What a great sequel and so full of love. This author has become an auto buy for me because the writing is always so heartwarming and full of great messages. This is a story of hope, resilience, and family.

Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a perfect sequel to House in the Cerulean Sea, and I was blown away by Klune's ability to expand on this world in a way that feels both fresh and familiar. It is every bit the welcoming, hopeful story as its predecessor without shying away from the real-life issues that Marsyas represents. While others have criticized the level of "political" content, I think it's a much-needed look at how to process anger at injustice and being kind while standing up for yourself and others. It touches on childhood trauma in a way that is gentle, yet realistic, and I'm so thankful I live in a world with T.J. Klune in it.

I didn't realize until I opened the galley that this was a preview and not the whole book, so it's difficult to review based on just a few chapters, but it's a promising start! The tone of this beginning section is pretty didactic, but I'm intrigued to find out who's going to be helping Arthur and Linus from inside the government, and how Arthur's testimony will go!

My review is for the entire book, not just the preview snippet provided on NetGalley.

Oh boy. I was incredibly excited to see a sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea pop up on NetGalley. I loved the previous book and I was super ready for a continuation. My feelings after reading are a bit complicated. The first half of the book was disappointing, lacking the vibes that the first book did. A lot of the story elements from Cerulean Sea are repeated and I felt like the author was bludgeoning me across the face with morality. Note to publishers, editors, and authors: Even if someone agrees with the point being made (which I did) it doesn't mean you should use your plot as a cudgel. I have been in front of people like Router (I listened to this so I apologize if I misspell names) and I felt a connection to Arthur dealing with what feels like a wall of evil and dis-ingenuousness. I still feel like Klune writes with a heavy hand when it comes to political messages and moralistic philosophy. You can make a point without treating your readers like idiots.

The second half of the book was much better for me. We return to the island, interact with the kids, see Arthur and Linus be sweet with each other, and more. Klune's quippy writing is entertaining and refreshing. The discussion of past trauma, generational trauma, and the story of found family are all handled quite well. I really enjoy the interactions between the children and seeing their growth from the first book.

It's pretty rare that I can so easily separate a book into two parts like this. If you are looking for the cozy vibes of The House in Cerulean Sea, then you'll be waiting past the 50% mark to get there. If that doesn't matter and you just want to learn more about Arthur, Linus, and the wards of Marsyas Island, you'll probably enjoy the read. If you get easily annoyed when an author tries to force feed their readers a point, maybe give the sequel a pass.

TJ Klune captured the wonder, delight, innocence, humour, and heartwarming feelings you most likely would have gotten when reading the first book. Despite it only being the first few chapters, you get a real feel of what the rest of the story is going to be. Easy to read, smart, witty, and just an utter delight of a book

I love this world with my whole heart and am so happy that TJ Klune has written this second installment.

I now need to buy this book to read the whole thing. I will post a full review when I do! I don’t think it would be fair to review an excerpt without reading the whole thing. I love the author’s writing and I’m so glad we have a sequel for House on the Cerulean Sea. Can’t wait to receive my copy.

Like it's predecessor, this book is a cozy hug. I really enjoyed getting back into this world and seeing how all of the characters were (especially my favorite anti-christ, Lucy). I think I'll read every book in this universe TJ Klune writes.

I've now read this entire book and it was so nice to be back in this world. I didn't know I wanted a continuation of this story but to have one focused on Arthur was such a joy. I loved being back with the kids, meeting David and seeing my friends live happily ever after.

So excited to see Arthur's story continue. Clear messaging throughout with questions of society's treatment of its people -- all people. Klune's character development and how much we can be touched by each child's individuality continues to draw me in.

Could not wait to get my hands on this title! I love Arthur Parnassus and the abstract way TJ Klune thinks! Very much appreciate the opportunity to read this work of art. Love this story so much.

If you haven’t read The House In The Cerulean Sea, please do so immediately and then jump right into this one. These books are gorgeous. So creative. So timely. So heartwarming. I love the lessons and the story and all of the characters. Just go read it now. You can thank me later.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

Such a delight!! I love returning to this world and these characters. Absolutely magical. I’m so so excited to read the full length novel. I know it won’t disappoint!

This teaser was very good - cannot wait to finish it! Loved the first book a lot and I think this will invoke similar feelings.

This was only a snippet and it was amazing. Can't wait to read the whole thing!! It was engaging from the very start and left me wanting more. Luckily more was coming!

I need more!! Four chapters isn’t nearly enough and I can’t wait to return to these characters in full

What a great short snippet of Somewhere Beyond the Sea. It excites me to read the entire novel when it's released. I have missed these characters and can already tell this will be as good as the first.

I loved this book so much if you haven’t read it or read anything by this author then I suggest you do so immediately

If the rest of the book is anything like the snippet provided by NetGalley, "Somewhere Beyond the Sea" by TJ Klune is going to be just as perfect as "The House in The Cerulean Sea." I already have the book on preorder and can't wait to dive in and find out what happens to some of my favorite literary characters of all time. Though I will be tempted to rush through it, I will force myself to slow down and savor every beautiful word of Klune's writing. This is a book that makes me want to call in sick to work so I can read it in its entirety, with a warm cup of tea in hand and a purring cat (named Linus Baker) on my lap.