ALL THE SPOILERS AHEAD, BEWARE!

I realize that this was just a sneak peak that I received from NetGalley, however, this review is for the whole book.

I almost don't know what to say about this book. I'm incredibly disappointed that this book was allowed to be published, as it is hugely problematic.

I really loved The House in the Cerulean Sea when I first read it, and at the time I could see the parallels between Klune's story and the way Indigenous people in Canada have been treated (historically and currently), so then to hear that it was directly inspired by the 60's Scoop, left me feeling quite off about it. And to hear Klune speak about it, it's as though it was this small, little snippet of Canadian history that he discovered. Which, it's not. And he rightly got called out on it. And did not respond in any way, which didn't impress me. But, I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt, he made a mistake, let's hope he does better going forward. And he really has not with this sequel. If anything, it's worse than THITCS.

The absolutely blatant use of Indigenous trauma to write this book (and sell it, because you know it's going to sell well) and then not acknowledge it whatsoever is absolutely disgusting. I wanted to give Klune a chance to hear the criticisms of THITCS and to learn from that, and not do it again, but I think he actually leaned harder into that trauma with Somewhere Beyond the Sea. In it we have Arthur, our POV character this time around, giving testimony about his time and how he was treated in foster care, he received a monetary settlement because of it; both of these things are exactly what happened with survivors of the 60's Scoop, where Indigenous children were stolen away from their families and put into white foster homes, where they were treated appallingly. While it was at its height in the 1960s, it continues TO THIS DAY, with Indigenous children making up a large majority of those living in foster care. To use Indigenous trauma that is still ongoing is insensitive at best and appropriation at worst.

Throughout the book there are mentions of intergenerational trauma, the dehumanization and othering of the children in foster care, treaties and land rights. These are all very real traumas and issues that Indigenous people in Canada are dealing with today. The 60's Scoop wasn't some small blip in Canada's history, its legacy and trauma is still very present today. At one point in SBTS the government officials come and try to take the children away (at which point treaties and land rights are mentioned) and the imagery of an Indigenous Elder, who escaped being taken by hiding under the dead body of their family (while this is reminiscent of any colonized people, it is very much a part of Indigenous history, too), showing the bad government people the treaties that were signed and declaring the land sovereign is evoked. And I can't help but think of all the times this has happened in Canadian history (as well as present day) and how the police were called in and the government just did whatever they wanted. The Wet'suwet'en in BC are still dealing with this, despite their never having ceded their land. To use this sort of imagery without knowing the history is just not okay.

In addition to the blatant use of Indigenous trauma to write this book, there is also the issue of how it portrays white saviourism. Don't worry marginalized children who have been ripped away from their families and cultures, these two middle-class white men will save you! While I do think that Klune was trying for more of a found family feel, this just comes across as white saviourism, and while the children aren't being abused, they're also not learning about their own unique cultures. This is a huge problem within the foster care system, in that children from marginalized communities are placed with white foster families and they completely lose their culture. So to reinforce that is quite awful.

And lastly, setting aside how incredibly problematic it is, the story was not compelling in any way. With THITCS, you could tell that it was a story that Klune was excited about, whereas with SBTS it feels like he was trying to write the sequel he had no intention of writing. The plot was very haphazard, the characters not well developed. I am also having feelings with regards to the dedication and author note, in that Klune is dedicating this book to trans kids and he talks about how he wants his legacy to be as the anti-JKR. However, as far as I know, Klune has never written a trans character. There is one very minor side character in SBTS who I believe is meant to be non-binary, but I don't know that they actually even have any lines of dialogue. If you are wanting to set yourself up as the anti-JKR, maybe include some trans characters in your books? Dedicating a book to trans kids and then those same kids not even being able to see themselves in that book is making me feel some sort of way.

Overall, this was a complete dumpster fire of a book that never should have been published. After reading this I am seriously considering what do to with my not insignificant collection of TJ Klune books, because it honestly makes me feel gross to even be looking at them.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an excerpt for review.

I was so sad to realize this wasn't the full novel! This is only the first few chapters. I was happy to be transported back to this island with the magical beings. There isn't much more to say because I need to find and read the full book! I'm sure it's fabulous and I look forward to reading it.

In just 4 chapters, Klune is able to give such vivid characterization to all the children and some of their unique struggles, especially as they begin to open up to the world outside of the island. The political critiques are reflective of what we see today and I'm excited to see what more is to come!

Thank you to Netgalley for providing the first four chapters of this book in exchange for an honest review.

It has been a few years since I read House in the Cerulean Sea, and I was worried that because it has been so long, I wouldn't connect to the stories and characters as much as I could have. However, these four chapters proved me wrong. Each page reminded me why I love these little kids so much. They had me laughing out loud and admiring how charming they were in these few short chapters. Will have to wait for the remaining chapters to see if everything holds up, but it seems like a good amount of drama is being set up, and I am excited to experience it.

I received the first four chapters of this book and it has got me SO excited to read the rest when it comes out!

The House in the Cerulean Sea was one of my favourite comfy cozy reads of last year, and I have been so excited read more in this beautiful, magical little world! These characters feel like coming home.

It's tough giving a full review after only reading a little bit, but I'm really looking forward to the rest!

This is such a great preview, the books starts with providing a little more insight on Arthur which was very needed. I am looking forward to reading the entire book. This is such a cozy read and so perfect. The writing style makes it flow really well, even the longer chapters aren't noticeable.

TJ's writing draws you in. He creates characters that compliment the world as he writes it. I felt drawn in and compelled to keep reading.

This is possibly my most anticipated read of 2024, and even just a tiny glimpse at it has made my entire week. I’m head over heels for Linus, Arthur, and the peek into their domestic life. The political world we got a taste of in those first few chapters is just icing on the cake.

I loved The House in the Cerulean Sea and the sequal was no different. It's so fun to meet the new characters and reconnect with our favorites only a little older! Loved it!

I'm ready to dive into this in full. Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with the first few chapters in this excerpt. I love this found family so much! Glad to see no one has changed. You've got this, Arthur!

Thank you NetGalley for providing an excerpt of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a lovely hint of what is to come! I am excited to read the rest of this book when it is relesase in September. This except gave us some insight into Arthur's past, which made me want to keep reading. I loved the humour, seeing Arthur and Linus working together to fight for rights of magical beings, and the loving relationships this story portrays.

September can't come soon enough!

I LOVED the Cerulean Sea so I was SO excited the read this….. but it fell a bit flat for me. I loved revisiting the unique family and special love story, and the writing was smart and funny… however the plot felt strongly similar to the first book expect with a villain instead of hero. I was hoping for more!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publishers for approving me to read this book!
I absolutely devoured this book!! So so so good!! I highly recommend. I love TJ Klune

I cannot wait to read the entire book. TJ Klune is one of my new favorite authors. The characters are all so fully developed and also mostly wonderful people. As a Librarian, I've recommended the author's books to many customers looking for something special.

I was so incredibly excited to be approved to read this galley. I loved The House In The Cerulean Sea, and as soon as I started reading Somewhere Beyond The Sea, I loved being back in this world with these characters again. Klune is a master at weaving social justice into his magical novels. There are some spots where it’s a little heavy handed here (to me) but I wonder how comforting and wonderful some marginalized groups might find this book. It reads more YA than Cerulean Sea, but still definitely has an adult touch and appeal. Overall, this sequel is lovely and left me with feel-good vibes and smiles upon finishing. The audio is a wonderful performance and well-produced.

I’m extremely thankful to NetGalley and the publisher for receiving this excerpt of Somewhere Beyond the Sea ahead of the release date.

I absolutely cannot wait until September!!!! Klune packs so much warmth, love, and wisdom into this series. The kids are somehow even sweeter than in the first book (how is that possible?). I love Klune’s writing and how he can say so little, but mean so much. Where is this plot taking us??

We’re all in for a huge treat, I haven’t been this excited about the book release in awhile.

I did think that this was the whole book when I applied so I was sad to just have four chapters BUT I loved the chapters I did read. It includes the characters I know and love and CANT WAIT t get the full book! TJ Klune's writing is literal perfection and I love the way he writes his characters and found family so I know I will fall in love with this as I have the other books he has written!

I had been eagerly awaiting the sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea, when I heard it was being written so was excited for the opportunity to get an advanced reader copy from Netgalley of an excerpt of Somewhere Beyond the Sea which included the first four chapters of the work.

In the first novel Linus who works for a child protection agency focused on magical youth (gnomes, shapeshifters, and other unusual kids) goes to visit a most unusual foster home on a small island and discovers a love, with the children's foster father, he never thought he'd be worthy of finding. Time has passed; Linus and Arthur have grown closer. The children are starting to entering their teen years with all the complex feelings and emotions they bring.

What I liked about Somewhere Beyond the Sea is that it gives us the perspective of Arthur and helps us understand him a bit better, but it also seems likely to give us more insight and the ability to watch the growth of all the characters. The House in the Cerulean Sea gave us a sweet closing with the Linus finally finding love and family, but there is a world beyond the sea and though it might be much grayer in nature, it is nice to see Arthur like all parents wanting his children to be able to have the experiences of exploring the larger the world for themselves. I look forward to reading the rest of the novel and Linus, Arthur and the children's stories.

That's it, I'm hooked! I am so happy we get to see a glimpse into this world again. I cannot wait for the release!

Thank you so much to Tor Publishing for the chance to read a short excerpt of this story!

The House in the Cerulean Sea is one of my favorite books of all time so of course I had to try and get my hands on the next one, even if it was just a short teaser!

I loved being back with old friends and getting to see what everyone has been up to since we saw them last. The found family trope is alive and well and a few instances made me tear up! I'm so looking forward to reading the rest of the story in September.