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Reviews tagging 'Physical abuse'

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune

144 reviews

emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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: No

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective tense fast-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: Complicated

I loved this book. I knew, well hoped that I would love this book and I did. T.J. Klune's House in the Cerulean Sea is one of my favorite books. Somewhere Beyond the Sea is the ideal kind of follow-up, it far surpasses the first in it's character, beauty, and message. I had no idea what to expect from a sequel, but what T.J. Klune has done here has created a seed of hope for me as a trans person. His narrative challenges the culture of discrimination that we currently exist within, a world divided between those in power and those without rights and dignity.

For those who loved the children in the first book, you will love them even more in the sequel. You will love all of the people of Marsyas more than you ever thought possible. And you will hate the government even more as the true pain they've enacted upon magical youths and adults is revealed. Somewhere Beyond the Sea dives into historical and personal trauma and so I warn those looking to read this wonderful book, to please be in a place where you can have space to comfortably process any emotions that Arthur's story, Zoe's story, and the children's stories may bring up in you.

This book is about fighting for those your love and for what is right while learning to love and forgive yourself in the process. This book is about coming together as a community, realizing those you share space with you are more like you than what meets the eye. This book is about challenging yourself and overcoming fear. This book is all this and more and I am better for having read it.

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad 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

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challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I adore Arthur, while his story definitely shone light to the theme that wasn't quite tackled on the first book, I expected most of the events on this one. 

Also note that I am deeply attached to Mr Linus Baker so first book is still my beloved but this sequel is still loved. Like the rest of the characters, I'm also usually disagreeing with public figures (politicians), because it's true. They put themselves above the people that they serve. Arthur and his family's frustration can be felt. Peole are always blinded by hate and refrain from understanding a new perspective if it didn't fit with theirs. 

I hope the world learns to be more understanding, albeit not as welcoming but open to differences and deviate from the norm. 

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted sad tense 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: No

"hope is the thing with fire"

i NEEDED to read this book exactly right now.

make no mistake, as stated in the dedication this one is specifically for the trans community. 

as the rights of trans children across the USA are being attacked and destroyed, i needed to read a sweet, inspiring, hopefully story about a motely crew of "monster" children under attack by a goverment focused on "keeping humans safe" to the detriment of all other beings. 

i really enjoyed the first book in the series, but i absolutely LOVED this one.

to be able to feel a tiny amount of the frustration, fear, anger and disgust i have been holding onto for months and focus it on the close-minded and hateful characters in this book was a really healthy and helpful exercise in being present with my emotions. 

i spoke out loud to the characters, shouted in frstration, and cried happy tears multiple times while reading. 

the beauty and complexity of the characters, the depth of the trauma exploration, the reminder that change- drastic change- is possible, all wound up in an adorable, hilarious, and at times supremely silly bow, was exactly what the dr. prescribed. 

thank you for the reminder that critical hope is a magical, transformative force, TJ Klune. 



Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional hopeful inspiring tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

so sweet and arthur’s perseverance is inspiring. never giving up in the face of bigotry <3

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious fast-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: Complicated

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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: Complicated

Expand filter menu Content Warnings