Souls of the Deep by Natasha Bowen ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(Book 2 of Skin of the Sea)
I was so excited to read Souls of the Deep after falling in love with Skin of the Sea. Once again, Bowen’s worldbuilding and mythology are absolutely stunning — Mythology: 1000/10, Worldbuilding: 10000/10. I listened to the audiobook through my library, and it was wonderful. The narrator brought the world to life beautifully.
This sequel picks up with Simi facing the consequences of her actions from the first book, and at first, I was both nervous and excited to see how things would unfold. There’s so much at stake and I appreciate how the story explores the price of choices and the weight of promises. Every Orisa seems to carry multiple burdens, and that theme really stood out to me.
That said, this book didn’t hit me the same way the first one did. I wanted to see more growth from Simi after everything she’s been through. She still rushes into danger without thinking, and by the end, I felt she hadn’t really learned from her mistakes. Like yes follow your heart but think before you jump.
The romance also felt weaker, Love: 2.6/10, don’t come here for romance. You get the same yearning you got in the first book but immediately ends at the end. 2 pages of there about to kiss n when they do she leaves him again. I was hoping for a little more emotional payoff between Simi and Kola after all they’d endured.
I don’t hate this book; I just don’t love it like I love the first one. It tells more than it shows, and the final act lost me a bit. Still, it’s a solid sequel with gorgeous writing and worldbuilding. I’ll treasure both books, but for me, this one is 3.5 stars — beautifully written, but missing that small act of growth.
Souls of the Deep, as the sequel to the acclaimed Skin of the Sea, continues Natasha Bowen’s enchanting dive into rich mythology and immersive worldbuilding that has captivated many readers. The story deepens with the protagonist Simi wrestling with consequences from her past, showcasing the heavy burden carried by every Orisa—a central theme that enriches the narrative’s emotional depth. Fans of mythology and fantasy will appreciate how Bowen weaves African folklore and mermaid legends seamlessly, creating a unique and authentic cultural tapestry. The audiobook narration has also been praised for bringing the beautifully constructed world to life in a vivid and engaging way. While the novel maintains its strengths in storytelling and atmosphere, some readers note a perceived lack of growth in Simi’s character, who often acts impulsively despite previous hardships. This highlights an interesting discussion about character development in sequels and how ongoing challenges test and shape protagonists in complex ways. Romance elements in the book have received mixed reactions, with some feeling the emotional connection between Simi and Kola did not fully mature, yet it complements the story's broader themes of sacrifice and promises. Overall, Souls of the Deep offers a powerful continuation of Skin of the Sea’s narrative, blending compelling mythology with thoughtful reflections on choices and their repercussions. It stands out as a beautifully written fantasy with a strong cultural foundation, recommended for those who cherish immersive mythological worlds and complex, heartfelt storytelling.
