Today I am sharing my review of The House on the Cerulean Sea by T.J Klune. This book was all over bookstagram last year and I had to see what all the hype was about.
Synopsis
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.
Why I Decided to Read this Book
This was a bookstagram made me do it pick. This book was all over bookstagram with only amazing and glaring reviews. Also the cover is gorgeous (you know I love a good cover) so I had to see what all the hype was about.
Rating
3.5 Stars (I Liked it!)
My Thoughts
I can say I understand why so many people love this book. If I had to describe this book in a few words it would be delightful and charming. The story is very different from anything I’ve read and it has a cast of characters to fall in love with. It has an uplifting message and I can see how many people have a deep connection to it.
The story is full of humor, I laughed out loud a few times and when I finished the book I couldn’t help but smile (even though it was a little predictable). I started reading the physical book but then switched to the audiobook. I really liked the narration of the audiobook and recommend that format.
The reason why my rating is not higher is because I don’t think the fantasy aspect was for me. I honestly love reading books outside of my genre comfort zone because I either find a new genre to love (hello YA last year!) or I learn more about my reading tastes which helps me decide which books to read. In this case I think I confirmed fantasy isn’t for me and that’s ok, not we don’t have to all like the same genres.
Overall I am glad I read this book, it was refreshing, different and I recommend it if you like the YA fantasy genre.
Content Warnings
Child abuse, confinement, body shaming, bullying, homophobia, mental illness
Who I Recommend this Book to
I think the target audience for this book is teenagers and I believe it’s a book that can make a big impact in their lives.
Get the Book!
Did this review of The House on the Cerulean Sea convince you to read it? Check out the links below to get it from Bookshop.org or Libro.fm. Please consider ordering it from a Black owned independent bookstore. This list of Black owned independent bookstores accepts online ordering.
>>Shop on Libro.fm (use code GISSELLEREADS if you want to start a membership)
If you’ve read this book let me know your thoughts in the comments!
