18-year-old Tress lives on a small island affectionally called The Rock in the middle of the Verdant Sea—which is not really a sea, but an ocean of emerald-green spores that create dangerous vines after making contact with water. It’s a simple life, but Tress is content to remain on her tiny island. That is, until the boy she loves is abducted at sea by the feared Sorceress, who lives in the highly guarded, rarely traveled, and extremely dangerous Midnight Sea. Departing The Rock, Tress finds herself on an adventure filled with pirate battles, spore experiments, encounters with a dragon, and Hoid, a nonsensical cursed man who serves as our story’s narrator. 

 

This book was full of fun and whimsy. The comp to The Princess Bride is accurate, from the fourth-wall-breaking narrator and fairytale atmosphere to the silly humor and storytelling nature. I laughed aloud at parts and really enjoyed Hoid, who is cursed in this story but a world-hopping genius within Sanderson’s Cosmere. I loved the worldbuilding—something Sanderson is known for, and for good reason. The concept of the spores, moons, and creatures were introduced well and created an immersive world, albeit one with lots of questions unanswered. There was also an interesting cast of characters who created a charming found family. Altogether, this book is a light, easy tale that’s perfect for people new to fantasy. 

 

That being said, there were a few things that fell short for me. In the narration, we get quite a few random asides that are more serious and “life lesson-y.” I felt that these pulled me out of the story abruptly and didn’t fit the narrative tone the rest of the book had. (Friends in book club who listened to the book’s audio said these felt more like natural fourth-wall-breaking asides, so that might be the way to go!) 

 

The story also dragged in parts, could have been quite a few chapters shorter, and felt low-stakes to the point of me not caring much. I had to force myself through it at times—thankfully, it was a super quick read. 

 

If you’re a fan of whimsical, fairytale-type books, this would be perfect for you. I definitely plan to explore Sanderson’s other works (starting with Mistborn), as I think the foundations of my favorite stories were there; the issue here just might have been me!