Book Review: Tress of the Emerald Sea

Introduction

Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson is one of my favourite reads. It reminds me why I love exploring stories from different authors. Moreover, his writing is friendly and full of humour, with vivid characters that feel alive. Meanwhile, beneath every scene, there’s a sense of something bigger waiting to be discovered.

This story is a tight, imaginative standalone adventure. I loved its voice and creative world-building, though it still left me wanting more. As a result, that feeling makes me excited to read more of Sanderson’s work. Fans of The Way of Kings will notice the same mix of wonder, heart, and clever magic systems that flow naturally through his storytelling.

Overview of  Emerald Sea

Tress of the Emerald Sea is one of Sanderson’s Secret Projects. It tells the story of Tress, a girl who lives a quiet life on an island called The Rock. She spends her days washing windows, collecting cups, and spending time with her best friend, Charlie.

When Charlie, the Duke’s son, leaves with his family, Tress realizes how deeply she cares for him. When she learns that Charlie has been kidnapped by the Sorceress, she decides to rescue him. As a result, her journey takes her across strange seas filled with spores, dragons, and pirates. Her journey takes her across strange seas filled with spores, dragons, and pirates. In fact, each step tests her courage and her heart.

The book draws inspiration from The Princess Bride. Tress has Buttercup’s heart and Westley’s courage. She’s sharp, brave, and kind, but also unsure of herself. Along her journey, she meets colorful characters like Charlie, Huck, and a lively group of pirates. Even when their introductions feel sudden, they grow into memorable and charming companions.

The world itself is fascinating. The seas are made of spores that react to water, turning into vines or spikes. This idea shapes the magic and the plot, creating a world that feels both dangerous and magical. The narrator, who speaks with wit and warmth, adds a fairytale charm. With dragons, danger, humor, and heart, this story feels both thrilling and cozy — a rare mix that’s worth revisiting.

Themes of Emerald Sea

The story explores how knowledge and power often go hand in hand. It shows how fear of the unknown can make ordinary things seem dangerous. But once we understand them, we see their real value.

The theme of perception stood out to me most. It reminds us that what we see is not always the truth. Fear, too, plays a big role in this book. Sanderson shows how fear can be used to control people, and how breaking that control takes bravery and trust.

Kindness is another powerful theme. Tress learns that true leaders earn respect through kindness, not fear. Watching her grow stronger through compassion made me care even more about her journey.

She begins as a simple girl, full of hope, but not much experience. By the end, she becomes wiser, more confident, and more selfless. Her growth felt natural and satisfying, making her one of Sanderson’s most lovable characters.

Characters of Emerald Sea

Tress starts as a quiet girl living on The Rock. She spends time with Charlie, her best friend and the Duke’s son. When he disappears, she refuses to give up on him. Her courage pushes her far beyond her small island into dangerous, unknown lands filled with pirates and spore seas.

She may start like Buttercup, but by the end she’s more like Westley — strong, determined, and even legendary in her own way. Tress is kind, clever, and unsure at times, but always keeps moving forward.

The supporting characters add energy and warmth. Charlie drives her mission. Huck, the talking rat, brings humor and mystery. The pirate crew adds excitement and heart. Even a Deaf character, though introduced quickly, becomes a lovable part of the group.

The narrator, who is also a familiar face in Sanderson’s Cosmere, gives the story a special voice. His playful and thoughtful comments make the tale feel personal, like an old friend sharing a secret.

Storytelling and Tone of Emerald Sea

Sanderson proves again that he’s a master storyteller. His imagination fills every page, giving the story a nostalgic and magical feeling. Reading it reminded me of being a child again — curious, wide-eyed, and full of wonder.

The tone of the book feels gentle yet exciting. It reminded me of My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman. Both books balance humor, emotion, and warmth beautifully.

What I loved most were the insights into human nature and kindness. The narrator shares thoughtful lessons that made me pause and smile. Each message feels personal, reminding readers that even in a big, confusing world, we are not alone.

If you love lighthearted, cozy fantasy — like The Spellshop — this book will feel like home. It’s whimsical, hopeful, and uplifting.

Interestingly, Tress of the Emerald Sea also pairs well with darker stories like The Troop. Reading both side by side shows how courage and fear can take shape in very different worlds — one filled with hope, the other with horror.

Worldbuilding

One of Sanderson’s greatest strengths is worldbuilding, and this book shows it clearly. The seas in this story aren’t made of water but of spores that react to moisture. When even a drop of liquid touches them, they grow, twist, and transform. It’s a brilliant idea that keeps the world unpredictable and alive.

Tress, our main character, travels through this strange and dangerous setting with courage and curiosity. Her journey shows both her strength and her heart.

At times, I found the “science” behind the spores a little complex, but it didn’t take away from the story. Even when I didn’t understand every detail, I stayed hooked because of how real and vivid everything felt. The mix of imagination and emotion makes this world unforgettable.

What I Loved

Reading about Tress was pure joy. From the moment she leaves Diggen’s Point, her kindness shines. The narrator calls kindness “one of the rarest qualities,” and I completely agree. Her empathy becomes her greatest power.

This story also works beautifully as a coming-of-age adventure. Tress learns bravery, love, and wisdom through every challenge she faces. The side characters make the story richer, adding humor and warmth at just the right moments.

The narrator, whose identity connects to the larger Cosmere, keeps the tone playful and clever. He often speaks directly to the reader, breaking the fourth wall in a way that reminded me of The Office. These moments made me laugh and think at the same time.

Even the chapter titles — like The Groundskeeper, The Rat, or The Explorer — felt meaningful. Each one hinted at what was coming next, building excitement. The small creative touches made the reading experience delightful and personal.

Conclusion

After I finish, I wanted to immediately read it again—in fact, Tress of the Emerald Sea is a book I hope to re-read, a plan for this year. It brims with bravery, adventure, unlikely heroes, and real fun. With Tress at its heart and a light, whimsical feel, Sanderson delivers a grown-up fairytale that even fantasy skeptics can pack for summer vacation and consider.