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 (542)
Incredible (134) | |
Loved It (192) | |
Liked It (110) | |
It Was OK (63) | |
Did Not Like (26) | |
Hated It (17) |
Reader Stats (1269):
Read It (543) | |
Currently Reading (12) | |
Want To Read (510) | |
Did Not Finish (29) | |
Not Interested (175) |
19 comment(s)
I fell in love with this book so easily. A wonderful story that I never wanted to end.
SO SWEET. Goosebumps!
Characters and storyline
I loved it in the end, but I thought it danced around too long before getting to the meat of the story
****5.0****
This book has a big fan following. I wanted to pick this book from the time it was released just because of the lovely cover art and title.
“People suck, but sometimes, they should just drown in their own suckage without our help.”
It is a beautiful book. We meet Linus Baker, 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. He leads a quiet life in a small house with a cat , a few music records and a nosy elderly neighbour. His life goes on a tumble when he is assigned to a top secret mission on a magical island.
“Change often starts with the smallest of whispers. Like-minded people building it up to a roar.”
He meets a different set of kids with dangerous abilities and their care taker Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe. Linus was leading a life which cant be called as a life with living. It was on this strange island Linus finds his home, finds how to really live, breathe and what it means to be a family.
“We should always make time for the things we like. If we don't, we might forget how to be happy.”
Emotional and very touchy book. I can't stop recommending it enough.
Happy Reading!!
Nothing like a 6yr old antichrist named Lucy.
Podia haber sido un libro perfecto pero hay pequeños detalles por lo que se queda en 4 estrellas.
La historia en si esta bien, tiene humor y consigue lo que se propone. El mayor problema es que se ve a millones de kilometros de distancia lo que va a ocurrir al final.
Lo que mas me sacaba del libro es ciertas frases que todos los personajes dicen como "no, supongo que no". "oh, eso es asi?" . Son frases comunes, si, pero hay varias otras formas de decir "no" y es raro que multiple personajes hablen de la misma manera.
Otro concepto repetitivo es la diferencia entre lo que dice o piensa y lo que el personaje acaba haciendo. Por ejemplo "No, no voy a abrir la puerta. - Linus inmediatamente abre la puerta.". Es gracioso pero pierde el interes cuando le pasa 10 veces a la misma persona.
Aun con todo esto es un libro gracioso emotivo y creativo.
3.5
What a charming story with a timeless meaning. Who knew a book with an “anti-Christ” child would be so delightful? The real star of the show was the narrator for the audiobook, Daniel Henning. He brought all the magical beings to life. My favorite was Chauncey, the blob/wannabe bellhop.
Cute story of being different and trying to fit in without losing your sense of self. Knew the ending as soon as the main character met the children’s caregiver.
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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