Soul of the Deep

Skin of the Sea, Book 2

By: Natasha Bowen

Narrated by: Yedite Badaki

Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

The stunning sequel to New York Times bestseller Skin of the Sea, in which the world must pay the price for one mermaid’s choice, and a dark force reverberates across realms. Perfect for anyone eagerly anticipating the live-action The Little Mermaid.

One life.

One choice.

One sacrifice.

To save those closest to her, Simi traded away everything: her freedom, her family, and the boy she loves. Now she is sworn to serve a new god, watching over the Land of the Dead at the bottom of the ocean.

But when signs of demons begin to appear, it’s clear there are deeper consequences of Simi’s trade. These demons spell the world’s ruin . . . and because of Simi, they now have a way into the human realm.

With the fate of the world at stake, Simi must break her promise and team up with a scheming trickster of a god. And if they succeed, perhaps Simi can also unbreak her heart along the way, and find herself again.

"Epic and original . . . Simi's story will stay with me for a long time.”—Nicola Yoon, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Instructions for Dancing

©2022 Natasha Bowen (P)2022 Listening Library

Critic reviews

YALSA Amazing Audiobook for Young Adults

Bustle Most Anticipated Book–September 2022

★ "A deeply satisfying dive into magic and mystery."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Readers will be pleased that this sequel is just as adventurous as the previous volume, rife with drama and West African mythology, from the epic scale of the setting to the clashes with terrifying beasts to the interference of scheming orisa."—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Bowen’s lush fantasy is steeped in West African mythos, and this installment expands upon the worldbuilding with new villains and deeper characterizations . . . Interesting and inventive, this installment is worth purchasing for libraries that own the series opener."—SLJ

I love these books

I can't say enough how much I love both of these books, and the narrator is incredible. There's one plot point that confuses me a little, but without spoiling it I can't say more (: I hope there will be a third book, and maybe my question will be answered there!

Love this series

A captivating listen and compelling story. The narrator’s performance is wonderful. The author’s knowledge of the content and intertwining orishas and colonization and mermaid lore makes for a fascinating read.

Beautiful African Story

I loved how vibrant the story was, capturing the African culture and setting the tone of history and fiction.

awesome story

I hope this becomes a movie. For me this is so important, as a descendant of those taken from West Africa and enslaved in America to hear a story infused with African mythology. Something that was lost as a consequence of the trans-atlantic slave trade.
the narration is the best that I have heard on audible for the last almost decade. Author writes with such vivid imagery. I can't wait to read another novel by her.

Masterful Storytelling

This book series should be a movie!!! Masterful storytelling that brings to life a time and place many would rather forget. Instead of mulling over the tragedy and destruction of the transatlantic slave trade the author uses those events as a backdrop to spin an unforgettable tale of love, power struggles and how one woman discovers her true identity.
I think it’s a must read!!! Entertaining, enlightening and engaging.
The lady that read the book mesmerizes the listener with her warm, dulcet tones that are as rich and varied and the characters in the book and the storyline.

Excellent Story

My heart and soul are elated by listening to this story. The history, spiritualism, and magic are stimulating and intriguing. I wish to purchase the hardcover for my grandchildren to read. Loved the books and will look for other things from this author.

Well written

I enjoyed this story from beginning to end! The performance by Yedite Badaki was amazing.

loving the conclusion to this story

the book has its slower moments but I love how this story concludes and how there is still love (in a variety of ways) raised to the front despite a lot of hardship & pain.

Great Storytelling!

I throughly enjoyed this sequel, it did not disappoint. The vivid descriptions had me there witnessing the story. I love the history, fantasy and adventure!

Fantastic!!!

Loved it so much. Narration was outstanding. l want more from the author. Thanks