September Book Club: Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
Tress of the Emerald Sea (A Cosmere Novel) by Brandon Sanderson
Who knew that stepping out of my mystery-loving comfort zone and diving into Brandon Sanderson’s Tress of the Emerald Sea would be such a memorable adventure? This fantasy book is an expedition to a distant planet where rain carries bizarre spores, lethal vines sprawl unchecked, and the seas are a mysterious shade of green.
Narrated by the talented Michael Kramer, whose voice brings each character to vibrant life, the audiobook version was a treat. For someone who typically steers clear of fantasy, I was initially skeptical. But once the characters’ raw, relatable emotions pulled me in, there was no looking back.
At its heart, Tress of the Emerald Sea is a coming-of-age, romantic suspense wrapped in an action-packed adventure in the vein of The Narnia Chronicles. The plot is set in Sanderson’s expansive Cosmosphere, a universe as complex as it is fascinating. And yes, while this book is connected to Sanderson’s broader universe, it stands alone beautifully, making it a perfect gateway for newcomers like me.
Now, let’s talk about the extraordinary circumstances surrounding its creation. This book is one of four ‘secret novels’ that Sanderson wrote during COVID isolation. The project was so clandestine that only his wife knew about it, as it was intended as a gift for her. When revealed, it shattered Kickstarter records with a staggering $41.7 million project, supported by over 100,000 fans. As a fellow Kickstarter creative, I’m impressed by Sanderson’s literary prowess and his unmatched business acumen.
For those unfamiliar with Sanderson’s work, Tress of the Emerald Sea serves as a perfect introduction. It shows the fun of venturing into new literary territories, especially for those of us who don’t usually pick up fantasy novels. If you’re curious about a story that mixes adventure with a touch of the familiar, this book might just be the next read you’re looking for. I listened using my library card and the Libby app to borrow the audiobook.
I found a really neat book club discussion packet online to go with this book. You can find it here.
Kelly Brakenhoff is the author of 15 books and a seasoned ASL interpreter. She splits her writing energy between two series: cozy mysteries set on a college campus and children’s books featuring Duke the Deaf Dog.
Parents, kids, and teachers love the children’s books and activity guides because they introduce ASL and the Deaf community through fun, engaging stories. And if you enjoy a smart female sleuth, want to learn more about Deaf culture, or have ever lived in a place where livestock outnumber people, the Cassandra Sato Mystery series will have you connecting the dots faster than a group project coming together the night before it’s due.
A proud mom to four adults, head of the dog-snuggling department, and grandma to a growing brood of perfectly behaved grandkids, Kelly and her husband call Nebraska home.