Secret Projects 2-Book Set

by Brandon Sanderson

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson come four new one of them a standalone science fiction tale, and the other one in the Cosmere, the universe shared by his smash-hit fantasy series The Stormlight Archive and Mistborn. This bundle contains Tress of the Emerald Sea & The Frugal Wizard's Handbook for Surviving Medieval England.

Genres: Fantasy

768 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2023

About the author

I’m Brandon Sanderson, and I write stories of the fantastic: fantasy, science fiction, and thrillers.

The release of Wind and Truth in December 2024—the fifth and final book in the first arc of the #1 New York Times bestselling Stormlight Archive series—marks a significant milestone for me. This series is my love letter to the epic fantasy genre, and it’s the type of story I always dreamed epic fantasy could be. Now is a great time to get into the Stormlight Archive since the first arc, which begins with Way of Kings, is complete.

During our crowdfunding campaign for the leatherbound edition of Words of Radiance, I announced a fifth Secret Project called Isles of the Emberdark, which came out in the summer of 2025. Coming December 2025 is Tailored Realities, my non-Cosmere short story collection featuring the new novella Moment Zero.

Defiant, the fourth and final volume of the series that started with Skyward in 2018, came out in November 2023, capping an already book-filled year that saw the releases of all four Secret Projects: Tress of the Emerald Sea, The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, and The Sunlit Man. These four books were all initially offered to backers of the #1 Kickstarter campaign of all time.

November 2022 saw the release of The Lost Metal, the seventh volume in the Mistborn saga, and the final volume of the Mistborn Era Two featuring Wax & Wayne. Now that the first arc of the Stormlight Archive is wrapped up, I’ve started writing the third era of Mistborn in 2025.

Most readers have noticed that my adult fantasy novels are in a connected universe called the Cosmere. This includes The Stormlight Archive, both Mistborn series, Elantris, Warbreaker, four of the five Secret Projects, and various novellas, including The Emperor’s Soul, which won a Hugo Award in 2013. In November 2016 all of the existing Cosmere short fiction was released in one volume called Arcanum Unbounded. If you’ve read all of my adult fantasy novels and want to see some behind-the-scenes information, that collection is a must-read.

I also have three YA series: The Rithmatist (currently at one book), The Reckoners (a trilogy beginning with Steelheart), and Skyward. For young readers I also have my humorous series Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians, which had its final book, Bastille vs. the Evil Librarians, released in 2022. Many of my adult readers enjoy all of those books as well, and many of my YA readers enjoy my adult books, usually starting with Mistborn.

Additionally, I have a few other novellas that are more on the thriller/sci-fi side. These include the three stories in Legion: The Many Lives of Stephen Leeds, as well as Perfect State and Snapshot. These two novellas are also featured in 2025’s Tailored Realities. There’s a lot of material to go around!

Good starting places are Mistborn (a.k.a. The Final Empire), Skyward, Steelheart, The Emperor’s Soul, Tress of the Emerald Sea, and Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians. If you’re already a fan of big fat fantasies, you can jump right into The Way of Kings.

I was also honored to be able to complete the final three volumes of The Wheel of Time, beginning with The Gathering Storm, using Robert Jordan’s notes.

Sample chapters from all of my books are available at brandonsanderson.com—and check out the rest of my site for chapter-by-chapter annotations, deleted scenes, and more.

Reviews

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was absolutely adorable! So well written. The story is mystical, magical and told from a single POV. The storyteller, however, is NOT the FMC. Which gave a fun spin to all of it. It felt cozy in the sense that someone was retelling this grand adventure. You follow along willingly and entranced by the banter, sarcasm, new magic ideas and systems. The creative characters move the story along effortlessly. This book is YA in the very definition of little romance and a lot of adventure!
He also has this was of writing to include tidbits about life that you didn't know you needed. Made me think, feel and root for Tress. He makes a note that he never intended to share this book, I am so glad he did!
Tress needs to cross several 'seas' (that are not seas at all) to save the person she loves. She will battle pirates, be a stowaway and have to dig down to her bones to see who she is becoming. In the process we learn about her determination and that kindness can be a force of nature.
We meet an evil Sorceress, a cursed Sorcerer and a whole cast of characters that you will absolutely adore as you watch them overcome their hurdles.

[Tannaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was funny and it was Brandon Sandersonish

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only read Tress and the Emerald Sea but I'm unsure how to mark it as just that book on Goodreads! Did the audiobook version, was engaging and my first Brandon Sanderson book. I'm not obsessed~~~ but it was a good intro to his world building, which is indeed fun. The whole spores thing was cool, but I wasn't as into the ending of the book. Wouldn't knock down trying another one of his books though!

[AllTrueReviews—MK · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only read Tress and the Emerald Sea, so this is my review of that book:

This was a nice book. It was obviously well written because it’s a Brandon Sanderson. The plot and storyline originally seem quite simple, but then are complicated by advanced science and topics like what are memories and consequences, and what role do they play in life. Towards the middle, for me, I honestly just got kinda tired of it all. That being said, there was a lot of character growth throughout the book, a very in-depth planet, and I loved how other characters from Brandon Sanderson books were mentioned as well. The book ended in a plot twist that I thought was just okay, but at least mixed things up a little. Overall, a good book with some really strong aspects, but also a few weaker aspects in my opinion.

[Alyson White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tress of the Emerald Sea was my first Sanderson book, and I was hooked immediately. It has a very Princess Bride vibe, thanks to the witty narration and fairytale tone, but what really stood out was the gender role reversal. Instead of a prince saving a girl, Tress goes after the boy she loves, and her courage feels genuine instead of forced. The world is imaginative, the side characters are fun, and the story balances humor and heart without getting too cheesy. It’s a great entry point into the Cosmere, and it left me excited to start Mistborn.

[Alexia Fernández · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tress of the emerald sea

A cozy, whimsical, fantastical read with Princess Bride vibes and a whole lot of heart. This book kept me on the edge of my seat in the best way—high stakes without the anxiety, and a comforting sense of hope throughout. I loved the vibes, loved the journey, and especially loved that it delivered a happy ending. Easily my favorite read of 2026 so far. A perfect introduction to Brandon Sanderson’s writing before diving into his more complex works. Highly recommend.

[Jacob Bundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay I wrote about tress already. It’s great.

It took half way thought AFWHB before I got into the story. It was very fun in the end. Not quite as fun as some of the others but it’s very interesting. I liked it don’t get me wrong. It left me wanting more and I of t know if that’s bad or good. I feel like it could have done more. But I love the main character change and the romance in the book.

[Elizabeth Mirandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only ever read Tress and the Emerald Sea. This gave me Princess Bride vibes, entertaining and quirky. I love a strong female character that feels real on all levels. Tress's journey is full of twists, turns and lots of love.

I'm looking forward to having this as a comfort read on a rainy day one day soon.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is just for Tress, i don’t see it as an option by itself.

What a wonderfully whimsical book. I haven’t read anything like this before. Per usual, Brandon Sanderson is amazing at creating worlds and “magic”systems (spores?) i didn’t see the ending/ plot twist coming even though it seemed like it’d be a predictable book. Just overall very fun and unique.

[Teresa Cornacchione · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read both- tried to log just A Frugal Wizard- but that wasn’t an option. Both are delightful, fun reads. Tress has princess bride/our flag means death vibes and A Frugal Wizard gives hitchhikers guide/ good
Omens - loved them both highly recommend!

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I loved and enjoyed this book more than I did because I enjoyed the writing. I adored reading the book from the narrators perspective. In the end, the plot wasn't for me. I got tired of reading the book halfway through.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Might be the best Brandon fantasy because it's so low stakes but I love all the characters so much. The Doug's are the greatest comedic addition to any fantasy because it's so dumb but I get it so much.

[Dayo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tress and The Emerald sea is such a delightful, wholesome, and incaptivating story written in such a whimsical way. The characters are unique, the world building beautiful, and story so satisfactory with great bouts of humour.

[Jacob Malloy · Rating 4 out of 5]

solid Hoid worldbuilding and a nice addition to the Cosmere. A fun YA novel with delightful worldbuilding. Also really cute love story it's definitely a story that makes you feel good when you read it. Brandon Sanderson's novellas tend to be pretty good.

[Maxwell Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast, light, and heartwarming. I loved the simple story and how it ties into Sanderson's greater universe.

[David Laroche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining and the best book out of the Year of Sanderson secret project

[Milind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple premise but very good stroy

[Sydney Hunsaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed tress and loved how it mentioned other characters from the cosmere.

[Hien Le · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like The Martian, but with time / dimensional travel? Think of this as a light hearted adventure to read after "How to Invent Everything: A Survival Guide for the Stranded Time Traveler".

[Dylan Standers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recommended by a coworker. Really good science fiction. Not too much depth on the story, would try to read another one of the author's books.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is for Tress and the Emerald Sea. I haven't read the other. What a lovely story. A must read for teens (and those who like YA books).

[Zoe Hiemstra · Rating 4 out of 5]

one of the most creative novels I’ve read in a very long time. whimsical, witty, and everything you could want from a fairytale.

[Raenoceros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only read Tress And The Emerald Sea. And what a fucking delight.
I loved it. Such a unique, whimsical, rich world and cast of characters.

[Rachel Beggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tress of the Emerald Sea is one of my favorite modern fairytales. This is my second read through and I will happily read it over and over again. Beautiful, simple, funny, and inspiring.

[Val · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun book about traveling to a medieval alternate universe filled with gangsters.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like many I only read/listened to Tress and the Emerald Sea and it was so good!

[Avery Palenske · Rating 5 out of 5]

i only read tress and the emerald sea but i LOVED every single page

[James Ricci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it. I read it as my second sanderson book, looking forward to coming back to tress when I have read more of his collection to pick up on all the connections I missed

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only read Tress, but I think it was one of the funniest books I've ever read. Absolutely, 100% recommend. Possibly the best book I've read in years.

[Jen Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tress and the Emerald Sea is one of the most charming, witty, engaging and delightful books I've ever read. I absolutely adored this story and all its colorful characters.