A review by annakh16
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

If I had a nickel for every time someone wrote a book about two gay beings trying to save a strangely likeable child-Antichrist from himself while failing to admit they are absolutely pining for each other, and also making Buddy Holly references… I’d have two nickels. Which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird that it happened twice. (Yes, this is a Good Omens reference). 

That aside: this book was exactly what I’d hoped it would be. It’s lighthearted but deep at the same time. The moral lessons are very on the nose sometimes, but the characters are talking to children after all. 

Arthur is extremely likeable. (All of the characters are, but he particularly stood out to me). You can feel his warmth through the pages. The relationships and romances are incredibly wholesome - found family again! One reviewer here wrote that it’s a story about the joy of surrounding yourself with people who care about you and whom you care about in turn, and I think that’s exactly it. 

The plot is very predictable and some aspects were a bit repetitive (is Linus really still scared of Lucy after about the 15th exaggerated threat?). But I don’t think that’s what the book is for. If you want a sweet, heartwarming, easy read that is both magical and pretty - this is that. 

I do agree though that this book felt weirdly fatshamey - not just from the characters but the author as well. It kind of put a damp on the story and I sure hope this gets remedied in the next book.

(While this didn’t affect my rating, I did find the narrator a bit robotic to start with. I got used to it though and ultimately enjoyed his take on all the characters). 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings