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A review by journeythroughthechapters
The House in the Cerulean 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
Thoughts
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
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Child abuse