Skin of the Sea

QOTD: Have you ever felt like you have waited your whole life for a book?Thanks to Michelle Nathan at at Penguin Books for my stunning proof copy and to Natasha for being so patient with my excitement for her book! Thanks also to Netgalley for my e-copyThis is the story I have been waiting for since I was a little girl and I watched The Little Mermaid. To see a black mermaid, a mermaid who looked something like me, is a dream come true.Skin of The Sea is a blend of history, myth and fiction. It’s has made me want to learn more about African history, culture and stories.I loved the descriptions of the Orisha’s and the magical creatures and their abilities.There are not enough words for how much I love this book. To become absorbed in the world in a book is fairly normal for me but this book was different. I felt like a child again, first discovering the little mermaid. Only this time she looks something like me.The fluidity of the story was just magical and I felt like there were easy traditions between Simi’s present and past.I loved the parallels drawn in the book between the water and its power and Simi and Yemoja.To see Simi learn to trust those around her to help her on her quest and how she took them into her heart.That ending thoI read this via the stunning physical proof and then again via the audio read by @yetide which just made it that bit more real to meWhether you are a lover of mermaids and black girl magic or not, this is a book you want to dive into

I bought this book based on a recommendation from a book tik-tok video suggesting stories by black authors.It was a good read, the story flowed well and I found myself absorbed from the first chapter.I loved the mixture of traditional fairytale and African mythology. It was so different from the usual retelling of a fairytale.I read the book in two sittings, only able to put it down when I was too tired to focus on the words.I will be giving this one to my kids to read, they’ll love it too!

I read this book in 3 days, I couldn't put it down ! A mix of Black History and beautiful mystical beings along with a gripping storyline with love and honour at it's core. I can't wait for the next one !!

I enjoyed reading something about African mythology. Slow start but by the end I was invested in the characters. I would recommend

I bought this for my daughter-in-law, who is black herself, after I overheard her talking about dressing up as a mermaid and being sad because she thought there were no black mermaids and my heart went out to her.