Review: House in the Cerulean Sea

Title: The House in the Cerulean Sea

Author: TJ Klune

Publisher: Tor Books

Publication date: March 17, 2020

Barnes and Noble | Book Depository | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Summary

Linus Baker is used to his quiet life alone with his cat, Calliope. He works for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth where he spends his days ensuring that magical children are well looked after. He’s happy helping in his own way.

Unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management, Linus first thinks he’s going to be fired. Instead, he’s being sent on a top secret assignment: to travel to the Marsyas Island Orphanage where six highly dangerous children reside, with Arthur Parnassus taking care of them. At first, Linus is strictly about sticking to business. But the longer Linus stays there, the closer he gets to Arthur and the children. However, that’s not where he belongs, right?

Review: The House in the Cerulean Sea

This is one of those books that you see everywhere and then you get nervous that maybe it won’t live up to the hype. I’m happy to say that this isn’t the case with this book! There’s such a charming quality about this book that pulls you in from the start and doesn’t let go until the end. Much like they do for Linus, this little found family quickly finds a place in your heart.

The House in the Cerulean Sea is also a breath of fresh air in the fantasy genre. Linus isn’t our typical protagonist; he’s a little round and very self conscious. But he’s also caring and ready to defend the things that he loves, especially when he finds his confidence again. He’s an endearing character, not ready to acknowledge feelings we all see throughout the book.

And Arthur! And the children! As someone who really reads for character, there were so many characters to love in this book. There were so many moments that just made me melt; with children being shown kindness when the world sees them as monsters. Stories like this should definitely stay close to your heart.

All in all, this is another one of those books that will definitely be added to my feel good re-read shelf. Once I pick up my own copy, of course!

5/5 stars