Book Review: Tress of the Emerald Sea

One of my favorite things about Tress of the Emerald Sea is the story behind the story.

Brandon Sanderson and his wife were watching The Princess Bride when she made an offhand comment: Buttercup didn’t actually do much. What if she had gone after Wesley instead of waiting? That single question sparked something. Instead of telling another story about a damsel in distress, Sanderson flipped the script and wrote a fairytale where the girl takes the lead. Tress of the Emerald Sea is the result and it feels like a classic in the making.

This book also arrived in an unforgettable way. During the pandemic, Sanderson secretly wrote four novels, then launched a Kickstarter to publish them independently. Tress of the Emerald Sea was the first, and the campaign broke records, raising more than 41 million dollars and becoming the most successful Kickstarter of all time. And I get it. This book is a reminder that even in uncertain times, creativity and heart can bring people together. 

Let’s dive in.

Tress of the Emerald Sea Synopsis

Tress lives a quiet life on a lonely island surrounded by an emerald ocean, dreaming only of the stories her best friend Charlie tells and the delicate cups she collects from passing ships. But when Charlie vanishes on a mysterious voyage, Tress discovers just how far she’ll go for love and how brave she truly is.

To rescue him, she sneaks aboard a ship bound for the Midnight Sea, a place ruled by a sorceress and teeming with danger, from cunning pirates to spore-filled oceans where water can kill in an instant. Along the way, Tress discovers that a proper cup of tea can’t solve every problem but wit, grit, and a little magic just might.

My Review

I adored Tress of the Emerald Sea. This story felt like the literary equivalent of a quiet rebellion—gentle, whimsical, and full of heart. Tress is not your typical heroine. She is practical, observant, and endlessly curious. Her joy comes from mismatched teacups and quiet conversations, not sword fights or grand pronouncements. But when someone she loves is taken from her, she sets out to do something about it.

Her journey across the strange, spore-filled seas is filled with pirates, talking animals, clever magic, and plenty of danger—but it is also packed with warmth. The narration has a wink to it, playful and wise at the same time. It keeps the tone light without ever undercutting the emotion. That balance made this such a joy to read.

Tress’s strength comes from empathy, not ego. She never stops caring about the people around her, even when the stakes are high. This book reminded me that adventure doesn’t always begin with a sword, but sometimes with a single brave question: What if I went instead?

Whether you are a longtime Cosmere fan or walking in fresh, this story stands strong on its own. For me, Tress of the Emerald Sea was a whimsical, hopeful surprise. A quiet, courageous fairytale that left me feeling more grounded and enchanted than when I began.

This is not a high-drama fantasy. It is low-stakes, high-heart, and full of magical weirdness. The romance is slow and sweet, the folklore is beautifully layered, and the journal format makes it feel like you’re right there beside Emily through it all. If you’re into cozy fantasy, slow burn rivals-to-lovers, or stories where the magic is just as much emotional as it is mythical, I cannot recommend this one enough.