Our summer intern, Sarah Lawrence College student Aurora Sharp shares the following review of one of her favorite books. You can find the title in our catalog, borrow and enjoy it, and don't forget to log the book into your Summer Reading Challenge!
Tress lives on a small island in the middle of the Emerald Sea, and finds satisfaction in everyday things: baking, collecting cups, and spending time with Charlie, the duke’s son. But when disaster strikes and Charlie disappears, Tress decides to leave the only place she’s ever known to save him. To do so, she must find a way across the perilous spore seas, where a single drop of water can be deadly.
With pirates, dragons, and talking animals, Tress of the Emerald Sea has all the trappings of a classic fairytale, yet the world in this novel is anything but classic. With twelve moons and an ocean made of dangerous spores, Tress’s planet feels straight out of a sci-fi adventure. The unique setting provides layers of mystery that slowly unfold as Tress makes new discoveries.
Tress is a refreshing protagonist. Level-headed and open minded, she tackles every challenge with an admirable combination of logic, kindness, and grit. Tress is intentionally written to be “ordinary” and initially unremarkable, yet doesn’t fall into the traps of boringness or passivity that many “ordinary” protagonists do. Rather, she demonstrates the power of quiet strength. The ragtag team of side characters Tress meets throughout her journey, who offer both humor and heart, are each distinctive and a joy to read.
Tress of the Emerald Sea is part of Sanderson’s greater Cosmere (the galaxy in which most of Sanderson’s novels take place), but can be read without any knowledge of his other books, and is a great starting place for readers who are unsure whether they want to tackle his heftier novels. The story is narrated by a witty and sarcastic character, who will be recognized by loyal Sanderson fans, and gives the book an eccentric and humorous tone throughout.
Adventurous and playful, Tress of the Emerald Sea is perfect for fans of Discworld and The Princess Bride. It’s categorized as YA and follows a 17 year old protagonist, but is appropriate for ages 10+ and enjoyable for adults.