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

I am absolutely floored by how much I love this book. From Linus' introduction, to his growth throughout the novel, to his final arc where he shines the brightest had me hooked.

Linus is both incredibly oblivious, and incredibly endearing. He reminds me a lot of Aziraphale; trying to do his job perfectly, but ultimately failing due to his endless compassion, empathy and boundless love. The amount of times I was screaming both "Linus, for the love of god, LOOK" followed by me nearly crying at how soft he was is numerable.

The kids? Arthur? Zoe? All of them were so endearing, and I loved them all so much. Theo and Lucy both are top contenders for my favourite kid, mostly due to their antics, but all of them are hilarious gremlins and their meddling is priceless.

I was not surprised Arthur was magical, as the hints were there, but the fact he was a FUCKING PHEONIX did actually. The scene where Linus protects Helen from the rock, and you see how absolutely lethal Arthur can be in his form was absolutely cinematic. The fact they have to have Zoe babysit the kids so they can bone each other in peace was absolutely hilarious as well, the poor things can't catch a break. They're adorable dads, and the fact they are trying to save more children to give them a safe home, made me so damn emotional.

Overall, this feel-good story about found family and overcoming our own self-made limitations is a phenomenal novel. I hope to see more of Linus and his family soon, I do miss them so! ❤️

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tabear's review

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funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.75

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tragedies's review

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adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing 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

5.0

V.E. Schwab described The House in the Cerulean Sea as “being wrapped in a big gay blanket” and that is exactly what this is. It's comforting and warm, something you'd snuggle into when your soul is weary of the world and your heart jaded by the people in it. It feels like a gentle hug from an old friend or a hot chocolate on a cold rainy day. In some ways, it also feels like a Studio Ghibli film — whimsical and cheeky but also profound and incredibly thought-provoking.

The story follows Linus, a forty-year-old caseworker at the Department In Charge of Magical Youth. He evaluates orphanages with magical children and makes sure they are up to standard. Though he tends to keep his head down, he prides himself for his detailed case reports and believes that his objective eye would help the children in places he’s assigned to (or so he thinks). He is a creature of habit and is perfectly content with staying in his own bubble and living his orderly yet mundane routine, though he can’t help but think of something beyond gray walls and neat desks — the sight of vibrant cerulean seas. Eventually, he does get the chance to see them, not in the faded picture of his mousepad, but in real life.

One day, Extremely Upper Management gives Linus a top secret assignment and whisks him away to Marsyas Island, where the local orphanage is said to house the most dangerous magical children in the country. However, throughout the course of his stay, he begins to see that the children and Arthur, the unorthodox master of the orphanage, are much more than their case files. They are human, just like him. They should not be feared or hated; rather, they should be treated with kindness and compassion, so that they too can live, dream, and flourish just like any other person. Thus, as he spends more time with the people in Marsyas, he starts to question the bubble he’s lived in, the beliefs he held, the prejudices that colored his perspective, and the systems enforced by the institution he works for.

More than that, Linus slowly realizes that this house in the cerulean sea is not at all like the photo in his mousepad. Somehow, it is better. Though he had a job, food, and a roof over his head, the life he led before had a lonely, aching emptiness that he had long resigned himself to believing as his sole constant companion. Even if he did try to fill that void in him, society would deem him too fat and old for anything good to come out of it. I love how the book challenged that narrative and presented us with a story wherein someone like Linus does have a chance at love and happiness and that it is never too late to turn one’s life around to reach for them.

I know some people think the ending is too optimistic. Indeed, reality is often darker and more cruel than we could ever imagine, and stories that stay true to that have their place. However, I also think it’s important to have stories like The House in the Cerulean Sea that portray the world both as it is and as it should be. It shows us that there will always be Linuses, Arthurs, and hopeful tales of finding love and family in the most unexpected of places at the most unexpected of times.

P.S. TJ Klune, I am begging you. Please write a sequel. I've grown too fond of these characters. I need more of them please. Pretty please?

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snowkestrel's review against another edition

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lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

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