I’m so conflicted about this review!

I’ve read 2 books by TJ Klune thus far and have loved them both! House in the Cerulean Sea was my favorite read of 2020 and The Extraordinaries was a 5 star read in 2021.

So it stands to reason that Under the Whispering Door would be my next 5 star read from this author. And I wanted to love it! I really did!

I though the storyline was very creative. Two things that Klune does expertly, IMO, writes great characters who are relatable and unforgettable and fills his books with so much emotion that it literally spills off the pages and into the readers heart!

This book had both those things, unforgettable, beautiful characters and tons of emotion. However I just didn’t fall under the spell in this one. I really liked it, but fell short of loving it. I don’t know why. Sometimes, it’s just a feeling that’s there or isn’t.

Still a solid 4 stars and definitely a book I would recommend. But it won’t hit my favorites of 2022 list.

This author is always an absolute delight to read.

Under the Whispering Door is made up of delightful characters, an imaginative world, and a plot that held my attention until the very end.

I find it harder and harder to write reviews for Klune because I feel like I'm just repeating myself because he's always that good if not better.

I wanted to love this book just as much as I did TJ's "House in the Cerulean Sea", but while it was good, approaching very good, it never quite got into 5-star awesomeness contention for me.

I enjoyed how Wallace started out as a completely awful excuse for a human being, then grew by leaps and bounds, after his death made him confront truths about what a life well-lived should actually entail.

Then Hugo was introduced as a ferryman, tasked to help newly-dead souls adjust and cross over. He was a very nice guy, but I found him to be a bit... generic? I don't know, his character never just really grabbed me in the same way that many of TJ's others immediately have. So... meh.

Upon being introduced to the Cameron character, a soul who had completely lost the tether to his humanity, unable to cross over into the afterlife, I quickly and correctly guessed almost exactly how the book would end. What Hugo's ultimate role in The Big Picture of Life & Death would be.

My favorite parts of the book were the proxy hugs by Mei between Wallace and Hugo, as neither MC was able to physically touch the other, and the scenes with "The Manager", Hugo's boss, who was both scary and adorable in equal measure. I thought that depicting him as a young boy was a good move, instead of portraying him as some scary, unapproachable figure.

The story did have a lot of humor, but unlike soooooo many of TJ's previous books, I wouldn't say that there were any truly hilarious parts, which I live for when reading this author.

Overall though, while I liked the book, sometimes a lot, I never really fall in love with it. Whatever quality that "House in the Cerulean Sea" had that made it magical, in this story, that was just... missing. 🤔

If any other author had written it, I think I would've liked the same story better, but since it was TJ, I kind of expect a little extra oomph in the feels department.

As one friend said, "When there was something happening, I loved the story. But, sadly, 75% was talking about life and death. I don't need that when I pick up a romantic fantasy."

So I'd rate it at around 4 *good-but-not-awesome* stars.

I absolutely LOVE this book. It is so much fun and heart-felt and I am mad at myself for waiting so long to read and review it. I actually took the day off work so I could sit and enjoy the last half. Wallace is lovable and what he learns about himself are lessons we should all learn while we are alive. If you like The Man Called Ove, you will also like this!

TJ Klune brings forth another whimsical, paranormal love story for adults and I am totally here for it. This particular 'cozy' style of fantasy and romance is a welcome reprieve from all of the huge world-building series on the market right now.
While I didn't think it was quite as endearing as "House in the Cerulean Sea" (which was pretty much pitch perfect, IMHO) it was still as wonderful escape.
Thank you so much for the ARC!

I love the magic of TJ Klune. What a great story about living life after death and finding family. This book and these characters have stuck in my heart and I have missed them since I finished the book. I love this book’s imagery and fantastical ideas. I will read it again and I have recommended it.

This book was an amazing book about grief , death and so many things. It's no surprise because it's TJ Klune

Under the Whispering Door is a joy of a book. This one starts out slow but things start to pick about midway. It has characters as loveable as Klune's previous book, house in the cerulean sea. The main focus of this story was on love: love of family, love of friends, and love of a dog. For fans of Klune's previous book, this one packs just as much of an emotional punch as that one and will leave you thinking about it for long after you've finished.

I thought this book had a lot of potential to be great. Unfortunately, I didn't think it reached the height it could have. Klune is a great author and I've enjoyed his other books. I thought it had the capability to be great with the premise and the likable characters. In my opinion, it just never arrived as a book.

First off, props to the publisher for another awesome cover for one of Klune’s books. Does it subtly imply that it’s a sequel to the massively successful “House on the Cerulean Sea” with its similarities? Yes. Is it in fact that? No. However, as it’s still a neat cover in its own right, I’ll give it a pass. The fact that there are so few good standalone adult fantasy novels also supports that pass. Let’s dive in!

Young and successful, Wallace never dreamed the end could be so close. But when a reaper shows up for him, he realizes it must be so. Angry and confused, he meets Hugo, a magical being who helps ferry souls to the beyond. Soon Wallace begins to discover that the life he had thought was fulfilling had been an empty thing, bereft of all that makes life well-lived in the end. With only a few precious days remaining to him, Hugo and Wallace set out to give Wallace that last chance at discovering a true life and his true self.

There was a lot to like about this book, but it also wasn’t the high I had been expecting after enjoying Klune’s previous book so much. To begin with what did work, however, Klune’s flair for comedic moments was on point. In particular, the beginning of the story and the flames thrown towards corporate drones were hilarious and apt. As the book progressed, there were several other laugh-out-loud moments. However, as the story continued, even these sometimes began to feel a bit repetitive.

The characters were also quirky and compelling. This is largely a story of Wallace’s transformation from said corporate drone into an emotionally-realized individual, so nailing his character was key to the book working. And for the most part, this works. His interplay with Hugo is well done, and the two characters and their relationship is heartwarming.

However, as I went along, I kept wanting more. The characters were ok, but really just ok. The romance was sweet, but lacked the true heart that I was looking for. And most disappointingly, the message of the book, that of living one’s best life, felt at times trite and repetitive. There were a few times even when the moralizing fell completely flat, with Klune trotting out platitudes that have been overused many times before. Given the general set-up of the book, I knew what I was getting into. But I had hope that Klune would shine a new light on the topic. Or at least offer up some unique ways of looking at a common topic. Alas, not so.

Overall, the book was by no means bad. It just wasn’t what I had hoped to find. It’s perfectly acceptable in what it sets out to do, but knowing Klune’s previous work, I can’t help thinking he could have done better. There were parts of this book that almost felt phoned in, and the story started to drag towards the middling, struggling to keep up its pacing and momentum. Fans of Klune’s work will be pleased to see his trademark humor and strong characters, but he’s also had stronger outings in the past.

Rating 7: A bit disappointing, relying too heavily on tried and true platitudes instead of carving its own space.

This was a moving and funny read. As with The House in the Cerulean Sea, Klune does such a great job of worldbuilding and character development that I could see the plot unfolding in my head like a film. Would recommend for fans of The Good Place--a heartfelt and entertaining journey about what it means to live a good life.

4.5 stars rounded up because even though it was a little slow in the middle, this was exactly what I wanted after having read Klune's The House in the Cerulean Sea last year.

In typical Klune fashion this was witty and just full of heart. The characters were nicely fleshed out and loveable and you never lost track of who was who because of how detailed they were. I laughed, I worried, and I cried.

Also, Apollo is the best boy ever.

Amazing. Lovely, heartwarming story. TJ brings such a unique and passionate perspective to his writing, it is magical - in more than one way!

What do you say about a TJ Klune book? They are always filled with such quirk, charm, and wonder. This one is no different. It's an incredible story about the meaning of life and finds the humility in the cruelest of characters through the death process. While the book deals with challenging topics related to death, it's approachable and leaves you wanting more.

“Don’t forget me. Please don’t forget me.”
UNDER THE WHISPERING DOOR - TJ KLUNE

if you think this experience will be anything like THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA, think again.

this story was compelling, and beautiful, and profound… but also draining, and emotional, and HEAVY. I found myself struggling to pick it up at times, because of how it made me feel. I still have a pit in my stomach thinking about it.

again, TJ KLUNE creates such wonderful characters, with such wonderful character development to go along with them. although I’ve only read two of his books, I find it’s something you can almost guarantee every time.

I don’t normally talk about trigger warnings, but I suggest looking into what’s associated with this one. I know I’m glad I did.

Under the Whispering Door is the second book I’ve read from T.J. Klune. This fantasy book explores themes of life and death, unexpected friendship, empathy, and mental health. The cover may look deceiving, however, I appreciate that the author wrote a note in the beginning saying that this book touches upon heavy subjects of death, suicide, and to read with care. Though I enjoyed The House in the Cerulean Sea more, Under the Whispering is a touching story. I’m glad I read it when I did because I needed to be emotionally prepared to really take in the story. Under the Whispering Door is a bit slower paced and is more character driven. My favorite characters were Nelson (Hugo’s grandfather) and Apollo (Hugo’s dog). Though they both were side characters, they resonated with me the most. It was so sweet and selfless that Nelson wanted his grandson to be happy and in a good place before he crossed. I also loved Apollo wanted to stay because he wanted to be with his owner. Highly recommend picking this one up, but as the author mentioned, definitely read with care and pick it up only when you feel that you’re emotionally ready.

I had pretty high expectations for this after reading and loving House in the Cerulean Sea, and I was not disappointed! Klune does an incredible job of creating characters and bringing them to life on the pages. Equal amounts funny, heartwarming and thought provoking. Go grab yourself a cup of tea and take another adventure under the whispering door!

Wallace Price was a man who had no time for anything or anyone besides work. He wasn’t liked and he didn’t try to be liked. But one day he has a heart attack and finds himself watching his own funeral, where he sees his business partners making jokes and his ex-wife doesn’t shed a tear, instead ranting about what an uncaring man he was. He is met by Mei, a reaper, and is brought to a strange house in a small town, where he meets the ferryman, Hugo. The house is a waystation to the afterlife, where Wallace can come to terms with his death and eventually move on to whatever is next. With the help of his new friends, Wallace becomes a better man than he was in life, but doesn’t want to move on. When the Manager finally comes and tells Wallace he has one week before he must go through the door to the beyond, Wallace starts to live the life he wishes he had before death.

I cannot stop gushing about this book! The story was so creative and I loved every single one of these characters. It was one of those books I didn’t want to put down and I became so invested in every part, even the parts that could be considered side stories. The story has a beautiful way of talking about death and the journey that one may go down in the acceptance of their passing, be it grief, anger, disbelief, fear, etc. The setting of the teahouse is so relaxing and I appreciated the exploration of Hugo - he is a strong, compassionate character who does his best to help the dead pass on to their next destination, but he also struggles and becomes overwhelmed with death because he is human. You are also introduced to Hugo’s grandfather, Nelson, and his ghost dog, Apollo, who help add an additional light-heartedness to the story, but are also used to help provide more information about Hugo and play a part in Wallace’s transformation because he can interact with them 24 hours a day. The development of Hugo and Wallace’s feelings for each other feels so natural and it tears your heart apart whenever they want to touch but can’t. Even the character of the Manager was fantastic - an ageless and all-knowing being who also has faults (even if he won’t admit it) and it isn’t surprising he has an attitude. I just loved everything about this book and I want everyone to read it!

Under The Whispering Door

By: TJ Klune

Macmillian-TOR/Forge

TOR Books

LGBTQIA/Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Publish Date 21 September 2021

#UndertheWhisperingDoor#NetGalley

100 Book ReviewsProfessional Reader

I would like to first thank both NetGalley and TOR Books for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book. Sorry it took me so long to do so.

Good Reads synopsis:

When a reaper comes to collect Wallace Price from his own funeral, Wallace suspects he really might be dead.

Instead of leading him directly to the afterlife, the reaper takes him to a small village. On the outskirts, off the path through the woods, tucked between mountains, is a particular tea shop, run by a man named Hugo. Hugo is the tea shop’s owner to locals and the ferryman to souls who need to cross over.

But Wallace isn’t ready to abandon the life he barely lived. With Hugo’s help he finally starts to learn about all the things he missed in life.

When the Manager, a curious and powerful being, arrives at the tea shop and gives Wallace one week to cross over, Wallace sets about living a lifetime in seven days.

Under the Whispering Door is a contemporary fantasy about a ghost who refuses to cross over and the ferryman he falls in love with

Book Review:

This book had a slow start, and I wasn’t enjoying it. Once they got to tea shop is where it picked up for me. I ended up giving this book 4 stars. My favorite character was the granddad, Nelson and Apollo the dog. This book made me laugh which I had to do so quietly since I was at work.

Our main character was a mean man and was looking out for only himself. If someone made a single mistake, he would fire them. He was also alone when he dead and woke up at his funeral. He was surprised to find that only four people showed up. His ex-wife and the three partners to the law firm. They did not have anything nice to say about him.

There is one other person whom it doesn’t recognize. This female ends up being the reaper who is in charge of taking him to the tea shop.

This is her first solo run and has a few hiccups but still is able to accomplish the task. Once they arrive at the teashop is where the book picked up for me.

Things happen and the main character realizes somethings and it goes from there. I don’t want to give much away. You really should read this book and have a good laugh along with some tears. This book gives a different view of what can happen once we leave this life.

A lovely book, kind and gentle in its exploration of death, the afterlife, and the bonds we create with each other.