Tress of the Emerald Sea

Halfway through I was ready to chuck it in, the world building was great - and for Cosmere nerds there's the “I get that reference” game - but the style was odd. I'm not quite sure who this style is for. It's hard to describe, but it's like it's written so adults can feel like they're reading a childrens book. It's not for kids but it reads like it is. Which isn't necessarily bad, but the balance isn't quite right. I can see how it was trying to be The Princess Bride, and it gets close, but tonally doesn't quite hit the mark. To be fair, it's really hard to nail that style of tongue in cheek, ironic yet warm humour.

Having said that, he knows how to keep up the pace in his books, so it's easy to push through and get to the part where Sanderson shines; well executed and highly entertaining endings.