Who Would Like This Book:
This is the book equivalent of a warm hug! The House in the Cerulean Sea is a heart-melting blend of found family, quirky magical children, and gentle romance. TJ Klune brings together an unforgettable cast where acceptance, kindness, and personal growth shine bright. The humor is whimsical, the setting feels straight out of a modern fairy tale, and the plot is both cozy and uplifting. If you love stories about misfits finding a home, if you enjoy hopeful, feel-good reads with a touch of magic - and bonus points for LGBTQ+ representation - this is a perfect pick for teens and adults alike.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers find the book a bit too sweet or "preachy" in its messaging about acceptance and prejudice - think “after-school special” vibes. The tone is relentlessly wholesome, which isn’t for everyone, and a few felt it was emotionally heavy-handed or lacking subtlety. Those who crave dark, complex plots, gritty world-building, or intricate lore might find it too light. There's also been some discussion around the book’s inspirations and use of sensitive allegory, which could affect the reading experience for a few.
About:
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune follows the story of Linus Baker, a bureaucratic caseworker who is tasked with investigating an orphanage for magical children on Marsyas Island. Through his interactions with the children, including Lucy the Antichrist and other unique characters like a were pomeranian and an endearing blob, Linus undergoes a transformative journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and love. The book combines elements of fantasy, found family, and queer romance, all wrapped in a heartwarming and enchanting narrative that explores themes of empathy, understanding, and the power of love.
The writing style in The House in the Cerulean Sea is described as charming, delightful, and heartwarming, with a touch of humor and magical realism. The story unfolds with a mix of whimsical elements, poignant moments, and gentle allegory, creating a narrative that celebrates diversity, found family, misfits, and queer love. The characters, especially the magical children, are portrayed with real and relatable emotions, making the book a comforting and uplifting read that resonates with readers on a deep emotional level.
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Has Romance?
The House in the Cerulean Sea has a medium level of romantic content, focusing on the developing relationship between the two male leads, Linus and Arthur.
From The Publisher:
A magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret.
Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages.
When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management he's given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they're likely to bring about the end of days.
But the children aren't the only secret the island keeps. Their caretaker is the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe. As Arthur and Linus grow closer, long-held secrets are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn.
An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place-and realizing that family is yours.
A NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, and WASHINGTON POST BESTSELLER!
A 2021 Alex Award winner!
The 2021 RUSA Reading List: Fantasy Winner!
An Indie Next Pick!
One of Publishers Weekly's "Most Anticipated Books of Spring 2020"
One of Book Riot's "20 Must-Read Feel-Good Fantasies"
Lambda Literary Award-winning author TJ Klune's bestselling, breakout contemporary fantasy that's "1984 meets The Umbrella Academy with a pinch of Douglas Adams thrown in." (Gail Carriger)
Ratings (922)
Incredible (237) | |
Loved It (323) | |
Liked It (177) | |
It Was OK (101) | |
Did Not Like (61) | |
Hated It (23) |
Reader Stats (2112):
Read It (922) | |
Currently Reading (17) | |
Want To Read (772) | |
Did Not Finish (62) | |
Not Interested (339) |
35 comment(s)
This was perhaps the warmest hug I have gotten in a while. A beautiful book that could easily steer clear of being complex. But it doesn't. Far from it. It gives you hope whiles still reminding us that nothing in this life is simple and that we will all make mistakes. Our past's do not define us nor does what we are define us. Each day is a chance for change and for us to find our way to the right one for those we love and care about. Sometimes found family is what you need because it's those you chose for yourself when you needed them the most.
Adjusted my star rating from a 3 to a 4. The kids are what did it for me. The things that they came across in life and the person that Linus became for them. It was all very touching. I feel like there is a lot that can come from this book outside of magic. Linus is stuck in what is essentially a dead-end job, a town full of people who hate people they don't even know anything true about, and the journey through it all. I don't think this is a 4 star read that I will read again, but it is one that I enjoyed reading. I will most likely be purchasing this book because that cover is gorgeous.
This book is amazing!! I love all the kids and the dark humor. Definitely a must read! I can’t even put into words how stunning this story is!!!
I loved this book. The characters and the love story was absolutely beautiful.
I don’t ever love saviour narratives, and I felt the conflict was oversimplified. Really wanted to like it though.
did NOT know I could cry from happiness
Dnf for now. Wasnt in the mood for it.
I feel torn on whether I should have given this a deeper chance, but it as an American author trying to sound British and it reads painfully like that. He’s trying so hard to capture quirky English patterns and it all falls horribly flat and embarrassing, in my experience. Maybe the plot is good, idk. The characters were interesting in the parts I read, but the writing was just a source of frustration and felt written for too young an audience.
God, the writing is so overexplained, show-not-tell and long-winded. Full marks to the Audible narrator, who was excellent and gave the book a sense of excitement it wouldn’t otherwise have had.
4 stars
“And though I've lived in a world where you didn't exist for most of my life, I don't believe that's a world I can be in any longer. It started with the sun, and it was warm. And then came the sea, and it was unlike anything I'd ever seen before. It was followed by this place, this island so mysterious and wonderful.
But it was you who gave me peace and joy like I've never had before. You gave me a voice and a purpose. Nothing would have changed if it hadn't been for all of you. I believe they've listened to me, but the only reason I knew what to say at all was because of what you taught me. We're not alone. We never have been. We have each other. If I were to leave again, I would wish I were here.
I don't want to wish anymore. If you'll have me, I would like to stay. For always."
What can you read after
The House in the Cerulean Sea?
About the Author:
TJ KLUNE is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, The Extraordinaries, and more. Being queer himself, Klune believes it's important-now more than ever-to have accurate, positive queer representation in stories.
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