Book: The House in the Cerulean Sea

[elusivek]

The House in the Cerulean Sea
TJ Klune
Amazon Product Link

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.

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This book was one of the suggestions in the (new) book club I’m in. I was a little bamboozled though!

When I first read the synopsis, I commented to the suggester (who was a friend outside of the club as well) that “I’m getting queer vibes from the synopsis” and she said “no! I promise you!” Queer or not, it would have been fine, but after being promised that it wasn’t, and that then it WAS, I was a little miffed. Nothing against Queer-ness, it’s more of the “that’s what I said but you said it wasn’t!!” type of annoyance. (Yes, I have to be proven right lol)

I’m surprised discussions in the book were mostly so… civilized. Is that… British? (Looks up on Google)… and alright, it felt very, very British to me.

I’ll say, I knew from the start something was up with Arthur and had some inkling about what exactly. The book has many many hints in the beginning and referring back and repeating small phrases and comments that just pushes you to reconsider “hm….. something is up.” There’s a lack of actual physical action/conflict and everything is being discussed so civilly, that it just gives off this very British vibe. In a way it’s very heartwarming and feel-good.

This is my first TJ Klune book, so is this his style of writing? I dunno. But I’m about to find out, coz I’m going to explore this author!

Comments

[gilda_elise]

I loved this book, though wasn't as taken with its sequel. And as far as I know, all of Klune's books have a gay romance in them. Some I thought were great, some not so much.

[elusivek]

Good to know! Thanks!