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

Reviews tagging 'Confinement'

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

377 reviews

erikagibson126's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

Content Warnings

thebibutterfly's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Although this is a slow-paced story with very simple and sometimes stilted prose, it’s a new favourite! Not only is every detail purposeful and well-placed, but the characters are fully fleshed-out and beautifully crafted. The relationship was slowly and painstakingly developed, which was a welcome change in a fantasy novel. At first, I wasn’t sure I liked reading from Mr. Baker’s POV, but by the 30% mark, I understood why the author chose him. It’s an interesting depiction of prejudice and the approach to the topic is nuanced and thoughtful. Absolutely adored Arthur and Talia, but Lucy was honestly the star of the show.

Content Warnings

linearev's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious 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

4.25

Really great little story about finding where you belong in a world full of mistrust and hate. I didn’t give it 5 start because the main character really frustrates me in just about 60% of the book at least. However, the supporting cast consisting of the children and Arthur (and calliope) was so great it had me kicking my feet and wishing to adopt magical creatures. My favorites (though I would never pick favorites) are Lucy, Theodore and Chauncey along with Calliope, but pretty much all the characters are amazingly written. The most no plot just vibes book ever!

Content Warnings

cassidy_rain's review against another edition

Go to review page

hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.5

"And what if the treasure was the friendships we solidified along the way?" Arthur asked.

Lucy pulled a face. "That's the worst treasure in the world.

They already were my friends. I want rubies."

If I had to describe this book in one word it would be- whimsical. It also gave me Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends vibes. If you love found family tropes, you’re gonna eat this up!

The book’s setting is a world where there are both “normal” people and magical beings of all varieties. It follows our main character, Linus, who is a government/case worker and his job to ensure that magical children in the orphanages are being cared for and treated appropriately. His new assignment is super classified and takes him out to investigate the children in the house of the cerulean sea.

The children are the stars of the show in this novel. They’re all so unique and quirky and I absolutely adore them all. I think the author does a great job of describing and building out the characters, I could picture them vividly in my mind. Linus has a lot of growth as a character, which I really enjoyed. You can tell he always had good intentions, however misguided. He has to unlearn a lot of propaganda which his latest assignment really helps him with.

I do think there could have been better chemistry between Linus & Arthur.

I thought there were some slow parts throughout the book. I was really unsure about the writing style in the first 25%; I felt I was reading a children’s book, but it did pick up for me after that. The chapters are on the long side which made it drag a bit. It’s a predictable story, but overall sweet and endearing. I like that the characters were able to inspire change by the end of the story.

Content Warnings