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A review by madmadmaddymad
Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I feel a little conflicted about this one.
The first 100 pages are really compelling and had me hooked. But the middle act sort of feels like running into a brick wall. I’m not sure if it’s a structure issue or a pacing issue, or if it’s just my own inexperience with African mythology and folklore, but I had trouble keeping my momentum, and very nearly lost interest.
The last 50 pages are phenomenal, though. I enjoyed the high stakes and the entire final act. I had been wondering what Simi would do about her growing feelings for Kola, and it’s very bittersweet how things were left, but such is the life of a mermaid.
The first 100 pages are really compelling and had me hooked. But the middle act sort of feels like running into a brick wall. I’m not sure if it’s a structure issue or a pacing issue, or if it’s just my own inexperience with African mythology and folklore, but I had trouble keeping my momentum, and very nearly lost interest.
The last 50 pages are phenomenal, though. I enjoyed the high stakes and the entire final act. I had been wondering what Simi would do about her growing feelings for Kola, and it’s very bittersweet how things were left, but such is the life of a mermaid.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Violence, and Trafficking
Moderate: Death, Gore, and Blood