A NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, and WASHINGTON POST BESTSELLER! A 2021 Alex Award winner! The 2021 RUSA Reading List: Fantasy Winner! An Indie Next Pick! One of Publishers Weekly’s “Most Anticipated Books of Spring 2020” One of Book Riot’s “20 Must-Read Feel-Good Fantasies” Lambda Literary Award-winning author TJ Klune’s bestselling, breakout contemporary fantasy that’s “1984 meets The Umbrella … Award-winning author TJ Klune’s bestselling, breakout contemporary fantasy that’s “1984 meets The Umbrella Academy with a pinch of Douglas Adams thrown in.” (Gail Carriger)
Linus Baker is a by-the-book case worker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He’s tasked with determining whether six dangerous magical children are likely to bring about the end of the world.
Arthur Parnassus is the master of the orphanage. He would do anything to keep the children safe, even if it means the world will burn. And his secrets will come to light.
The House in the Cerulean Sea is an enchanting love story, masterfully told, about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place–and realizing that family is yours.
“1984 meets The Umbrella Academy with a pinch of Douglas Adams thrown in.” –Gail Carriger, New York Times bestselling author of Soulless
At the Publisher’s request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
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My favorite book this year so far! This is not a genre I usually read so I was a little skeptical going in. Oh, how glad I did!! The characters are so incredibly unique and you can’t help but fall completely in love with them. I listened to the audio version and that made these very special “kids” even more lovable! Along with the characters, it is the message that is conveyed throughout the story that makes it so wonderful. I very seldom reread books but I already know I will listen to this book again if for no other reason but to hear those sweet “kids” voices again. I will share this book with as many people as I can so they may hear the wonderful message, too!
One of the most delightful, relevant, and humorous books I’ve read in a long time. Sometimes things are definitely not how you expect them to be; this applies to books AND people. Do yourself a favor and get the audiobook version…you won’t be disappointed.
We meet Linus, a caseworker with DICOMY ( Department in Care & Organization of Magical Youth) in charge of a secret assignment.. He heads to Marysas Island where he spends a month checking out the orphanage and Arthur Parnassus.
Linus meets adorable children who are of magical orientation. There’s Talia (gnome), Lucy ( anti Christ), Sal,
( Pomeranian), Chauncey, and a few others
I absolutely loved this book. I loved all the characters especially Linus, Arthur and the children
Wonderful modern fantasy with original world-building and endearing, engaging characters. The “gifted” children in the House are all drawn lovingly and distinct from each other. Funny and touching, often at the same time. A book with a real heart.
This was my first read of author TJ Klune . What a wonderful book. An author who can draw deep, challenging, flawed characters is hard enough. But characters you fall in love with and remember long after the book is over? That is magic. TJ Klune does this seemingly effortlessly when it is the hardest part of writing. You will be swept away by this kind, gentle, loving book; I was sad to leave these characters behind at the end. Truly a special read.
I only wanted to read this to see what the hype was about. I almost didn’t read it but went ahead anyway. I’m so glad I did. It was so good. I highly recommend the audiobook! The different voices made me chuckle and gave it a lot of humor. I’m not sure if that comes through without the audiobook. This book is definitely worth the hype.
Every time I read a T.J. Klune book I am sucked in to not only his stories but his exceptional writing. I’ve read hundreds of books and there is no one who can even compare to the way Klune weaves a story. I keep expecting to find a story that doesn’t resonate with me and it is impossible. He really is a true teller of the most beautiful stories and House in the Cerulean Sea was no different.
“A home isn’t always the house we live in. It’s also the people we choose to surround ourselves with.”
Linus a caseworker with the Department in Charge of Magical Youth and he is assigned a case on Marsyas Island. He is a ordinary man who lives a ordinary life and having worked at the DICOMY for 17 years Linus knows exactly what his life is, boring as it may seem to others. He knows how to write a perfectly thorough and bias report about each “orphanage” he visits and not to become attached to the children or caretakers but all that changes the minute he gets to the Island.
Upon arriving at the Island things are not what he thought, and Linus knows that these children are not just your average magical children. They are considered “special” because their abilities are much stronger than that of their peers, but he had no idea what he was getting himself in to. Not to mention the ever-intriguing Arthur Parnassus, caretaker for the children and someone Linus can’t seem to get his mind off of.
“Why can’t life work whatever way we want it to? What’s the point of living if you only do it how others want you to?”
As this story unfolds you realize that there is a MUCH bigger point than just a story about magical children and the people that love them. A story so close to perfection you are not likely to find one for years to come The House in the Cerulean Sea will remind you that just because you don’t think you are magical doesn’t mean other people don’t see the magic in you.
The House in the Cerulean Sea begins with dialogue, breaking one of the laws of good writing, according to the experts. Beginning with dialogue, they say, fails to give you essential background. You (theoretically) need a good foundation in order to understand the characters and their world. But TJ Klune describes the scene so vividly that the characters come across in living color.
Linus Baker, caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth (DICOMY), is fastidious, organized, plays by the rules, and lives a routine, humdrum life. Because of the thoroughness of his reports, he is given an unusual assignment: to determine whether the House in the Cerulean Sea (an orphanage) should continue to harbor the six magical children assigned to it or if the house should be closed and the children relocated.
When Linus embarks on the journey to this house, he is stiff and unyielding. Rules and Regulations are meant to be followed, after all. But what takes place on the island with these children is . . . well . . . magical. Not because of their special powers. Something else happens. This is where Klune’s masterful storytelling sweetly and softly takes you on a journey of wonder. The children, the master of the orphanage, the woman in charge of the island are all fantastical in such an endearing way. I fell in love with each and every one of them because of the wit and humor and such love imbued in every scene. My heart swelled. And I turned the pages rapidly to see what happened next while dreading the fact that I was hastening the end.
The House in the Cerulean Sea is a story to treasure, to cherish, the kind of story you want to share with someone. To find magic in the magical is every writer’s duty. But to find magic where there is none is every writer’s dream. Turn the pages of The House in the Cerulean Sea, and dream. (Many more than 5 stars)
There’s so much I could say about this book, but the most important thing I can impart is the insistence that you read it at once! No, seriously, stop what you’re doing and get your nose stuck in THIS book!
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“The House in the Cerulean Sea” is EVERYTHING!! I’ve heard it described as a big, warm hug, and I wholeheartedly agree! I need more! I told my husband, kids, brother, and pretty much anyone who would listen to me about this book multiple times while reading it.
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Klune found an incredibly heartwarming and unique way of conveying the powerful spirit of understanding and acceptance. This book serves as a much-needed reminder to the public on embracing individuals for who they are, regardless of their appearance, who they’re attracted to, or who you think they should be. Love more, judge less.
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Read this for the kids at the Marsyas Island Orphanage; gnome Talia, sprite Phee, wyvern Theodore, unidentifiable green blob Chauncey, were-Pomeranian Sal, and of course, Lucy, the Antichrist. These children will forever hold a place in the hearts of many. Read this for the undeniably patient, sweet, and fierce love story found within these pages.
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I still can’t believe it has taken me so long to get to! I plan on revisiting “The House in the Cerulean Sea” again and again; this is a book everyone should read!
I listened to the audio version of this book. This was a fantastic story of magical “children”, but the story is one of being different, accepting those different from you and finding love in the process. This great story was made even better by the narration by Daniel Henning. How can so many different and distinct and entertaining voices come out of one person. Wow! 5 Stars for T. J. Klune and 5 Stars for Daniel Henning. Awesome!
I am not sure I even have the words to review this book. I feel like nothing I say can do it justice. It’s just that good. I heard all of the hype of course but I expected it would be like so many others, oversold. For the record, it is not. It is beautiful and heartbreaking. It is poignant and funny. It is full of charm and wit and the strangest cast of beautiful souls I’ve ever had the chance to read. It has deep messages about acceptance, found family and what home truly is but amid all of that it’s got a great world built from Klune’s imagination that is bright and brilliantly colorful. I love it. I smiled for the first eighteen chapters and cried through the last two. I feel like I made friends along the way and I am sure I will revisit them soon. Absolute 100% must read!
Words can’t begin to describe how absolutely delightful this book was. It was so incredibly heartwarming, with an abundance of humorous and insightful moments alike. I adored all of the characters: from the children, to Arthur and Linus, to Zoe and Helen. There was never a dull moment throughout this book and I was unable to put it down, always ready for more interactions between Linus and the children in particular. This is most certainly a book that I intend to make part of my own collection, so I can re-read whenever I want.
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We’re first introduced to Linus Baker, a man who believes himself to be nothing more than another cog in the system. He lives his life pretty much by the book and is reluctant to let himself dream of the possibility of something more; to the point that he’s managed to convince himself that he doesn’t need or desire more out of life.
He’s worked as a caseworker at DICOMY for nearly 17 years and has never put a toe out of line. He shows up, does what he needs to do, dots his I’s and crosses his t’s, and doesn’t concern himself with that which is out of his sphere of influence. He prides himself on his objectiveness and straightforward manner of conducting his investigations.
All of these qualities, unbeknownst to him, catch the attention of Extremely Upper Management and pronounce him the most qualified for a classified investigation. This investigation, he’s warned, is unlike any he’s conducted before given the nature of the children in question and Linus is told only to adhere to his objectiveness and report his findings as he normally would.
Armed only with his cat Calliope, and a folder containing the files of those he will be investigating – the master of the house Arthur Parnassus, and the children: Lucy (the antichrist), Sal (a pomeranian shifter), Talia (a gnome), Phee (a sprite), Theodore (a wyvern), and Chauncey (unknown) – Linus soon finds he feels way in over his head.
Over the course of a month, we see Linus grow, learn, form connections, dream, etc., as he finds himself interacting more and more with the children and taking in all of that which he had previously denied the existence, relevance, and necessity of. When all is said and done, Linus must decide whether to remain inside the bubble he has created for himself, or to take a chance (or many) and step outside of it in order to both let others in, and to allow himself to finally live.
I went into this book knowing only that it involved magic and an orphanage. Normally I wouldn’t read a book I know nothing about, but having no expectations for this made it all the better, I believe. The characters were amazing and I fell in love with them and with the plot and I couldn’t put it down. Well, I listened to an audio version, so I technically couldn’t stop listening, but it’s the same thing.
Oh this book. I haven’t laughed out loud, and then bawled my eyes out, while reading in quite a long time. Normally, its one or the other (I’m still getting over The Song of Achilles) but this is just an absolute joy of a read. You want warm fuzzy feels? Grab it right now. Beautifully written, with a big message and incredible characters. I hated having to leave this one.
What an impressive story! I have never read anything by T.J. Klune before. However after reading, “The House in the Cerulean Sea”, I am ready to read more. This novel is thoroughly entertaining. The reader is taken from a place of mild amusement to outright hilarity. Emotions range from touching the heartstrings to challenging perspectives of people who are “different”. This book is a gem. I have marked this book “re-readable” because of the wisdom and inspiration scattered throughout the book. The developing relationships between Mr. Baker and the magical children are heart-warming. The support and love all the children have for each other are astounding. The inner strength found in the adults to stand up for what is right gives us all a desire to be just like these characters. All of these characteristics combine to make a fascinating read. This book is a reminder to love first. Teach our children well. They will have a better chance at a great future if we succeed.
The House in the Cerulean Sea is one of the wittiest, most endearing, and most absurd novels I have read in a long time. It is impossible to not be charmed by each and every one of the characters. This books is simply fun.
This is the story of Linus. A man stuck in his ways who has worked as a Case Worker for the Department for Magical Youth for 17 years. One day he is summoned by the management team for an assignment to check on an orphanage where 6 dangerous children reside. His job is to check on the children and Arthur, the man in charge of their care. Linus has met many magical children but none like the children in this particular house. One child is apparently the Antichrist. Linus has to put aside his fears for an entire month while he is on the island and assess the care of these children. What he gets in return is that people are not always as they seem on paper.
This is a sweet story. It is heartwarming and diverse. It is also a bit ridiculous and full of cliches, but not in a way that caused me to want to put the book aside. Every once in awhile I need to read a book that is nothing but charming and full of life lessons. Was it a touch too sugary sweet? Probably. It reads as a YA novel and I found myself thinking of how my younger kids would like this one. The ending was predictable but I was still happy it ended the way it did.
Try this one out. If you need a break for heavy novels and deep dark subjects, this might be the one for you.
Stars: 4
I loved this one. I don’t know if it is marked as YA, but certainly suitable.
Predictable ending, but enchanting characters. Tidbits of wisdom scattered throughout. Themes of standing up for the underdog and not judging something you don’t understand.
I have a cat (female) named Lucy — also short for Lucifer, and my daughter had a 5-lb white and red Pomeranian, so perhaps I am slightly prejudiced?
Rating: 3.5, rounded up
The House in the Cerulean Sea was a darn cute story. There were times that I felt it went rather slowly, and I had hoped for more of an engaging storyline. But, overall, it was cute. I do appreciate how it touched upon, in it’s own way, current events and issues that people face in their daily lives.
The characters were fun to get to know, and Linus’ character development from start to finish was realistic and believable. At one point, he mentions how color was brought to his life, and you could really feel that happening from his time spent on the island, to going home.
The story gave me vibes from Harry Potter (Ministry of Magic), Hitchhiker’s Guide (wittiness), Miss Peregrine’s.
The only reason I am giving a 3.5, though, is that I felt if I was reading it, rather than listening to the audiobook, I would have lost interest along the way. I do plan on getting at least an ebook and rereading it sometime, and if the rating/review changes, I will come back and edit.
This was an amazing book with a great story. I often found myself smiling as I was reading without even realizing it! The book tackles so many modern day issues in regards to marginalized people but it’s done in a beautiful way.
So many great passages in this book. Some of my favorites:
“Hate is loud, but I think you’ll learn it’s because it’s only a few people shouting, desperate to be heard. You might not ever be able to change their minds, but so long as you remember you’re not alone, you will overcome.”
“A home isn’t always the house you live in. It’s also the people we choose to surround ourselves with.”
“…in order to change the minds of many, you have to first start with the minds of a few.”
This is an absolute page tuner. Beautiful story. Beautiful prose. Highly recommended!