this book was just as charming as the first. while i still find klune's themes to be very heavy-handed, i still find them a joy to read. these books also feel so warm and inviting while dealing with incredibly difficult subjects. it's not hard to see the parallels to the real world, and I think he does a great job of dealing with those intricacies.

It feels weird to review an excerpt as opposed to an entire book - I can’t wait to read the full story.

These characters are so familiar and precious - from what I have read, Klune has kept the spirit of the first book and is continuing that legacy, so I really hope that I see that from start to finish once I complete the whole book.

If you loved The House in the Cerulean Sea, you’re probably anxious to know whether the sequel will meet your expectations. I can happily tell you that I enjoyed every minute of this book, just as much as the first one. And I was very happy to learn more about Arthur Parnassus.

Is it full of cute, precocious youngsters? Yes. Is it excessively sentimental? Yes, very. And normally those two things would have me running for the hills. But this book, as with the first one, just works. These are stories about tolerance and accepting others’ differences, and we can all use more of that.

The book begins with Arthur and Linus heading into the city for a hearing on the Care of Magical Youth. Arthur is determined to share his story with the world, to prevent further abuses of children. But he also knows he’ll be speaking to a hostile audience, which could jeopardize their petition to adopt their six foster youth. Plus they’re hoping to open their home to one more child: David, a Yeti.

Audio narrator Daniel Henning is brilliant at voicing each character distinctively, even Theo who only speaks Wyvern. Though at times he gets a bit over-excited, in my opinion, this is not a toned-down kind of book (if you’re looking for subtlety, this is not the book for you). Also, there’s quite a bit more action in this book compared to the first one. The descriptions of Arthur as Phoenix are fantastic.

In truth, this book isn’t quite as good as the first, because it’s quite repetitive and the characters are all either very good or very bad. I preferred the moral ambiguity that Linus struggled with in the first book. But I still really enjoyed the mix of action, humor and heart, and I really liked the new character of David. One of the interesting issues Klune raises is how one can define themselves and “own” what makes them different. What if being a “monster” isn’t a bad thing?

I won’t tell you more than that, since if you’re a fan of the first book you’re probably already planning to read (or have read) the second one.

Two additional notes: there’s an interesting afterword to this book by author T.J. Klune, primarily about the transphobia of J.K. Rowling. I also read about a controversy relating to Klune’s inspiration for this series, which was the abusive residential school system for indigenous youth in Canada. The concern seems to be that 1) he’s written very cutesy books about horrific abuses and 2) he’s appropriating and profiting from another group’s story.

While I can see those concerns, these are books about hate and fear and abuse towards people who are different. I don’t see Klune exploiting specific cultural references, and sadly there’s more than enough abuses of children to go around. Klune’s interview with John Scalzi is here and I’d be interested to hear what you think.

I will also note that I received a preview (not the full book) from NetGalley.

My only complaint about this was that the excerpt was finished too quickly, and I couldn't wait to get the book to continue reading. Having read the first book, I had high expectations going into this, and I was not disappointed. Arthur was one of my favorite characters in the book and the reveal at the end of the first book left me super interested in learning more about his backstory.

A solid follow-up to the popular House on the Cerulean Sea, this story picks up where the last one left off and introduced a new character we could root for. Whereas it lacked the new feelings of discovery, as sequels often do, it certainly had significant charm and whimsy for fans. The villain was not terribly dark, and the risks felt manageable, so this time our found family wandered amiably through the story. It was a happy, gentle read.

I’ve been head-over-heels in love with The House in the Cerulean Sea since I first read the digital ARC. It’s basically the coziest fantasy book ever and one I wish everyone could experience. So, naturally, I was over the moon when I got my hands on a digital ARC of Somewhere Beyond the Sea! Then, when Libro.fm featured it in their librarian ALCs, I knew it was time to dive back into the magical world of Arthur, Linus, and their incredible family.

TJ Klune is not shy about his inspiration for the villain in this sequelbeing J.K. Rowling. The fact that this antagonist clearly channels some Dolores Umbridge vibes is a pretty stark commentary on the TERF's platform, which adds a layer of depth to the story. This book is definitely darker than the first, but even with the heavier themes, the kids and their adults bring so much light, love, and humor to the narrative. It’s fascinating to see Arthur’s character pushed to his limits and what bubbles beneath his usually avuncular demeanor.

As someone who grew up in a U.S. colony, I really connected with the themes of autonomy and external interference in this book. The Hollywood-style ending, while a bit too tidy for my taste, was still a blast to read—Klune’s climactic scenes are incredibly cinematic, and Daniel Henning’s narration brought them to life in a way that made my imagination run wild.

Despite the darker undertones and the rosy ending, my love for these characters and the world Klune has built outweighs any reservations I might have. So, I’m giving this one 4.75 stars, rounded up. It’s a magical read that continues to charm and captivate.

Wish this was the full novel and just not the excerpt! But anyway, this was a fun teaser and thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC!

I didn't think it was possible, but I loved the sequel even more than the first, "The House in the Cerulean Sea." One again TJ Klune captivates audiences with a story of found family, and two fathers who will fiercly protect each other, their children, and their community. This story of bravery and redemption is what we need right now. A bright spot of hope reminding us that people can change, and there are good, strong people out their fighting for all.

This anti-JK Rowling always has my vote.

So great. I love the characters and the interactions between them. Everything feels so genuine and real. Can't wait for the full book!

Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a heartfelt, enchanting story that sweeps you away with TJ Klune’s signature blend of humor, warmth, and depth. This book explores the timeless themes of love, grief, and the healing power of community, all wrapped in Klune’s whimsical style and profound humanity.

The narrative follows two protagonists with rich emotional depth: one is grappling with the weight of loss, and the other is learning to embrace vulnerability. Klune expertly guides readers through their journeys, balancing introspection with lighthearted moments that feel authentic and refreshing. This delicate balance keeps the story from becoming too heavy, allowing moments of joy to shine through even during the most heart-wrenching scenes.

Klune’s skill at world-building, particularly in creating small, unforgettable communities, stands out in this novel. The side characters are as memorable as the leads, each contributing to the story’s charm and reinforcing Klune's message about the strength found in connection and acceptance.

With its mix of fantasy and real-life themes, Somewhere Beyond the Sea offers a beautiful escape that also resonates deeply with real-world issues. Fans of Klune’s previous works and newcomers alike will find this book a moving, magical experience—one that stays with you long after the final page.

Ugh, loved being back in this world. I forgot how much I adored these characters and it felt so great getting to read about them again. Lucy may be one of my literary characters of all time.

It did take me a little time to remember the details on each character since it has been a while since I read the first but I did get there. There were also reviews about this book being a little preachy- it was but this didn't bother me too much.

This book is excellent. I liked the first one a little more but this one is well worth the read and I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the first.

The House in the Cerulean Sea is on my top five best books I've ever read so to say I was eagerly anticipating this sequel would be an understatement. While Somewhere Beyond the Sea won't be on my top five books of all time, it was a beautiful extension of Linus and Arthur's story.

This was just an excerpt, but it did its job. I went and pre-ordered the book and can't wait to get to it. The characters are so whimsical and loveable in their unique ways. I always appreciate a good found family novel.

Solid four stars. I adored "House on Cerulean Sea" and it warmed my heart to see the characters return and their stories progress, but this felt like it had a sort of emotional disconnect compared to the first novel. I still enjoyed it, but I wish that same connection was there as it was in the prior novel. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC opportunity.

I absolutely devoured The House on The Cerulean Sea and couldn't WAIT to be back together with these amazing characters, especially Lucy. I blew through the first four chapters and then was chopping at the bit to get my hands on the rest!

The physical book is BEAUTIFUL and I adore the dedication.

I am now on chapter 5 and I love where the story is going!

I’m annoyed this was only a sneak peek and not the full book. If I knew it was only a sneak peek then I wouldn’t haven’t requested this.

This got me way too excited for the whole story that is a continuation of my favorite book of 2022!
Super pumped

Thank you to TOR books for this sneak peak!

I forgot to review this but this sneak peak made me even more excited to read the book, that I had pre-ordered the minute it was announced it was coming out!

I read the book the minute it arrive and can confirm it is absolutely a beautiful story that will make you cry and be happy and just love every minute of it. If I could read about any characters for the rest of my life it would be the amazing characters that TJ Klune brings to life in these stories.

5 million stars!

"Somewhere Beyond the Sea" by TJ Klune is a heartfelt journey that beautifully captures the essence of love, loss, and self-discovery. Klune’s signature warmth and humor shine through in the vivid, quirky characters and their poignant relationships. The storytelling is both whimsical and deeply moving, drawing readers into a world that feels both magical and relatable. Each page brims with emotion, making it hard to put down. Overall, this novel is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the connections that define us.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. T.J. Klune knows how to write in a way that completely envelopes me in the story and has my imagination going wild. I loved the first book in this series and this one just as much. What a wonderful hug to the world.