The House in the Cerulean Sea's sequel, Somewhere Beyond the Sea, offers another heartwarming tale of a magical orphanage and its unique residents. Arthur, the beloved founder, must now fight against a corrupt government to protect his children and promote inclusivity.

While the book maintains Klune's signature humor and light tone, it also tackles serious themes like prejudice, trauma, and government corruption. The characters, including the new yeti, David, are as lovable as ever.

However, the book's length and the author's direct approach to certain themes might not appeal to all readers. Additionally, there's been some controversy surrounding the book's inspiration from the historical mistreatment of Indigenous children.

Despite these points, Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a satisfying continuation of the series, offering a cathartic exploration of important social issues.

I read the excerpt, then the book on release, so here is the full review.

Headlines:
Metaphorical
Endearing
Poignant

It was an anticipated delight to be back with the Cerulean characters, each of them. There was an addition to the family at hand and he fit in with the eclectic bunch so well. Much of this story was about battles, striving for equality, acceptance and normalacy (whatever that is).

Arthur spearheaded this story, a fierce dad with magic burning so brightly with righteous anger. Arthur expanded as a character so much in my mind, from gentle man to vocal advocate and activist, even though all he wanted was a quiet and fair life for his family.

The whole premise of this story is metaphorical. These magical beings symbolise so much in today's society and that meaning punches the gut over and again. When I read the acknowledgements, I cried but not empty tears, tears with feeling and some anger.

Thank you TJ for this story and it's heart.

Much gratitude to Pan Macmillan for the early copy.

Delighted to have been given the chance to review this excerpt from the fantastically exciting new novel. I was enchanted by this story, it's a brilliant additional to this wonderful world. The characters are rich and well developed, the plot moves well, and the storytelling is excellent.

I was so excited to be approved for this book and I literally dropped what I was reading to start this one. I had no idea it was only a sample and I’m left completely disappointed. Not sure how we are meant to review a few chapters of a book though?! The book started well with familiar loveable characters. Not really much else I can say to be honest!

Omg omg I'm so excited for this!!!

The House in the Cerulean Sea was my first time reading a fantasy and I absolutely LOVED IT ! And reading the first chapters of this book, brought all the feelings I had reading the first one, and I can't wait to dive in trough the rest of the story.

Thank you so much netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to sneak pic into this book

I'm reading it a loving everything moment. It's like catching up with old friends and you cannot help rooting and loving them.
I'm so happy that there's a series called Cerulean Chronicles, long live to this series.
There will be a proper and less emotional review when I turn the last page
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

* My rating is based off of the first 4 chapters and how I enjoyed them, not the whole book as yet - as this is just a sample.

In celebration of this book being released on the 12th of September I wanted to share my feelings on reading the first 4 chapters I received from @netgalley ✌️❤️

So, as many of you know I am obsessed with Klune’s books and writing, the house in the cerulean sea was one of the most precious books I have ever experienced. The writing, the characters - just everything felt so wholesome ❤️ you really just melt!

Imagine my surprise when I saw a sequel on NetGalley. It turns out it was only the first 4 chapters 🤣 but honestly I don’t think I even looked I just hit that request button 🤣 and proceeded to devour the first 4 chapters in 1 sitting.

I won’t go into too much detail for those who have not read the first book yet - but also, please do.

Somewhere beyond the Sea takes us on a different journey - one where Arthur must use his voice to fight for those who are different. To fight for those who cannot - one should never have to ask to be part of society, but for some there are different rules. Arthur and Linus leave the kids and make their way to court, it won’t be easy - upon arrival Arthur and Linus are whisked away and told that the hearing is been set up for them to loose but that there is a small group who is working in the background to support Arthur and Linus’s cause.

I CANNOT wait to get my hands on this book - I have to 🙌 I need to know what happens further… I have a feeling though that it is QUITE LITERALLY going to break my heart 🥹 but I know they payoff will be worth it all ❤️

This has got me so excited for the full book now!
It is wonderful to back in the world with Linus and Arthur and the start of this book definitely did not disappoint….. well it did in a way as I just wanted to continue reading what I know will be another 5 star

This sampler contained a prelude and four chapters. There is only so much you can say about something so short. However the one thing that stuck with me the most from reading this first bit is the feeling of the found family that we ended The House at the Cerulean Sea with. There is still something so precious about seeing these kids. And about seeing the adults letting the kids deal with some things themselves. That is really important.

It's really hard to review a sample arc, but it's a good start from what I read! I can only hope the rest of the story lives up to it.

I didn't realise this was a sample so it is difficult to review a sample as I can't be sure of how well structured the plot is or how the story will develop. I do love T.J Klune's writing so I will always recommend him as an author to fantasy readers and those looking for gay fiction.

Thank you NetGalley and Tor Books for the sample copy!

I am so happy I could read this extract in advance and I am beyond excited to read the rest when it comes out next week, partly because it's one of my most anticipated reads this fall and partly because this sample copy ends in the most excruciating cliff-hanger I have ever experienced reading.
The things I liked in The House on the Cerulean Sea are there: the writing style and the lovable characters. I can't wait to discover more of Arthur and Linus in the chapters that follows!

Once upon a time i by chance found an author by the name of TJ KLUNE and seen his book The House In The Cerulean Sea being talked about all over book social media and fell instantly in love with cover and then with description of the book.

So preordered a signed copy and sat back patiently awaiting its release and arrival, when it was delivered i was so happy to have that beautiful book in my hands.

It then sat on my shelf for about a month as I wasn’t ready to read it, then it was time.

So one morning I opened this book and was transported to a beautiful place with the most enchanting characters that i did not wish it to end.

Lo and behold a second part was to be and i have ordered a special signed edition of Somewhere Beyond The Sea, and i wish to wait to have an actual copy in my hands to read it.

I’m sure it will just as beautiful as it predecessor and i will look forward to settling down and meeting the characters and maybe some new ones again.

I simply can not wait.

I highly recommend this author and look forward reading many more of their books.

Looking forward to this book very very much, thank you for the sampler, I'm glad I waited to read it as it makes me more excited for next week to see the book in it's full glory. It's a very strong start, lets hope that continues - who are we kidding, it's TJ Klune, it will be amazing

Thank you to the author for sharing this taster with us. I love every single thing I read by TJ Klune, so I am even more excited to pick this one up.

Not really impressed at the publisher providing a sampler without warning - I'm not interested in only reading a few chapters when I'll have completely forgotten them by the time I can continue.

Very excited about this book and have already pre-ordered it in 3 different formats. Will review the whole thing once I can!

The sequel I once said I'd sell my soul for... well I guess it looks like I'm in debt now! Even just this short sampler has reassured me it will be a price worth paying, I can't wait to read the full book!!

This has me intrigued - I might come back to it. Samplers are a letdown when you think you got approved for the actual book 😅😅😅

I loved the first book so much and I was so happy to hear there was a second book, this is only a sample of the first few chapters but it starts off strong and seems to have just as magical and cozy a feeling as the first book. I can't wait to read the rest

I absolutely loved the first book in this series and I was excited to get a glimpse into the first few chapters of the sequel. It's an absolute pleasure to be reunited with these characters. I loved being back in that world and this sampler has totally whet my appetite for the rest of the book. I am itching to find out what happens next.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a chance to review a sample of this book.