The House in the Cerulean Sea

by TJ Klune, T.J. Klune
The House in the Cerulean Sea cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Fantasy
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Format • £9.49
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 3612
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781250217325
  • Publisher: Tor Books
  • Published: 2020-03-17
  • Formats: 7
  • Reviews: 4

Linus Baker, a meticulous case worker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, is sent to evaluate six dangerous children residing in an orphanage on a remote island. Under the care of the enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, Linus finds himself drawn into a world of wonder and acceptance. As he uncovers the secrets of the orphanage and its inhabitants, he begins to question his own beliefs and the nature of family. This enchanting story, praised by critics and readers alike, blends fantasy and contemporary themes to explore the profound impact of found family and the power of love and acceptance. With its unique blend of humor, heart, and magic, The House in the Cerulean Sea is a captivating read that will leave you feeling warm and inspired.

Reviews
Reddit - r/books · 2025-10-18
mixed 3.00

The reviewer found the book preachy and saccharine at times, feeling it was like a kids' book marketed for adults.

This reviewer had mixed feelings about the book, enjoying it but finding it overly preachy and saccharine in parts. They felt that the book, while pleasant, lacked depth and complexity, making it feel more like a children's book marketed to adults. Despite this, they acknowledge the book's charm and the enjoyment it brought to many readers.

Quick quotes

    I liked it, but found it incredibly preachy and saccharine in parts.

    It's kind of like...a kids' book marketed for adults?

    There's a difference between writing for adults and writing for children, and I think this book blurs that line too much.

Goodreads · 2025-10-18
exquisite 3.50

The novel is lively, exquisitely crafted, and full of quirkiness and playful detail, with dialogue that fizzes.

This reviewer found the book to be a lively and exquisitely crafted tale, brimming with quirkiness and playful details. The dialogue is particularly praised for its fizzing energy, making the story feel dynamic and engaging. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to balance whimsy with depth, creating a story that feels both fun and meaningful.

Quick quotes

    The novel is lively, exquisitely crafted and wildly propulsive.

    It brims and bubbles with quirkiness and playful detail, and the dialogue positively fizzes.

    A heartwarming and whimsical tale that weaves together elements of fantasy, romance, and a profound exploration...

Luke Harkness · Luke Harkness · 2025-01-19
heartwarming 4.00

The book focuses less on plot and more on heart-warming mythical characters.

Luke Harkness appreciated the book's focus on character development over plot, finding the mythical characters to be heartwarming and engaging. The story is a gentle exploration of what happens when kindness triumphs over fear, with each character bringing their own unique joy to the narrative. The author's ability to create a world that feels both magical and real is commendable. The story is a testament to the power of kindness and acceptance, making it a truly memorable read.

Quick quotes

    The House on the Cerulean Sea is a book that focuses less on neck-breaking plot and more on heart-warming mythical characters.

    It's a gentle exploration of what happens when kindness wins over fear.

    Each character is different in their own unique way ranging from what brings them joy.

Gissellereads · Gissellereads · 2025-01-17
enchanting 4.50

The novel is an enchanting story about discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place, masterfully told. The characters and their relationships are heartwarming and beautifully crafted.

Gissellereads absolutely loved this book, describing it as an enchanting story that masterfully tells the tale of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place. They found the characters and their relationships to be heartwarming and beautifully crafted, making it a deeply moving read. The reviewer also appreciated the whimsical and heartfelt elements that make the story so special.

Quick quotes

    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.

    The characters are beautifully crafted, each with their own unique quirks and backstories that make them feel real and relatable.

    The novel is a heartwarming tale that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

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