Member Reviews

I loved this book! I gave 5 stars to the first book and couldn't wait to read more about the kids and Linus and Arthur's relationship. This sequel was as heartwarming as the first one and I loved seeing how the kids came to their won powers and how we got to see the more vulnerable side of arthisl, as the story was mostly told from point of view. I hope there's a third book!

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed the excerpt of this book and definitely will be reading more from this author in the future. The writing style is very engaging and flows very well.

It is hard to gather a full review based on a few chapters but from what I have read so far it is enjoyable and a very interesting fantasy

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed the few chapters made available to me but unfortunately I do not feel I can properly review just part of a book.

Was this review helpful?

First I would like to say thanks to Netgalley for giving me early access to this book prior to release. All opinions on the book are my own.

Coming into this I don’t know why I thought this was a prequel for the House in the Cerulean Sea, but after the first couple chapters it was clear this was not the case and it was a sequel. I had the fear that this would be a sequel no one wanted and it wouldn’t live up to the hype but boy was I wrong.

This book is a great example of when power is used in a way to create fear, which in turn silences and censors a minority just because it doesn’t fit their specific mould of what normal should be. But with a dollop of humour and a sprinkle of magic it makes this story a beautiful balance which makes it so easy to devour.

I also highly recommend the audiobooks for this series as the narrator Daniel Henning does a fabulous job of bringing the wonderful characters to life. Honestly one of the easiest 5 stars I e given out this year.

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely loved the sample of this book! I've read the house in the cerulean sea and couldn't put it down so I had high hopes for this one and it did not disappoint! The characters, the writing style, everything about this little snippet was perfection. The only problem was that when I read the sample I wanted to read the rest of the book! I've been out since and purchased the hard back, signed edition and sprayed edge book and can't wait to pick up from where I left off!!

Was this review helpful?

I loved this sampler of Somewhere Beyond the Sea and I am immediately going to purchase the full book!

I forgot how much I loved this family. Returning to Arthur and Linus and all the children was amazing and emotional. Lucy is still my favourite, the whole birt scene was hilarious and I genuinely burst out laughing at the “choke the chickens” comment. Then in true TJ Klune style, I was crying over Sals beautiful poem for Linus’s birt less than a couple of minutes later.

TJ Klune has recently become one of my favourite authors and can’t wait to read more from him in future.

I would highly recommend this and can’t wait to read the full book!

Was this review helpful?

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

Was this review helpful?

An interesting start, honestly much more so than the beginning of the first book. Though, I didn’t realise this was only a sampler when requesting it, I am excited to read Somewhere Beyond the Sea in full once the paperback edition is released.

Was this review helpful?

Klune's books always leave with you a warm feeling and this was no exception. Look out for Frank the Fish!

After a harrowing court case, Linus and Arthur are settling into domestic bliss and bonding with their children, They are also joined by a new child a Yeti called David. David is unsure about everything as he has previously been neglected and abused, so the new situation brings up concerns for him as he adjusts to life with his new siblings.

Enter an evil inspector (think Dolores Umbridge despite Klune's aversion to Rowling) who wants to break up the family and seize Lucy .
At first Arthur despairs in the face of overwhelming odds. How can he beat such a system?
There is a lot more detail on how to parent- including making "mistakes". We find out more about each of the children who appeared in the previous book. The scenes of family life are lovingly portrayed with Klune's trademark humour

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a teaser sample. Of course as soon as the whole book was published I bought it instantly.

Like having a cup of hot chocolate !

Was this review helpful?

I was so excited to see an ARC available for request for this book that I didn't fully read the details and so I didn't realise it was only a 4 chapter sample. I was honestly, really disappointed. It's actually quite hard to review a book based on just 4 chapters. That being said, it was lovely to return to the Cerulean Sea world with all it's loveable and unique characters. What I read in this excerpt made me really want to read the rest of the book so I guess it did it's job as I then went and pre-ordered the book.

Was this review helpful?

I read the first four chapters and is like going home. The characters are so familiar and lovely, I really like the premise of the book and although I think that The house in the Cerulean Sea didn't need a second book I'm glad this is out, because I really needed a heartwarming, cute and wholesome book.
This excerpt puts you directly into the story and makes you want to read more.
For the full review check my Goodreads, and storygraph accounts!
Storygraph: bookstorm_
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/bookstorm_

Was this review helpful?

Having read the first book, I enjoyed this sample. I now look forward to reading the rest of the story!

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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!

Was this review helpful?

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

Was this review helpful?

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

Was this review helpful?

* 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 ❤️

Was this review helpful?

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

Was this review helpful?