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?
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My Review: Tress of The Emerald Sea
I had never read a “cozy” fantasy book before this. I didn’t realize what I was missing! This book is like a summer breeze and a warm hug. The characters and the world-building immediately immersed me. I ended up loving all the characters, understanding what drove them as people and enjoying their quirky personalities. I want a book that’s both character and plot-driven, and this book has a great balance of both.
So, let’s jump into what I loved and my critiques.
What I Loved:
The World-Building: The world Sanderson built instantly drew me in. I loved the high fantasy of the land and the spore sea – such a cool concept!
Character Development: I loved the way Tress grew and changed. You could see that by her thoughts and actions. At the end of the book, I could see how much development she went through based on her experiences, and it was believable.
The Narration: this book stands out to me because of the narration. I liked that the narrator was one of the characters in the story.
The Sense of Humor: It’s hard for me to give a book anything less than a 5-star when it can make me laugh like this book did. Specifically, Hoid. This character was quirky and hilarious.
What I Didn’t
Dragged In The Middle: The only thing I didn’t enjoy about this book was that it was a little slow in the middle. It felt like it dragged a bit, but looking past and getting through was easy.
Would I recommend Tress Of The Emerald Sea?
Yes! It was a cute and fun story, and I loved the conclusion. It’s a great feel-good book. After this, I’ll be sure to pick up more books from Sanderson; it made a lasting impression!
Favourite Quotes:
“He was six and a half feet tall and had a jaw so straight it made other men question if they were.”
“One might say worries are the only things you can make heavier simply by thinking about them.”
“Beyond that, memories have a way of changing on us. Souring or sweetening over time—like a brew we drink, then recreate later by taste, only getting the ingredients mostly right. You can’t taste a memory without tainting it with who you have become.”
“I had stolen Huck’s tiny pirate hat, thinking he didn’t deserve it.”
The Author
Check out Brandon Sanderson and his books!
If you read Tress Of The Emerald Sea, leave a comment on what you thought!
