A review by spootilious
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

 

People I would recommend this book to: Enjoy sad books/warmheartedness/slice of life 

People I would not: Enjoys the details/likes consistency/loves a good mystery 

I came into this book like many of you, having read The House in the Cerulean Sea and loving it. Typically, I try and stay away from romance novels but the mix of LGBTQ and fantasy had me coming back for more. Which is why I ran out and bought Under the Whispering Door as soon as it was released. 

I can’t say that I adored it like I did The House in the Cerulean Sea but I certainly didn’t hate it. Anyone moving from Cerulean to Whispering Door, should definitely keep in mind that they are vastly different and should not be expected to yield the same results. 

Under the Whispering Door addresses death in a unique way that can be interesting at time but also causes a number of plot holes. The characters are diverse and lovable, though at time it seems a bit forced (and it seemed at times that Klune was struggling a bit with consistency the first chapter of the book had a completely different feel than any other as if it were just tacked on). The romance aspect of the novel seems to be an afterthought, and while I don’t mind this I realize that it could be a bit disappointing after The House in the Cerulean Sea. 

Overall, the book was predictable and straightforward, a bit lacking but still heartwarming. I am certainly glad that I read it but will not be coming back to it.