Tress of the Emerald Sea is a great one-shot from Brandon Sanderson, and while it is set in The Cosmere, I don't think you need to consume anything else before picking this up. The narration style is unique and enjoyable, and the humour works perfectly for me and keeps the entire story lighthearted despite some rather serious scenes. It reminds me of Princess Bride, a fairy tale with an amusing back-and-forth from the narrator that keeps things moving and the story from drowning in its own self-importance.

And... while Brandon Sanderson is the magic system author, this novel isn't about the rules of magic and how to manipulate them (although it's there!). It also isn't about hopeless battles against antagonists that seem to have all the odds stacked in their favour (but that's here too!). This is about Tress leaving her home and growing up as she has adventures around the world, making great friends along the way. And I'd like to think that is something we can all identify with.

Highly recommended.