Member Reviews

In Somewhere Beyond the Sea, TJ Klune crafts a mesmerizing tale that captivates from the very first page. The novel’s lyrical prose and vivid imagery transport readers to a world where every emotion is felt deeply and every scene is painted with exquisite detail. The characters are richly developed and profoundly relatable, their journeys echoing with authenticity and grace. The narrative's emotional depth and beautifully rendered settings create an immersive experience that lingers long after the last page is turned. This book is a triumph of storytelling, blending evocative language with a compelling plot to deliver a truly unforgettable read.

Thank you NetGalley for providing the advanced copy!

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The first book in this series is one of my all-time favorite books, so it is no surprise that I loved the sequel! Loving couple, Linus and Arthur, work tirelessly to advocate for the rights of the magical youth they care for in their very unique orphanage on Marsyas Island. Filled with heart and humor, this is a story of found family, acceptance, beauty in diversity, and queer joy. It's impossible not to fall in love with the characters thanks to TJ Klune's beautiful writing style; I so enjoyed being reunited with them in this sequel. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook version as Daniel Henning's narration is unparalleled!!

Note: Reading the first book, The House in the Cerulean Sea, is a must before starting this sequel!

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"This is what happens when you sleep late. Just when you think you're getting extra rest, someone breathes fire."

I would like to thank the publisher for giving me an audio sneak peek in exchange for an honest review.

I CANNOT WAIT TO DIVE INTO THIS BOOK!

We see Arthur when he's first coming to the island, and then we get a little glimpse into the house dynamic after the events of book 1 and it's just so dang cute and cozy that I'm itching to pick up the book now! Also, I love the narrator for the audiobook -- it's the same one from the first book and he does a fantastic job with the voices for each of the characters.

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Somewhere Beyond the Sea is the sequel to T.J. Klune’s novel The House in the Cerulean Sea.

I will start out by saying, I only got to preview a small portion of this book thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio. But, I absolutely adored the first book in this series and the same goes for the small portion I read in this book. If you liked the first book, you’ll like this one too. I can’t wait for this to come out so I can devour it!

Somewhere Beyond the Sea is Arthur’s story. He started the orphanage for the magical children. He doesn’t want the children to feel the pain he felt as a child. Linus, a former case worker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, joins his love, Arthur, in working at the orphanage. A new child is set to join them on the island. This child will either break their little family or make it stronger.

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This sneak peek for Somewhere Beyond the Sea was very enjoyable. I am looking forward to reading the full novel.

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had just devoured the audio book version of The House in the Cerulean Sea, when I saw an opportunity for an ARC sample of Somewhere Beyond the Sea.

This latest novel from author T.L. Klune is delightful. I thought it would be more of a prequel, but the book quickly jumped to where book one left off.

I LOVE the narration of this book. The characters are delightful. I cannot wait to get my hands on the full book!

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Like many I'm sure you fell in love with all the gifted children of the island, Arthur Parnassus and Linus Baker in The House in the Cerulean Sea. The sequel just continues the love and empathy you'd expect from an inclusive story. You will laugh a lot and feel the feels as you get to know each character and a new one or two much more deeply.

Like close friends, this group become family as each page is turned. In the end this book become the hug you needed.

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Somewhere Beyond the Sea follows Arthur Parnassus, headmaster of an orphanage on a mysterious island, as he strives to provide a loving home for six magical children considered dangerous by society. With the support of his partner Linus Baker, a former caseworker, and other allies on the island, Arthur is determined to protect the children from the trauma and neglect he once experienced as an orphan. As Arthur is forced to confront his dark past in a public statement, a new magical child arrives, calling himself a monster—an identity Arthur has worked to shield the children from. The story explores the challenges of fighting for a better future while maintaining the bonds of family and love in the face of adversity.

I loved Somewhere Beyond the Sea because of its heartwarming portrayal of found family and the strength that comes from embracing love and acceptance, even when the world seems set against you. The emotional depth of Arthur's journey, especially in dealing his painful past while protecting his children, resonated with me. The magical elements enhanced the story’s core themes of resistance, self-empowerment, and the fight for a future. It's a beautifully told story about the power of community and how love can triumph over fear. TJ Klune has true talent and this book is a testament to that!

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I am obsessed with narrating once again and love hearing Chauncey’s voice. Very much looking forward to the rest of the audiobook and listening now!

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This peek was such a joy to listen to! I'm eagerly waiting to listen to Somewhere Beyond the Sea after having enjoyed The House in the Cerulean Sea so much. Klune's magical style of writing has me wanting more of his magical characters. This peek has me waiting very impatiently for its release!

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this sneak peek. This opinion is my own.

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As an educator I can see each and every child in this story as a child I once had/have in my classroom. This story melts my heart. The narrative had me in the story and loved every minute of it.

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I got the opportunity to review a long excerpt of the audiobook- and it was endearing and captured my interest from the get go. I can’t wait to read the book. From what I gathered from the excerpt,Arthur has a loving family, all charming and witty and who love each other dearly. Arthur is sent on a journey of some kind, and due to the beautifully descriptive and immersive style that I’ve enjoyed so far from the short audio experience-it’s sure to be a wonderful read.

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What a tease! I absolutely love this story and these characters!!

From the excerpt the story starts out with Arthur Parnassus in the past, first coming to the island. Flash forward to present day where Arthur and Linus are off to tell Arthur's story. All the love ape characters have returned and the magic starts right where it left off.

I adore TJ Klune and the worlds he presents in his literature. The audio version excerpt was amazing as it was in The House in the Cerulean Sea. Daniel Henning does an amazing job reading the text and the characters come to life through his voice. Reminds me so much of listening to Harry Potter.

I cannot wait to read/listen to the rest of this story. I'm sure it will as magical as this expert promises.

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I’ve been looking forward to getting back to this world since the moment I found out there would be another book and I so very deeply enjoyed my preview back via this audiobook sneak peek! The first two chapters got me so excited to read the full length book. The voice acting was really delightful and the way the various characters had their own unique sound was spot on. Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for early access! Now… to read the full length version!

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I cannot wait to listen to this entire book. This sneak peek got me so excited, and I cannot wait to get my grubby little hands on the whole audiobook. I love the audio production with the music and the narrator did such a fantastic job bringing just this short bit to life!

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this sneak peek of what is likely going to be one of my favorite books this year. All opinions within this review are my own.

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I wish I liked it :(
I had a very hard time getting into the story.
The narration sounded like I was reading a children’s book, not an adult epic fantasy as described.

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This preview delivered an exciting glimpse into what's to come, effectively building anticipation for the full release. The concept of offering a sneak peek to generate early hype is brilliant, allowing viewers to get a taste without revealing too much. It struck an ideal balance between teasing content and maintaining mystery, leaving the audience eager for more.

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So excited to read the full book!! I thought this was the full book - I generally avoid excerpts since I hate waiting for more, but I’m very much looking forward to getting the whole story!

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I am so excited for the full book. Klune can do no wrong in my opinion, and I can’t wait to fully dive into this one.

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The perfect sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea. It was beyond delightful and once again, the audiobook was fantastic.

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