The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

The House in the Cerulean Sea Book Review

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Introduction

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, is a heartwarming read with loveable and charming characters. It is an addictive and delightful read that will leave you with a happy heart.

 

Goodreads Blurb of The House in the Cerulean Sea

A magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret.

 

Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages.

 

When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management he’s given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they’re likely to bring about the end of days.

 

But the children aren’t the only secret the island keeps. Their caretaker is the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe. As Arthur and Linus grow closer, long-held secrets are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn.

 

An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place—and realizing that family is yours.

 

The House in the Cerulean Sea Book Review by Book Estuary

 

The House in the Cerulean Sea Main Characters

Linus Baker

He is a caseworker working for Department in Charge of Magical Youths (DICOMY), an organization that manages and supervises orphanages that housed classified magical youths. He always abides by the rules and regulations handbook. He dresses properly and is always on time. He lives alone in his house with his cat, Calliope.

Arthur Parnassus

He is the master of the orphanage on Marsyas Island. He is a phoenix and is the last of his kind.

Calliope

Linus Baker’s cat

Lucy

He is a magical youth living in the orphanage. He is 6 years old and known to be the son of the devil. He has spiders in his dreams. His dreams are capable of manifesting themselves. He loves music, dances, and adventure. He is always the commander when they have group pursuits on the island.

Talia 

She is a young gnome with the age of 263 years old. She is still considered young because gnomes reach the age of maturity at 500 years old. She is very fond of gardening and always talks about the use of her shovel.

Phee

She is a forest sprite with wings. She has fire-red hair and she can grow plants from nothing.

Theodore

He is a wyvern. He loves to collect buttons.

Chauncey

He is a monster-like creature who has been told that he is a nightmare that hides under beds. His dream is to be a bellhop in a hotel because he wants to greet people and carry their luggage.

Sal

He is a shifter who can turn himself into a fluffy pomeranian. He is shy, speaks less but he can write poetry. This is my favorite Sal’s line,

“I am but paper. Brittle and thin. I am held up to the sun, and it shines right through me. I get written on, and I can never be used again. These scratches are a history. They’re a story. They tell things for others to read, but they only see the words, and not what the words are written upon. I am but paper, and though there are many like me, none are exactly the same. I am parched parchment. I have lines. I have holes. Get me wet, and I melt. Light me on fire, and I burn. Take me in hardened hands, and I crumple. I tear. I am but paper. Brittle and thin.”

Ms. Zoe Chapelwhite 

She is an island sprite who helps in the orphanage. Sometimes, she trains Phee given that they are both sprites.

 

The House in the Cerulean Sea Setting

The House in the Cerulean Sea is mainly set in Marsya’s Island where the orphanage with the magical youths are housed under the supervision and tutelage of Mr. Parnassus and Ms. Chapelwhite.

 

The House in the Cerulean Sea Plot Summary

The story starts when the Dicomy’s Extremely Upper Management assigned Linus Baker to a classified level four mission to investigate the orphanage in Marsyas Island, its master, and the magical youths living there.

 

It’s about Linus’ discovery of small things that matter and the relationship that was built in his short stay in Marsyas Island with the residents of the house. He learned to stand on what he believes in and fights for them.

 

This is the story of how the house in the Cerulean Sea and its inhabitants changed Linus’ perspective about living his life. In the house in the Cerulean Sea, Linus finds his true self, his home, the love of his life, and a family. There, he learned how to live a meaningful life. The house in the Cerulean Sea became a healing place not only for Linus but for all its inhabitants. I will leave it here so as not to give out any more spoilers.

 

Quotes that Matter from The House in the Cerulean Sea

 

“Change often starts with the smallest of whispers. Like-minded people building it up to a roar.” – Mr. Parnassus

 

“A home isn’t always the house we live in. It’s also the people we choose to surround ourselves with. – Helen, the Mayor of Marsyas

 

“Home is where you feel like yourself. Home is where we get to be who we are.” – Ms. Chapelwhite

 

“Sometimes our prejudices color our thoughts when we least expect them to. If we can recognize that, and learn from it, we can become better people.” – Mr. Parnassus

 

“Your voice is a weapon. Never forget that.” – Mr. Parnassus

 

What I like about The House in the Cerulean Sea

The House in the Cerulean Sea is a well-written story with memorable characters. The lines and banters are funny, heartwarming, and unforgettable.

 

It is an enjoyable read. This is the first time that I read an LGBT-themed book voluntarily.

 

The book features an enticing description of Marsyas Island, the characters, and the house in the cerulean sea.

 

The story features charming and loveable protagonists. The antagonists are only annoying but they were never cruel. The antagonists also made me laugh in some ways.

 

What The House in the Cerulean Sea is about and what it is not?

 

I must say that The House in the Cerulean Sea is a wholesome read. Although it features characters who have the ability to cause harm and destruction, it is never dark. If you are looking for a complicated read with a complex plot and conflict along the way then The House in the Cerulean Sea is not that. There is no evil like Voldemort level in The House in the Cerulean Sea. Its theme is simpler and the conflict revolves around the misconception and prejudice that the inhabitants of the orphanage are facing from DICOMY and the villagers. It delves into how the house in the Cerulean Sea becomes a healing place and happy home for Linus and the other characters mentioned above. The ending is very happy and it will leave you with a happy heart.

 

Overall Rating and Final Thoughts on The House in the Cerulean Sea

The House in the Cerulean Sea piqued my interest the moment I saw its cover and blurb. I did not even notice that it is LGBT-themed. I was expecting that it is in some ways like Harry Potter. I was wrong but I did not regret reading this book. In fact, I enjoyed it and it brought a smile to my face in several instances. The story is heartwarming and it is suited for all ages. The characters are charming and loveable. I love all the characters but my favorite is Sal because he is a writer. It is an engaging story and reading it is like receiving a gift on a holiday. There are so many happy feels in it. With all these points in mind, I’m giving this book my 5-star rating.

 

Related post

 

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

Book Title: The House in The Cerulean Sea
Author: TJ Klune
Publication Date: March 17, 2020
Print Length: 400 pages
My Rating: 5-star
Goodreads Link
Buy on Amazon

 
 

1 thought on “The House in the Cerulean Sea Book Review”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.