Book Title: The House in the Cerulean Sea
Author: T.J. Klune
Publication Date: March 16, 2020
Length: 394 pages
Genre: Fantasy / LGBT
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***My Review***
The House in the Cerulean Sea is a novel that manages to be both whimsical and profound. Its themes of acceptance, love, and family are universal and timeless, and the way Klune handles them is both heartwarming and thought-provoking.
The novel’s premise is deceptively simple, yet rich in comedic potential. Linus Baker, a caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youths, is a man of unyielding routine and rigid adherence to rules. His job is to investigate orphanages that house magical children and determine whether they should continue to operate or be shut down. But when Linus is tasked with investigating an island orphanage for particularly dangerous magical children, his world is turned upside down.
Arthur and the magical children under his care are bursting with vitality and wonder, a stark contrast to Linus’s staid and regimented existence. As he spends time in the house in the Cerulean Sea, Linus begins to question the beliefs and rules he has held so tightly, and to feel a profound sense of emptiness within himself. The life he once believed was perfectly fine now feels constricting and suffocating.
Through Linus’s transformation, the novel explores themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the power of human connection. It is a masterful blend of humor and heart, with characters that leap off the page and a story that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.
One of the strengths of the book is its characters. Each of the six magical children who reside at the orphanage is unique and fully realized, with their own distinct personalities and quirks. There’s Lucy, a sprite with a love for flowers and a mischievous streak; Talia, a girl who can set things on fire with her mind but is gentle and caring; Sal, a shy and anxious girl who can turn invisible; Phee, a boy who can control the weather and is fiercely protective of his friends; Chauncey, a big, friendly creature who resembles a houseplant; and Theodore, a shape-shifter who loves to read and is struggling to come to terms with his own identity.
The character of Linus Baker, the caseworker who is sent to the orphanage to investigate, is equally well-developed. At first, he seems like a typical bureaucratic drone, someone who follows the rules and doesn’t question his orders. But as he spends more time with the children and Arthur, the man who runs the orphanage, he begins to question his own assumptions about magical beings and the world he lives in.
The relationship between Linus and Arthur is one of the most intriguing aspects of the book. Arthur is a complex character, a man with a mysterious past and a deep love for the children under his care. He is kind, patient, and understanding, but he also has a fierce determination to protect his charges from a world that fears and misunderstands them. The dynamic between him and Linus is at times prickly but always compelling, as the two men slowly begin to understand and trust each other.
The setting of the novel is also worth noting. The island where the orphanage is located is described in vivid detail, with its craggy cliffs, misty forests, and picturesque cottages. It’s a place that feels both magical and real, and it’s easy to get lost in its beauty and charm.
Furthermore, the romance in The House in the Cerulean Sea is a slow-burn, developing gradually over the course of the novel. The two characters involved are both struggling with their own feelings of loneliness and isolation, and initially, they seem like an unlikely pair. But as they begin to spend more time together, they find that they have a deep connection and a mutual understanding of each other’s struggles.
What makes their relationship so special is the way it is built on a foundation of acceptance and respect. They both come from very different backgrounds, with their own unique challenges to overcome, but they are able to see beyond those differences and connect on a deeper level. Their love for each other is a shining example of the book’s message of acceptance and celebration of individuality.
The immersive world-building, the boundlessly inventive concepts, and the compelling character arcs captured my heart. This tome transcends the typical Young Adult fantasy fare, embodying themes of inclusivity, compassion, and emotional vulnerability. In essence, it is a treatise on the merits of loving unconditionally and cherishing the idiosyncrasies of others.
The House in the Cerulean Sea is not only uproariously funny, but also delivers a subtle yet impactful message. Its exploration of prejudice and the underlying fears and misconceptions that fuel it, and its celebration of individuality and freedom to love deeply resonate with readers.
This novel is a work of profound beauty, a testament to Klune’s artistry. While some may find fault with its occasionally preachy tone and reliance on familiar literary devices, these criticisms are ultimately insignificant in the face of the book’s enduring appeal.
This literary gem exudes a poignant yet witty tone that engrosses readers from the outset, evoking a gamut of emotions ranging from mirth to joy to contentment.
If there is a weakness to the book, it is perhaps in its pacing. The plot moves slowly at times, and some readers may find it predictable. However, the focus of the story is not on plot twists or action scenes, but on the relationships between the characters and the themes they represent. Klune takes his time in building up the world and the characters, and the result is a book that feels rich and fully realized.
In conclusion, The House in the Cerulean Sea is a delightful and touching novel that will appeal to fans of both fantasy and contemporary fiction. With its lovable characters, thought-provoking themes, and charming setting, it is a book that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading. It’s a story about love, acceptance, and the importance of family, no matter how unconventional it may be, and it’s a book that is sure to leave a lasting impression on its readers.