hyrulebalverine's reviews
32 reviews

Empire of Serpents by pdmac, Richard Fierce

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adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

"Tress of the Emerald Sea" is a lighthearted and whimsical entry into the Cosmere universe. The writing style for this book, which is reminiscent of Douglas Adams' "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" or William Goldman's "Princess Bride", helps to make this a great introduction to the Cosmere for those who have yet to experience it, while still containing Easter eggs and subtle references foe existing fans.

The lighthearted tone provided enough silly or absurd moments to be able to laugh throughout the story and yet there were also moments full of adventure or pulled at the heartstrings.  As in all of the Sanderson stories I've read so far, "Tress" is full of subtle foreshadowing with great payoffs at the end.