Book description
I was scrolling through the library's new releases when I stumbled across "Tress of the Emerald Sea." The cover was a splash of green, and the subtitle promised a fresh spin on the Cosmere that would feel like a breezy, island-tale adventure. As soon as the book's description hit my screen, I heard my inner audiobook reviewer jump to life.
From the get-go, the narrative is clear: Tress, a simple island girl who collects cups and listens to stories from sailors, is suddenly thrust into a quest when her friend Charlie's father takes him aboard a ship in search of a bride. The stakes raise when disaster strikes, forcing Tress to hide aboard the same vessel and chase the mysterious Sorceress of the Midnight Sea. The setting of "spore oceans," where even a single drop can kill, creates an atmosphere that's both beautiful and dangerous. The pirates that roam those waters add a lively edge, reminiscent of the swashbuckling spirit of The Princess Bride-and that's exactly the hook the description offers for fans of that classic.
Listening to the audiobook, the narration breathes life into the island's vibrant world. The voice used for Tress feels genuine and curious, capturing her "simple pleasures" and her excitement about the unknown. The background sound effects, a subtle ocean hum and occasional gull cries, pull the listener into that emerald-green sea. When the plot turns toward the sorceress, the tone shifts, and the narrator's pacing heightens the suspense without losing the lyrical quality of Sanderson's prose.
I also appreciated how the book sits comfortably within the larger Cosmere tapestry, yet remains a standalone. Sanderson's signature world-building shows through subtly: references to the magic system, the way the island's cups are crafted, and the very name of the Midnight Sea. Yet the story is accessible, not requiring any prior knowledge of the Stormlight Archive or Mistborn. For someone who has only read The Princess Bride, this book feels like a gentle but thrilling bridge into a richer, magical universe.
The pacing is steady, with well-timed twists. The stowaway scene is a highlight; the tension of hiding on a ship while pirates roam feels taut, and the narrator's delivery makes it palpable. The climax-confronting the sorceress-balances action with emotional resonance, letting the listener feel Tress's growth from an island child to a woman who's taken charge of her destiny.
What makes this audiobook stand out is the harmony between story and sound. The narration doesn't overdo it; it matches the narrative's ebb and flow. The soundtrack underlies moments of calm with gentle waves and escalates during battles. This attention to detail keeps the listener engaged throughout the 20-plus hour runtime.
Overall, "Tress of the Emerald Sea" delivers on its promise: a fresh, whimsical adventure that echoes the charm of The Princess Bride while adding depth through the Cosmere's expansive world. For audiophiles looking for a tale of island adventure, unexpected bravery, and the thrill of the sea, this book is a solid choice. If you're a Sanderson fan or simply love a good, character-driven story, this audiobook is ready to ship into your collection.
Baby Brown
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures I never miss out on any audio gem. This audiobook app is an absolute lifesaver! It brings my favorite stories to life with unparalleled convenience. Binaural audio processing really works. Less fatigue during long listening sessions.
MindfulMingle
I've never been this excited about my daily commute β thank you, audiobooks! ListenBook's dedication to delivering high-quality sound and user-friendly features has won me over. With this app, I've found a way to turn every moment into an opportunity for learning and enrichment. Audiobook immersion made simple β this app's ease of use is commendable.
Ella of Light
Integration with Apple CarPlay has made long road trips so much more enjoyable. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life.
Bitmap
Discovering new worlds through audiobooks has never been easier! This app's intuitive interface and seamless functionality make every listening session a delight. ππ§ The app's performance is beyond impressive. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. Download options are versatile, making it easy to get audiobooks from various sources. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature.
Green Ghost
ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable.
Lady Katniss
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day. ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches. The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Gold Bentley
I'm impressed by ListenBook's dedication to providing a comfortable listening experience. Finally, an app that turns my daily commute into an adventure through literature. The audiobook player's silky-smooth playback is like music to my ears. Flawless performance! This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
FRMhndshk
Audiobook journey simplified β this app's functionality is a wonderful surprise. AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends.
Dance Cannon
This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. πΆπ My new soundtrack? Audiobooks, of course! This app makes every day musical. π§πΆ The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Light Lion
Navigating chapters and genres is a breeze with this app's functionality. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is a game-changer. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
Lady Petal
I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life. Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a perfect match. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to a whole new level. This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just rightβnot too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend!
Spoiler
An audiobook lover's dream come true. So many options, I'm in heaven! The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's an essential part of my day. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is truly impressive.
Goatee Shield
I can't imagine my daily rituals without this app β it's a constant source of joy. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls β it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks.
Firedog
ListenBook's library organization and book groups have made managing my audiobooks a breeze. π§ββοΈβ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! π΅π Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. Audiobook pleasure at its finest! This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and delightful. ππ The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Foot-long Fry
As a language enthusiast, this app has been a fantastic tool for learning new languages. My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend!
Seal Snake
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make every listening session a pleasure. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories.
Mr. 44
The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. This app has given me the joy of reading even when my hands are full. ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have taken my audiobook journey to new heights. Downloading audio from network devices is a brilliant feature. It's incredibly convenient.
Blackfire
Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. ππ Reigniting my passion for books β this app is my newfound reading obsession! π₯π§ Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized. Noise reduction and tone changing enhance the listening experience. Love it! I've found my new favorite narrator! Their voice was perfectly suited to this material, with just the right blend of authority and approachability. The production quality was broadcast-level - no distracting breaths, clicks, or inconsistent volume. Already looking for more of their work.
RealmRanger
ListenBook's commitment to providing top-notch audio quality has taken my audiobook experience to a new level. From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing different formats has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary listening sessions. π±π
B@d B0y
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. I'm in awe of how this app has brought new dimensions to my reading experience. π Indulging in soothing bedtime stories β this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. ππ ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook enjoyment. It's an essential part of my daily routine.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience