A review by claragweny
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous funny hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

“Do you know how many grand romances would have avoided tragedy if the hero had thought, "You know, maybe I should ask her if she likes me first"?”

Tress of the Emerald Sea was my first Brandon Sanderson book. It did not disappoint. It had similar vibes to the Princess Bride and Stardust (an absolute fav). It was funny while also being a little grotesque and twisted at times. I found my heart aching for some of the characters and rooting for their happy endings in a way I haven’t in quite a while. 

This book could have gone the route of the typical “chosen girl” trope but I’m really glad we got a story about self discovery and empowerment instead. Really, I think this entire story is about finding your strengths, inner powers, accepting and accommodating your disabilities, and finding a community (a found family) to call your own. 

Oh, and Huck. I love you, you little scoundrel. 🐀🏴‍☠️

“Truth is, people are as fluid as time is. We adapt to our situation like water in a strangely shaped jug, though it might take us a little while to ooze into all the little nooks. Because we adapt, we sometimes don’t recognize how twisted, uncomfortable, or downright wrong the container is that we’ve been told to inhabit.”
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