TJ Klune is a Lambda Literary Award-winning author, known for his exceptional contributions to the fantasy genre.
I first fell in love with his writing while reading Under The Whispering Door. It’s a magical story, written with real warmth and humour, and it really left a lasting impression on me.
TJ Klune books are always so well received and I’d also heard so many positive things about The House in the Cerulean Sea. I knew if it was anything like Under The Whispering Door, I was sure to love it.
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Plot
Linus Baker leads a quiet life in his tiny house, with just his devious cat and his beloved records for company. He has spent years working for DICOMY (Department in Charge of Magical Youth) monitoring their orphanages. He is good at his job, meticulous and honest, but at 40 years old, Linus wonders if there might be more to life.
Then one day, Linus is summoned by Extremely Upper Management and given a highly classified assignment. He is tasked with travelling to an orphanage, home of six magical, yet seemingly dangerous, children.
Linus’ job is to discover if these children, including the Antichrist, are truly as dangerous as they seem. He is also ordered to find out more about the enigmatic and charming Arthur Parnassus, the children’s guardian.
As Arthur and Linus grow ever closer, Linus must choose between duty and his dreams.
The House in the Cerulean Sea Book Review
Another gorgeous, heartwarming book by TJ Klune. I loved it. Who would have thought a story about the Antichrist could be so uplifting?!
The whole cast of characters was fantastic. Lucy was brilliant and his interactions with Linus provided many comedic moments. Each of the characters was so well drawn, that I could clearly picture them all in my mind. I loved how these children (and adults) added the much-needed colour to Linus’ previously dull life.
However, without a doubt, Arthur was my favourite. Lovely, patient Arthur. I loved his interactions with the children and Linus and the decency and kindness he showed in every situation.
I adored the descriptions of not only the unique characters but the scenery too. Who wouldn’t want to live in The House in Cerulean Sea?
While the story does provide escapism for the reader, with its magical surroundings and cast of extraordinary characters, the message still very much resonates in the ‘real world’. It almost reads like a fairy tale for adults, with a moral message at its core. And it’s a worthy message – one of acceptance and tolerance.
While it’s a whimsical, wholesome tale, it stops just short of becoming too sickly sweet. I don’t want to feel like I’m being lectured by that author and thankfully TJ Klune didn’t cross that line.
It’s such a gentle, beautiful story full of humour and warmth. I loved it.
What should I read after The House in the Cerulean Sea?
If you loved The House in the Cerulean Sea as much as I did, you’ll be excited to hear that a sequel is coming in 2024! Somewhere Beyond the Sea is due to be released in September 2024. You may also want to read some of TJ Klune’s other novels. I also really enjoyed Under The Whispering Door.