I, like many others apparently, did not realize that this was just an excerpt when I requested it. Nevertheless, this is one of my most anticipated new releases - I ADORED The House in the Cerulean Sea and was giddy with excitement when I heard there was a sequel coming. I jumped at the chance to read it early, and these first few chapters only have me looking forward to the release so much more!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I have been eagerly awaiting the release of "Somewhere Beyond the Sea" ever since TJ Klune announced it, and it absolutely did not disappoint. The interactions between Arthur and Linus are beautifully written, showcasing their unique dynamics and deepening bond. Arthur's relaxed demeanor contrasts perfectly with Linus's worried yet equally loving nature, especially in their interactions with the kids.

One of the highlights for me was learning more about Arthur's past and seeing him reclaim a place filled with past trauma to create a nurturing environment for children like him. It's incredibly moving to witness his determination to provide a good childhood for these kids. This book feels like a warm, comforting hug and I can already tell that it will become a go-to comfort read for me—a world I can return to for a sense of peace amidst the chaos of everyday life.

I received an excerpt of this book courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, and I cannot wait for the full release to dive back into this wonderful story.

This excerpt brings back the characters from the first book The Cerulean Sea. It presented some of the conflicts that Arthur and Co will be dealing with in this next book. I found TCS fine but did not love it as much as the rest of my book friends. The prose and characters are fine and I think this sounds like a good continuation for fans of TCS.

I'm excited to read this, the excerpt was very intriguing. I just wish there had been more! It was nice to see that it starts right where we left off.

I absolutely cannot wait for the publishing day! I loved the first book and am looking forward to this read!

First and foremost, I must specify that the eARC I received is an excerpt - only through chapter 4, not the entire story. Thank you, NetGalley for this sneak peek!

Reading The House in the Cerulean Sea felt like being wrapped up in a cozy blanket, it was the feel-good book I didn't know I needed. I absolutely adored all the characters who had me both laughing and crying. When I found out Somewhere Beyond the Sea was coming, I was truly overjoyed! 

From the start, Arther brings us back to the beginning of preparing the home for magical children. Then we're brought back to the present day, and I was ecstatic to be reunited with the children. I honestly think the children in this story are at the top of my favorite characters of all time list. Their innocent children's minds paired with their magical abilities are truly charming gold, and I was laughing with the warm fuzzy feeling again before I knew it!  

I was also nearing tears already again when reading Sal's poem, of which I believe so many people will relate to. I will share just a small portion of the poem here: 

"You want me lost, but I am found in the breaths that I take,   
In the space between heartbeats.
I am found because I refuse to be black-and-white,
or any shade of gray.
I am color. I am fire. 
I am the sun, and I will burn away the shadows until only light remains. 
And then you will have no choice but to see me."

Louder for the people in the back - let's print this in all the papers! Sal has always been such an endearing character and he pulled me right back into loving him. Of course - the rest of the children (especially Linus & Lucy) attempting to make breakfast had me snort laughing. I could sit in that house and observe this amazing family all day. 

Alas, Arthur is summoned to make a public statement about his past, which we only know few details about, other than it had been incredibly traumatizing (massive understatement). Arthur knows there is a lot at stake, but he quickly learns there is even more than he could have ever fathomed. 

And then, chapter four ended and I NEED THE FULL BOOK NOW!! I never would have thought I wanted to fast-forward through summer, but TJ Klune has done it!

Seriously so excited to continue reading. This wasn’t enough. What a gift we get a sequel to one of my favorite books!

I simply could not be more excited to read this book! Full review and rating to come once I have read the rest of it.

Thank you for the opportunity to preview this!

I am just over the moon about this book release. I just attended an Author Talk by TJ Klune where he talked further about this book beyond just the excerpt and I cannot wait.
I was a little disappointed it was only the excerpt on here, but I'll take whatever I can get!

I am so happy to be returning to this universe! Klune's writing fits these stories perfectly and I loved spending time at the house with everyone in this excerpt.

It is sooo good to be back at Marsyas Island!! This is definitely one of the most anticipated sequels of 2024. Being back with these unforgettable characters is like a warm hug.

All the familiar characters are back to their antics and as you read you are filled with such lighter and light. This book definitely focuses on Arthur’s story and background and it is rewarding to learn more about him.

I was given the opportunity to read a small portion of this upcoming book and now I’m counting down the days to be able to finish this.

Didn’t realize this was only an excerpt, but its a very similar style to the first one so I’m excited to finish it when it’s released!

Should I feel so lucky to have received the first four chapters of this book? Because I'm happy right now and I only got to read a little bit of the story. What I've read so far has me super excited to read on when the book releases. We're getting Arthur's story and I have to say, everything about this male has me intrigued. Learning more about him sounds like an excellent way to spend a day.

THREE CHAPTERS IN AND NOW IT LIVES RENT FREE IN MY MIND.

It is equally obvious that I need to read The Cerulean Sea again because I remember NOTHING.
Strong start, and I cannot wait to read the rest!

I was thrilled to be able to read an excerpt of Somewhere Beyond the Sea. Instantly I was immersed in the perspective of Arthur and Linus as they travel into the city to speak to government officials and the unknown of what's to come with magic beings and being included into larger society. I was so excited to meet the children again and see how they have grown and matured from the last book to this one. Wholesome, witty, and extremely descriptive, TJ Klune has done it again and created space our imagination be present and emotions to be high. This will be a much anticipated read in the fall, I cannot wait to finish out and see where the new adventure goes with Lucy, Chauncey, Talia, Phee, Theodore, Sal, and the newest arrival of David. Thank you to NetGalley, Tor Publishing, and TJ Klune for allowing me to read just a bit of Somewhere Beyond the Sea. I can't wait for publishing day!

Though this was a short excerpt, I enjoyed it immensely. Somewhere Beyond the Sea picks up right where House in the Cerulean Sea left off, just from the perspective of Arthur instead of Linus. When I read Cerulean Sea, I did not except there to be a sequel. When I heard there was going to be a sequel, I was hesitant as I have seen bad sequels to incredible first books. This excerpt makes me believe that this sequel will be just as magical as the first book. I liked Arthur's perspective and hearing his inner monologue about the children and Linus was really heartwarming. We get a quick update on the children and how they are doing before Arthur and Linus leave for the city to appear before a committee regarding the current laws for magical children. The excerpt leaves off right before the hearing is started and left me wanting more. I cannot wait to read the entire book in the fall.

Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC of this excerpt and for the opportunity to get a small glimpse into this book. The House in the Cerulean Sea has been my favorite read this year out of 52 books. It will forever hold a special place in my heart and I already know Somewhere Beyond the Sea will, too. These characters grab a hold of your heart and don't let go. It was so great to get a small taste of the book but it makes me all the impatient for the full release. TJ Klune, you can never do any wrong. Thank you for blessing us with another incredible novel!

So, in a few words: How in the world am I supposed to wait until September for this book?!?!

The sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea opens with Arthur Parnassus, head of the Marsyas Island orphanage, as the narrator. I’m excited to hear more from the perspective of Arthur, who has been summoned to testify about his own experiences as a child in the Marsyas Island orphanage.

The opening chapters of Somewhere Beyond the Sea establish that the gang of magical children are flourishing under the tutelage of Arthur Parnassus and Linus Baker, and Arthur and Linus’s relationship has grown. The children eagerly await the arrival of a new child to the orphanage: a yeti!

I found the first chapters of this excerpt slow and heavy with an almost lecturing tone about prejudice and bias. The humor didn’t connect for me, and the dialogue was stilted. It wasn’t until Arthur and Linus left the island for Arthur’s testimony that the humorous dialogue that I liked in The House in the Cerulean Sea started to shine again. I hope the book continues in that vein because that was part of what made The House in the Cerulean Sea so charming.

When Arthur and Linus reach the mainland, it’s clear someone plans to undermine Arthur, setting up a potentially exciting plot for Somewhere Beyond the Sea. I’ve never read an excerpt before, and I find it hard to review such a short segment of a book! I’m hoping for another lovely fantasy with some conflict, but I’m hoping Klune doesn’t go over the top with certain elements. Showing, not telling, always works better for me.

I did not read the first book in this series, but this excerpt has the depth of the entire Harry Potter series in just 4 chapters. The characters are brilliant. Can't wait to read the rest of it!

TJ Klune can do no wrong! This was just a tease of what I know is going to be an amazing book that lives up to the first. It's preordered, and I can't wait to devour the entire thing!