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.
Chicago Blackout
π₯ Streamlined functionality that's music to my ears β audiobook enjoyment has reached a new level of convenience. π΅π The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Whipsaw
I can't stop raving about this app β it's like having a personal library in my pocket. I'm hooked on this app's effortless downloading process β I can have my favorite audiobooks in seconds. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and powerful features have rekindled my love for audiobooks. The audio filters and precise controls are fantastic! Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings.
Scare Stone
I've never been so entertained while doing household chores β this app is a lifesaver! I'm absolutely in love with this app! The interface is so intuitive and user-friendly. The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book β so convenient! π§ββοΈβ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! π΅π The narrator's voice was like butter - smooth, rich, and utterly pleasant to listen to for hours. They handled complex sentences with ease, making even dense material accessible. I never had to rewind because I missed something due to unclear delivery. Perfection!
Athens Fire
The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing β it's my relaxation therapy. This app is a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go β it's like carrying a library in my pocket. With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes. πΌ Enhancing work-from-home productivity β audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. π»π Apple Watch compatibility enhances my audiobook experience. It's a convenient way to control playback.
Zero Charisma
ListenBook's clean interface and organized layout make it a pleasure to browse through my audiobooks. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Pepper Mouse
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its user-friendly interface and smooth playback. ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. π Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner β this app adds flavor to every meal! π²π ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in!
Sky Trinity
ListenBook has made my daily routines more vibrant and exciting with its immersive features. Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. π±π Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend!
Energy
I'm impressed by how this app seamlessly syncs across my devices. Looping playback has made memorization so much easier. I'm acing my exams! The statistics feature is brilliant. I love seeing how much time I spend on audiobooks with ListenBook. The narrator was good but spoke a bit too slowly for my taste. I had to speed it up to 1.2x which then made some parts sound slightly unnatural.
Highlander Monk
CUE playlist support is a brilliant feature that allows me to create customized listening experiences for different moods, activities, and moments of the day. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length feature is fantastic. What a fantastic listening experience! The narrator brought the characters to life with distinct voices and emotional depth. The pacing was perfect - not too fast to lose details, not too slow to become boring. I particularly appreciated how well the narrator conveyed the atmosphere of key scenes.
Raggedy Ann
With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. π Unleashing the power of audiobooks with this user-friendly app β it's like having a personal storyteller on demand! ππ₯ Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature!
WanderWord
This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. πΆββοΈπ± I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. ποΈπ The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Koi Diva
ποΈ Turning grocery shopping into a thrilling audiobook hunt β what a game-changer! ππ ListenBookβs interface is beautiful and functional. Itβs my favorite app for audiobooks.
Friday Ferrari
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a unique feature that adds a personal touch to my listening. I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app β it's like being in the story. I can't get enough of this app β it's a true game-changer for book lovers. ListenBook's interface is so intuitive. I was up and running in no time.
High-Fructose
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of reading. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
VileHero
As a language learner, this app has been invaluable in improving my listening skills. This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. πͺ Crushing workouts while devouring books β this app makes fitness fun and educational! ποΈββοΈπ 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± As an audiobook enthusiast, I'm in awe of ListenBook's advanced features. The ability to adjust the reader's voice tone is a unique and fun addition.
Evil Smith
π Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. ππ π Embracing reading in the busiest of times β this app is my everyday escape! ππββοΈ Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. Very convenient.
9Lives
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a brilliant way to connect. Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. ππ§ The variety of supported formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from different sources hassle-free.
Voodoo Queen
I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound β it adds a personal touch. Listening stats feature keeps me on track with my audiobook goals. Love it! 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.
Lady Pomegranate
Seamless integration with all my devices and flawless synchronization β top-notch. π This app is a testament to thoughtful design β its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. πβ¨ Audiobook immersion made simple β this app's ease of use is commendable. 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.
Dark Horse
The app's intuitive design makes it easy to find and listen to my favorite authors. ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator.
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