Tress of the Emerald Sea: Your Guide to Brandon Sanderson's Secret Project

In 2022, fantasy author Brandon Sanderson stunned the literary world with an unprecedented announcement: he had secretly written four novels during the pandemic. This revelation, backed by a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign, introduced readers to the Secret Projects. Leading this quartet is Tress of the Emerald Sea, a novel that has since captivated readers with its whimsical charm, intricate world-building, and deep ties to Sanderson's expansive Cosmere universe. For fans and newcomers alike, understanding this book and its place within the larger 4-book collection is key to appreciating Sanderson's ambitious undertaking.

What is Tress of the Emerald Sea About?

Tress of the Emerald Sea marks a delightful departure from Sanderson's typical epic fantasy tone, embracing a fairy-tale-like narrative style. The story follows Tress, a young woman living on a remote island where water is not liquid but takes the form of deadly, sentient spores. When her beloved Charlie is taken by the mysterious Sorceress, Tress must leave her safe, dull life behind. She stows away on a ship sailing the perilous Emerald Sea—a vast ocean of verdant, magical spores—embarking on a quest that is equal parts adventure and self-discovery.

The novel is a masterclass in Sanderson's ability to innovate within the fantasy genre. The magic system, based on the different types of spores (midnight, verdant, sunburst, etc.), is both visually stunning and rigorously logical—a hallmark of Sanderson's work. The prose is lighter, often humorous, and narrated by a familiar voice to long-time Cosmere readers, adding layers of meta-commentary and connection. It's a standalone story that feels both fresh and intimately connected to a larger whole, making it a perfect entry point into Sanderson's worlds or a delightful new chapter for existing fans.

The Secret Projects Series: A Complete 4-Book Collection

While Tress of the Emerald Sea is a magnificent story on its own, its true magic is amplified when experienced as part of the complete Secret Projects Series 4-Book Collection Set. This curated set represents a unique moment in publishing history, containing the four novels Sanderson wrote in secret:

• Tress of the Emerald Sea: A Cosmere fantasy with a fairy-tale heart.
• The Frugal Wizard's Handbook for Surviving Medieval England: A humorous, genre-bending romp outside the Cosmere.
• Yumi and the Nightmare Painter: A deeply romantic Cosmere story blending Eastern and Western influences.
• The Sunlit Man: A high-octane, action-packed Cosmere novel featuring a familiar, world-hopping character.

This collection is more than just four books; it's a showcase of Sanderson's incredible range as a storyteller. From whimsical fantasy to sci-fi comedy and poignant romance, the set demonstrates why he is considered a bestseller and a defining voice in modern fantasy. Owning the collection allows readers to see the thematic threads and subtle Cosmere connections that weave between these diverse stories, offering a richer, more complete reading experience.

Why Tress is a Gateway to the Cosmere

For readers curious about Brandon Sanderson's massive interconnected universe known as the Cosmere, Tress of the Emerald Sea serves as an excellent and accessible gateway. The Cosmere is a shared fictional universe where many of Sanderson's series—like Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive—take place, governed by underlying magical laws and populated by world-hopping characters.

Tress is firmly set within the Cosmere. Its world, Lumar, with its spore-based seas, is a new and fascinating planet in this cosmos. The story features direct references to magic systems from other books (like Aethers) and includes cameos by iconic, universe-spanning figures. However, these connections are woven into the narrative with a light touch. You don't need a PhD in Cosmere lore to enjoy Tress's adventure; the book works perfectly as a standalone. But for those in the know, each reference is a delightful easter egg, a promise of a larger story. This dual-layered approach makes it an ideal recommendation for both newcomers and veteran Brandon Sanderson enthusiasts.

Beyond Tress: Exploring the Other Secret Novels

The success of Tress of the Emerald Sea naturally leads readers to the other Secret Projects. Each book in the fantasy book series offers a distinct flavor:

• The Frugal Wizard's Handbook is a hilarious standalone about a modern man dumped in medieval England, packed with sardonic footnotes and corporate satire. It's a testament to Sanderson's versatility.
• Yumi and the Nightmare Painter is perhaps the most emotionally resonant of the set. It tells a beautiful story of two artists from clashing cultures who are magically bound together, exploring themes of duty, art, and connection.
• The Sunlit Man returns to classic, pulse-pounding Cosmere action. It follows a known character on the run, shedding light on deeper cosmic conflicts and featuring some of Sanderson's most inventive world-building yet.

Together, these four novels create a journey. Reading them in order (as presented in the collection set) allows you to ride the wave of creativity from the whimsy of Tress to the epic scale of The Sunlit Man, experiencing the full scope of what Sanderson envisioned with his Secret Projects.

Who Should Read the Secret Projects Collection?

This bestseller box set is a must-have for several types of readers:

• Existing Sanderson Fans: This is essential reading. It expands the Cosmere in exciting new directions and offers deeper insights into its overarching narrative.
• Fantasy Readers Looking for Something New: Tired of grimdark tropes? Tress of the Emerald Sea and its companions offer hopeful, inventive, and character-driven stories that reinvigorate the genre.
• Collectors and Bibliophiles: The Secret Projects, especially in a dedicated collection set, represent a historic moment in modern publishing. The books often feature beautiful artwork and are designed as premium keepsakes.
• Readers Who Appreciate Standalone Stories: Each novel is self-contained, offering a complete and satisfying narrative arc without the commitment of a 10-book series.

Whether you pick up Tress of the Emerald Sea on its own or dive into the complete 4-book collection, you're in for a treat. Sanderson's Secret Projects are a celebration of storytelling, a gift to readers that proves imagination and wonder are very much alive in fantasy literature.

Final Thoughts: A Landmark in Modern Fantasy

Tress of the Emerald Sea is more than just a novel; it's the flagship of a publishing phenomenon. It demonstrates Brandon Sanderson's deep connection with his audience and his unwavering commitment to creative freedom. The story itself—with its courageous heroine, unique magic, and heartfelt themes—stands as one of his most beloved works. When considered as the first part of the Secret Projects series, its significance grows. It kicks off a journey through four wildly different yet masterfully told tales that highlight the very best of what Brandon Sanderson has to offer: innovation, heart, and boundless imagination. For any fan of fantasy, exploring this world, starting with Tress's adventure on the spore seas, is an journey well worth taking.