Member Reviews

What a beautiful story. This book was so hyped up that I became so nervous to read it. However, before I had even finished the book, I had ordered in several copies for the school library and a finished copy for myself. I can't put into words how much I adored this novel. Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to read it early

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Wow, tj klune really knows how to write! Such great characters, and such a whimsical story. I would highly recommend this to anyone

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What a purely delightful, heart-warming and wonderful read this is! A story about home, heart and accepting difference. I adored the author's newest book, Under the Whispering Door and I was so happy to find this book was full of the same qualities despite being a totally different story.

Unlike the UK and US, here in Australia the first print run of a book is almost always in paperback. Being a huge reader and working for a publisher I am surrounded by books constantly but having limited space I have to be careful about just how many I can keep. The really special books I source in hardcover. For the first time ever, I am buying in special limited designed hardcover editions for they will have pride of place on my shelves forever...

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This is one of those books that have been so hyped up in the reading community that I felt I had to read it! Whilst I did like the ending, I felt it started off pretty slow paced for the first half. It’s not my normal genre but I can see why people who are into fantasy books really enjoy it - it just wasn’t for me.

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I have been wanting to read this book for so long and was so giddy when it came up on netgalley. And boy, was I not disappointed.

TJ Klune has such a wonderful prose and way of writing - he just sucks you right into the story. And this was no exception. It is the story of Linus who, as a job, spends his life inspecting and monitoring orphanages. And one day he is sent to one said orphanage that is home to 6 exceptionally dangerous children. When there, he meets their ward, Arthur, who is exceptionally and highly protective of his children and will do anything to protect them. This then prompts a shift in attitude by Linus.

Klune just builds some wonderful words that have slightly magical and fantastical elements and he pulls you right into them. They are simply stunning and the book was completely unputdownable. I adored all the characters (including the Antichrist!) from the first page to the last sentence.

Simply breathtaking novel and did not disappoint in the slightest.

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Loved, loved, loved. A found-family fantasy that left me with a lump in my throat and a song in my heart. LGBTQ+ representation is so important, and TJ Klune does it here with a captivating lightness of touch. This is a beautiful parable about “otherness” in its many forms. A very contemporary fairytale (despite its olde worlde feel) that I’ll be recommending to everybody for years to come.

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Sometimes, I read a book that everyone else seems to really like and can see exactly why it's so popular but it just doesn't work for me - The House in the Cerulean Sea is a prime example of one of those books.

The basic premise of the book is that there's a government agency responsible for orphanages where children with a wide variety of magical powers live and our protagonist is a long-serving caseworker for them, embroiled in the bureaucracy and just doing his job from day to day, then from year to year. That job is to inspect the quality of said institutions, talking to the children who live there about the care they receive, and then making a recommendation about whether they should remain open or not. Linus is subsequently chosen to visit a particular orphanage, one set on a small island which requires him taking a lengthy journey and then spending a month there. When he arrives, he discovers two things: the inhabitants of the island have been paid to keep quiet about this particular institution and that it's inhabited by what are apparently the strangest/most dangerous of magical children.

Naturally, Linus being there for a month, since he's come from a life where he lives alone with only his crotchety cat for company, is enough to melt his heart and make him feel like this is where he belongs. There's also a thinly-drawn romantic relationship with the orphanage's master - though even typing that word in this context makes my skin crawl a little - a man who also has secrets. This is all going on within the context of a society which has ostracised magical beings to the point of keeping them isolated, with only passing references (all negative) to the care they received prior to this. If parents are mentioned, they've died, otherwise it's as though these children appeared from the ether.

I guess the phrase that comes to mind most for The House in the Cerulean Sea is 'relentlessly wholesome' and, to be perfectly honest, it would take a much more accomplished writer to make me read and enjoy it.

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The House in the Cerulean Sea, TJ Klune

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Sci Fi & Fantasy, LGBTQIA

Well, I remember reading the amazing Wolfsong, Green Creek 1, some years back and even now parts of that story stay with me, so when I saw this of course I had to request it.
Its another fabulous read, full of characters that will stay with me for a long time.

I love Linus, he's stuck doing what he really believes is right, in a world that sadly isn't always as moral as he seems to believe. ( Well, that's my take on it – maybe I'm just over cynical) We need people like Linus, those who are truly good,honest, out to do right at all times. Sadly he's also very kind of careworn, lonely and doesn't seem to believe he deserves more in life, more fun, more companionship and love, more everything. My heart broke for him. I adored Calliope too ;-)

Then he's sent to check on a very unusual orphanage, one where the children are very dangerous. Their guardian, Arthur Parnassus, is a very unusual man, and Linus isn't entirely sure he's doing whats right for the children. He runs the orphanage in a very unusual way. And the children, poor Linus, they don't get off to the best start. It made me laugh so much, the deadpan way the kids threaten him, so matter of fact as if its normal to size people up for a grave ( Thalia) or Lucy talking about bringing horrific death and destruction to the world, and in the next breath asking whats for tea and singing along to old records as he helps wash up dishes. Yet the fabulous Arthur has it all in hand in his gentle, unassuming way, he's always there when they need him, always bringing them round to a more reasonable view in a considered way. Not by being dogmatic, autocratic or harsh, not Telling them what to do and think, but showing there is another side, encouraging them to see it. He was just perfect.

The characters here are just wonderful, so well depicted that I could picture them in my head, felt as if I knew them and I wanted the very best for them. And staying with Arthur was just that, just what the kids needed. Of course the gentle romance too made the story really enjoyable, and the way the children took to Linus in their very different ways was so heartbreaking. In a good way of course. They, and Arthur, gave Linus what he didn't know he needed.

Stars: Five. Its a fabulous read, with amazing people who will stay with me for a long while.

ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers

#TheHouseintheCeruleanSea #NetGalley

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This book is a bit of a departure from my most common genres. However, I have been recommended it several times now, so when I was offered a copy in exchange for an honest review, I jumped on the chance.

This book was simply wonderful. I don’t really know how to convey how much I enjoyed this. The setting is marvellous, and the contrast of the island with where Linus lives is wonderful. I loved the characters so much, and the story of how Linus gets to know everyone. The gentle unfolding of characters and relationships. The triumph of hope over prejudice. It’s all just perfect.

If you’re looking for a heartwarming tale of found family, that feels like a big, warm hug, this is the book for you.

I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

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A contender for the best book I've read this year! The House in the Cerulean Sea is a wonderful story filled with plenty of well explored characters, and at the heart of it all a message that feels as timely as ever - not to judge too quickly by taking other people at face value. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone and will definitely be looking out for more titles by this author

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f course, everyone has I feel either recommended this book to me or read this - and I felt like the last one, so I thought this cosy little book can't be too much for me and as I sit in tears reading this in my living room, I was so very wrong.

The story of a caseworker, Linus whose come to visit children being taken care of by Arthur Pernassus, their adoption home carer, I'm not sure how to describe him to be honest who meet when the department Linus works for wants a report on Arthur's home, and how these children tangle and weave into his heart, is heartbreaking, tender and powerful.

Every character is just so charming and I just want to be a bellhop now too, because I feel like I want to be able to meet these so well developed and unique characters, that actually sound like children (I don't know, sometimes I read children that seem not like children) and it makes for such compelling and wonderful reading especially as this story develops.

It's a wonderful book full of wit, charm and love that just strikes you with ease and I totally get why so many love this book, especially during this past year when we've needed people so much more than ever before as this book gives you a whole family to care about.

I need to go find more from this author, excuse me!

(I received an ARC from Netgalley for honest review).

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The House in the Cerulean Sea is an adult fantasy with elements of magical realism. I found it to be wholesome and would definitely classify it as a comfort read. This is the first adult fantasy I have ever read and it was a pleasant surprise. I am glad it wasn't so surreal to be ridiculous.

Linus Baker is good at what he does, even if it is monotonous and dull. Working for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth (DICOMY) would imply an exciting life, full of acceptance of individuality, however, this couldn't be further away from the truth. Linus' ability to type up a detailed report devoid of emotion is the reason Extremely Upper Management has noticed him. They need someone work and rule focused when it comes to investigating the orphanage on Marsyas Islands. The children involved are of likes of which no one has ever seen before.

Characters are well rounded and each have their own unique identity beyond their abnormality. I enjoyed reading about Lucy in particular who is both funny and an excellent representation of preconceived notions being different to reality. Connections are built between the reader and the characters such that you're emotionally invested in their development.

The book is very much one that tells rather than shows in a lot of aspects. Life lessons are threaded throughout the book as means of delivering a wholesome experience. Though these are aimed at the children they could certainly speak to a wider audience. I found these charming in the context of educating children who were considered 'abnormal'.

The writing style is very simplistic which keeps the pace steady and makes the book easy to consume. The language and tone used are very even and polite. It comes across as if it were a children's book or fairytale told to adults. I would say this makes it appropriate for a wide consumer audience from teens to adults.

The LGBTQ+ aspect of the book is very light and only really explored towards the end of the book. The romance is certainly not the primary focus of the book and not a huge amount of time is dedicated to it. I think in the context of the book this was important as not to take away from the overall message.

There is controversy surrounding the book I was unaware of when I initially started reading. I had no knowledge of the forced separation and treatment of indigenous children which were the foundation of the book. I think though positive in the way it brings attention to a travesty it could've been addressed better and the book used as a platform. I can see why some people feel the book exploits the hardships of a minority though I think it was well-meaning at face value.

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review*

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This is possibly one of the most hyped books I’ve ever seen, so I was so excited to be approved for an ARC copy and form my own opinion!

First of all, it’s worth mentioning that this wasn’t at all what I expected. For some reason I thought this book was even heavier on the fantasy element, and that the would be more of an action-packed plot. Instead, this book is more character focused and intended to teach us all lessons on love, understanding, kindness and the importance of forming your own opinions on those around us.

I loved how I had a clear vision of each character in my head. Lucy was by far my favourite – he cracked me up and his cheeky dialogue had me grinning from ear to ear. I also thought the world building was great and really set the scene.

However, I found the first 25% very slow, and felt the book could be quite long-winded at times. For my personal taste, it lacked an exciting storyline, which is something I look for in any book – but I do understand the high praise it gets. If you’re a lover of character-led books this one will probably be perfect for you!

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TJ Klune writes an enchanting, thrilling and magical fairytale about finding a family, love, with an unusual group of magical children residing in a orphanage, located on a beautiful, sunny island paradise. 4o year old Linus Baker is overweight, lives with his contrary and cranky cat, in a city where the depressive rain never ceases, working as a caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth (DICOMY). DICOMY is permeated with an abhorrent tyrannical culture of fear and bullying, the need to rigidly follow the rules, with the constant threat of being sacked hanging over Linus's head, despite being hardworking and conscientious. He finds himself having to accept a mandatory promotion when he is given a secret Level 4 assignment, to review and assess the care of 'dangerous' magical children in the Marysus orphanage, and whether the the man in charge, Arthur Parnassus, is competent.

Given no information until he arrives at his destination, Linus finds himself shell shocked when he becomes aware that he is well out of his comfort zone, about to experience the stretching of the boundaries of his sanity and imagination. The orphans exude charm and have their own set of irresistable idiosyncracies, and talents, and include 6 year old Lucy, aka Lucifer, the Antichrist, with a gleeful penchant for threatening plagues, pestilience and imminent death, he adores rock'n'roll with a passion, musical tastes he shares with Linus, and suffers from terrifying nightmares. Then there is Talia, a bearded female gnome, Theodore, the wyvern who loves buttons, Chauncey, a mysterious unidentifiable blob who dreams of being a bellhop, Phee, a forest sprite with a remarkable understanding of trees, and the deeply traumatised Sal, a were-Pomeranian. Zoe is an island sprite who helps to look after the children, and Arthur oversees their care and education with love, and determined to protect them no matter what.

It takes a little time but life as he knew it begins to crumble for Linus, as he opens his eyes and heart to the wonders of the 'dangerous' children, all of whom have had difficult lives and Arthur, a stellar 'father' to them. As his world perspectives shift, he faces some fundamental challenges, can he radically change his life, let love in, and accept the new Linus that begins to emerge? There is oodles of warmth, wit, fun and humour in this endearing novel about fear, bigotry, acceptance, love, home, family, and identity. I loved reading this, and despite some of the themes being pushed a little too relentlessly occasionally, I highly recommend reading this, particularly when you need a much needed lift in your life. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

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This book was so heartwarming, every page was like being enveloped in a big warm cosy hug. It touched me way more than I thought it would and i simply couldnt put it down. I have recommended this book to my entire uni group.

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This was such a beautiful heart warming book, I fell in love all the characters. Main character Linus is sent to investigate “an orphanage” where all the children are a bit different. I was surprised by how funny this book was, it had me howling with laughter. There’s a lot of hype with this book which it thoroughly deserves so don’t be put off by it. You’ll be reading with a smile on your face. This is one of my favourite reads of the year for sure.

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This is a wonderfully wholesome and sweet magical novel with themes of diversity, acceptance and found family. The overwhelming reception I've seen of this book has been positive and I think it lived up to the hype. You become really attached to the characters and the setting of the island and the home. I've read about how the author based the story off the historical forced separation and murder of indigenous children, which is definitely apparant, as I found the author was quite heavy handed in the parallels they drew, particularly towards the end. With this context and parallels in mind, it does feel like the route the plot follows is a bit white savioury. So, I can definitely understand how people would feel uncomfortable with the story based on this, but I personally thought the themes were integrated sensitively. Overall, this is a sweet, feel-good story but one with ever-relevant and important historical and social themes.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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I absolutely adored this gorgeous little fantasy about a fussy 40 year old, government worker assigned to investigate an 'orphanage' and it's unusual residents. Beautifully written, touching and thought provoking. Wonderful stuff.

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I read this book after hearing about the controversy around how the writer took inspiration for this story and before starting it, I educated myself by reading about Canada’s Sixties Scoop. While I can be very critical about fantasy books (and I have a very long list of 2 star reviews that can testify that) I also often take distance from any background noise and try to read a story just for what it is, a story. In this case, a fantasy story. And this is what I am going to do with The House in the Cerulean Sea because I simply loved this story.

I think this book is a story about acceptance with an array of amazing characters that warm your hearts and you know you will bring them with you in your life. This story felt a comfort read. It felt like watching a Pixar movie during the winter holidays and crying your eyes out because even if everything is so weird, it’s just too beautiful. It made me laugh and it made me cry and every two pages there were parts I wanted to highlight because it’s simply beautifully written. This book made me so hopeful that there is always a Linus out there in this world ready to fight for the right thing, and that no matter how weird you can be, you will find your family and place to belong. And oh boy, I needed to read this story.

This story made me think so much about my Literature class in high school. My teacher was so focused on symbolism that he would read something like “the curtain is purple” and he would say “purple symbolises dead, the writer was hence depressed” (I think there is actually a meme somewhere) while for me the writer just wanted to describe that the colour of the curtain was purple. If we consider these characters for what they merely are, magical creatures with a complex and harsh past and personality, I think you will see this story with different eyes. I know for a fact that I will not look at a button the same way I used it to.

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The house of the title of this cosy fantasy novel is an island orphanage for children with extraordinary (and dangerous) magical abilities. The point of view character, Linus, is an inspector from the sinister 'Department for the Control of Magical Youth', tasked with making a month long investigation into the running of the orphanage and its apparently kindly manager, Arthur Parnassus. Linus is a quiet, overweight and ultimately kindhearted bureaucrat with lots of experience of magical children, but he is not prepared for what faces him on the island. Does the Department want to close the orphanage down - and if so, is Linus going to stand against it?

The novel is very readable and often funny. Although elements are cartoonish - the villainous Department for example - the underlying emotional themes are very genuine and relatable. Linus is a really likeable lead character, and the residents of the orphanage are all interesting and ultimately sympathetic. Although not overly dramatic, the story is compelling and very enjoyable.

In some ways it reads like a children's book although it is not intended as one. There's a certain simplicity to it that you don't tend to find in 'adult' stories. As a naturally cynical person I wanted to believe it all more than I actually could,. I did find the Department somewhat inconsistent in terms of how draconian it was or wasn't, and a couple of the solutions came rather too easily. But you don't really think about any of that whilst you are reading as you'll be too caught up in the story.

Ultimately this is a great comfort read - it is positive, escapist and enjoyable. If you want to read something to cheer you up on a winter evening or a particularly depressing news day, this will do the job very nicely.

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