Tress of the Emerald Sea

by Brandon Sanderson

this is a tale about people who are both what they seem and not what they seem. Simultaneously. A story of contradictions. In other words, it is a story about human beings.

She felt less like a mere human being, and more like a human who was merely being.

“Everything is extraordinary about you, Tress,” her mother said. “That’s why nothing in particular stands out.”

Well, parents have to say things like that. They’re required to see the best in their children, otherwise living with the little sociopaths would drive a person mad.

Tress awoke. That was nice. Tress very much approved of not dying on the first day of her adventure.

More twisted than a librarian’s love life (trust me, they’re a strange bunch),

“Cats don’t stop hunting because they’re full, Tress. They’re like people in that regard.”