At the Sorceress' island, Tress discovers that Charlie has been cursed and transformed into Huck. As they reunite, the Crow's Song crew launches an attack on the island. Fort controls the Midnight Essences, while Hoid, a mysterious figure whose own curse is lifted, halts the Sorceress' assault. The Sorceress is forced to surrender, and five months later, Tress, Charlie, and the crew leave The Rock, sailing off to new adventures.

Themes

• Adventure and self-discovery

• Power of friendship and loyalty

• Courage in the face of adversity

• Overcoming societal expectations

• Importance of storytelling and imagination

• Consequences of unchecked ambition

• Balance between caution and risk-taking

Setting

Tress of the Emerald Sea takes place in a fantastical world reminiscent of the golden age of piracy. The story unfolds across vast oceans with unique properties, each presenting its own challenges and wonders. The primary setting is the Emerald Sea, a vibrant green expanse dotted with islands and teeming with magical spores that can be both beneficial and deadly.

At the heart of the tale lies The Rock, Tress's isolated island home in the Emerald Sea. This small, unremarkable landmass serves as a stark contrast to the colorful and dangerous seas that surround it. As the narrative progresses, the action shifts to other bodies of water, including the treacherous Midnight Sea and the mysterious Crimson Sea, each with its own distinct characteristics and perils.

The world of Tress of the Emerald Sea is part of Sanderson's larger Cosmere universe, hinting at connections to other worlds and magical systems. While the exact era is not specified, the prevalence of sailing ships, pirates, and magical creatures suggests a setting akin to Earth's 17th or 18th century, albeit in a realm where sorcery and fantastic beasts are commonplace.

Characters

• Tress: The main protagonist of the story. Originally named Glorf, she goes by Tress due to her unruly hair. Tress is an adventurous young woman from a small island who collects cups from passing sailors. When her friend Charlie goes missing, she embarks on a perilous journey across dangerous seas to rescue him.

• Charlie: Tress's love interest and the Duke's son. He is fond of stories and adventures. Charlie is cursed by the Sorceress and transformed into a rat, setting the main plot in motion.

• Captain Crow: The ruthless captain of the Crow's Song. She is a “spore eater” with a symbiotic relationship with Verdant Spores, which protect her from harm in exchange for water. Crow's condition makes her nihilistic and dangerous.

• Huck: A talking rat who befriends Tress. He is later revealed to be Charlie under the Sorceress's curse.

• The Sorceress (Riina): The main antagonist of the story. She came to Lumar believing it to be the most vulnerable planet in the Cosmere and has cursed many individuals, including Charlie and Hoid.

• Hoid: A Worldhopper and storyteller who acts as the narrator of the story. He has been cursed by the Sorceress and appears in multiple Cosmere novels.

• Fort: The deaf quartermaster of the Crow's Song. He uses a Nalthian board for translation and is the first crew member to show kindness to Tress.

• Ann: The ship's carpenter who loves guns but has comically poor aim.

• Salay: The ship's helmswoman who is on a quest to find her father.

Ulaam: A Kandra from Scadrial who serves as the ship's surge

Quick facts

• Brandon Sanderson originally wrote Tress of the Emerald Sea in secret as a novel just for his wife.

• The book is part of Sanderson's “Secret Projects” Kickstarter campaign that raised over $41 million.

• It's inspired by William Goldman's novel The Princess Bride.

• The story is narrated by Hoid, a recurring character in Sanderson's Cosmere universe.

• The main character Tress's real name is Glorf, which she dislikes.

• The novel features unique “spore oceans” where a single drop of water can be deadly.

• It includes a talking rat named Huck who is actually a transformed human.

• The book was first released exclusively to Kickstarter backers before wider publication.

• It's considered part of Sanderson's larger Cosmere fictional universe.

• The audiobook version is narrated by Michael Kramer, a frequent Sanderson collaborator.

About the Author

Brandon Sanderson is a prolific American author best known for his epic fantasy and science fiction novels. Born in 1975, he gained widespread recognition for completing Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time series after Jordan's death. Sanderson has since become one of the most popular fantasy authors of his generation, with his intricate magic systems and expansive worldbuilding earning him a dedicated fanbase.

At the core of Sanderson's work is the Cosmere, an interconnected universe spanning multiple series including Mistborn, The Stormlight Archive, and Elantris. His meticulous approach to magic systems, codified in “Sanderson's Laws of Magic,” has influenced many contemporary fantasy writers. Beyond the Cosmere, Sanderson has authored young adult series like The Reckoners and middle-grade books such as Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians.

Sanderson's productivity is legendary among his readers. In 2022, he surprised fans by announcing he had secretly written four additional novels during the COVID-19 pandemic. This revelation led to a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign, raising over $41 million from enthusiastic backers. Alongside his writing, Sanderson teaches creative writing at Brigham Young University and co-hosts the popular podcast “Writing Excuses” for aspiring authors.

Throughout his career, Sanderson has received numerous accolades, including multiple Hugo Awards. His ability to consistently deliver compelling stories across various formats and age ranges has cemented his position as a leading figure in contemporary speculative fiction. With dozens of planned books still to come in the Cosmere alone, Sanderson's impact on the fantasy genre promises to endure for years to come.