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Rate: 5/5

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Medium: Audiobook

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Overview (No Spoilers):

As excited as I was for the year of Sanderson to start, I delayed, delayed, and delayed some more before picking up Tress of the Emerald Sea . I finally did at the urging of a coworker who had made the bold claim that it might be his favorite Sanderson yet. Intrigued, I dove into this whimsical, curious read with high expectations, only to have them explode through the lofty ceiling like an emerald spore exposed to water. If you know, you know.

Tress has spent her whole life isolated on Diggen’s Point where the citizens are forbidden from ever leaving ‘The Rock’, forced to live in dire conditions under the thumb of their cruel Duke. Tress finds a rare bright spot in the Duke’s son Charlie, though his ambitious father has other plans in the works. Step by timid step, we watch complacent Tress venture out of her comfort zone and into the ever present dangers of the unknown, all for the sake of love. Upon navigating a series of seemingly impossible events, can Tress find her way before it is too late?

From the distinct characters, to the truly unique world building, Tress of the Emerald Sea is quintessential Sanderson. While writing this review, I repeatedly started sentences referencing my favorite aspect of this novel, only to keep changing my mind about what I loved most. I’ve waffled back and forth numerous times now as to whether I adored this novel so much due to the characters or the unique ecosystem. I’ve resolved instead to just give both delightful components their equal due. 

The characters are each so detailed, from their mannerisms to their backstory, that they effortlessly embodied the role that Sanderson crafted for them. Honestly, these characters trigger a wide gamut of emotions ranging from crying and laughing, to fretfully stressing. As for specific characters, I was so very pleased when I realized Tress of the Emerald Sea is being told from Hoid’s familiar and unique prose. Especially with the wayward storyteller having an unexpected central role. Ok, maybe I will pick a favorite detail in this story. It would have to be when Hoid decides to call anyone from the crew of The Crow’s Song who is not important “Doug”. Initially, I thought this was a very bold choice by Sanderson, but by the end I found myself smiling whenever a “Doug” made it into the story. Such a fun way of handling a large crew in order to focus on the important players.

Tress grew and evolved throughout this read until she was hardly recognizable from the meek character we first met. Along the way she collects a myriad of loyal and dedicated followers, mostly through happenchance. By the end, these ‘mistakes’ turned fortunate for Tress, become rather predictable, which is surprising for a Sanderson novel, but it genuinely adds to the charm of this whimsical story.

The worldbuilding is fantastically unique. Instead of water filling the oceans and seas of Tress’ world, dangerous spores inhabited this realm that have very specific properties depending on the color. How these spores ended up being utilized is satisfying from creative standpoint, especially considering the terror the spores invoked when we were first introduced to them. I found myself eager to discover what application Sanderson would dream up for the spores next. 

Overall, Tress of the Emerald Sea is a story of accidental mishaps making the impossible possible and is the fun, delightfully clever read we all need in our lives.

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Additional Insight (Spoilers Abound): 

• What was going through Charlie’s head when his Dad sent him to certain death? I knew something wasn’t quite connecting regarding Huck, but hadn’t figured it out before the reveal. As Tress was initially walking away with the fake Charlie, I felt such a profound disappointment before we knew it was a trick as it seemed like Tress had outgrown him. Thankfully she saw through the ruse before I did, realizing the Huck was actually her cursed Charlie. Thank goodness Hoid was able to be restored to his usually charming self just in time. 
• Tress collecting cups was such a surprisingly normal hobby. I wonder who or if someone in Sanderson’s life collects cups? 
• Tress’ plan for tricking the inspector was so stressful. I was fooled right up until the end when the ‘fake’ Tress’ hair was described. 
• Emerald spores violently burst into vines when exposed to moisture. Tress’ walk across the sea was so very nerve wracking. Brilliant choreography by Sanderson.
• The reveal of the ruthless Captain Crow as a spore eater made so much sense with her driving her crew to damnation in order to find a cure for her illness. What would have happened had Tress not come along? Is the Captain cured now that she lives with the dragon Xisisrefliel?
•  Who is Riina actually?
• Why are Ulaam and Hoid traveling together?
• Tress proves to be a natural as a Spouter. Why in this world of spores is this craft not better developed? 

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