“We should always make time for things we like. If we don’t, we might forget how to be happy.” (T.J. Klune, The House in the Cerulean Sea)

This quote sheds light on overcoming societal barriers and, most importantly, the wall that everyone puts up as self-defense. The House in the Cerulean Sea is a fantasy and romance fiction novel by T.J. Klune, where magic and mythical beings are set in modern times. Through an enchanting love story, the book tells the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in the most unexpected place—and the realization that family is yours.

Summary:

Linus Baker is a forty-year-old man who has lived a quiet and solitary life with a devious cat in his tiny house. As a caseworker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, he’s by the book in overseeing that all mythical children are being well kept in government-sanctioned orphanages. However, his quiet life is about to change. Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management and given one of the most highly classified assignments ever. This involves traveling to Marsyas Island Orphanage to determine whether six dangerous magical children are likely or not likely to bring about the end of the days. Once Linus arrives at this strange island, he’s greeted by a series of mysterious figures. But the greatest mystery is Arthur Parnassus, the master of the orphanage. As time passes, Linus and Arthur grow closer. Linus soon discovers that Arthur is willing to do anything to keep the children safe, even if it means that the world has to burn. Or worse, if it means that Arthur’s secret must come to light.

Review:

I’ve read TJ Klune’s work for a while, and he never fails to deliver each of his characters’ emotions and thoughts immaculately. The style of writing used is very easy to read, but is also very descriptive of what’s happening in the moment. I felt that this was extremely important to the story, especially when it was used to show the protagonist, Linus, comprehending his own feelings of being pushed out of his comfort zone and exploring the unknown.

I relate to Linus because both he and I are shy and awkward people. The way he was written was a style that many other authors often forget or don’t use: in building up the Linus’s confidence from the beginning to the end, instead of rushing its development at the beginning of the novel to focus on the six kids in the orphanage. Throughout the book, Klune was able to show Linus’s growth as he helped each ‘dangerous’ child with their own struggles and fears. Most importantly, Klune showed how Linus built up his confidence by letting go of the rules he put up for himself.

The main themes of The House in the Cerulean Sea primarily focus on acceptance, chosen family, and challenging societal norms. I noticed how T.J. Klune emphasized the importance of love, understanding, and the ability to see beyond fear and prejudice of how individuals are ‘different’ from societal expectations. I also liked how Klune highlighted the beauty of diversity in each character and the need to embrace these unique differences instead of fearing the worst for them due to their differences that could be perceived as flaws.

This book was definitely the most original novel that I’ve read in a long time. The moment I read the first page, I was immediately hooked and could not stop reading. In my opinion, I didn’t feel like it was very predictable. Whenever something was revealed by one of the characters, some readers may pick up on the secret, but others may not. Each chapter of the book was able to stay on top of what’s happening.

I enjoyed seeing the romance between Linus, the social worker, and Arthur, the master of the orphanage. Seeing the chemistry between the two grow throughout each chapter definitely got me squealing with joy–especially in how they both handled the secret Arthur had kept for decades. Most importantly, their relationship showcased finding your found family and the feeling of belonging between two people. The love between them was not a possessive type of love, but instead one where the person doesn’t forget about you, yet reminds you every single day of the importance of your existence.

I didn’t really have any issues or qualms with this book. The only thing I was sad about was how I didn’t want the book to end at all!

This book is perfect for anyone who is looking for an LGBTQ+ fantasy, found family book that takes place in a modern setting that challenges societal norms. It is especially the type of book you want to read during the summer, if you want to get off electronic devices.

I give this book a 📚📚📚📚📚- for being such a heartwarming story of all time.

Love, Gia

GFB Ambassador