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katsbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Forced institutionalization, Hate crime, and Religious bigotry
readandfindout's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Themes: 5 stars
Characters: 5 stars
Plot: 4.5 stars
Worldbuilding: 3.5 stars
Graphic: Xenophobia and Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Fatphobia, Body shaming, Child abuse, Confinement, Hate crime, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Death of parent, and Violence
journeythroughthechapters's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This was brilliant. Absolutely stunning. This is so hyped so I’m sure another review doesn’t need to be added but I love writing reviews for my own experience so I can look back on.
This was a blend of genres. This is a fantasy with contemporary themes. This is written for an adult audience however I feel both middle grade and young adult audiences would get a lot out of this.
Things I loved
- the characters: the adults and the children I absolutely loved. All the characters were distinct with their own personalities. I love Linus’ work ethic and drive. I love Arthur's protectiveness and heart. I love Lucy and Thalia’s morbid thoughts. I loved Chauncey’s passion and innocence. I loved Sal’s innocence and blossoming personality. I loved Theodore’s hoard of buttons. And Phee is a badass bitch that could kill us all.
I’m terrible with names but I remember every single one of them. I couldn’t help but fall in love with these characters
- the progression: it’s very subtle but you witness the shift of particular characters. I love the acceptance Linus comes to by the end within himself. The way the book flowed what just magical.
- the atmosphere: the juxtaposition of Linus home and his life on the island is clever. The book is mainly set on an island which is lush with descriptions. But we do flash to Linus’ life in the city. And the imagery surrounding both surrounding is well done. While it’s not something I usually take notice of it was done well here.
Things I didn’t love
- the repetition: I don’t like books where the same lines are used over and over again and unfortunately it happened here. There were parts where it helped deliver the message (which is fine) but there were some lines that were overused for no reason
Representation
Gay (main and side characters), Lesbian (side character), Fat (main character), Anxiety (side character)
Trigger Warning
Body Shaming, Child Abuse, Prejudice and Bigotry, Bullying
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Child abuse
taelights's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I have never read any of TJ Klune's books before this one, but now I intend on reading many of them, but his style of writing is just so good and enjoyable. I could easily see him becoming my favorite author if all his books are written this way and contain such lovely stories.
The House in the Cerulean Sea was just so good. There were so many sweet moments in it and it was just such a comforting and relaxing read. I found the book hard to put down especially in the second half and I hated whenever I had to stop reading it.
The characters were all amazing and what made the book so perfect.
All the children were so adorable and charming in their own ways and were very memorable to me. I really enjoyed getting to know all of them throughout the book. Especially Lucy, I loved his character so much. He was so overdramatic and created so many funny moments (but also emotional ones as well).
Linus I grew to love so much and really care about his character. His development was great throughout the book, his interactions with the children were super sweet and it was cute to see him grow to care about them, and his interactions with Arthur were perfect as well. Speaking of Arthur I also loved him so much as well. He was the perfect father and caregiver to his little found family.
I am a huge fan of found family and this was honestly the sweetest example of found family. They started out so sweet already and seeing Linus find his place in this family was just such a beautiful thing to read.
I do wish there had been more romance in the book. I would love to have seen more of Linus and Arthur after they got together but that's really the only criticism I have.
Overall this book is just such a lovely and entertaining read. It will definitely be a story I reread in the future because I already find myself missing all these characters so much.
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Fatphobia, Physical abuse, and Religious bigotry
All the abuse tags I added are mentioned in passing. There is no "on screen" abuse but many of the characters have backgrounds that feature abuse and these are addressed in the book.sophiethebookishturtle's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“I am but paper. Brittle and thin. I am held up to the sun, and it shines right through me. I get written on, and I can never be used again. These scratches are a history. They’re a story. They tell things for others to read, but they only see the words, and not what the words are written upon. I am but paper, and though there are many like me, none are exactly the same. I am parched parchment. I have lines. I have holes. Get me wet, and I melt. Light me on fire, and I burn. Take me in hardened hands, and I crumple. I tear. I am but paper. Brittle and thin.”
What a ride... I did not expect this to have such an impact on me. The premise was interesting enough for me to read, but I thought that it would be the usual 3-4 star reads. This book was absolutely beautiful. From the moment I began reading, it had this whimsical feeling. With every word and action done by each character, I had this animated style of enactment in my brain. Or perhaps, a live-action enactment in the style of "A Series of Unfortunate Events". I would love for this book to be adapted into a film :)
My heart was in a constant state of awe as I read this book due to how pure and wonderfully written it was. The dialogue, the actions, and how the characters were portrayed were perfectly splendid and nuanced. I have categorized this as an adult book due to the main character's age, however I believe that this is suitable for all ages. The messages in this book are ones that all ages may relate to and carry as tools in their daily lives. They don't sound pretentious and were written in such a simple way for all ages to understand while also giving that sparkle, that impact. Each character, all of which had made permanent homes in my heart, were also given the right amount of attention and loving by the author. I understood why Linus did what he did, and I would have done the same. Those kids deserve good things, no matter their differences or qualities.
This book is different from what I would usually read. I mostly look for action, thrill, and mystery. Despite my preferences, I still absolutely loved this. I found no faults in this book and would be glad to say that it is now one of my favorites of all time. TJ Klune, I'll be looking out for your other novels ;)
In one sentence: A comforting and feel-good book to read with valuable lessons to carry for life.
Rating: 5 stars, chef's kiss
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, Religious bigotry, and Violence
Minor: Death of parent
lucystolethesky's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Racism, Xenophobia, Ableism, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Child abuse, Body shaming, Fatphobia, and Violence
Minor: Homophobia
axelstudies's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Xenophobia
Minor: Violence, Torture, Religious bigotry, Hate crime, Cursing, and Child abuse
adornmemotley's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Minor: Physical abuse and Religious bigotry
rotatinglibrary's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Graphic: Fatphobia, Confinement, Forced institutionalization, and Child abuse
Moderate: Religious bigotry and Violence
Minor: Suicide
Disturbing images, monsters, prejudice, "See something say something" There is something about the way the magical youth are homed that reminds me of (indigenous) residential schools. I found the fatphobia extremely upsetting and ruined the overall mood of this book for me.camicakes's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Minor: Religious bigotry