Book Review: THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA by TJ Klune

THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA by T.J. Klune (Tor Books, December 2020) Paperback, 396 pages. ISBN # 9781250217318 

Synopsis on the Goodreads website . . . . .

A magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret.

Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages.

When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management he's given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they’re likely to bring about the end of days.

But the children aren’t the only secret the island keeps. Their caretaker is the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe. As Arthur and Linus grow closer, long-held secrets are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn.

An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place—and realizing that family is yours.

My Five-Star Review on the Goodreads website . . . . .

With over 925,000 ratings, over 140,000 reviews, and an average rating of 4.37 on Goodreads - I don't feel that this title needs me to weigh in with my two cents of opinions, so I'll be brief.

If you want to read a fantasy novel that will warm your heart, almost break your heart, make you cry with empathy and weep with tears of joy - - - get this book. It's one of those stories that you want to share with everyone. 

T.J. Klune is not only a first-class storyteller - he has a way of blending life lessons into his story in a way that seems natural and comfortable and not preachy. 

This reads like a young adult novel but it is easily accessible for all ages - and all ages will be rewarded for reading it. 

The importance of family. The responsibility of influencing youngsters by your actions and responses. The benefits of love, wherever you can find it. Acceptance. Tolerance. Compassion. It's all covered here in little scenes that impart a message of goodwill. 

I read this with The Librarian's Husband reading group. 

NOTES

November 07

Bought a copy of this on Wednesday 11/05.

I've enjoyed two other novels by Klune and wanted to read this.

I started this morning - - just 20 pages in but already enchanted by his warm style of story-telling.

November 11

I've read up to Page 91. What's standing out to me so far is the writing style - - very inviting, cozy and comfortable.

For some reason (maybe the writing style) I'm reminded of THE WIZARD OF OZ and ALICE IN WONDERLAND. Arthur Parnassus as Oz? Linus Baker as Alice?

It's early. I'm sure I'll change my opinion as I keep reading.

November 12

The character of Linus is changing (in a good way) as he gets more comfortable with the orphanage setting & occupants with every chapter. When he sees the prejudice and discrimination against the students, he breaks his objectivity code (a Rules & Regulations stickler) and stands up for them. 

It was initially hard for me to accept that the word usage and thought process of young Lucy was a bit much for a six-year old. However, considering that Lucy may be the Anti-Christ then I would expect the language and usage to be much more adult. Also, it's not unusual for extremely bright students to act more mature at an early age. My own grandson by the age of six was reading at a 4th grade level - so Lucy's intelligence doesn't seem so different in that respect.