What an amazing book by T J Klune! I am so excited that he is now getting published by the big publishers, he definitely deserves the recognition. This book was so sweet and heartwarming, Magical children and two men that just want love. Honestly perfect!

5★
“‘Being alone at your age isn’t healthy. I’d hate to think of what would happen if you were to blow your brains out. It’d hurt the resale value of the whole neighborhood.’

‘I’m not depressed!’

She looked him up and down. ‘You aren’t? Why on earth not?’

Indeed – why on earth not? After all, he doesn’t seem to have much to recommend him. His cat doesn’t like him much, and this neighbour hates his cat.

“Though Linus didn’t talk much to his coworkers, he still heard their gossipy whispers. He’d learned early on in life that if he didn’t speak, people often forgot he was there or even existed.”

Linus Baker is a caseworker for DICOMY, the Department In Charge Of Magical Youth, keeping an eye on orphanages that look after ‘special’ children. He does his best, tries to remember all the rules and regulations and ensure that the various institutions are abiding by them. He lives in a wet, grey world.

It’s a shock to everyone when he’s summoned to a meeting with Extremely Upper Management, but his co-workers just figure he’s probably going to be sacked.

“His mind had come to the decision that it was experiencing technical difficulties and was broadcasting nothing but fuzzy snow.”

It’s not a spoiler to say that he bravely gets himself to the fifth floor, about which he’s heard rumours. He’s met by a woman chewing bubblegum.

“‘I have no idea what’s going on,’ he said. ‘I’m not even sure if I’m here.’

‘Yes,’ Ms. Bubblegum said sympathetically. ‘Sounds like quite the existential crisis. Perhaps consider having it somewhere else.’

This is the most marvellous mixture of stories and genres. There are undertones of 1984 with Peter Pan and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone as blended by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman.

It is surprising and charming and not a little bit worrying. Of course it can be read as an allegory for ‘othering’ and prejudice, but it is also a lesson in how to open your mind to understand, and maybe even accept, the inexplicable.

We all say things like “Why on earth would anybody say or do such a thing?” One of the best bits of advice I ever got as a young parent was from my eldest child’s school principal when she addressed the new parents at the beginning of the year. She said, more or less, “Don’t say that my child would never say or do such a thing. All children, given the right circumstances, will say or do almost anything.” (I think I added the “almost”, hoping MY child might draw a line somewhere).

These children and their orphanage are so far removed from Linus Baker’s experience, even as a caseworker for magical children, that he’s on a steep learning curve.

“I’m glad you’ve decided to join up! Most likely, you’ll die a horrible death at the hands and mouths of cannibals who will roast you alive on a spit and then lick the juices from your cracking skin.

. . .
The door was open. Linus thought of the stories from his youth, of witches luring children inside. But the witches he knew weren’t cannibals. Well. Mostly.”

Out of his depth? Well, yes. Does he give up? You'll have to read the book to find out.

I absolutely loved this! The characters are memorable, the storyline is touching, and the dialogue is delightful. Each ‘person’ occupies their own space and style, and it is such fun watching Mr Baker, terrified caseworker, investigate conditions, learn the back stories, and make his reports to Extremely Upper Management.

There are very gentle references to romance (LGBTQI), which just adds to the overall nature of the story as inclusive, but not enough to worry anyone who still doesn’t ‘get it’ about this large community of people. After all, it’s the magical children who are the real societal outcasts, here. Do meet them!

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for the preview copy from which I’ve quoted.

This is a beautiful book. Its charming, emotional, funny and so well-written and special. I am still thinking about this book weeks after I've already read it. Well-done.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune was very enjoyable to read. The atmosphere and character of Linus was suitably grim which made the changes in him all the better. I can't wait to recommend this book to others.

This was beautiful; whimsical, funny, the warm blanket I needed for my anxious heart. Cannot recommend highly enough.

Such a delightful story this one is! I had no idea what to expect of this one, but I got something I definitely did not expect, which is a beautifully told story of six magical, potentially dangerous, children who all won my heart. I haven't seen or read of such a group of precocious children ever that I can remember, but each one being so completely unique in their own way, not a banal one of them.

Linus Baker, 40 years old, is a case worker for the Department In Charge of Magical Youth (DICOMY) and he is assigned to go to the Marysas Island Orphanage to make sure what is going on and if there are any major issues that need to be dealt with. I found Linus probably to be my least favorite character. He just seemed to be so reserved and to-the-point, maybe afraid to show emotion or unable. Being sent to work with six "magical" children with such distinct personalities would require a very different human being who has a lot of insight; however, somehow it all worked out.

My absolute favorite character was Lucy (a nickname for Lucifer), a 6 1/2 year old boy. He loved to get under Linus's skin and he was good at it. LOL Linus named him (possibly correctly) the Antichrist. There were scenes in the story that exemplified how one might be afraid of any child who was named Lucifer and displayed such personality traits as Lucy did.

I hope that others read this one and discover the other five characters and who they are and how their life's story fits in. I don't want to forget Calliope, either. I don't like cats but I love this one.

I want to thank NetGalley and Tor Books for giving me and ARC to review. This rating and review is my own honest opinion.

Linus Baker works for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth (DICOMY), charged with investigating orphanages where magical children live to make sure they are up to par. Linus takes his job seriously, as he truly does care about the children. But he also is very clear to stick to the Rules and Regulations, the book that dictates the careful detachment and exacting processes required of his job. If his life is drab and without much color, even as Linus dreams of the sea, he accepts his lot and doesn’t expect much more.

One day, Linus is surprised to be called before Extremely Upper Management. His superiors rarely get involved with the likes of Linus, so he is taken aback when they give him a confidential assignment to do a month-long case study at the Marsyas Island Orphanage. It turns out the orphanage houses six very unusual and reportedly dangerous children. When Linus braves reading the file, he learns about 6-year-old Lucy (short for Lucifer) who is the literal anti-christ, and that is enough to send Linus’ head spinning. When he meets the other children, including a garden gnome, a forest sprite, a rare wyvern, a tentacled green blob, and a boy who turns into a Pomeranian, Linus’ mind is pretty much blown.

At first, Linus is determined to keep the professional detachment that has been a hallmark of his career at DICOMY. While he is frequently terrified (mostly of Lucy and his threats of mass destruction), he is there to do his duty and report back to Extremely Upper Management so they can determine if the children are safe or if they need to close the orphanage. However, the more time Linus spends on the island, the more he finds himself charmed, both by the children and their caretaker, Arthur Parnassus. Linus quickly realizes that while the children seem wildly different than even most other magical beings he has met, they are also greatly misunderstood due to their differences. The people of the village seem terrified of them and are full of judgement. And Linus knows how the world at large would react to seeing these most unusual kids. But as the weeks go by, Linus recognizes that while they may be different in many ways, the young charges are children just like any other, and don’t deserve the scorn and hatred. Linus also comes to care for Arthur, as well as to find a peace on the island he never thought he would experience.

Linus’ time on the island soon draws to a close, however. He has a report to write and a job to do. He isn’t supposed to get emotionally involved. But Linus’ heart has now found a new home with Arthur and the children, and an unexpected sense of family that just may change everything he planned for his life.

I am a big fan of T.J. Klune’s writing, so I was really excited to read his newest release, The House in the Cerulean Sea. I found this one a bit genre defying, in a good way. This book highlights Klune’s ability to write both humor and drama, giving us a story with frequent funny moments (mostly at the hands of the children, particularly Lucy), but also one with a lot of depth, intensity, and real emotion. Klune describes this as a contemporary fantasy, which I think fits well. While it is definitely contemporary (versus a more medieval style fantasy), it doesn’t quite feel present day. Nor is there any clearly defined sense of country or location where the story takes place. This could have left the book feeling sort of lost, but instead, there is a lovely, otherworldliness to the story, as well as a sense of timelessness that I really loved. It fit so well with the story and with the magical elements in the book.

This story is largely Linus’ journey and most of the book focuses on his transformation. Linus is an interesting character, in that he quite clearly cares about the children he is charged to protect. However, Linus fully believes in the system and is determined to follow every rule to the letter. That includes being detached emotionally, following the Rules and Regulations exactly, and trusting in DICOMY to know what is best. He doesn’t question what happens to the children he studies after he turns in his report. That is not his part of the process. It is not that Linus doesn’t care, because he does. It is that he only sees his part of the big machine and is determined to follow it exactly. He doesn’t ask questions and he doesn’t see beyond his duty. When the story starts, Linus is determined to perform with his usual detachment, but he quickly finds it almost impossible. These children find their way into his heart, as does Arthur. As Linus sees how the children are treated by outsiders and learns more about their backgrounds, he realizes how this system has failed them. He also begins to realize just how joyless his own life has been, and how much life on the island has rejuvenated him and given him a sense of joy and wonder that has long been missing.

Much of that change comes from the children, and they are the source of a lot of the humor and playfulness in the story. As I mentioned, Lucy is quite the character and I found myself as charmed by him as Linus was. He is a six-year-old with the power to destroy the world and he likes nothing so much as to give folks a good scare. But he also loves music, enjoys helping make dinner, and has nightmares that scare him, just like other kids his age. The other children are also endearing, particularly as we get to know them along with Linus. The crux of the conflict is how these children are feared and hated for being different. The story hits on themes of prejudice and discrimination, the dangers of a mob mentality, and the way we often fear things we don’t understand. The book definitely has a message, and it is one that you can see coming fairly early on, but I think that it works given the style of the book.

The romance between Arthur and Linus generally takes a back seat the other story elements, but it is a there as a lovely undercurrent throughout the book. We can feel the connection grow, notice their side-long glances, and are aware that many of Linus’ feelings about the island come from his connection to Arthur. But the romance is not the focus here and it flows along gently and sweetly, but not as a key element. Despite that, I enjoyed the tenderness and there is a very clear happy ending for Linus and Arthur together.

So I really loved this story and found it unique and really engaging. The book is a bit genre defying, as I said, but I think it works really well as a mix of fantasy and contemporary world, a bit of a YA feel, and a sweet romance. I fell in love with these characters and this wonderful found family, and definitely can recommend the story.

This book was everything I wanted it to be. It was happy and just left me with all of the warm fuzzy feelings. Everyone should read this book!!

I really liked this story set on an island off the coast of the main British isles, where five magical children live with a man named Arthur. A worker from the DICOMY comes to see if their home is providing everything the children need, and it changes everyone's life for the better. I really enjoyed this story and thought the MM romance was really nicely handled.

I received this book via Netgalley and am honored to be able to provide an honest review.

I enjoyed reading several aspects of this book! The pacing was wonderful, characters were well drawn, and the reading experience on the whole was delightful.

This book was the brightest sunshine that I didn't know that I needed at the moment. It definitely has been getting the hype that it deserves and is worth reading and maybe even re-reading.

What does a misfit bunch of children all with extraordinary abilities all have in common? What is the government hiding? Why does the Antichrist like to go on adventures to find treasure?
Linus, a Case Worker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth has been tasked to find out. What he discovers is much more than he ever thought.
It feels like now is the perfect time we need something to lighten our hearts and distract us from the world and this book delivers. With his wry humor, pathos, and a touch of magic, TJ Klune spins a tale that lightly dances on the edges of the fantastic. Mixing in a bit of grounded realities, supernatural abilities lore, a touch of Edward Gorey dark humor, and a whole lot of precociousness from the children and you have a fun story of breaking the rules, overcoming prejudices, found family and some love to go around. Plus the Antichrist, that rascal.
Told in a contemporary style almost leaning to the whimsical, the book could be considered for all ages (well, 12+). Others have called it a modern fairy tale, but it’s something just, well, more. He writes with such realism that sometimes I was taken aback when something was named fantastical – Extremely Upper Management? That’s not a real work term! Surprisingly beyond that, there’s not a curse word in it, just a few light references to sex, but it does have a very twisted little boy that could frighten small children, let alone poor Linus. And speaking of our main character, Linus is grounded in such an ordinary way that it is almost painful. He keeps his head low at work and tries to do the right thing without overextending himself. He doesn’t really realize he is lonely, but it seeps through in all he does and he needs a change. Klune paints a wholly realized character that speaks to the base of loneliness without making us pity him. And when that very scary Extremely Upper Management swoops down to give Linus the assignment to check on a secreted orphanage, his whole structured world starts to crumple. He’s dealt with extraordinary children his entire career, but he might not be quite ready for these ones.
And the children are quite extraordinary, and not just for their abilities but for their unique personalities that shine. I won’t go in to detail about each child as the book explores all the individuals so you get a sense of every one of them and you’ll come around to loving each for a myriad of reasons. You’ll have to tell me which one is your favorite. You’ll think the first one is special and then you’ll get to know the next and the next and then… I’m sure I will get mixed answers as every child has some delightful, and some not delightful, traits. And keeping them all in line is Arthur Parnassus, who is calm almost beyond reason but will vehemently fight for the rights of the children in his care.
Variations of this story have been told before, but Klune always puts on a new spin. Along the way, you will likely be surprised, delighted, sometimes a bit disgusted, and always charmed in the way the tale is told. And hard-core TJ Klune fans won’t be disappointed with some obvious and not so obvious Easter eggs, but this won’t impede on the casual reader. There is such insightful writing, I wanted to quote many sections of the book, but I’ll leave that up to the reader to find their favorites.
Great themes always run through Klune’s writing, but it’s never preachy nor does it bog down his storytelling. This book marks the next chapter in Klune’s life as this is the first in a series of novels to be published by Tor Books, the well known publisher under Macmillan, and should bring his works to a larger audience. Many of us can say we had the honor of reading his early works and now he’s going to the big leagues, continuing to enchant us even with his books. Just delight in getting a chance to read a story that weaves a fantastical mosaic of themes that touches your heart and your funny bone.

The House in the Cerulean Sea was really really good - the kind of read that made me feel like my heart grew two sizes as I was reading it.

I won’t get into the plot summary - I think the Goodreads synopsis is really a perfect description. I love stories of found family, belonging, watching a character grow and change and learn about himself - and this brought all of that.

Thank you so much to Tor and Netgalley for the advance reading copy. I also bought the audiobook and listened to most of it - the narration is EXCELLENT. And I’ve added this to my list to buy from an indie bookstore soon because I need it on my shelf.

Simultaneously absurd and heartwarming. The story's gentle pace and focus on character quirks reminded me of Diana Wynne Jones’s writing at times, which is one of the highest compliments I can give a story. Gorgeous writing and a fun cast of characters, as I’ve come to expect from TJ Klune. If you're looking for a story to make you smile and laugh aloud during turbulent times, this is it -- it was a pleasure to lose myself in this world for a while. Reading about these characters feels like coming home.

Heart warming, wholesome, diverse and loveable. An adult fairy tale.
"The world is a weird and wonderful place."

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Full of whimsy and characters that you will fall in love in with - the pathos and wonder of the button are an example, you’ll see - settle in for an enjoyable read that still manages to challenge ‘the world’s’ preconceived notions and prejudices.

Read it, discover the inhabitants of Marsyas island for yourself and prepare to fall in love.

This book left me crying. It was sweet and cute and carrying so many important messages about acceptance, and how we treat what is different, as well as the damages we can do with prejudice. I loved the entire cast of characters, Linus and the kids, but was also captivated by the island where all of the action happens.
A must read!

I. Am. Speechless. This just might be the most perfect book I have ever read and maybe my favorite for 2020. I was laughing, I was crying, I was smiling, I was frowning. I was, literally, feeling all the feelings and even more than that, I never wanted this story to end because it was just so good. This was the second book I read by Klune after his upcoming YA release, "The Extraordinaries," and let me tell you, Klune has an extraordinary gift to not only tell a phenomenal story but also you get you thinking about all of the ways that WE can become better. That is probably one of my favorite things about Klune's books - I walk away wanting to do better, to be better. "The House in the Cerulean Sea" is a book that is not to be missed. It is a story that is funny and heartfelt. It is a story that will make you laugh and cry. It is story that will make you think about the impact we have on others and the impact they have on us. It is story that makes you listen and ruminate and contemplate. It is a story that makes you want to do better. All I can say after reading that is, thank you TJ Klune. I can't wait to share this with everyone.

Absolutely phenomenal! I would say this book left me with a book coma but it was more like the feeling you get from an incredibly long hug. I know I’ve missed that feeling too much lately! I actually read the book twice, and slowly each time, to savor the delight and perfection of each of the characters.

I’m applying to be a foster mom for teenagers and I bought a hard copy of this book, after reading the Kindle version, to tuck in the kids room so that they can find joy and comfort in TJ’s words.

Very happy about this read. Thank you got the opportunity to read it. A lovely book filled with wonder and sentimental! Might sound weird but it made me feel like a kid again