We need so many things to survive; food, oxygen, and sleep, to list a few. Tress of the Emerald Sea, a secret stand-alone novel by Brandon Sanderson, explores a world where one such thing is dangerous. In Tress’s world, water is deadly. One drop on the seas filled with spores can mean instant death. Tress was the first book released out Sanderson’s Secret Projects. In a YouTube video, he admitted that he had done the most shameful thing possible during the COVID-19 quarantine; he wrote four novels. I, too, have something I am ashamed to admit…
I read all 365 pages of Tress of the Emerald Sea in one night.
I know. Whoops!
Filled with action, love, and wit, this book drew me in quickly. The language is fluid and filled with metaphors and descriptions that truly immerse the reader without overwhelming them. The story talks about the simple truths of life; comradery, hope, and bravery. The characters are vivid and realistic, and I made connections with each and every one of them (even the villain).
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?
There are many words that can be used to describe Tress of the Emerald Sea. Adventurous, surprising, cozy… the list goes on. The word that most encompasses this story for me is amazing. Every page had me interested, and I found myself quickly disagreeing with Brandon Sanderson’s choice to make this a stand-alone novel.
Poisoned Apples
The violence is light, with the occasional fight, but as a whole the book focuses on the adventures of Tress and her journey across the spores. The profanity is L2.
Treasure Maps
The most notable thing about this book is the worldbuilding. It’s simply incredible. Not only are the concepts fresh and different from typical fantasy settings, but they are so well-described that the reader can truly place themselves in the world of Tress. The characters, especially Tress, shows growth throughout the story. Despite the serious nature of all lot of the scenes, there is plenty of humor as well. The world allows for this, as do the characters. Hoid is a great example (when is he not?). I also appreciated the unpredictability of the entire novel. Every chapter had a new twist or turn that kept me on my toes. I loved how Sanderson drew his entire Cosmere into this world that is so different from his other books.
Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust
Tress tells a great story about growth. Tress begins the story as a timid, complacent girl. She ends the story as a confident young woman. Tress also discusses a deep question: how much would you sacrifice to save the one you love? God sacrificed His only son so that we could be saved (John 3:16). Tress faces this difficult question during her quest to rescue Charlie. How much is she willing to sacrifice?
The Frog Prince
I read Tress of the Emerald Sea in one night. Were my eyelids heavy? Yes. Were my fingers cramping from turning the pages so much? Also, yes. Was it worth it? Entirely. This book has everything I love in a good fantasy novel. Five out of five stars! I You can purchase Tress of the Emerald Sea here.
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