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

  • 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

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The epitome of found family draped in a magical setting with characters that will melt your heart, The House in the Cerulean Sea is an adult, cozy fantasy book that deserves to be on everyone’s bookshelf. Grab a cup of coffee and let's chat.

a top secret assignment

Linus Baker is a caseworker that’s employed by the Department in Charge of Magical Youth (basically the equivalent of CPS). I’ve never met a person, fictional or otherwise, as meticulous about following the rules as this man; he keeps a copy of the RULES AND REGULATIONS at home to review as a way to relax.

As such, he’s a top-notch employee being treated like a number by the company that he’s stood by for over a decade. Due to his nature, he gets selected to go on this top-secret mission to investigate an orphanage that is said to house the most dangerous magical children ever registered.

found family

I adore the found family trope, but not many books do it right (in my humble opinion). The House in the Cerulean Sea is probably the best found family book I’ve ever read. The story itself has this rich and complex plot, but it’s the characters you’ll stay for. These children are incredibly well developed and I feel like I know them.

Linus is also a great character with many flaws and issues that he’s trying to overcome. The way that these children and their master help him through it is endearing. I also love how Linus and Arthur (the master of the orphanage) are both over forty years old.

You don’t see many books that feature people in their forties, much less gay ones. This book is teeming with representation because not only are the main characters gay, but the other characters work to break gender norms and sex-based stereotypes.

the conflict

A lot of times, the conflict in found family stories don’t captivate me. TJ Klune found a way to make me care deeply enough about each character that when the stakes were heightened, it literally twisted my stomach and I needed to take a break. It was as if people I knew were impacted by conflict.

not all five stars are equal

It’s not surprising after this glowing review that I’d rate The House in the Cerulean Sea five stars, but it’s important to note that not all five star ratings mean the same thing. This is the highest five star rating that I’ve given this year and I’m honestly expecting TJ Klune’s masterpiece to show up on my best books of 2023 list at the end of the year.

I will be reading all of TJ Klune’s backlist and you can bet your ass that I’m reading In the Lives of Puppets when it comes out.