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funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Mental illness
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Blood, Grief, Cannibalism, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
The book handles a wide range of potentially difficult topics with the lightest and gentlest of touches, so I think most of them will not pose a problem. However, Lucy's a bit morbid and has "spiders in his brain", and these elements recur frequently. There is a past confinement incident that is described in some detail towards the end of the book, but it is softened by knowing the person it happened to has already mostly healed from that trauma.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-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
Plot: 3.5/5
Character: 5/5
Relationships: 4.5/5
World-Building: 4/5
Genre: 5/5
There was literally nothing I didn't like about this book - that's impressive!
Plot: I was hesitant when starting this as the magical element wasn't present from the start - however upon reflection I think the contemporary(ish) beginning really helped to highlight the "before" phase of Linus' life - I felt that the plot was pretty slow but I didn't find myself getting bored - each addition to the plot felt relevant and like it elevated the story. I was worried when Linus returned to the city and didn't go back for a couple of weeks but that also what sold me on the realism of the book - it acknowledges how much of an uphill battle it is to make positive change and when he returned to the island I actually shed a couple of tears.
Character: Chauncey is the best character and I would protect him at all costs - I spent most of this book just smiling every time he spoke. I love the contrast in all the characters but how they also feed off of and learn from each other. Lucy was adorable and had the best lines in the book. I liked the way the book treated each character individually and in the context of their relationships to each other and to Linus.
Relationships: FOUND FAMILY IS THE BEST TROPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! all of the relationships in this book were so lovely - the family that Arthur had created was so wholesome and I loved how all the kids cared for each other. I loved the way that Arthur and Linus' relationship developed - it felt very natural and their conversations elevated this book. When they finally kissed it felt like the perfect resolution of the book. The dynamic of all of them at the end just filled my heart with so much joy
World-Building: The dystopian element of this book was *chefs kiss* - it felt like a fantasy version of 1984. The bureaucracy and mind-numbing routine of Linus at the beginning of the book was a lovely contrast to Linus on the island. The world of the island was lovely, TJ Klune used so much sensory imagery, you really felt transported to the magical island. The intolerance and fear of the town people also added a really interesting dimension to the story
Genre: It felt like the perfect blend of (slightly dystopian) contemporary and fantasy - I love low-key fantasy that doesn't require all my available brain cells to be working to figure out the magic system. The fantasy elements of this book were paired with real-world elements in a way that made me really love the magical quality of this book
Character: 5/5
Relationships: 4.5/5
World-Building: 4/5
Genre: 5/5
There was literally nothing I didn't like about this book - that's impressive!
Plot: I was hesitant when starting this as the magical element wasn't present from the start - however upon reflection I think the contemporary(ish) beginning really helped to highlight the "before" phase of Linus' life - I felt that the plot was pretty slow but I didn't find myself getting bored - each addition to the plot felt relevant and like it elevated the story. I was worried when Linus returned to the city and didn't go back for a couple of weeks but that also what sold me on the realism of the book - it acknowledges how much of an uphill battle it is to make positive change and when he returned to the island I actually shed a couple of tears.
Character: Chauncey is the best character and I would protect him at all costs - I spent most of this book just smiling every time he spoke. I love the contrast in all the characters but how they also feed off of and learn from each other. Lucy was adorable and had the best lines in the book. I liked the way the book treated each character individually and in the context of their relationships to each other and to Linus.
Relationships: FOUND FAMILY IS THE BEST TROPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! all of the relationships in this book were so lovely - the family that Arthur had created was so wholesome and I loved how all the kids cared for each other. I loved the way that Arthur and Linus' relationship developed - it felt very natural and their conversations elevated this book. When they finally kissed it felt like the perfect resolution of the book. The dynamic of all of them at the end just filled my heart with so much joy
World-Building: The dystopian element of this book was *chefs kiss* - it felt like a fantasy version of 1984. The bureaucracy and mind-numbing routine of Linus at the beginning of the book was a lovely contrast to Linus on the island. The world of the island was lovely, TJ Klune used so much sensory imagery, you really felt transported to the magical island. The intolerance and fear of the town people also added a really interesting dimension to the story
Genre: It felt like the perfect blend of (slightly dystopian) contemporary and fantasy - I love low-key fantasy that doesn't require all my available brain cells to be working to figure out the magic system. The fantasy elements of this book were paired with real-world elements in a way that made me really love the magical quality of this book
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Confinement, Fatphobia, Death of parent, Abandonment
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Forced institutionalization, Death of parent, Abandonment
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Racism, Xenophobia
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Fatphobia, Religious bigotry, Death of parent
Minor: Confinement, Forced institutionalization
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
This book was a warm, comforting book to read and the characters were very loveable, i enjoyed it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming
Moderate: Fatphobia, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Death of parent, Abandonment
Minor: Animal death
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:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Hate crime, Forced institutionalization, Religious bigotry, Abandonment
Minor: Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Death of parent
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, Murder
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Forced institutionalization, Death of parent
adventurous
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
5 ⭐ CW: prejudice against children, child abuse/neglect, foster/orphanage systems, dead parents
"It's the little things. Little treasures we find without knowing their origin. And they come when we least expect them."
The House in the Cerulean Sea is my first T.J. Klune read and even with the hype, it did not disappoint! I 100% agree with V.E. Schwab's assertion that "It's like being wrapped up in a big gay blanket. Simply perfect."
We follow Linus Baker, a case worker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. In this world magical people/Creatures are forced to register and children without families go into orphanages. Linus gets a top secret assignment on an island with unique inhabitants that happen to be the only ones of their kind.
This was the most heartwarming book I've ever read. This is definitely going to be a comfort read. We get a queer normative story with found family tropes. All the characters were so lovable and sweet, and Linus' growth gives me hope. I also loved that this was an examination and critique of how harmful bureaucracy within foster care and child welfare systems can be.
The way it read reminded me a bit of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, with the reluctant MC who is just trying to be proper.
Although I have seen the controversy about this book, I went in knowing that context. I can see why some people might find it offensive, but personally I found Klune's criticism of those system made up for it. This was a book about doing better and being better. And that change can start with one person, even if it is slow.
I didn't want this book to end. Talia and Chauncey were definitely my favorites. What is more wholesome than a little gloopy guy dreaming of being a bellhop one day? Even the Anti-Christ (we don't say that on the island of course) was adorable. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
"It's the little things. Little treasures we find without knowing their origin. And they come when we least expect them."
The House in the Cerulean Sea is my first T.J. Klune read and even with the hype, it did not disappoint! I 100% agree with V.E. Schwab's assertion that "It's like being wrapped up in a big gay blanket. Simply perfect."
We follow Linus Baker, a case worker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. In this world magical people/Creatures are forced to register and children without families go into orphanages. Linus gets a top secret assignment on an island with unique inhabitants that happen to be the only ones of their kind.
This was the most heartwarming book I've ever read. This is definitely going to be a comfort read. We get a queer normative story with found family tropes. All the characters were so lovable and sweet, and Linus' growth gives me hope. I also loved that this was an examination and critique of how harmful bureaucracy within foster care and child welfare systems can be.
The way it read reminded me a bit of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, with the reluctant MC who is just trying to be proper.
Although I have seen the controversy about this book, I went in knowing that context. I can see why some people might find it offensive, but personally I found Klune's criticism of those system made up for it. This was a book about doing better and being better. And that change can start with one person, even if it is slow.
I didn't want this book to end. Talia and Chauncey were definitely my favorites. What is more wholesome than a little gloopy guy dreaming of being a bellhop one day? Even the Anti-Christ (we don't say that on the island of course) was adorable. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Death of parent
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
I can't believe this is the first book I finished in 2022. It's almost disheartening, because I don't see how anything could top this?
I devoured this book the way I did my childhood favourites, years ago. I didn't even know I could still do that, staying up all night repeatedly telling myself "just one more chapter", inhaling words breathlessly, unable to stop but dreading the last page because I wanted to stay in this world so badly. This book burrowed its way into my heart, I fell in love with each of its bizarre and wonderful characters, and I fell in love with reading all over again.
I devoured this book the way I did my childhood favourites, years ago. I didn't even know I could still do that, staying up all night repeatedly telling myself "just one more chapter", inhaling words breathlessly, unable to stop but dreading the last page because I wanted to stay in this world so badly. This book burrowed its way into my heart, I fell in love with each of its bizarre and wonderful characters, and I fell in love with reading all over again.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Child abuse, Xenophobia
Minor: Confinement, Fatphobia, Death of parent
adventurous
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Xenophobia, Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Ableism, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Religious bigotry, Death of parent