Book Review: The House In The Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Ohhhh, this one is definitely a keeper. To be honest, I wasn't instantly sold on this one the way I was with Klune's Green Creek Series (17 pages in and I slammed the 'buy now' button on Amazon so hard I'm surprised I didn't break something,) but I still fell deeply in love with this universe by the time I closed the last page.

Linus Baker is lonely, although he'll never admit it. Working for DICOMY, the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, Baker works as a case worker, traveling around to all the different orphanages that host magical-inclined youth and make sure their homes are safe for them. When Linus is summoned to a meeting with Extremely Upper Management (I love that so much, by the way), he is sent on a classified mission to conduct a month-long visit to an orphanage none of other case workers knew existed, but is told next to nothing about what might await him. It isn't until his arrival to Marsyas Island Orphanage where he learns of the six dangerous children that reside there, including some species of magical creature thought long extinct. Linus has been instructed to diligently report his findings to Extremely Upper Management without letting his emotions get in the way, but he soon finds that the charm of the island, its inhabitants, and the children's caretaker Arthur Parnassus worms into his heart.

I think that the mark of a truly great book is how much time you spend living inside it long after you close the last page. That's this book. The moment that truly sold me was the trip into town, sweet without being overdone, and as always gives the Klune message of 'people may surprise you'.

“Hate is loud, but I think you'll learn it's because it's only a few people shouting, desperate

to be heard. You might not ever be able to change their minds, but so long as your

remember you're not alone, you will overcome.”

I also adored the explorers scene and all of Linus's interactions with Zoe, who we can probably say is his first true, real friend.

The real treasure in this book, though, is how it explores the concept of found family:

“A home isn’t always the house we live in. It’s also the people we choose to surround

ourselves with. You may not live on the island, but you can’t tell me it’s not your home.

Your bubble, Mr. Baker. It’s been popped. Why would you allow it to grow around you

again?”

I desperately hope there is a sequel to this book. I want to see what happens with the orphanage. What the results of Linus's fight against DICOMY is. What the personalities of any new characters are. What happens to Lucy as he continues to grow older. I want to see Linus and Arthur happy and in love. Please, please, TJ Klune, make this happen for us!