A sequel worth reading. TJ Klune is one of my favorite authors so of course I couldn’t wait to get back into the world he created it The House in the Cerulean Sea. It was amazing and just as cozy as the first one. For everybody looking for a cozy but exciting read this is the one!

It doesn’t get much better than TJ Klune and the world he has created around Arthur and Linus is one I will forever be grateful for.
Reading the sequel was like coming home, but with so much more to learn and discover.

If you loved The House in the Cerulean Sea, you are in for a treat with TJ Klune's sequel, Somewhere Beyond the Sea. This heartwarming, whimsical story brings us back into the world of magical children, kind-hearted adults, and that special brand of magic Klune does so well. While House in the Cerulean Sea gave us the adorable, lovable Linus Baker and the found family at the orphanage, Somewhere Beyond the Sea dives even deeper into the characters and their lives, adding more charm, more adventure, and even more heart.

The story centers around the characters we’ve come to know and love from the first book, especially Linus and Arthur (the headmaster of the orphanage), but this time, things are a little different. Linus and Arthur are now a couple, and their love is both sweet and tender. But life isn’t all smooth sailing. As they face some new challenges, including an unexpected mission involving a new group of magical children, their bond is put to the test. It’s a beautiful thing to watch them grow and navigate their relationship while facing these new challenges.

Speaking of magical children, the orphanage is still the heart of this world, and Klune does a fantastic job of expanding it with new characters who are just as lovable and unique as the first set of magical kids we met. These kids, each with their own special powers and personalities, bring a fresh dynamic to the story. I don’t want to spoil too much, but let’s just say there’s one particularly unforgettable child who will melt your heart.

The pacing is just right, with enough moments of quiet reflection to give you those emotional gut punches, but also plenty of humor and light-hearted moments that will make you smile. The magical world feels more alive than ever, and Klune’s writing continues to be filled with warmth and humor that balances out the serious undertones of the story. The themes of love, acceptance, and found family are woven in beautifully, reminding us that the people we choose to surround ourselves with can be just as important (if not more so) than the ones we’re born into.

If you’ve read the first book, you’ll appreciate how Somewhere Beyond the Sea gives more depth to the relationships we saw before, especially between Linus and Arthur. Their journey isn’t just about romance but about building trust, facing fears, and figuring out how to navigate the complexities of their world, both magical and real. It’s really about creating a life together, full of imperfections and all the joy that comes with it.

In short, Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a must-read if you loved House in the Cerulean Sea. Klune’s signature blend of magical realism and heartfelt emotion is front and center, and it’s impossible not to get swept up in the warmth and magic of this world. Whether you're looking for a cozy escape or a story about love and belonging, this book has it all. So grab your favorite blanket, settle in, and prepare for another delightful adventure!

My favourite book this year! I absolutely loved revisiting all the characters (Chauncey 😍) and meeting some new ones too. This is a book full of so much hope. The overall message is amazing and shows that no matter our differences, we can all achieve!!

It was such a lovely feeling to be back in the world of the Cerulean sea with those wonderful magical children. I’m quite grumpy that the arc is only a sampler which stops at just the point when the action is about to start : in a court hearing with Arthur. I just know there will be trouble and tears ahead and I can’t wait for it! Many thanks to Netgalley for a sampler of this book.

Although this was an excerpt below is my review of the book.

TJ Klune’s Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a stunning follow-up to The House in the Cerulean Sea, offering readers an even deeper dive into the magical and heartwarming world of Marsyas Island. Picking up where the first book left off, this sequel focuses on Arthur Parnassus, the enigmatic headmaster of the orphanage, as he confronts secrets from his past while continuing to fight for the safety and happiness of the magical children he’s sworn to protect.

Klune masterfully weaves themes of acceptance, self-discovery, and resilience into this beautifully written story. Arthur’s journey is both heartbreaking and uplifting, as he learns to embrace his identity while navigating challenges that test the bonds of his found family. The introduction of a new magical child—who struggles with being labeled a “monster”—adds an emotional depth that resonates deeply, reinforcing Klune’s message of love and belonging.

The writing is as vivid and lyrical as ever, balancing whimsy and humor with moments of raw, emotional honesty. Readers will delight in revisiting beloved characters like Linus, Lucy, and the rest of the children, whose unique personalities shine even brighter in this sequel. The world of Marsyas Island is further enriched, making it feel like a place you’d want to visit (and never leave).

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this in exchange for an honest review.

He could write out a phone book and I’ll read it!
It was so good to get back to Marsyas Island and read more about the family! I didn’t realise how much I missed them! Talia being the best of course :)
I loved this addition to the cerulean chronicles and will be rereading this over and over!

Second book to the most beloved fantasy!

It created a lot of hype and I feel only parts of the book living upto the original book. There are a lot of preachy moments in the book that I wanted to wait reading it

Did not realise this was a sample! but was so nice to come back to these familiar characters in this wonderfully magical world, and of course, TJ Klune's distinctive writing style.

It's hard to say where the story will go as it was only a few chapters but if the author's other books are anything to go by - it will be heartfelt, whimsical, witty, and very likely character led. Can't wait to read the rest!

I requested this as soon as I saw the cover pop up on Netgalley, having loved the first book so much, but because I did that, I hadn't scrolled down to see that this was just a sampler, so I cannot say if the book is as good as the first or not, if the plot is engaging, the characters as developed or more, or even if there are any characters or stories to tell.

Because of that, I can only give it a neutral 3 stars, but I did really like what I'd read so far, starting with the mischievous but utterly charming children and their relationships with their adoptive parents: Linus and Arthur. The children give Arthur and Linus a send off as Arthur is about to give a statement about his past in efforts to highlight the needs of the magical children in the care system.

The tagline is: "Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a story of resistance, lovingly told, about the daunting experience of fighting for the life you want to live and doing the work to keep it." and the extract provided for review is a fitting start to such a description. I will be reading this book, and may supplement this review with a completed one once I've finished reading it.

Somewhere Beyond the Sea is the sequel to TJ Klune's fantastic novel The House in the Cerulean Sea. Arthur Parnassus is the head of an unusual orphanage on an island, accompanied by by love-of-his-life Linus Baker. Parnassus is called to the mainland to make a statement about his past and that is where this sample ended...but the book has all the makings of being as good as book 1 - careful characterisation and descriptive storytelling. This sample whetted my appetite for reading the whole book in due course - I look forward to seeing if there are any more in the Cerulean Chronicles series.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this sample in exchange for an honest review.

heavenly. every bit as charming, funny’ and poignant as the first book. definitely worth reading in sequence

Somewhere Beyond the Sea is the heartwarming sequel to TJ Klune’s much-loved ‘The House in the Cerulean Sea’. The story continues directly on from the first and follows Arthur as he is summoned by the Department In Charge of Magical Youth to make a statement about his past. Very soon he finds himself fighting for the future of not only his family, but for all magical people. Klune’s signature humour is present throughout the book and is balanced nicely with the more serious moments. The family dynamic on Marsyas island is the highlight of the book, and the children were all so loveable and well-written. I found that this instalment in the series did not hit the same as the first book but was a solid sequel and a wholesome read. I would recommend Somewhere Beyond the Sea for those looking for a cosy story of hope and resilience.

3.5🌟 - It felt so comforting to be back with the characters from the first book, and the newer characters were intriguing. Initially I found the plot a little mundane but as I continued reading it got more exciting. I was pleased that Klune has maintained the cost fantasy vibes, and I wish I received a full copy of the book as I have a feeling the plot will get better and better!

It was tricky to only review a few chapters, but from what I read, this is perfect for anyone who enjoyed the first book, and the series is great for anyone fancying a cosy fantasy! Perfect for the autumnal months!!

I didnt realise this was only a sampler so it will take me a little longer to get through but so far I am loving being back in the world with Linus and Arthur, their love is impeccable and for the children, unshakeable.

Excited to read on.

I was under the impression that this was the full book. Instead, it was a sample of one chapter, which is quite hard to review. All I can say is that I'm interested enough to want to read the full book. I loved 'The House in the Cerulean Sea' and am hoping this one will be just as good.

This book was utterly glorious. A perfect sequel to The House in the Cerulean sea. The addition of Arthur’s point of view was a great addition and really expanded the world.

This was a snippet from the new book and I cannot wait to read the whole book as I loved the first

Thank you for the arc.

I was sure this book was going to be a 5 star and it was. I enjoyed this just as much as I did The House in the Cerulean Sea.

In the sequel we revisit Arthur, Linus and the children as they hope to all officially become one bit family.

The government try to stick their nose in and they are met with the full force of love from the characters we came to love in the first book.

I just love the characters so much and really liked the new addition to the group. I found myself smiling the whole time I was reading it. There's self-development of the characters, a great plot line - it was just a great book. I didn't want it to end.

So this was only a sample and had I read it before I bought the book I would have been so frustrated and so wanting more.

I was beyond ready to be back with these characters and see where they are now and in just the first few chapters we see they are still their same brilliant selves!

We get glimpses of Arthur's life as a younger man returning to the place that traumatised him and instead of wanting to destroy it he wants to create something beautiful and I think that right there is the moral of the story.

The full book is beautiful perfection And I count the series among my favourites and I hope TJ gives us more from this world.