Reviews tagging 'Xenophobia'

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

299 reviews

melist6's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring lighthearted 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

4.0

Really enjoyed it and had 4.5 potential but many things including lack of nb/trans character dev. & other controversial talk surrounding this book (stolen story of Native people retold by the author). For this i give it 4 stars bc still a really cute/ fun/ meaningful story.

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emmagreenwood's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted mysterious 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

4.0


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electricshe's review against another edition

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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

4.5

I almost never reread books, but with the sequel coming later this year, I knew I’d want a refresher. I thought I’d just pick it up and sort of skim through it to get my bearings. I was immediately fully engaged again thanks to the charming storybook quality of the writing and the total lovableness of Linus. The book does have bits here and there, particularly bits of dialogue, that get repetitive. Lots of “I highly doubt blah blah” and “No, I don’t suppose blah blah” that seem like forcing cleverness into the characters, but I think it probably contributes to the feel of Linus’ POV as an outsider coming in, so it’s just a niche personal gripe. Overall, I love this book. It’s so gentle and, even though it is totally packed with message/lesson for Linus and the reader, it never feels preachy or overshadows the characters and plot. It’s a lovely, easy read. I’m very excited for the sequel!

I will say, having watched/read Good Omens, it’s very hard not to see Michael Sheen and David Tennant as Linus and Arthur. It could almost be read as a fanfic AU. Do with that information what you will. 

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madjaz217's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective 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? It's complicated

5.0

This book is so pure. For all the tough subjects it covers, it still feels incredibly lighthearted and hopeful without minimizing the dark aspects. The romance is so cute and absolutely grew on me. Character development is incredible. Just a great fun read.

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cocopom's review against another edition

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4.0

Je feel que Linus a commencer a aimer les enfants du jour au lendemain (j’aurais aimer plus voir ca).. arthur etait vraiment un mystere tout le long.. c’est vraiment l’impression que leur bond c’est vraiment developper behind the scene! Les kids etaient tres cutes! Leurs voix en laissaient plus a desirer.

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haileeraye's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective 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


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scarlett_f's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective 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? It's complicated

4.0

Recommend for teens+. Pages: P. 156 'A vagina being penetrated by a penis.' P. 263 use of pot/marijuana. PP. 274, 276 'deft little bitch'. P. 363 '...shove demerits up his ass.' The Anti-Christ. Just some items to be aware of that may not be suitable for a younger age. Positive queer representation. Belonging, family, nature vs nurture, inclusion, acceptance.

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bzliz's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted 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

I’m so mad at myself for not reading this sooner. From the moment Linus Baker stepped foot into Arthur’s world, I was utterly enchanted. His journey to finding a family and a home was opposed by his 17 year long career and staunch following of the Rules and Regulations but it didn’t take long for the residents of the Marsyas Orphanage to worm their way into his heart. Honestly, he never stood a chance. I didn’t either. By the time the story concluded, I was legitimately kicking my feet with glee. 

The adults of the world are so lovely but the children made my heart soar. They’re all so distinct- a lot of authors struggle to flesh out their underage characters- and individually special. I was delighted by every foul threat from Lucy and Talia just as much as I enjoyed their respective passions for music and gardening. Theodore challenged everything I have believed about family in the real world. Phee and Chauncey rounded out the crew, showing opposite desires entirely yet desiring their family most of all. And sweet Sal. I think Linus needed him the most. He needed a reminder of how the system can fail and how he as an individual can make an extraordinary difference to a child in need. 

I cannot recommend this book to everyone enough, but I especially recommend it to anybody who has ever felt stuck in their own life, longing for more. 

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alisonvh's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

This was a pretty cute book about a guy who works for a division of the government that regulates magical creatures. It wasn’t my favorite book, but it was an enjoyable read that had me laughing at some parts and going “awww” at others. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a great job with all the different voices.

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twoweeeeks's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0


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