Reviews with content warning for Bullying - The House in the Cerulean Sea

It was charming, cute, and optimistic but at times it felt overly preachy and saccharine. Some sections of dialogue and passages of narrative reflection read to me as pedagogical in a way that felt condescending and frustrating. I loved the characters and found myself absolutely caught up in rooting for our protagonist to achieve his dreams. However, specific imagery and phrases were too frequently recycled and it started to feel like a Andrew Lloyd Webber show. Overall I was left feeling disappointed by the liberal incrementalist idealism, the excessively obvious allegory, and positively syrupy ending.

As pure fluff 4/5. As a general read 3/5.

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larbster90's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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owlphabetical's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This is just as wonderfully soothing as everyone says it is. Though it's not all sweetness and light

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readbycarina's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

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theespressoedition's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Since reading this book, I have had multiple conversations with other readers, trying to comprehend my own thoughts about the story.

First and foremost: what age range is this book intended for? As I was reading the book, I felt as if I was reading middle-grade. The writing is quite light and juvenile (and I don't mean this in a negative way, just that it felt geared toward a younger audience). However, there were sexual references and heavier themes thrown in that felt more like something I'd find in YA. In fact, I was under the impression prior to reading that the book was, in fact, a YA novel. But of course, we have to take into account the fact that the protagonist is in his late 30s or early 40s (I don't know if his age is ever mentioned, but the love interest's is, and he's in his 40s). So, if we go by those standards, the book is adult. All of this kind of messed with my mind?!

If we go by the standards that this is an adult novel, it is good but not great. The maturity level is quite low and the decisions the protagonist makes feel a bit rash and unnecessary. I didn't find him to be particularly likable.

The children, however, were wonderful. I loved each of their personalities and hilarious quirks. I also appreciated the way the book begged us to think more about accepting people and standing up for those who are part of minorities or who aren't treated with kindness and respect. It definitely spoke to that very well.

In all, I enjoyed the book but I didn't love it. I felt a bit confused by the age thing and maturity level but I also really liked the representation and message. It was a solid like.

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nebraskanwriter's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This book touched my heart so deeply, it reached inside of me and warmed me to my core. All of the children were so precious, even Lucifer. What a lovely, feel good story. It made me feel warm and cozy, like sitting next to a nice fire.

This was my face the entire time reading it: 🥺

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