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4.45 AVERAGE
4.45 AVERAGE
Listened on Audible…the absolute best narrator for this story! Such heart warming characters and a story with messages that need to be heard.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
This is a perfect cozy read. It is perhaps predictable in plot, but it has such warm found-family vibes and lovable characters. Linus, the caseworker sent to investigate the magical orphanage, is a dismal cog in the bureaucratic machine, but also deeply empathetic, hiding his heart behind his book of Rules and Regulations. Arthur is mysterious and charming, seeing right past Linus's stern demeanor. The kids on the island, ranging from a were-pomeranian to the antichrist, are morbid, hilarious, and adorable. Read this if you are in the mood for something light and comforting that you don't have to think too hard about.
(Audiobook: 3/5 - not personally a fan of the narrator's voice, but it was listenable)
(Audiobook: 3/5 - not personally a fan of the narrator's voice, but it was listenable)
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Strong character development:
Yes
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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:
Yes
TJ Klune’s The House in the Cerulean Sea is a whimsical, heartfelt tale about Linus, a by-the-book caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. His job is to inspect orphanages and ensure the children in them are safe. When he’s sent on a mysterious assignment to a secluded island, he encounters a group of children unlike any he’s ever met—and discovers that his carefully ordered worldview may not be as solid as he thought.
The novel shines in its warmth: it’s a story about acceptance, empathy, and the quiet bravery it takes to see people for who they truly are rather than what others label them to be. While I found some sections a bit overexplained, with lengthy monologues and moral reminders that could have been subtler, the core message is undeniably moving.
At its best, this book feels like a hug in written form. It’s gentle, hopeful, and full of charm—perfect for anyone who enjoys stories about found family and learning to see the world with fresh eyes. I closed the last page with a smile, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the series goes next.
The novel shines in its warmth: it’s a story about acceptance, empathy, and the quiet bravery it takes to see people for who they truly are rather than what others label them to be. While I found some sections a bit overexplained, with lengthy monologues and moral reminders that could have been subtler, the core message is undeniably moving.
At its best, this book feels like a hug in written form. It’s gentle, hopeful, and full of charm—perfect for anyone who enjoys stories about found family and learning to see the world with fresh eyes. I closed the last page with a smile, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the series goes next.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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
Heel gezellig boek, heeft mij ook meermaals doen lachen. Het verhaal is misschien niet heel realistisch (los van het feit dat het fantasy is), maar het was heel leuk om te lezen :)
adventurous
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
https://klishis.com/reading/archives/14147
TLDR: Comfort reread. This kids are so so marvelous.
TLDR: Comfort reread. This kids are so so marvelous.