In the vast and intricate universe of Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere, a new star has risen with a distinctly whimsical and adventurous glow: Tress of the Emerald Sea. Born from Sanderson's celebrated "Secret Projects" initiative, this standalone novel has captivated readers with its unique tone, charming protagonist, and deep, yet accessible, ties to the larger Cosmere lore. Unlike the epic, world-shaking stakes of Mistborn or The Stormlight Archive, Tress of the Emerald Sea offers a more intimate, fairy-tale-like adventure, proving itself as a brilliant entry point for newcomers and a refreshing palate cleanser for seasoned Cosmere veterans.
A Tale Unlike Any Other in the Cosmere
The story follows Tress, a practical and kind-hearted girl from a remote island who embarks on a daring sea voyage to rescue her beloved. Her journey takes her across the treacherous, spore-filled oceans of the planet Lumar, where seas of vibrant, magical spores replace water. This setting alone showcases Sanderson's boundless creativity. The narrative voice, provided by the beloved character Hoid, is witty, conversational, and filled with asides, giving the book a timeless, storybook quality that sets it apart from his other works. It's a humorous fantasy adventure at heart, filled with clever world-building, endearing characters, and a sense of wonder that is utterly infectious.
For those looking to dive into this adventure, the primary format is the novel itself, Tress of the Emerald Sea: A Cosmere Novel. However, the experience can be greatly enhanced through audio. The Dramatized Adaptation is a phenomenal full cast audio drama that brings the quirky characters and perilous seas to life with stellar voice acting and immersive sound design, making it a top-tier fantasy audiobook.
Where Does Tress Fit in the Cosmere Universe?
One of the most delightful aspects of Tress of the Emerald Sea for longtime fans is spotting the subtle (and not-so-subtle) connections to the wider Cosmere universe. While it functions perfectly as a standalone novel, knowledge of other series like Elantris or Mistborn adds rewarding layers of understanding. It explores magical systems and worlds referenced elsewhere, acting as a fascinating puzzle piece in Sanderson's grand design. For readers curious about the Cosmere's origins, revisiting the foundation with something like the Elantris: Tenth Anniversary Special Edition can provide wonderful context for the evolution seen in Tress.
This novel was the first of four Secret Projects announced by Sanderson, which were funded directly by his fans in a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign. The success of Tress paved the way for its siblings, including The Frugal Wizard's Handbook for Surviving Medieval England, a genre-bending sci-fi/fantasy comedy. Comparing these two offers a fantastic look at Sanderson's range, as discussed in blogs comparing the Secret Projects.
How to Experience Tress and the Secret Projects
Given the popularity of these books, there are several excellent ways to acquire them. For the ultimate fan or the reader who wants to binge all four unique tales, the Secret Projects Series 4-Book Collection Set is a beautiful and convenient bestseller box set. If you're specifically interested in the first two projects, the Brandon Sanderson's Secret Projects 2-Book Set featuring Tress and The Frugal Wizard's Handbook is a perfect choice. Spanish-speaking readers can also enjoy the adventure through Trenza del mar Esmeralda.
The charm of Tress lies in its spirit of classic adventure, reminiscent of tales like Treasure Island. Fans of the audio drama format who enjoy this vibe might also appreciate Treasure Island: An Audible Original Drama for another dose of high-seas excitement in a classic audio drama style.
Why Tress is a Must-Read
In conclusion, Tress of the Emerald Sea is more than just another fantasy novel; it's a testament to Brandon Sanderson's versatility and his deep connection with his audience. It successfully blends heart, humor, and ingenious magic into a cohesive and utterly satisfying epic adventure. Whether you're a curious newcomer looking for a gateway into the Cosmere, or a dedicated fan eager to explore a new corner of this sprawling universe, Tress's journey across the spore seas is one you won't want to miss. Its success has even sparked anticipation for future secret tales, like the upcoming Isles of the Emberdark. So, set sail with Tress—you're in for a wonderfully unique and memorable voyage.