Who Would Like This Book:
This book is a whimsical, clever, and heartwarming adventure set in a uniquely inventive world - imagine The Princess Bride meets Terry Pratchett, but with Brandon Sanderson’s signature storytelling. The narration is witty and self-aware, and the main character, Tress, is a refreshingly down-to-earth and resourceful heroine. The sea of magical spores, eccentric crew, and a talking rat bring delightful surprises. This is a great pick for fantasy fans of all ages, especially those who like fairy-tale vibes, a dash of romance, and Sanderson’s interconnected Cosmere universe. If you love character growth, creative world-building, and stories with both humor and heart, you’ll love this book.
Who May Not Like This Book:
While most readers are charmed, some found the narrative voice a bit too quirky or even distracting at times, especially when humor overshadowed serious moments. If you prefer ultra-serious, gritty high fantasy or dislike metafictional asides from narrators, this one might not click. Others mentioned that Cosmere references can be confusing if you aren’t familiar with Sanderson’s other books, though it’s still enjoyable as a standalone. Readers looking for a high-octane pace might also find the plot meanders a bit in favor of character and theme.
About:
'Tress of the Emerald Sea' by Brandon Sanderson is a beautifully written fantasy novel that takes readers on an enchanting journey through a unique and magical world. The book follows the adventures of Tress and her eclectic companions as they sail through the Emerald Sea, encountering mystery, adventure, and profound insights into the human condition. The writing style in this book is described as fantastic, with prose that is not only well-crafted but also filled with delightful lines and beautiful insights that uplift the reader's mood.
The worldbuilding in 'Tress of the Emerald Sea' is exceptional, showcasing Brandon Sanderson's talent for creating vibrant and colorful worlds that capture the reader's imagination. The illustrations in the book are also praised for their gorgeousness, adding to the immersive experience of peering into the world Sanderson has crafted. The story is narrated by Hoid, lending a light and different perspective that sets it apart from traditional fantasy narratives, making it a captivating and heartwarming read.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
From The Publisher:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson expands his Cosmere universe shared by The Stormlight Archive and Mistborn with a new standalone novel for everyone who loved The Princess Bride.
The only life Tress has known on her island home in an emerald-green ocean has been a simple one, with the simple pleasures of collecting cups brought by sailors from faraway lands and listening to stories told by her friend Charlie. But when his father takes him on a voyage to find a bride and disaster strikes, Tress must stow away on a ship and seek the Sorceress of the deadly Midnight Sea. Amid the spore oceans where pirates abound, can Tress leave her simple life behind and make her own place sailing a sea where a single drop of water can mean instant death?
Note from Brandon:
I started writing this in secret, as a novel just for my wife. She urged me to share it with the world-and alongside three other secret novels, with the support of readers worldwide it grew into the biggest Kickstarter campaign of all time. I'm excited to present this first book to you at last: a different type of Brandon Sanderson story, one I wrote when there were no time constraints, no expectations, and no limits on my imagination. Come be part of the magic.
Ratings (340)
Incredible (107) | |
Loved It (132) | |
Liked It (66) | |
It Was OK (27) | |
Did Not Like (7) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (759):
Read It (356) | |
Currently Reading (16) | |
Want To Read (300) | |
Did Not Finish (13) | |
Not Interested (74) |
15 comment(s)
My fist Brandon Sanderson book and I didn’t really like it despite being a soft spoken girl that literally collects cups just like Tress. 😫 I disliked Hoid’s narration which felt like an odd choice for a new Cosmere reader. The plot felt a little thin with the goal being simply to save a boy who the readers have little connection with. Also I weirdly have a bit of a prejudice against pirate stories.
Almost 5 stars. A little slow in places but an incredibly satisfying ending. Great character development. Great moral messages.
absolute romp. felt like princess bride. love a funny narrator. it’s great
Tress is from a small island in a smaller town that she is never allowed to leave. She also happens to be in love with the Duke’s son, who is now being swept away by his father to go find a bride. Tress eagerly awaits for the Duke’s son to return but the Duke returns without the man Tress loves. He was supposedly sent on a lethal journey to visit the Sorceress in the Midnight Sea. So, Tress sets off on a fantastical dangerous quest with pirates and dragons and sorceress’ and amazing Brandon Sanderson world building to go save her man.
This was so fun to read! If you know anything about the cosmere then by saying that its a story told from Hoid’s perspective should be enough to sell it to you. If that means nothing to you, then maybe don’t read this book until you’ve read other Brandon Sanderson stuff. It isn’t necessary to understand the story but there are tons of references to other cosmere things that will make the story a lot more enjoyable if you understand them.
I absolutely loved this. It was fun and I laughed out loud a ton while reading this. It is witty and fourth wall breaking in all the right ways. No hesitation in giving this the five stars it deserves.
Beautiful book that is truly a gift from Brandon Sanderson to his readers. The journey of the main character is about finding herself and is told in a very funny and very beautiful way. Don't miss out on the illustrations which are each a work of art on their own as well and add a depth to the book that I really appreciated.
Amazing world building and magic systems
Storyline, characters, writing style
3 stars
It was a meh read.
Our main character Tress has never left her home island. Then the man she loves , the duke's son , Charlie is kidnapped by a dangerous sorceress. Now Tress is the only one who is determined to save the dude in distress.
Tress has to go through a dangerous journey across different seas to save Charlie, which in turn makes her friends with a variety of people or creatures. And finally the dude is saved.
This book felt like a lot of preaching to me. I mean kind of a self help book which teaches (preaches) on love, family, finding ones true self, boundaries, etc etc etc. Each and every page has atleast a sentence which refers to some or the other kind of self help. Too long for such a simple plot. And those seas , I just still can't imagine it.
Branden Sanderson can write. This one seems like his musing of COVID lockdown.
Happy Reading!!!
The synopsis wasn't lying when it compared this book to
The Princess Bride.
Tress of the Emerald Sea held much of the same heart, charm, and humor that I've always felt was unique to
The Princess Bride, and it was a pleasant surprise to see it so effortlessly replicated here.
In typical Sanderson fashion, the worldbuilding of this story was remarkably unique and unlike anything I've read before. The spores, the moons they come from, the different effects they have depending on their color — All of it was fascinating and whimsical, aligned with the tone of everything else in this book.
I don't know if the general release included these or just the Dragonsteel hardcover edition, but the illustrations throughout the book enhanced my experience immeasurably and helped me envision the places and characters I was reading about. The artwork of Tress at the very start of the book gave me high hopes for the story, and I'm glad to say it lived up to my expectations. I couldn't rate it a perfect 5-stars because, while I enjoyed the story and believe it delivered upon what it said, it took me longer than expected to finish the book — partly due to my current reading slump, but also, I think, because the story itself didn't feel particularly fast-paced.
Highly recommended for fans of The Princess Bride, Stardust, or light-hearted fantasy in general. I was cracking up the whole time. The world building and characters are top notch.
What can you read after
Tress of the Emerald Sea?
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
