I have heard people talk about cozy books feeling like “warm hugs,” and until now I didn’t understand what that meant. I wasn’t even sure I had the same definition of “cozy” as everyone else. But now I understand what that means and how a book can be cozy without being low stakes. This novel was so wholesome and all around delightful, a perfect blend of cozy and adventurous.
Tress lives on the Rock in an ocean made of green spores. No one is allowed to leave this little island, but she’s quite content there, focused on caring for her family, collecting cups, and forging a friendship with the Duke’s son, Charlie, whom they both pretend has successfully disguised himself as a gardener. When Charlie is taken hostage by the Sorceress, Tress sneaks off the Rock to rescue him, kickstarting quite an adventure on the spore-filled seas of her planet
All of the characters (minus the villains, of course) are just so lovely. It’s clear how much affection they show for each other in various ways. One of my favorite chapters shows Tress’s father organizing the other Rock residents to help her get off the island without ever saying a word about it. They want to help because he has done so much for them, and they don’t question it.
There’s some lovely artwork sprinkled through the novel, and I love the detail of each of the chapter numbers having a little bit of its own artwork that changes with some of the events of the book. There are also some wonderful quotes, some that are funny, some that are deeper reflections on humanity. Two that in particular stood out:
“‘Everything is extraordinary about you, Tress,’ her mother said. ‘That’s why nothing in particular stands out.'” (when Tress says there’s nothing extraordinary about her)
and
“One of the greatest tragedies of life is knowing how many people in the world are made to soar, paint, sing, or steer—except they never get the chance to find out.”
The story is narrated by Hoid, which I’m sure will be meaningful to people who have read other Brandon Sanderon books. This was my first foray into the Cosmere, and while it works very well as an entry point, there are references and Easter eggs that I didn’t catch. I know his other books aren’t as whimsical or lighthearted, and I’m a little worried that I may have spoiled myself by starting with this one, but this was one of my top reads of the year, so mostly I’m just really excited to read more of Sanderson’s work.
