Love made you Black, as in, you were most coloured when in her presence. It was not a cause for concern; one must rejoice! You could be yourselves.

Open Water is an honest and intimate love story that feels deeply personal. It’s about Black joy, it’s an homage to Black artists, it is a book about freedom, culture, connection and love. At the same time, it is about the inherent trauma of living as a Black man in today’s society and the fact that police violence and systemic racism never seem to be far away. It is about pain and fear and the way these seem to seep into every aspect of life, even the parts you’re trying so hard to protect. It’s about the longing to be seen, the vulnerability in intimacy, the fear of being misunderstood. It is about being able to be yourself, truly.

The writing is lyrical and poetic, almost musical. The second person perspective pulls you in close and Nelson’s repetition of phrases creates a certain rhythmic effect. A lot of times this felt hard-hitting, but the repitition sometimes lost some of it force and tended to feel a little, well... repetitive. Even so, I loved the writing style and overall it really resonated with me. I think this is one of those stories that'll linger with me for a while.

Alix, how does it feel, knowing you’ve written a masterpiece?

This was simply gorgeous. The way this takes root, then grows and expands past what you might possibly conceive 🤌 Stunning prose, heartfelt characters and an exceptional story that truly is everlasting.

I absolutely loved the world in Tress of the Emerald Sea. Since Tress starts off very isolated, we learn about the world gradually through her eyes, which made the discovery feel personal and immersive. I could vividly imagine the strange seas, and all the unique details of this universe. Even though I haven’t read much of Sanderson’s Cosmere yet, I felt completely drawn in. The worldbuilding was clever, detailed, and felt alive — I loved how it unfolded naturally as the story progressed.

This is my fourth Sanderson book, and I thoroughly enjoyed his writing here. The narration style was so unique — witty, humorous, and occasionally cheeky toward the reader, which I absolutely loved. The mix of humour and profound quotes hit me perfectly. Lines in the epilogue and moments throughout the book were genuinely moving and thought-provoking. The writing worked completely for me; I can see why it might not resonate with everyone, but for me, it was 100% engaging, funny, and heartfelt.

Tress is such a wonderful and unexpected heroine — quiet and unassuming, yet incredibly strong in her own way. The found-family vibe with her little crew was heartwarming, and the romance was a sweet touch without overpowering the story. The pacing was a bit slower at the start, but it worked beautifully, allowing the world and characters to breathe before everything came together quickly toward the end. I also loved how the plot allowed for small, charming details alongside bigger adventures. Overall, the characters felt real, the stakes felt important, and the story left me completely satisfied.

This book balanced humour, adventure, and profound moments so well. It’s funny, heartfelt, and full of tiny gems that make you think. I loved every moment of it and can’t wait to read more of Sanderson’s Cosmere to see how it all connects.