Brandon Sanderson, the master of epic fantasy and intricate magic systems, surprised his fans in 2023 with the release of his first "Secret Project" novel: Tress of the Emerald Sea: A Cosmere Novel. This book marked a delightful departure from his usual epic scale, offering a more intimate, fairy-tale-like story set within his expansive Cosmere universe. For those new to Sanderson's work or longtime fans seeking a fresh entry point, Tress Of The Emerald Sea serves as a perfect gateway.
A Story Born from a Secret
The origin of Tress of the Emerald Sea is as unique as its plot. It was written in secret during the pandemic, funded directly by fans through a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign. The story follows Tress, a young woman living on a remote island where water is scarce and the seas are not made of liquid, but of mysterious, magical spores. When her beloved is taken by the dangerous Sorceress of the midnight sea, Tress embarks on a daring voyage across the spore oceans, encountering pirates, strange magic, and uncovering her own hidden courage. The narrative is charmingly told from the perspective of Hoid, a familiar recurring character in the Cosmere, giving it a distinctive, witty, and sometimes meta-fictional voice.
Immerse Yourself in the Emerald Sea
For audiobook lovers, the story comes alive in a spectacular way with the Tress of the Emerald Sea: A Cosmere Novel (Dramatized Adaptation). This full-cast audio production features sound effects and music, transforming the listening experience into an immersive audio drama that perfectly captures the book's whimsical and adventurous spirit. It's an excellent way to experience the tale of Tress and her spore-sailing companions.
If you find yourself captivated by Sanderson's secret creative burst, you can dive deeper with the Secret Projects Series 4-Book Collection Set. This collection includes Tress of the Emerald Sea, The Frugal Wizard's Handbook for Surviving Medieval England, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, and The Sunlit Man. Each book explores a different genre, showcasing Sanderson's incredible range as a storyteller beyond traditional epic fantasy.
Where Does Tress Fit in the Cosmere?
While Tress Of The Emerald Sea is a fantastic standalone novel, it is firmly planted in Sanderson's interconnected Cosmere. Readers will recognize subtle connections to other worlds and magic systems. For those looking to explore the foundational works of the Cosmere, starting with The Final Empire: Mistborn Book 1 is highly recommended. It introduces one of Sanderson's most celebrated magic systems and a gripping tale of rebellion. Another cornerstone is the recently updated Elantris: Tenth Anniversary Special Edition, Sanderson's debut novel that first introduced readers to the grand scope of the Cosmere.
The adventure doesn't stop with Tress. Sanderson has continued to expand this new narrative thread with upcoming works like Isles of the Emberdark: A Cosmere Novel Secret Projects, Book 5, promising more exploration of this fascinating corner of his universe. For a more immediate follow-up, the Brandon Sanderson's Secret Projects 2-Book Set pairs Tress's story with the hilarious and inventive The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England.
A Treasure for Every Reader
The charm of Tress of the Emerald Sea lies in its ability to feel both classic and utterly new. It has been described as a Cosmere take on The Princess Bride, filled with heart, humor, and wonder. Its success has even led to a Spanish edition, Trenza del mar Esmeralda [Tress of the Emerald Sea]: Una novela del Cosmere, bringing Tress's adventure to a wider audience.
Whether you are a seasoned Cosmere scholar looking for new lore or a newcomer seeking a delightful, self-contained fantasy, Tress Of The Emerald Sea is a journey worth taking. It proves that within a universe of god-like beings and complex magic, there is still immense power in a simple story about a brave girl, a strange sea, and the lengths one will go for love. Discover more about this gem and the entire Secret Project series, and set sail for an unforgettable reading experience.