative but also hope to be conjured for a continuation in Simidele's story.

3.5 stars. Just found myself dragging a little through this at times. I enjoyed meeting the characters again but they just felt a little more muted than before. Still enjoyable though and loved finding out more about the African myths and legends

First, I wanted to thank Netgalley, the publishing house and most importantly Natasha Bowen for granting the privilege of reading advance copy of Soul Deep. I will always only give my honest opinion.

I read Skin of The Sea last month and knew I needed the follow up book. It took me a little while to read it as life happens and slows us down. I'll start with what I liked.
1. No profanity and excessive sex scenes, as a matter of fact there were no sex scenes period and in a world where everything and everyone no matter the age are engrossed in sexual activities this was welcomed with immense joy.
2. As a black Caribbean woman I admit I do not know much about the history or Africa where it pertains to there spirituality. While I have no idea if all of these are or once we're beliefs of the African people I quite liked learning of them.
3. The foods (plantains 😋). That's all on that lol.
4. The story was female driven.
5. Simidele is always do what she believes is right for all and not just the few. This shows a strength in her that I wish we all had at her age and even now that we're older and wiser.

Now for the parts that I didn't necessarily dislike but I felt were left somewhat unanswered or enough wasn't shared about.
1. I understand that Simidele is young and because of this while she make decisions she believes is best for the situation at hand she hasn't learned mich from the first book. Every experience we encounter I'm life teaches us something. Whether it is about our selves or those around us, we are meant to learn and grow. In this I find Simidele lacking to the point where she almost, almost annoyed me. She ignores blatant warnings in her gut and this causes further damage at times. Simidele must at some point understand that your gut/intuition or mind are very strong and the more we listen to it and heed it, the stronger it gets. It alerts us to danger and that keeps us alive. Yet time and again, Simidele gets these warnings and chooses to 'ignore them or push them aside'.
2. She has a big heart and because of this she doesn't see what's right in front of her, this goes back to #1.
3. At times I felt as if this series could have more magic similar to bolts shooting out of someone's hands etc but then it'll make it like so many other stories. However, if the Mami Wata are made of the Orisha Yemoja wouldn't it stand to reason that she can feel them sense them? Simidele can mentally command the fishes around her but can't communicate with her creator?
4. The orishas appearances can and do differ but still seems inconsistent to me. Sanjon is presented in such a way that you picture him tall and powerful but Esu and Yemobja seem almost human size? These are powerful beings, that not being represented in their appearance seems like and oversight to me.
5. I'd have loved more of a back story on all the main characters involved. We got glimpses of Simidele capture but not of Adekola's. We got a snippet of who Yinka truly is but not Bem. Even Yemobja and Esu have pasts and hope one day that we can see those a bit more.
6. I need more of what Oko looks like. Maybe I missed it but I don't think I did.
7. Someone from Simidele pasts is now in her present and you a side of her that I enjoyed. The reminiscing. However, she knows what Simi is and it felt disjointed from the history of Simi's making. In book one we see where she was hesitant to show her true form to the others but now her business is just on the street to this person from her past and told by Kola? He didn't even want to say what his brother and sister are in book one but found it acceptable to share this about Simi?


My dislikes may out number the likes but this is not to be used as a deterrent for reading this book. In fact it I'd encourage all to still read it because this story is at its core lure of heart and stands on strength. It maybe wishful thinking on my part but I see this as a nod to the generation after that they be aware of the strength they have within them and knowing that our world would be left in good hands.. I give this a solid 3.9

This was not my type of book. It had too much fantasy for that, but that is my problem, not the books. This remains a well told story and creates a vibrant, dramatic environment. It takes great imagination to do that, and the book evidences that from the first page to the last. I really like the values of the main hero, a mermaid with a self sacrificial sense of duty who is compelled by her very nature to help others. This alone made the book worth a read.

It’s been six months since Mami Wata Simidele joined Yoruba orisa Olokun at the bottom of the sea, serving him in exchange for his help in capturing Esu and returning him to Olodumare. When she is visited by a fellow Mami Wata, she learns that Esu is not just the messenger to Olodumare, he is also responsible for the keeping the demonic ajogun locked away from the world of man. But the ajogun are breaking through, and it looks like her deal with Olokun is to blame. Can Simi find Esu in time to help him stop the demon warlords?

With Soul of the Deep, Bowen has woven another accomplished tale, seamlessly melding fiction, African history and Yoruba mythology. While it’s not quite up to the standard of Skin of the Sea, it’s still a fantastic book, and has left me wanting a third instalment, not just to continue to Simi’s story, but to better explore other characters, especially Yinka.

I received a free reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Many thanks to Penguin Random House Children’s UK and Natasha Bowen for the advanced copy of Soul of the Deep via NetGalley, in return for my honest and unbiased review. Quick note: I don’t recap plots in my reviews, as it’s easy enough to read the book’s synopsis and blurbs, I purely focus on my feelings & opinions of how the books makes me feel.

Soul of the Deep is the sequel to Skin of the Sea. I had not realised this upon beginning the book and found it difficult to get into the story and would say it’s difficult to read as a stand-alone. I ended up getting Skin of the Sea from the library, reading it, and then picking up Soul of the Deep again at 25% in and it finally made sense.

Unlike the previous book, the author was more adept at weaving the folk tales and histories into a compelling narrative in this sequel. In the previous book, the information felt a bit ‘crammed in’ and forced, but it flowed more naturally into a cohesive narrative in this story.

Although the story was interesting, it still lacked something for me. I prefer character development over plot in my reading, and this book is definitely much more plot-driven than character-driven. There is very little character development. Although there is talk of feelings and love between different characters, everything feels very shallow, and although there are many memory scenes played out, even these feel opaque and lack depth of feeling.

For plot and research, this book is rich and well-thought-out. For character-development and emotion, however, it is lacking and flat.

Moods: adventurous, dark, mysterious, sad
Tropes: forbidden love
Pace: fast
Character development: weak
Plot or character driven: plot
Diversity: high
Spice: 0/5
Trigger warnings: Animal death, Death, Slavery, Violence, War
Rating 4/5

I read the first one earlier this year and I had to get the second one after the ending of the first one. And while I have some issues with the first one in terms of pace, this one didn't have any of the problems that I had and I enjoyed it so much more.
I still love Simi so much and while she made some choices that I didn't fully get, I was rooting for her the entire time.
However, I did wish there were more scenes with Kola and Simi by themselves

Id been waiting for this book for a while because the first book just left me needing to know what happened next.
We continue to explore mythology and see what decisions will be made, and if they will stick!
I think that theres some parts from the first book that at the time felt important and now feel irrelevant which will benefit those who dont do a reread before the a new book in the series.

I did not realise that this book was, in fact, a sequel until much later in the book. As an effect of this, I was confused as to what was going on for the first few chapters. The book itself is very promising though, and I will definitely be giving it a read soon. The book is a fantasy novel set at the bottom of the sea, which is based on African history. I think this book was a little slow to start with, but was definitely enjoyable and will be a re-read once I've read the first one.

Reviewed by my 13 year old daughter