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Skin of the Sea

by Natasha Bowen

Book 1 in Of Mermaids and Orisa

Subject
Fantasy - Historical
Age
Teen
Format
Trade Paperback
Pages
336
Publisher
Ember
Size
13.6 cm × 20.8 cm
ISBN
9780593120972
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The must-read Black mermaid fantasy series that #1 NYT bestselling author Nicola Yoon calls “epic and original,” in which one mermaid takes on the gods themselves. Perfect for fans of Children of Blood and Bone and anyone who can't wait for the live-action The Little Mermaid.

“Riveting.” —NPR
“Evocative.” —Entertainment Weekly
“Remarkable.” —Buzzfeed


A way to survive.
A way to serve.
A way to save.

Simi prayed to the gods, once. Now she serves them as Mami Wata—a mermaid—collecting the souls of those who die at sea and blessing their journeys back home.

But when a living boy is thrown overboard, Simi does the unthinkable—she saves his life, going against an ancient decree. And punishment awaits those who dare to defy it.

To protect the other Mami Wata, Simi must journey to the Supreme Creator to make amends. But all is not as it seems. There's the boy she rescued, who knows more than he should. And something is shadowing Simi, something that would rather see her fail. . . .

Danger lurks at every turn, and as Simi draws closer, she must brave vengeful gods, treacherous lands, and legendary creatures. Because if she doesn't, then she risks not only the fate of all Mami Wata, but also the world as she knows it.

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What reviewers said

Instant New York Times Bestseller
NPR Best Book of the Year
PopSugar Best New Book – November 2021
Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
Children’s Africana Book Awards – 2022 Honor Book for Older Readers
Top 10 YALSA Amazing Audiobook for Young Adults
"Bowen has built an impressive mythology to buttress her fairy tale, and it's a pleasure to discover this world through Simi's eyes."
The New York Times
"An evocative debut."
Entertainment Weekly
"Riveting . . . I'm sure that Simi has many ardent fans to await her further adventures."
NPR
“Skin of the Sea is one of the most epic and original fantasies I've read. . . . Simi's story will stay with me for a long time to come.”
Nicola Yoon, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Instructions for Dancing
“The most engrossing, thought-provoking, beautiful novel I’ve read in ages. Skin of the Sea knocks your socks off and leaves you wanting more."
Namina Forna, New York Times bestselling author of The Gilded Ones
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© 2026 Peekabooks Inc. All Rights Reserved.