I liked the story very much, I read the book as a standalone, even if it is part of a book series. The world of Tress is like ours, but the water on their planet is not water, but from spores that when they come into contact with water, end fatally. This also explains why people are not allowed or do not want to leave their islands. Travelling with Tress, we learn how deadly and dangerous the seas are, and that the Emerald Sea is still one of the most harmless seas. Tress was a successful, young FMC for me. She was incredibly well written. She is not the typical heroine, strong, special or better than everyone else. She’s not the „oh she’s the prettiest of all and everyone wants her character“ — No, she is a normal, friendly young woman who does her best to protect the people who matter to her. She is not extraordinarily naive, but on her travels she realises how blind she was while she lived in safety on her small island. She grows on the challenges, makes mistakes and does not master everything perfectly. It's not like she can do everything, or can do it particularly well, but she never gives up. Although romance is part of the story, since Tress mainly leaves the island because of Charlie, this romance only takes up a small part of the story, which I liked very much. The story is about a young woman who overcomes her fears and worries, grows beyond herself and experiences an adventure that not only gives her more courage and self-confidence, but also many loyal friends who carry the heart just like her, in the right place.

Was ein interessantes Buch! Ich hab es mir ausgesucht als Einführung zu Brandon Sandersons Werken da es ein standalone ist und wow hat es mich überzeugt! Die Charaktere, vor allem die Protagonistin sind so erfrischend und interessant zum mitlesen! Der Erzähler hat mich hierbei am meisten gecharmed (und das nicht nur weil er ein Zauberer ist und ich Zauberer liebe) mit dem einzigartigen Erzählerstil! Ich kann kaum erwarten die weiteren Werke zu lesen.

What a whimsical little story. And funny, but also deeply philosophical. Loved it.

❊8/10 ❊ ∗ engaging story ∗ ∗ very quotable ∗ ∗ still thinking about it ∗ It truly feels like a new fairy tale. The story is cute but the characters are what made me love this book so much. Not even for any specific reason but I kept thinking about Tress for months after finishing the book, just because she’s such an impactful character with such depth and heart. It’s a story I could read every year, just because it feels so comforting. Must read!

Brandon did it again. Das Worldbuilding ist so dicht, dass es in keinem Moment zu oberflächlich durch das standalone Format wirkt. Gewohnt vielschichtige Figuren und ein turbulenter Plot treiben die Geschichte voran. Und jetzt? Jetzt bin ich traurig, Tress und die anderen Piraten hinter mir lassen zu müssen. 💔 Perfekt für eine sommerliche Urlaubslektüre am Meer!