Brandon Sanderson, the prolific master of epic fantasy, surprised his fans in 2023 with a series of "Secret Projects" funded through a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign. The first of these to be released, Tress of the Emerald Sea: A Cosmere Novel, stands out as a whimsical, heartfelt, and utterly charming departure from his usual epic scale. It's a story that proves Sanderson's range extends far beyond complex magic systems and world-ending stakes, offering a fairy-tale-like adventure that is both accessible and deeply rewarding for long-time Cosmere enthusiasts.
A Tale Unlike Any Other in the Cosmere
Tress Of The Emerald Sea introduces us to Tress, a young woman living a simple life on a remote island. Her world is turned upside down when her beloved is taken by the Sorceress of the deadly Spore Seas. Unlike the Mistborn or Knights Radiant, Tress possesses no Allomantic powers or Shardblades. Her journey is one of ingenuity, courage, and resilience. She must navigate the treacherous Emerald Sea—a vast ocean not of water, but of magical, spore-based oceans that behave in fantastical and often deadly ways. This unique setting is a testament to Sanderson's boundless creativity, offering a visual and conceptual feast that feels fresh within the Cosmere universe.
The novel's tone is notably lighter and more humorous than Sanderson's typical works, infused with a narrative voice that is witty, conversational, and deeply engaging. It reads like a classic adventure story being told by a fond, omniscient storyteller. This makes Tress of the Emerald Sea a perfect entry point for new readers curious about Sanderson's work, as it requires no prior knowledge of his sprawling Cosmere. Yet, it is also sprinkled with delightful Easter eggs and deeper lore connections that will make veteran fans grin with recognition.
Experiencing the Adventure: Book, Audiobook, and Collections
You can embark on Tress's journey in several formats. The standard hardcover or ebook is a beautiful volume in its own right. For an immersive auditory experience, the Dramatized Adaptation audiobook is a phenomenal production. It features a full cast, sound effects, and music, elevating the story into a captivating audio drama. This format truly brings the quirky characters and vibrant world of the spore seas to life, making it a top-tier fantasy audiobook.
For collectors and binge-readers, Tress is also available in curated sets. The Secret Projects 2-Book Set pairs it with the tonally different but equally inventive The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England, offering a great showcase of Sanderson's versatility. The ultimate collection is the Secret Projects Series 4-Book Collection Set, which includes Tress, The Frugal Wizard's Handbook, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, and The Sunlit Man. This bestseller box set is the definitive way to own all four initial Secret Projects.
Where Does Tress Fit in the Wider Cosmere?
While a standalone novel, Tress is firmly planted in the Cosmere. Its connections are more subtle and celebratory than foundational. Readers familiar with Elantris or Mistborn will spot familiar magic systems, characters, and concepts playing in the background. For instance, seeing how the worldbuilding in Elantris: Tenth Anniversary Special Edition established rules that echo in new ways here is a joy. It doesn't directly continue the saga of The Final Empire: Mistborn Book 1, but it exists in the same grand tapestry, adding richness and depth to Sanderson's interconnected universe.
This makes Tress an excellent "gateway" book. A new reader can enjoy its self-contained epic adventure and then, if intrigued by the lore hints, dive into the deeper end with series like Stormlight Archive or Mistborn. For existing fans, it's a delightful side quest that expands the Cosmere in unexpected directions, much like the upcoming Isles of the Emberdark promises to do.
A Modern Classic Amongst Adventures
Part of the charm of Tress Of The Emerald Sea is its conscious homage to classic adventure tales. Its premise—a seemingly ordinary person setting sail on a dangerous sea to rescue a loved one from a mysterious ruler—evokes the spirit of stories like Treasure Island. In fact, fans who enjoy the full-cast, theatrical production of Tress's audiobook might also love Treasure Island: An Audible Original Drama. Both represent the pinnacle of Audible Original Drama storytelling, blending pirate story audio traditions with modern production values.
In conclusion, Tress of the Emerald Sea is a triumph. It showcases Brandon Sanderson's skill as a storyteller beyond epic doorstoppers, delivering a concise, witty, and emotionally resonant fantasy novel. Whether you read the physical book, listen to the spectacular dramatized adaptation, or acquire it as part of a collection, Tress's journey across the spore seas is an unforgettable adventure. It's a testament to why Sanderson's Secret Projects were so eagerly anticipated and why they have become instant favorites, cementing his status as a versatile bestseller in the fantasy books genre.