Reviews with content warning for Alcohol - Trenza del mar Esmeralda

Immaculately charming, even if its particular brand of whimsy and the overly quirky humor of the narrator didn’t always work for me. It starts off so well and gives you such a strong sense of tone, place, and character that I was instantly all in. Which is good, considering there’s a decent length of time in the middle that really doesn’t go anywhere, struggling to find the momentum in its plot. It doesn’t help that the stakes are often too loose to have much bite, especially with the “antagonists,” who are as one-note as they come.

And yet…I still had the loveliest time reading this. I might’ve been expecting something that wowed me a little more, but hey, I’m very happy to have spent the last two weeks reading this. It was like drinking a warm cup of tea in bed—in your favorite mug, obviously—while listening to someone tell you a story they’re making up as they go. It’s not exactly an exhilarating, or even all that memorable story, but it has such consistently enjoyable vibes, creative worldbuilding, and a rewarding character arc for our protagonist that I was more than content to sit back and let the book do its thing.

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purplepenning's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

I haven't read any other books but Brandon Sanderson yet, so this was an unforeseen delight! The kind of book that the whole family can enjoy — whether they're familiar with the Cosmere or not. And the audiobook is excellent, so load it up for your next family road trip!

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kylieqrada's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I am so happy to have something new from BSands to read!! Tress is a lovely adult fairy tale that turns the damsel in distress trope on its head. It's also narrated by Hoid, everyone's favorite friendly neighborhood immortal!! I loved Hoid's narrative voice and just being back in the Cosmere. I can really see looking back on Sanderon's canon how far he's come in regards to inclusivity and I live for that.

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tinyelfarcanist's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

An outstanding start for The Year of Sanderson.

Tress is one of the most sensible heroines you'll find in YA. She seeks help, talks openly with her parents, and admits when she's scared. She also goes on a suicidal mission for the man she loves, but that's love for you.

This book features beautiful relationships (romantic or otherwise), tons of adventure, and FEELINGS. Even deaths that should have been insubstantial pack a punch. Also, as expected from Sanderson's fantasy novels, a fascinating and innovative magic system. You may need to have read other of his books (The Way of Kings, Elantris) to appreciate it fully.

I LOVED the fairytale vibes. It's no coincidence that it was inspired by one of my favourite books of all time: The Princess Bride. This book has some of the most beautiful prose I've ever read. It's funny, it's witty, and full of insightful lessons. I kept highlighting passage after passage. I hope Sanderson keeps exploring this narrator.

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