The House In The Cerulean Sea by Tj Klune

4.58 out of 5

$29.97

“The House in the Cerulean Sea” by T.J. Klune is a heartwarming fantasy story. It’s about Linus Baker, a government worker who checks out magical orphanages. He gets a special assignment to visit an island with a unique orphanage run by a charming wizard. Through this adventure, he learns about the importance of love and acceptance.

Book Summary

Linus Baker works for a government agency called the Department in Charge of Magical Youth (DICOMY). His job is to watch over magical children living in orphanages and group homes, making sure they are okay and behaving well. Some of these kids have special powers like telekinesis, and some are from mythical species.

Linus is a serious and orderly guy who is good at his job because he’s careful and cautious. One day, he’s called to meet with some top-secret people from Extremely Upper Management, a mysterious group. They give him permission to visit a special orphanage run by Arthur Parnassus for a month and report back.

The orphanage is on an island called Marsyas Island and is home to six unique and powerful children. The nearby town doesn’t like magical beings, which makes things tense. One of the kids is even labeled as the Antichrist. There’s also a wyvern, a gnome, a forest sprite, a shapeshifter, and a strange child named Chauncey.

At first, Linus is wary of the children, but he grows to love them and their guardian Arthur during his stay. His time on the island changes him, and he becomes more confident and caring. There’s also some romantic tension between him and Arthur. Linus discovers that Arthur is a phoenix and that he used to be in a relationship with Charles Werner from Extremely Upper Management.

Linus helps improve the relationship between the orphanage and the town. He also helps a traumatized shapeshifter named Sal. When he leaves the island to file a report, he feels torn but believes it’s his duty.

Back in the city, Linus stands up for Arthur, the children, and the home to Extremely Upper Management. He exposes their involvement in discrimination and abuse within the system. They agree to keep the home open, but Linus realizes he’s miserable without his new family, so he plans to return.

Before going back, Linus gathers evidence of the problems he’s seen over his 17 years as a caseworker, quits his job, and returns to the island. The children happily welcome him home, and he and Arthur start a romantic relationship. They also decide to officially adopt all six children.

The book ends with an epilogue where the mayor tells them about an unregistered child in need of a home, and they agree to take them in.

Specifications

ISBN: 1250217318

EAN13: 9781250217318

Language: English

Pages: 416

Dimensions: 1″ H x 8.25″ L x 5.38″ W

Weight: 1.113334 lbs.

Format: Paperback

Publisher: Tor Books

40 reviews for The House In The Cerulean Sea by Tj Klune

Devyn Steuber
5 out of 5
Everything about this book made me feel happy, sweet and whole. The writing is gorgeous and very very visual. The story is complete and interesting and beautiful and perfect, with many lessons and quotables to be found. I want to form an entire book club around this book just to have people to talk to about it. I am going to buy every version of this book that exists. So so deserving of 5 stars.
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Deven Strosin
4 out of 5
Great read, I truly enjoyed it. Just wondering why all the main caretakers had to be queer and the reader had to know details about it. It just felt unnecessary to the story. Would still recommend.
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Janelle Bakabulindi
5 out of 5
A beautiful story - I cried, honestly, it was so sweetly moving. Magical beings, seeing past expectations, overcoming prejudice, choosing family. This is my third time reading this book. It's well written, but more than that it is just comforting.
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Mustafa George
5 out of 5
This book was surprising in many ways. It was something I didn't know I needed until I was a couple chapters in. Like a warm hug and a hot cup of tea on a cold day.
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Nnamdi Adewura
5 out of 5
This book is simply magnificent. Funny, heartwarming, sad, silly, profound, and hopeful. A beautiful story that tells us there can be a place for everyone to be safe and loved if we are brave enough to create it.
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Kennedy Aurishaba
4 out of 5
This is by far the most unique read of the year. Different and well thought out. There are so many life lessons in this book.
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Marley Marquardt
5 out of 5
I love how this story is written. I tell in love with every character and adore the depth of feelings they all have for one another. Every characters voice was distinct and authentic. I highly recommend.
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Janiya Windler
5 out of 5
When I first purchased this book, arrived damaged and a defective edition, the font was smaller and had big margins. The replacement just arrived and is perfect!! Finally will be able to enjoy this story better
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Helena Collins
5 out of 5
Fantastic story, so much to be learned from the lessons of Arthur and Linus! I hope there's a sequel soon!
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Edward Akashabe
5 out of 5
Very enjoyable at the surface level. I found myself laughing out loud several times. A delightful story of "people who are different" and acceptance of those people. Look a little dipped into this story and you will see who those people really are that the author is talking about. Truly a very creative way of making such a point. But if you only want to stay on the surface level I'm sure you will find it a delightful experience and fun to read.
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Ashlee Turcotte
5 out of 5
When Linus Baker is sent as caseworker to an orphanage for Mystical Youth on an Island, he fully intends to follow all the Rules and Regulations as he has for all his other jobs. Who knew how much he would grow as a person at this job. An absolutely lovely book about accepting people for who they can be.Warning for parents: there is a same sex couple, if that is something that you need to discuss with your young readers.
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Sibongile Mudau
1 out of 5
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refiloe Mogale
5 out of 5
Such a wonderful book.Not only are the characters so loveable, and not only is the setting so beautiful, but also the exploration of prejudice is highly relevant and can be analogous to our own world in many ways.I'm highly anticipating book two in September 2024.
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Carol Ellis
5 out of 5
I absolutely fell in love with each character. It was a challenge at first to “get into” the fantasy and read about the love and acceptance. This is one of my favorites!
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Jodie Wiegand
5 out of 5
This book was such a cute, cozy read. All of the characters are well written and the message is powerful but not forced. I loved it!
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Themba Wright
5 out of 5
Lovedddd this book could put it down. Gives that feel good feeling when you put it down.
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Binod Dubey
5 out of 5
This is definitely one of my favorite books I have read this year! It was so unique and super fun to read!
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Chiamaka Esther
5 out of 5
This imaginative, heartfelt, tender, beautifully written book is simply magical. I've not read a book so captivating and tenderly written since Harry Potter, yet extremely important, divisive and timely themes spanning love, equality, equity, lgbtq+ rights & human rights are, thankfully, unabashedly included. Like the Wizard of Oz, the book is written, in part, in black and white, and in brilliant technicolor. I imagine Tim Burton and Pixar must be arguing for movie rights - oh what a thing of beauty could be realized should they collaborate. Highly recommended.
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Martina Treutel
5 out of 5
This book is everything good. Well written, heartwarming, and emotional. I did not want it to end. I wanted to fall into the story and never return.
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Tim Robinson
5 out of 5
Love the characters and a story to warm your heart! Can not wait for the sequel!
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Ifunanya Ogunbanwo
2 out of 5
After a strong start, the book devolved into a predictable twee and soppy story, so I was very disappointed. I couldn't decide whether it was an outline for a Tim Burton or a Frank Capra movie and it let down on both. Linus' speech to Very Upper Management was straight out of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and every angel got their wings like in It's a Wonderful life.
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Gbeminiyi Taiwo
5 out of 5
Another incredibly well written, and message punching with heart. Absolutely love this author. This book is a must read. So glad to have discovered this author several books back.
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Felicita Mohr
5 out of 5
Book club selection for fantasy/sci fi. More about people and nature with how to get along with love and understanding.
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Magali McKenzie
5 out of 5
What a beautiful story! I was engrossed and rarely put it down. Salute to Klune for having the bravery to have sweetly gay old men in the story in these days and times. I was cheering for them! I hope this is the first of many in this story line.
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Nicolaas Chetty
5 out of 5
This book should be read by anyone who has ever been a child. I laughed and I cried, I smiled and I sighed. This book will forever be in my "Must Be Reread" pile, because once is Not enough.
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Dumisani Shabalala
5 out of 5
Good story with unexpected turns.
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Bhaagyasree Malhotra
5 out of 5
Fantasy is not my usual genre and the last one I tried to read, I couldn't get past the first few chapters; but truly enjoyed Linus and his adventure. The cast of characters; the magical children, their incredible caretakers, the bland, mundane people of Linus' life- his nosy neighbor, his apathetic co-workers, the Upper Management were colorfully described and their antics documented. Loved it all the way through!
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Anand Tripathi
5 out of 5
This story is unique. It started off slowly enough that I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue, but I'm definitely glad I did. The characters and world building are wonderful. I loved Linus and Arthur and the way their relationship developed. The children were fun and quite unusual. Though the story is fantasy, it touches on today's problems and challenges. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and recommend reading it.
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Arianna Ankunda
5 out of 5
This novel has found me at a vulnerable time in my life. I'm finishing it today at five in the morning, and feel that I have gained quite a bit of myself for reading it. It's been a long time now since I've finished a book, and I am warmed to say that this one has reminded me of the way that I used to learn my courage from reading. It's lended some clarity to a turbulent moment in my life. I hope you enjoy it, in all of it's subtleties, implications, and volumes for all that it may say to you at this point in your own life.
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Violet Kyambadde
1 out of 5
Could not finish this childish drivel. Starts off with a promising set up and then never gets past High School level prose written for 5th grade level audience to introduce very eye rolling, obvious messages about correctness, but for who exactly? Not for me. Moved on to something I can actually chew on and enjoy and it was a breath of fresh air and relief to put this down and start reading something on an adult level. Kind of shocked by so many positive reviews for this. Don't be fooled.
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Ifeanyichukwu Onose
5 out of 5
A charming read with some nice, British-style humor!
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Taryn Mashego
4 out of 5
I enjoyed this cute story about a man who through interactions with each character, he overcomes challenging situations, which leads him to learn more about himself. Set in an imaginative world, we are able to discover the magic within us when we lead a life where we're authentically ourselves.
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Sekinat Joshua
5 out of 5
Lovely book about life, loss, resiliency, fear, and discrimination. And it shows that even in middle age people can grow and change.
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Brenda Herman
5 out of 5
Magical and beautiful. I loved every moment. I'm honestly sad that it ended. The characters are colorful, different and simply easy to fall in love with as the book goes on. It is worth the read!
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Adele Miya
5 out of 5
Absolutely loved it. Thank you for writing such a wonderful story. I will be sure to recommend to all my friends!
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Gustave Schimmel
2 out of 5
I can see what the author was going for with this. In fact, it is very hard to miss it, since much of the book is relentless messaging. Here are a few: "The things that make you different make you special", "Everyone is worthy of love", "Together, we are stronger", "Overcoming prejudice takes people speaking up", etc.. Don't get me wrong, these are not bad messages, but they tended to swamp out the story somewhat.As for the story, it was odd in tone and strangely written. The main character is employed by a government agency that is so over-the-top evil, and written in a caricatured form reminiscent of the school in "Matilda". The main character himself is written as a message, described as not attractive, not having much of a backbone, and not having much of a life, but with integrity, a heart of gold, and increasingly snappy rejoinders as the book goes on. The tone felt very British, lots of politeness masking unpleasantness, and a functioning public transport system, but I think it ...More
I can see what the author was going for with this. In fact, it is very hard to miss it, since much of the book is relentless messaging. Here are a few: "The things that make you different make you special", "Everyone is worthy of love", "Together, we are stronger", "Overcoming prejudice takes people speaking up", etc.. Don't get me wrong, these are not bad messages, but they tended to swamp out the story somewhat.As for the story, it was odd in tone and strangely written. The main character is employed by a government agency that is so over-the-top evil, and written in a caricatured form reminiscent of the school in "Matilda". The main character himself is written as a message, described as not attractive, not having much of a backbone, and not having much of a life, but with integrity, a heart of gold, and increasingly snappy rejoinders as the book goes on. The tone felt very British, lots of politeness masking unpleasantness, and a functioning public transport system, but I think it was meant to be set in the US (at least the cost of the Rules is provided in dollars). The island scenes are pleasant, the characters an interesting array, and there is a crowd-pleasing found family narrative, but everyone is kind and understanding and too-good-to-be-true. Also, for the romance allegedly being a primary concern of the author's, it felt rather rushed and unearned.If you're interested in reading this, I would try the first chapter and see how you like it. I did not know what to make of it, so kept on reading, but the muddled style and heavy-handed messaging just continued throughout.
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Magnus Jerde
5 out of 5
Linus Baker is such a character that I could relate to in so many ways. He just did his job the best way he knew how. Followed the rules as they were set out. He worked in the city but dreamed of seeing the sea. He gets an assignment to work by the sea and that is where things begin to change for Linus.The character development is great and the scenes are so well spelled out I could see them in my minds eye. I loved the journey Linus took and met all the children that were living near the sea with Arthur as their care taker. Zoe was there also helping to take care of the children. She was an interesting character being a sprite.This was just such a great story I can't wait to read more by this author. You won't be disappointed reading this story in my opinion.
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Laisha Bernhard
5 out of 5
I flipped this open when it was delivered yesterday… and then stayed up until past midnight reading. Haven't devoured a book like this since I was a kid. It's a sweet, funny, feel-good story. Absolutely loved it.
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Jaquan Beer
5 out of 5
I read this for a book club book, and I don't know if I'd have picked it for myself, but man am I glad to have read this. It's a beautifully charming chaotic masterpiece. I read and listened to this - and as I'm driving down the road laughing out loud, I was grateful for these characters.
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teboho Maphumulo
5 out of 5
The book starts slow and I was not sure if I was going to like it. However, as the book progressed, I realized that information up front was needed to see how the protagonist changed as he grew into his role at the house at the cerulean sea. I was brought to tears at the end of the book. A fantastic read.
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