Klune's ability to write authentic child characters that are three dimensional while also entertaining is what keeps bringing me back to his books. The relationships between the children, and the children and their fathers, is what gives this story its resonance. The story tackles themes of identity, belonging, and dignity through the lens of the children's unfiltered honesty and their fathers' evolving understanding, offering hope without minimizing the fear and weight of these very relevant issues.This book is a much needed balm to the soul. T.J. Klune never disappoints.

I am not leaving a review since I received an excerpt instead of the full book. This feedback will be based on the excerpt I received.
I was excited to return to the world of The House on the Cerulean Sea when reading this book. I was not expecting a jump in time as long as this one. Nevertheless, I was happy to return to the world and revisit some beloved characters. I hadn’t expected the island to be abandoned but loved the idea of one of the previous characters coming back to revitalize it. I look forward to reading the full book soon.

I loved the House in the Cerulean Sea and I am excited to read more from this world. The snippet just made me more excited to see what happens to my favourite little found family

TJ Klune is a favorite author of mine. I was so happy to return back with these characters and this storyline. Truly such a gem of an author. Don't miss this series!

While initially I was only given a 4 chapter excerpt to review, I have since read the full book.

After the charm and magic of *The House in the Cerulean Sea*, I was excited for this sequel, but it didn’t quite live up to the original. While *Somewhere Beyond the Sea* revisits the lovable characters of Arthur, Linus, and the children of Marsyas Island, it felt more forced at times. The story still has heart, and the themes of love, acceptance, and found family are present, but the messaging felt more heavy-handed compared to the first book’s subtlety. TJ clearly wanted to make sure that nobody left this book without getting his message ((which I agree whole heartedly with, I just feel like I'm mature enough to get the message without it being so spelled out.))

That said, TJ Klune’s writing remains warm and tender, and the characters—especially the children—continue to bring joy and mischief. It’s still a delightful read, with plenty of heart, and the Character "David" was an excellent addition!

I can not speak highly enough of t j Klune as a person or his story telling abilities. This book is pure joy and magic and struggle and triumph and accomplishment and acceptance. I love it to the moon and back

I was so excited for this one, but it fell flat as a sequel. I loved the first one, but this didn't have as much "magic" as the first. It felt more forced and pushy. The first was perfect.

I must be one of the few that couldn't get into these two books. I tried picking up the first book in the series on three separate occasions, and just couldn't get into the story. I couldn't bring myself to start this one.

I thought it would be impossible to surpass the prequel, but getting to live inside Arthur's head for this book was such a treat and I got even more misty-eyed reading Somewhere Beyond the Sea than I did with the original. Both of these books have such heart and it was a balm to read it while chaos swirled in the outside world. I think Klune captured the fear of that chaos so well and it was inspiring to see Arthur, Linus, and the children figure out how to be brave and support each other in the face of evil and the people that wanted to tear them apart.

It was so exciting to read a glimpse into TJ Klune’s next instalment of Arthur’s adventures! I cannot wait to continue this story!

It is very difficult to rate an excerpt. It was not long enough to really get into.
I wish there had been a bit more so I could get back into this story,
I was not pulled in, and I really thought I would have been

There are so many things I could say about Klune's writing; how easily he seems to create worlds that leap from the page, how beautiful his prose is, how vibrant and lovable his characters are. This long-awaited sequel to "The House in the Cerulean Sea," which was one of the most beautiful books I've ever had the pleasure and the privilege to read, not only meets the insanely high bar that its predecessor set, it soars above it. The journeys of Arthur, Linus, and their children, and Zoe (MY BELOVED ZOE) and the rest of the colorful, delightful inhabitants of Marsyas Island, are a blessing to be able to follow. And, in days like these, when so many are being demonized and villainized and ostracized for simply being who they are, just because they might be seen as "different," the lessons of tolerance and hope and fighting the good fight are more important than ever. What a gift TJ Klune has given us.

This sample read provides a glimpse of an enticing storyline. If you are a TJ Klune fan, you will love this next addition into Arthur and the children.

An excellent follow-up to The House on the Cerulean Sea, this book is chock full of this found family fiercely protecting the space they've carved out for themselves, with plenty of reminders that our choices and actions are what define our character, and not the stereotypes or labels the world might want to put on us.

Linus & Arthur have filed paperwork to adopt the children at Marsyas island, but the government decides to throw a few more hurdles their way instead. I enjoyed the fact that the children have learned enough from Arthur that they start expecting him to follow his own advice instead of bowing before unfair restrictions, and they regularly inspire hope through their creative shenanigans and refusal to be anyone but who they are.

There are a few unexpected surprises, and the ending and epilogue were incredibly satisfying. This was a delightful read imbued with hope and the determination that even inspiring a small change in the world around us can make a big difference. Recommended for readers who enjoy found family, baddies you can easily dislike, and a messily happy ending.

4.5🌟

These characters will forever be some of my favorites. 😍 I adored diving back into the house by the cerulean sea! This sequel was just as endearing, laugh-out-loud funny, and charming as book 1. David was a perfect addition to this family! If you loved book 1, you have to read this sequel! You will have all the same feel good feelings 🫶

Daniel Henning did a phenomenal job once again via audio!!! There’s a reason book 1 narrated by him is my favorite audiobook of all time. 🎧 The voices he does for each character really completes the story for me ❤️

TJ Klune remains a favorite!

“When Linus smiled, Arthur was reminded of the sun, of a blinding light coming to chase the darkness away.”

House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune was my absolute favorite book of 2020. I loved it so dearly that, when this sequel I didn’t dare to dream could exist came out, it took me an entire month to read it. I kept picking it up in short bursts, nibbling a chapter at a time so I didn’t devour the book because, dear hearts, we can’t eat our Marsyas Island and have it, too.

My beloved friends did not disappoint - and neither did TJ Klune. The generous heart, kindness, wholesome joy and message of loving, accepting and celebrating everyone - they all came out in full force.

Spending time with Chauncey, Talia, Lucy, Linus, Arthur, Theodore, Phee, Sal and newcomer David was all I could have hoped. And that this time was courtesy of TJ Klune’s deft, conversational hand all the better. If there was one element that kept this one from matching its predecessor, it’s that the messaging - one that my BLUE and RAINBOW self wholeheartedly believes - felt more heavy-handed. You could make the case that denser nails call for bigger hammers (and, frankly, that over-the-top super-villains feel more realistic than ever), yet I worry the reduced subtlety may keep those who need the message most from fully absorbing it.

I love TJ Klune and the world he created in The House in the Cerulean Sea. It was truly enjoyable to return to Marsyas Island and the loveable misfit characters that inhabit it. This series is a warm hug of love and family and friendship and everything we want the world to be.

Thank you to Tor Books and Netgalley for the preview of this lovely book.

4/5 Stars

T.J. Klune delivers another enchanting tale with Somewhere Beyond the Sea, a worthy follow-up to The House in the Cerulean Sea. This book carries forward the same wholesome charm and thought-provoking themes that made the first installment so memorable.

Set in a magical world filled with supernatural characters, Klune explores love, belonging, and identity with his signature tenderness and wit. The LGBTQ+ representation is woven seamlessly into the narrative, offering both visibility and relatability. While the story stands on its own, fans of Cerulean Sea will appreciate the familiar vibe—a heartwarming blend of whimsy and introspection that reminds us to embrace what makes us different.

Although Somewhere Beyond the Sea doesn’t quite capture the same level of magic as its predecessor, it’s still an uplifting and delightful read. Klune’s ability to create a world that feels both fantastical and deeply human is unmatched, and this book is another testament to his talent. If you loved The House in the Cerulean Sea, this one is a must-read.

Rounded up to 3.5 stars.

I enjoyed this book, but I didn’t find it as “unputdownable” as the first one. While I still loved the characters and was happy to be back with them on Marsyas Island, it felt like more of the same. Part of what I loved so much about The House in the Cerulean Sea was how very different it was. I hadn’t read anything like it before. However, Somewhere Beyond the Sea seemed to be the same basic story with a few additional characters. I did appreciate the themes of acceptance and love, which is what I loved most about the first book as well, and the antagonist was truly despicable, I just wanted something more.

4.5 stars

Arthur and Linus may have finally found love and they are ready to officially adopt the wonderful children they are raising together. But the overreach of the government stands in their way, and the orphanage finds itself under scrutiny from DICOMY. When Arthur faces an inquisition about his own past, the future for all magical beings may be in danger.

I loved getting back into this world and seeing more interactions with the children. Every conversation and interaction they have together is an entertainment. The addition of another young child to the group just makes it that much better.

This is a perfect addition to the first book, and a recommended series for those who enjoy some tongue-in-check characters and dialogue.