Soul of the Deep

Soul of the Deep continues the story from Skin of the Sea, following Simi, a Mami Wata (mermaid) who defied ancient laws to save a human life. She now faces consequences that ripple through the mortal and spiritual realms while battling dark forces that threaten both land and sea. The narrative draws from West African mythology and folklore, particularly Yoruba traditions and deities. Simi must navigate complex alliances between gods, humans, and mythical creatures as she fights to protect her people and the waters she calls home. Gods and monsters clash in this tale of duty versus desire, as Simi questions her role as both protector and potential destroyer. The story incorporates themes of sacrifice, identity, and the price of challenging ancient traditions. This YA fantasy explores colonialism's impact on West African communities while examining broader questions about faith, belonging, and the courage to forge one's own path. The novel builds on established mythological foundations to create conversations about power, choice, and responsibility.

Readers found this sequel slower-paced than Skin of the Sea, with less action and more focus on internal character development. Many readers connected with Simi's emotional journey and personal growth, though some felt the romance subplot took precedence over the main storyline. Liked: - West African mythology and folklore integration - Vivid ocean world descriptions - Representation of Black mermaids - Character relationships and dynamics Disliked: - Pacing issues in first half - Less action than book one - Romance overshadowing plot - Some repetitive internal monologues Several readers noted the ending felt rushed compared to the detailed setup. One reader said "the world-building remains rich but the story loses momentum in stretches." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (150+ ratings) StoryGraph: 3.75/5 (400+ ratings) Target audience consensus: Best for readers who prioritize character development over action.

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi Nigerian mythology forms the foundation of this tale about a teen girl fighting to restore magic to her people while navigating dangerous waters of power and prejudice.

A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow Two Black teen sisters, one a siren, face mythological threats and social injustice in a contemporary Portland setting that blends fantasy with real-world issues.

Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen This prequel to Soul of the Deep follows a Mami Wata's journey through West African waters as she defies the gods to save a human boy.

The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna In a West African-inspired world, a girl discovers her golden blood marks her as a demon and joins a secret army of near-immortal women warriors.

Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko West African folklore weaves through this story of a girl chosen to protect the crown prince while wrestling with her mother's deadly mission.

🌊 The book is a sequel to "Skin of the Sea," which reimagines The Little Mermaid through West African mythology and the history of the Atlantic slave trade. 🏺 Author Natasha Bowen extensively researched Yoruba mythology and West African folklore, particularly focusing on Mami Wata spirits - water deities revered across much of Africa. ⚓ The story incorporates historical elements of the transatlantic slave trade, including the role of women warriors like the Mino of Dahomey (modern-day Benin). 🐚 The main character, Simi, is based on the Yoruba deity Yemoja/Yemaya, who is considered the mother of all waters and is still worshipped today in various forms across Africa and the Americas. 📚 The book was published by Random House Books for Young Readers in September 2022 and continues to raise awareness about West African culture and history among young adult readers.