SKIN OF THE SEA

309pp., paperback, London, 2021

Also published in the USA in 2021.

Young adult fantasy novel.

After breaking an ancient law, Simi, a Mami Wata, must make a perilous journey to the Supreme Creator to make amends. Mami Watas are mermaids who collect the souls of those who die at sea and bless their journeys home.

"Those who have been riveted by the many new West African-inspired novels of the last few years including Children of Blood and Bone and The Gilded Ones will find this a worthy addition to the genre, and readers new to an African fantasy setting have an excellent introduction here." The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

“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, author of The Gilded Ones
 

Nigerian Welsh writer and teacher Natasha Bowen lives in Cambridge, England, where she grew up. Skin of the Sea is her debut novel.