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

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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

3.75

Whilst I really enjoyed the book, the author did fall into some harmful tropes. The author used the experiences and stories of indigenous people to write his story

for example some of creatures and the folklore, but, also residential schools

, without treating those elements with the appropriate care- sounding, at times, rather callous

for example the fact that the government and adults are scared of the magical children. Which has been incredibly harmful in history for the populations which the author has based his story upon

.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Child abuse, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting

Minor: Confinement, Homophobia, Fire/Fire injury