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.

While the rest of us were gaining weight and getting depressed during the Covid-19 lockdown, Brandon Sanderson was doing what he does best: churning out books. And the first of these four surprise books is “Tress of the Emerald Sea,” a Cosmere novel that mingles quirky fairy-tale quests for a true love with the rough’n’tumble life of a pirate. Sanderson gives us a extraordinarily ordinary heroine who stumbles and triumphs on her quest, along with a talking rat, seas of colorful spores, and the occasional zombie doctor. Tress is a seemingly ordinary girl on a small rocky island in the green spore sea – she collects teacups, washes windows, loves her family, and regularly meets with the local duke’s son, Charlie. When the duke realizes that his son is in love with a window-washing girl, he whisks the boy off the island to marry a princess. When the duke returns, he’s got a brand new heir with a new wife – and Charlie is nowhere to be seen. He’s been sent off to the realm of the Sorceress in the Midnight Sea, which means he’s effectively doomed. But Tress is determined to get him back, so she smuggles herself off the island… and finds herself the prisoner first of smugglers, and then a crew of pirates ruled by the bloodthirsty Captain Crow. She also acquires a talking rat friend, Huck, who becomes her best friend and ally, especially since he knows some things about the Sorceress. Though the situation isn’t ideal, Tress believes the ship can get her to the Sorceress, and manages to work her way into the crew. But her plans are complicated when she becomes friends with several of the pirates, and learns some disturbing facts about Crow. How can a simple window-washer girl defeat a pirate captain, sail the deadly Crimson and Midnight Seas, escape a dragon and defeat the terrible Sorceress – all while learning the true nature of spores and aethers? “Tress of the Emerald Sea” is one parts fairy tale, one part pirate adventure, and one part Cosmere story (especially since the narrator is none other than Hoid, who plays a pivotal role). And the world Sanderson conjures is a fascinating one, where twelve moons produce a steady downfall of spores that form whole seas that wooden ships can sail on. But, much like a mogwai, never expose them to water, or very bad things happen. Since Hoid is the one telling the tale, the entire story unfolds in a quirky, laid-back narrative style, reminiscent of William Goldman or a more modern fairy tale. It’s arch, snarky and very omniscient third-person (Tress’s hair is once described as an “eldritch horror” bent on “disintegrating reality, seeking the lives of virgins, and demanding a sacrifice of a hundred bottles of expensive conditioner”). The only major flaw, ironically, is that self-same snarky tone – it sometimes becomes kind of overbearing, especially during the more serious parts of the story, and sometimes it feels like Hoid is hijacking the story. It also has Sanderson’s exceptional world-building, especially in the idea of the spores, which will immediately erupt into SOMETHING – air, vines, crystals – upon contact with water. And while Sanderson weaves in elements of the Cosmere, creating a more science-fiction-y world, there are elements of magic included in it, such as Huck. No, I will not explain what is up with the rat, only that not all is as it seems… as you’d expect with a talking rat. Tress herself is an exceptional heroine – smart, resourceful, determined, good-hearted and practical, with a nimble brain and a love for collectible cups. Her relationship with Huck is very wholesome and sometimes heartwrenching, as are her friendships with other members of the crew – a seemingly-zombie doctor, an assistant cannonmaster who never successfully hits anything, a cheery deaf man with a writing board, and the deadly, nihilistic Captain Crow. There are also Dougs, but we don’t care about them. “Tress of the Emerald Sea” is a charming, well-paced story that is a little too suffused in Hoid for its own good. For those seeking a rollicking pirate adventure with some wild fantastical twists, this is a must-read.

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.

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!