A review by nadiamasood
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

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

5.0

I just finished listening to the Graphic Audio version and found the story highly entertaining! It's a fast-paced YA cozy fantasy with whimsical characters and fairytale-adventure tropes.

One thing that stood out was the humor, especially in the analogies—Sanderson nailed the comedic tone. Our main character, Tress, is just an ordinary girl from an ordinary island with no magical powers or wild ambitions. She didn’t even want an adventure; all she wants is to rescue the man she loves and return to their peaceful life.

Most of the story takes place on a pirate ship. There's hardly any romance, which worked for me anyway. However, the character growth of Tress is well-written. 

I love that Tress’s story is narrated by such an eccentric storyteller—it brings so much personality to the tale! Tress’s character development is well-written; however, the rest of the characters felt a bit flat to me. A few years down the line, the only ones I think I’ll still remember are Tress and the rat. Oh, and speaking of which… I definitely saw that twist coming!

Though the stakes feel low, Sanderson’s worldbuilding is top-notch. The seas are made of spores rather than water—dangerous materials that can grow into lethal vines with a mere drop of water. This adds a sense of wonder and danger to an otherwise cozy story.

If you enjoy fairy-tale-inspired adventures with a unique twist or want to explore Sanderson’s work without diving into one of his larger epics, Tress of the Emerald Sea is the perfect pick. It’s a delightful standalone that’s also an excellent entry into the Cosmere universe for newcomers.