The Sunlit Man: A Cosmere Novel (Secret Projects Book 4)

The Sunlit Man is one of Brandon Sanderson's Kickstarter books. I couldn't help but think of some 1950s science fiction movie with red-tinted colors set on a sand planet. That doesn't have much to do with the book, but I couldn't help thinking that. The book seemed to have big people fight, with one weighing down another. There are powers to take in sun and do things. It ties in with the Cosmere universe. 

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter: A Cosmere Novel (Secret Projects Book 3)

this is another Sanderson "secret project" with audiobook available at the library, but not Audible. In this one, two people from different worlds. They are shocked to experience the other's world. One is more technologically advanced, while the other is more conservative. The values differ in each world. Even the understanding of art and science differ. The two people come together and come to a greater understanding, experiencing worlds through a different experience. It does suffer from the "length" problem of fantasy books. I got lost at times, but was able to keep going.

The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England (Secret Projects 2)

(Audiobook on Google Play) - Brandon Sanderson is not making his audiobooks available on Audible. I typically use Amazon for my links, but listen via the local library. I'd much rather have the audiobook available for listening at the library even if it means not being able to link to the Amazon version. It is nice to get some push on limiting the Audible exclusives.

As for the book, this one looked like it was a lot of fun to write, even if there are no talking bananas. The book centers around a person that does not know where he is or why he was there. However, he does have a handbook. He gradually remembers more about himself and works through his adventure.

He is in an "alternate time path". It is very similar to time travel, except it isn't really time travel. Companies sell the opportunity to travel to alternate dimensions that are similar to past periods of earth. This company focuses on sending people to places like Medieval England where people speak a language similar to modern English. The book contains many vary humorous bits of promotional materials and other guide information from this company.

As the man slowly learns more about himself, he is able to complete his journey and avoid catastrophe. He also discovers some of the challenges of living as a "modern person" in the a place like the past. He thought it be able to display the "magic" of modern science. Alas, without the internet, he is not able to demonstrate the details of modern science. However, when he draws an accurate drawing a person's face, the people are wowed. This perspective drawing is magical to them. (Writing is a different story, with some real magic implied.)

Brandon Sanderson says that he came up with the title first, and then wrote the book. He probably had a lot of fun doing it. The book was a lot of fun to listen to.

Tress of the Emerald Sea

Tress is one of Brandon Sanderson's "secret projects" books. It is set in his universe. However, it is very much stand alone. The book is very sassy in tone. Tess goes out with others on adventures. They battle some bad guys and complete the quest. Summarized, it feels like a fantasy book. The tone and actions make it much more accessible. The spores are also a fun part of it - especially with the one that allows creating a "spying" avatar.

I do need to find a better source for images. I'm using Amazon images, which tend to last a while. However, the audiobook is not available on audible, and amazon doesn't show other listings.