Skin of the Sea

Natasha Bowen
FantasyAfrican Speculative Fiction
Cover image for Skin of the Sea series
FantasyAfrican Speculative Fiction

Summary

Within the shimmering depths of an enchanted ocean, a young mermaid named Simidele seeks to uncover her true name and the role she must play in the fragile balance of her world. As her voice awakens forgotten magic and awakens long-buried secrets, she faces internal conflicts of loyalty and love that threaten to drown her resolve. The seductive allure of the surface world beckons, offering glimpses of freedom, yet it also whispers peril and lost heritage. Every rising tide brings new dangers and revelations, forcing her to confront her fears and forge her own path amidst swirling currents of myth and reality.

'Skin of the Sea' stands out as Natasha Bowen’s entrancing foray into fantasy, blending West African mythos with lush storytelling. Celebrated for its vivid worldbuilding and tender protagonistarc, the series has garnered positive attention from critics for its cultural depth and fresh magic systems. While some praise its evocative language and powerful themes of sacrifice and identity, others note that its pacing can be uneven, especially in the slower moments of introspection. Overall, it marks a significant contribution to contemporary fantasy, elevating cultural representation and inspiring new perspectives within the genre.

Main Titles

1
Skin of the Sea
Book cover for Skin of the Sea
In 'Skin of the Sea', the story fragments through the life of Simidele, a mermaid with a secret that could alter the balance of her world. Tasked with guarding sacred secrets of the ocean, she...
In 'Skin of the Sea', the story fragments through the life of Simidele, a mermaid with a secret that could alter the balance of her world. Tasked with guarding sacred secrets of the ocean, she finds herself defending her community from external threats, yet her curiosity and desire for understanding the human world threaten to overturn her duties. As she navigates her dual loyalties, Simidele becomes embroiled in a perilous quest that challenges her perceptions of loyalty and her identity. Her journey becomes a delicate dance between trust and betrayal, as ancient truths about her past and the mystical elements of her realm come to light. Facing formidable foes and unexpected allies, she must discover her inner strength and the true meaning of freedom. The ocean's depths hide fragile alliances and dangerous secrets, pushing her towards a destiny that will reshape her world forever.
2021 Year
9 Publications
Buy on Amazon View Details
2
Soul of the Deep
Book cover for Soul of the Deep
Continuing her journey, Simidele finds herself deeper immersed in the complex tapestry of her world’s mystical history and the interconnected fates of her people and the humans they coexist with....
Continuing her journey, Simidele finds herself deeper immersed in the complex tapestry of her world’s mystical history and the interconnected fates of her people and the humans they coexist with. Her quest to protect sacred knowledge leads her to confront powerful forces that threaten the fragile harmony of her realm. As she uncovers more about her own purpose and heritage, she faces heart-wrenching decisions that test her resolve and her sense of duty. The stakes escalate as ancient prophecies surface, revealing parallel dangers from the depths of the ocean and the surface world. Navigating treacherous waters and political upheaval, Simidele must rally her allies and harness her innate powers to prevent a catastrophe that could wipe out her community and destabilize the balance between worlds. Her resilience and understanding blossom as she embraces her true destiny amid chaos and hope.
2022 Year
7 Publications
Buy on Amazon View Details