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A review by bashsbooks
Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
Sequels are difficult. In my experience, they're rarely as good as the original.
I am delighted to report that is not the case with Somewhere Beyond the Sea. It's as fun and heartwarming as its predecessor, while maintaining equally high stakes. Klune has a real talent for writing children, that shines throughout both books in this series thus far. And I think he learned from the heavy-handedness that I noted when I read The House In the Cerulean Sea, as this book strikes a better balance and allows for a bit more diversity of opinion and respectful disagreement.
Oh, and I still love Lucy so much, he's probably one of my favorite characters ever.
I am delighted to report that is not the case with Somewhere Beyond the Sea. It's as fun and heartwarming as its predecessor, while maintaining equally high stakes. Klune has a real talent for writing children, that shines throughout both books in this series thus far. And I think he learned from the heavy-handedness that I noted when I read The House In the Cerulean Sea, as this book strikes a better balance and allows for a bit more diversity of opinion and respectful disagreement.
Oh, and I still love Lucy so much, he's probably one of my favorite characters ever.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Child abuse, Violence, and Death of parent
Minor: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Racism, Transphobia, Blood, Religious bigotry, Murder, and Gaslighting