Tress of the Emerald Sea (#1)
#1 New York Times Bestselling author Brandon Sanderson brings us deeper into the Cosmere universe with a rollicking, riveting tale that will appeal to fans of The Princess Bride.
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?
Reviews
"Engrossing worldbuilding, appealing characters, and a sense of humor make this a winning entry in the Sanderson canon."
"Sanderson’s storytelling rhythm makes this a fun excursion into an ancillary world of the Cosmere, where a world-building whim—in this case, seas made of spores rather than water—grows into a full fledged adventure.... An original fairy tale that will delight fans of William Goldman's The Princess Bride and Neil Gaiman's Stardust"
"It has all the hallmarks of Sanderson’s works nicely summed up in a standalone novel; a compelling main character, an action-packed plot, an absolutely fascinating and unique setting for a fantasy world, an avalanche of a climax, and dialogue that’s both fun and realistic."
"Whether aesthetically or narrative-wise, Tress of the Emerald Sea provided a whimsical and wonderful reading experience. It is a refreshing addition to the Cosmere universe."
"Tress of the Emerald Sea is a tale to be devoured by all readers who relish cosy, heartfelt and hopeful stories. It is a tale that brought me immense joy and I’m grateful to Sanderson for sharing it with the world."
"Sanderson’s first secret project is a Cosmere novel full of charm and adventure."
"As he has proven time and again, Sanderson excels at delivering a novel with punchy pacing, witty humor, vibrant characters, and fascinating magic systems."
"No matter who you are, there is much to appreciate about this lighthearted novel full of hope, love, courage, and adventure. Tress is a fantastic heroine whose determination is a good reminder of the boundless potential inside all of us."
"For a bleak story, Sanderson wrote this as an idealistic nurturing of character that became a joy to read. Tress was a brilliant addition to the Cosmere and I hope to see more of her in the future."
"This is a fantastical world in which determination and kindness can turn dreams into reality. It has dangerous spores, talking rats, and even a dragon under the sea. What more could you ask for?"
"The story was full of action and heart. I felt like it had a bit of Pirates of the Caribbean vibes with a Cosmere twist."
"Tress is a book that will appeal to many fantasy readers. It is a fun and well-paced pirate fairytale fantasy in a new world within the Cosmere."
"Tress of the Emerald Sea is another triumph for Sanderson. His pleasure in writing this book is transferred to the reader. The adventure story is cozy and in a way familiar, but in a context so unique and imaginative that it was an absolute joy to read!"
"This is a swashbuckling tale on the weirdest Oceans I’ve ever thought of."
"The story’s themes of love, friendship, and perseverance [...] make this an uplifting read"
"I know I will be revisiting my copy for many years to come."
"It’s a really beautiful story and Tress is such a kind-hearted, resourceful heroine. I already want to read it again."
"Tress herself is wonderful, as are most of the rest of the cast. The antagonist is sufficiently sinister, the magic is interesting, and the action is thrilling. The narration is conversational and sometimes wacky, which is tons of fun."
"Tress is a great character. She is whimsical and sensible in equal measure, which is a very endearing combination. Plus she has a compassionate heart and a stubborn determination to help. You want her to succeed"
"whimsical and highly enjoyable"
"The story is one of a young girl coming of age, learning that just because something is scary, it doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful too. It’s the perfect story for those who like their tales whimsical, filled with heart and for those who want The Princess Bride vibes, and I can’t wait to see what Sanderson has in store for us with the rest of his secret projects."
Awards & Accolades
#7 on the New York Times bestseller list!
#7 on the Sunday Times bestseller list!
#5 Publisher's Weekly Top 10 Bestselling Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror
Goodreads Choice Awards 2023: Finalist, Best Fantasy
#2 La Vanguardia bestseller!