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.
ForumFlare
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IceDog
The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique touch β it's like having a personalized reading. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories.
Mafia Princess
ListenBook's support for chapters and bookmarks ensures that I never lose my place in a story. ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. Tone adjustment is a thoughtful addition that adds a personal touch to the audiobook narration. It's like having a narrator tailor their voice to my preferences. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Digital Equinox
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Acid Gosling
ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. Highly engaging! The combination of a well-written story and skilled narration made this audiobook hard to pause. I finished it much faster than I expected because I just couldnβt stop listening.
Stone Boomstick
Looping playback helps me revise and memorize complex topics effectively. A study essential! ListenBookβs support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
RDTN
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy.
ThoughtTracer
Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is impressive. ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thanks to automatic artwork and metadata. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
MuseMaster
ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. Simplifying my audiobook experience β this app's design is remarkable. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the audio quality and ensures that I can immerse myself fully in the content.
Napoleonic Haze
This app's convenience has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again. The speed adjustment feature is my secret weapon for studying complex materials. No more converting files β this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort.
Flyswat Briggs
The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to maintain audio quality even for formats like FLAC and AWB. This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. I love how this app's chapters, bookmarks, and controls give me full control over my audiobook journey. ListenBook's intuitive layout and quick access to chapters make audiobook navigation a breeze.
RetroMirage
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Petite Beauty
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Mrs. Voltage
ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have transformed my listening sessions into immersive journeys. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my downtime more enriching and meaningful. ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, becoming an indispensable companion for various activities. Its user-friendly interface, features, and performance make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment.
DreamDiver
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. No more worries about compatibility β ListenBook handles numerous formats flawlessly. This app has become my go-to for audiobooks, adding a layer of convenience and enjoyment to my days. As an audiobook enthusiast, this app is a dream come true. Its compatibility with various formats and easy navigation make it my ultimate reading companion. ππ§
Pearl Girl
I'm able to catch up on my reading list even during the busiest days. With this app, reading is as simple as pressing play β it's genius! Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive offerings, from statistics tracking to immersive audio processing, have breathed new life into my reading. πβ¨ The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Granola
ListenBook's support for binaural audio processing is a thoughtful touch that reduces listening fatigue. π Long road trips? No problem β this app keeps me entertained mile after mile! ππ
Amphibi-Dangerous
π‘ Embracing audiobooks while tidying up the house β it's like having a helper! π π I love the quick access to settings. It makes tweaking the app so easy.
StarZen
ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. π Say goodbye to boredom during long drives β this app makes road trips fly by! ππ π Turning my phone into a portal of stories β this app's ease of use is remarkable! π±π« Audiobooks have become a staple in my routine, all thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. It's a must-have for any book lover. ππ± The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
WanderWord
The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. My house has never been cleaner! I kept finding chores to do just to keep listening. The narrator's energy matched the tone of the book perfectly.
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