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A review by pagesplotsandpints
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
4.25
Read Completed 2/18/23 | 4 - 4.25 stars
I had been kind of avoiding TRESS OF THE EMERALD SEA because I hadn't really been in a fantasy mood, but I suppose any Brandon Sanderson Cosmere book is like returning to an old favorite that you just haven't read yet.
This was quite lovely and I definitely see The Princess Bride vibes (even as noted by Sanderson in the author's note at the end, so yes, it is quite specifically inspired by that fairy tale for adults type vibe). It was light and lovely all at the same time, with an underlying theme of romance without being mushy and -- pointedly -- not making rash and stupid decisions because of an overwhelming feeling.
I also like that this let us explore another planet in the Cosmere and gave us some more insights on a new world! There's also the major bonus that Hoid was a big part of the book, and even the book's narrator. As also said by Sanderson's author's note, it was to start readers and the author himself on getting a feel for Hoid's voice when it comes time for him to tell his story, but it was also very much appreciated by me as a reader to have a known aspect of the Cosmere strongly rooted in a new setting and new cast of characters. It was new, but it wasn't new, and it was comforting to have him there, as he always guides readers along the way.
Also, thank goodness for the Coppermind because how in the world do you Sanderson fans remember ALL of these characters? Lordy. I knew the Sorceress had to be important but I didn't remember why or how. After finishing, I checked the Coppermind and things clicked (after, you know, backtracking several times to refresh all of those memories). Really, this is what I live for when reading Cosmere books! I'm dying to see World Hoppers, see all the connections, watch Hoid interact with multiple worlds, see what's happening in between realms. I must know all the secrets. So, while this wasn't overtly moving storylines forward from other major series, we definitely see characters we've seen before!
I had been kind of avoiding TRESS OF THE EMERALD SEA because I hadn't really been in a fantasy mood, but I suppose any Brandon Sanderson Cosmere book is like returning to an old favorite that you just haven't read yet.
This was quite lovely and I definitely see The Princess Bride vibes (even as noted by Sanderson in the author's note at the end, so yes, it is quite specifically inspired by that fairy tale for adults type vibe). It was light and lovely all at the same time, with an underlying theme of romance without being mushy and -- pointedly -- not making rash and stupid decisions because of an overwhelming feeling.
I also like that this let us explore another planet in the Cosmere and gave us some more insights on a new world! There's also the major bonus that Hoid was a big part of the book, and even the book's narrator. As also said by Sanderson's author's note, it was to start readers and the author himself on getting a feel for Hoid's voice when it comes time for him to tell his story, but it was also very much appreciated by me as a reader to have a known aspect of the Cosmere strongly rooted in a new setting and new cast of characters. It was new, but it wasn't new, and it was comforting to have him there, as he always guides readers along the way.
Also, thank goodness for the Coppermind because how in the world do you Sanderson fans remember ALL of these characters? Lordy. I knew the Sorceress had to be important but I didn't remember why or how. After finishing, I checked the Coppermind and things clicked (after, you know, backtracking several times to refresh all of those memories). Really, this is what I live for when reading Cosmere books! I'm dying to see World Hoppers, see all the connections, watch Hoid interact with multiple worlds, see what's happening in between realms. I must know all the secrets. So, while this wasn't overtly moving storylines forward from other major series, we definitely see characters we've seen before!