Leisure Reading

High Seas, High Fantasy

Tress of the Emerald Sea

By Brandon Sanderson

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?*

Review by Jordan Lanagan - Cataloger & Database Specialist 

Inspired by The Princess Bride, Brandon Sanderson’s Tress of the Emerald Sea takes a whimsical twist on the classic tale by asking, “What if Buttercup had gone after Westley?” This story leans into a sweet, cozy atmosphere mixed with adventure, creating a charming and lighthearted read.

The main character, Tress, is a nice character to follow and experience the world through. She’s endearing, humble, and simply a good person—a character I genuinely wanted to see succeed. Her little habit of collecting cups makes her even more charming, and her determination really shines. Tress is a quick thinker, focused on her goal, and willing to do whatever it takes to reach it. The cast of supporting characters adds fantastic color and personality to the story, making the world feel all the more vibrant.

The worldbuilding is both unique and intriguing, bringing a fresh take on the seafaring and pirate genre. Sanderson’s signature blend of worldbuilding and magic system is seamless here, and his creativity is both captivating and easy to follow. His storytelling makes it easy to immerse yourself in this new, enchanting world.

One fun element is that the story is narrated by a well-known character from Sanderson’s broader Cosmere universe. There are subtle nods to the Cosmere that fans will appreciate, but they’re not essential to understanding or enjoying this book. So new readers, please don’t be intimidated—this story stands entirely on its own. It also added to the whimsical nature of having a narrator telling you the story while also commenting on events happening in the book.

In short, Tress of the Emerald Sea is just plain fun. I had a great time from start to finish, enjoying every aspect—from the characters and plot to the worldbuilding and writing. It’s truly a breath of fresh air and a delight to read!

You can find this book in the Hodges Library Leisure Reading Collection. Check it out and let us know what you think of the book! Make sure to tag your responses on social media with #utksharedshelf so we can see what you think! 

* Book Description and image provided by Goodreads