Tress of the Emerald Sea: A Cosmere Novel

Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson is an absolutly delightful standalone novel in the Cosmere universe. This fairy tale, narrated by Hoid, follows Tress, a young woman from a quiet island who embarks on a daring adventure across a spore-filled sea to rescue her love. The story’s charm lies in its whimsical tone, vibrant world-building, and Tress’s pluck. The setting—a world of deadly spores and pirate ships—is unlike anything in Stormlight or Mistborn, yet feels distinctly Sanderson. Hoid’s witty, fourth-wall-breaking narration had me laughing out loud, while Tress’s growth from timid to clever hero was heartwarming. The supporting cast, like the talking rat Huck, adds quirky fun My only quibble is the pacing slows slightly in the middle, but the clever twists and satisfying end make up for it. This is perfect for Cosmere newcomers or fans wanting a lighter tale. Highly recommend for fantasy lovers who enjoy humor and heart!

I'm shocked to say it, but this is my favorite Sanderson book O_O Couldn't have surprised anyone more than me. It's so well-paced, the characters are so lovable, the magic system is so unusual and evocative and interesting. Incredible movie fodder in the vein of Stardust, I hope this gets a film.

The story is very good, and I didn’t expect a lot of the twists. The narration is very interesting. Frustrating at times due to lengthy asides, but interesting nonetheless. Overall a fun read with a very unique experience.

Tress is an ordinary girl. Literally she's normal, ain't nothing special about this girl. She falls in love with the Duke's son who is a chatty Cathy but she likes him anyways. His name is Charlie by the way. Well, the Duke finds out that they're friends and he isn't happy about that. The Duke decides to take Charlie off the Rock (the island where they live) and try and marry him off. Charlie isn't having any of that and chats all the princesses' ears off until they despise him and he has to go somewhere else to "find" a bride. As Charlie is traveling he sends Tress new cups, because she collects cups. One day the cups stop coming. Tress eventually finds out that the Duke is a jerk and sent his son to the Sorceress and replaced him as heir with his nephew. Tress is broken hearted of course but then decides to do something about it. The rest of the book is her efforts and adventures as she goes to rescue Charlie. Oh man, it sure is an adventure! Also, if you're familiar with any of the Cosmere novels (specifically Stormlight Archive) then you'll recognize that the narrator is Hoid who is a reccurring character in Sanderson's Cosmere books. His narration is downright hilarious and I found myself laughing out loud lots of times. I highlighted many a clever phrase while reading. The Writing - The writing was so witty and clever. I loved how it made me laugh and kept me on my toes. There are many quotable lines which I copied and sent to my spouse so we could laugh together. So original, and so good. Romance - The whole premise is the girl goes to rescue the boy she loves. Romance-wise, it's all simply friendships and growing together other than *SPOILER* a kiss at the end. Overall Theme and Message - Great theme of being strong and brave even when you feel ordinary, and thinking thoroughly before making decisions and the importance of making friends. Recommended Audience - This is a Sanderson novel I would recommend for 14+. A younger child might be able to read it and enjoy it but there is more adult type wit in there that might go over a younger teen's head.

This book was a fun, different take on Brandon’s usual voice. There were lots of little nuggets of wisdom shared with PLENTY quotes that were super recordable. Everything came together amazingly, as usual, this being one of Sanderson’s greatest gifts as a writer. A very fun and different read. Very much recommend.

Echt een aanrader. Sprookje voor volwassenen met veel humor en genoeg diepgang.

Spoilers ahead! Let's start with Tress. What a truly kind and selfless hero. Her arc from naïve girl to commanding woman was a pleasure to read. The magic system was fresh whilst still feeling like a cosmere magic system due to the "push and pull" of the spores and how they react to different metals. Their reactions to perception or connection are a theme that is prevalent throughout the cosmere. We had nods to Mistborn, Storm light archive and warbreaker, but just enough to make fans of the cosmere happy without NEEDING the cosmere to prop this book up. The story was beautiful, like a fairy tale of old. The twist that the sorceress was hiding advanced technology on a preindustrial planet was something I didn't see coming until it was right in my face. Also the fact that Fort now has an advanced technological tablet will surely propel technology leaps and bounds? The twist with Huck, sorry Chuck, sorry Charlie was something I called around a quarter of the way in. I was very satisfied with myself for that. I can't wait for any future entries from Tress and the crew.

Really enjoyed this. I liked the narration and loved the story

Eu amo essa história e fiz questão de ter o original em inglês, o livro está bem bonito, e a qualidade é ok Mas a entrega da amazon foi realmente péssima, na primeira vez eles enviaram vários livros em uma caixa com produto líquido, o produto vazou e estragou dois livros, incluindo Tress, que veio sem nem um plástico em volta, e nenhum papel na caixa enorme, então além de molhado estava amassado. Precisei pedir troca, demorou mais de um mês pra o livro chegar denovo e novamente, veio em uma caixa enorme, sem nenhum plástico e nenhum papel que fosse para o livro não amassar, o descaso da Amazon com o produto foi enorme, o livro veio novamente todo amassado, só não pedi troca novamente por que não valia a pena

This book will be loved by many, with its page turner rhythm and great story, it’s a delight to read. Brandon steps away slightly from his style and brings this fresh, fast pace, action packed, story with lovely characters. Loved it!