Brandon Sanderson, the prolific master of modern epic fantasy, surprised the literary world with his "Secret Projects"—a series of novels written in secret during the pandemic and funded directly by his fans. The first of these delightful surprises to be published was Tress of the Emerald Sea: A Cosmere Novel. Departing from the grand, often grimdark scale of his Stormlight Archive or Mistborn series, Tress of the Emerald Sea offers a charming, whimsical, and heartfelt adventure that stands as a brilliant testament to Sanderson's storytelling range.
A Tale Unlike Any Other in the Cosmere
The story follows Tress, a humble window washer on a remote island where water is scarce and the seas are made of deadly, magical spores. When her beloved Charlie is taken by the malevolent Sorceress, Tress must venture across these treacherous, colorful spore seas—emerald, crimson, and midnight—aboard a pirate ship. Narrated by the witty and philosophical Hoid (a familiar face for Cosmere enthusiasts), the tale is a loving homage to classic adventure stories like The Princess Bride, filled with clever humor, genuine emotion, and surprising depth.
For those new to Sanderson's work, Tress Of The Emerald Sea is a fantastic, self-contained starting point. It requires no prior knowledge of his sprawling Cosmere universe, yet it rewards longtime readers with subtle connections and deeper lore. Its standalone nature makes it a perfect entry into the world of Brandon Sanderson.
Experiencing the Adventure: Formats and Collections
The magic of Tress's journey can be enjoyed in multiple formats. The physical and ebook edition, Tress of the Emerald Sea: A Cosmere Novel, is a beautifully crafted book. For an immersive auditory experience, the Dramatized Adaptation is a full-cast audio drama that brings the quirky characters and vibrant world to life, making it a standout fantasy audiobook.
If you find yourself enchanted by Tress's story, you can dive deeper into Sanderson's Secret Projects. The Secret Projects Series 4-Book Collection Set is a treasure trove, including not only Tress but also The Frugal Wizard's Handbook for Surviving Medieval England, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, and The Sunlit Man. For a smaller commitment, the 2-Book Set pairs Tress with the hilarious and inventive The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook.
From Elantris to the Emerald Sea: The Cosmere Connection
While Tress of the Emerald Sea is a wonderful standalone novel, it is firmly part of the Cosmere—the interconnected universe where most of Sanderson's adult fantasy novels take place. Readers curious about the origins of this universe might look back to Elantris: Tenth Anniversary Special Edition, Sanderson's debut novel. Exploring the evolution from Elantris to Tress showcases the author's incredible growth and the expanding scope of his magical systems and world-building.
For fans seeking more epic, series-based storytelling after Tress, the cornerstone of the Cosmere is the Mistborn saga, beginning with The Final Empire: Mistborn Book 1. This novel introduces a dark, intricate world of allomancy and rebellion, offering a different but equally compelling flavor of Sanderson's genius.
A Modern Classic for Fantasy Lovers
In essence, Tress of the Emerald Sea is more than just a Secret Project; it's a love letter to storytelling itself. It proves that fantasy can be both lighthearted and profound, adventurous and intimate. Its success has paved the way for future Secret Projects, including the anticipated Isles of the Emberdark. Whether you're a seasoned Cosmere scholar or a newcomer looking for a fantasy book full of wonder, Tress's voyage across the spore seas is an unforgettable journey you won't want to miss.
For a comprehensive look at this novel, its themes, and its place in Sanderson's bibliography, check out our detailed Guide to Brandon Sanderson's Secret Project. Discover why this humorous fantasy tale has captured the hearts of readers and secured its place as a modern bestseller.