My favorite book genre has always been fantasy, but whenever I reach towards a popular book it always feels like I’m making a gamble. In my experience it’s either a life-changing book filled with intricate systems of magic, or it feels like reading the same, overused tropes again and again.
While it might not be a book plastered on the pages of BookTok or Goodreads, Tress of the Emerald Sea is most definitely the former option. This was the first Brandon Sanderson book I ever read, and from the first page I knew it would lead into a questionably unhealthy addiction with his writing.
Pretty much all the author’s books are written in the fictional universe called “the Cosmere”. Like many of his books, however, Tress of the Emerald Sea is an excellent read even if you have no prior knowledge of his previous work.
Told through the lens of a master storyteller, Tress of the Emerald Sea incorporates a perfect mix of funny commentary, whimsical details and startling insights. The story takes place on a planet where the oceans are not filled with roaring waves and vibrant life, but with dormant and dangerous spores that spark to life when they come into contact with just a single drop of water.
Despite constantly living on the verge of being overwhelmed by seemingly sentient and malicious fungi, Tress loves the simple life she has on her home island. She fills her days by collecting teacups, helping her parents, and enjoying her afternoons with her best friend Charlie.
But like in any good YA fantasy book, Tress’s tranquil life is, to be blunt, completely and utterly ruined. She is forced to leave the comfort of her island and sail across the deadly sea of spores to save her best friend.
To avoid any spoilers, I won’t delve too deep into the plot of the story, but if pirates, magic, amazing world building and a Princess Bride inspired story piques your interest I cannot recommend this book enough.
Before you add Tress of the Emerald Sea to your mental TBR (trust me it’s worth it), remember to check out some of the author’s other books! Here is a list of a few of my favorites:
- The Mistborn Trilogy (3 books, one spin off series)
- The Stormlight Archive (5 books)
- Elantris (1 book)