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adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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:
Complicated
Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a perfect sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea. Klune is able to tell a new story while reemphasizing the value of found family and standing up for what is right. I love seeing the depth and growth of each kid, as well as Arthur and Linus continuing to learn and grow.
I would also like to add the shock and joy the acknowledgements brought me when Klune explained his goal is to be the antithesis of J. K. Rowling. Klune is absolutely doing that, and I look forward to reading more and more of his stories!
I would also like to add the shock and joy the acknowledgements brought me when Klune explained his goal is to be the antithesis of J. K. Rowling. Klune is absolutely doing that, and I look forward to reading more and more of his stories!
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Misogyny, Transphobia, Death of parent
The book revolves around magic children who live in a state-funded orphanage. Prior to life in this specific home, some of the children experienced physical and emotional abuse from previous guardians. Some government officials in charge of magic children and adults show disdain towards the magical being community , this plays out in a form of transphobia and misogyny when one government official suggests (demands) Thalia, a gnome, shave her beard. The official explains that will make her appear more feminine in order to get married to a man later on in life.
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is a great sequel. In a very natural way, characters are reintroduced for those readers who only vaguely remember the first book.
This book caused me a lot of stress. All kinds of hate (xenophobia, transphobia, homophobia, and more) play a large role. It mirrored the current world and political climate too well to remain a cozy read. Thankfully the book ended in a heartwarming way.
At first I wondered if characters from the island and especially Arthur weren't acting too antigonistically at times. However, throughout the story I changed my mind. Why should they walk on eggshells when the government officials treats them without respect and hide behind rules and laws they themselves made up.
I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5 due to lack of immersion. I feel bad about it, but there were many times where I didn't feel immersed. Often the characters said something which fit the situation a bit too well based on who they were without any big consequences. It made me think of the characters as puppets performing a play. I think it's also because the villains were very flat and unwilling to change. Though strong for this story, I prefer books with more nuance.
This book caused me a lot of stress. All kinds of hate (xenophobia, transphobia, homophobia, and more) play a large role. It mirrored the current world and political climate too well to remain a cozy read. Thankfully the book ended in a heartwarming way.
At first I wondered if characters from the island and especially Arthur weren't acting too antigonistically at times. However, throughout the story I changed my mind. Why should they walk on eggshells when the government officials treats them without respect and hide behind rules and laws they themselves made up.
I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5 due to lack of immersion. I feel bad about it, but there were many times where I didn't feel immersed. Often the characters said something which fit the situation a bit too well based on who they were without any big consequences. It made me think of the characters as puppets performing a play. I think it's also because the villains were very flat and unwilling to change. Though strong for this story, I prefer books with more nuance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Transphobia
Moderate: Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Violence, Xenophobia, Police brutality, Religious bigotry
Minor: Confinement, Panic attacks/disorders, Forced institutionalization, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting
Most homophobia/transphobia is about political state and propaganda