[yreg]

Tress of the Emerald Sea is set on quite a unique world. The planet is covered by oceans of magical "spores" which react violently to water.

For example the spores in the Emerald Sea, where the hero is from, instantly grow into massive vines that destroy everything in their path. That makes sailing rather dangerous.

The story is whimsical, perhaps an adult fairy tale (or just a fairy tale?), so I don't know if it fits your taste.