The House in the Cerulean Sea

This book is getting rave reviews all over Bookstagram (where book nerds hang on Instagram) and I can see why. This is a heartwarming story with feel-good themes of inclusivity and family (in all its varied forms) and a ragtag cast of unique, magical characters. Naturally, I was intrigued so I requested it from the library.

With its beautiful cover and writing style, initially I assumed it was a Middle School read. As I got into the story, I noticed it had a quirky yet super-wholesome feel with a story and characters who are an interesting bunch. It was a sweet read but it quickly garnered an over-the-top, almost saccharine quality. And even though it has great themes, they are not subtly revealed. Instead, readers are hit over the head with the moral lessons as if the author didn't think the reader would be able to decipher the message on their own.

I thought about putting the book down a few times but I'm glad I finished it because even though I had some issues with it, I appreciate its focus on important topics (prejudice, acceptance and family) and its sweet (if a bit rushed) romance. But honestly, it was the humour (particularly Lucy's dark snark) that kept me reading.

I am definitely in the minority with my feelings about this book and I feel like a bookish Scrooge giving it anything less than a 4-star rating. It is comforting in its predictability and it is charming with a side of whimsy, but besides the humour, it wasn't the best fit for me. I went into this book, based on its hype, expecting to be wowed and perhaps my expectations were set too high. 

Note: You can find me on Instagram at bakingbookworm

My Rating: 3 stars

Author: T.J Klune

Genre: Fantasy

Type and Source: Hardcover from public library

Pages: 398

Publisher: Tor Books

First Published: March 16, 2020

Opening Lines: "Oh dea," Linus Baker said, wiping the sweat 

form his brow. "This is most unusual."

Book Description from GoodReads: 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.