The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
Ever since I read Wolfsong I was hooked. The author’s writing is so different, and his stories can’t be put into any box or drawer. They stand for themselves. Now, I haven’t read all of his books yet, I have too many other books vying for my attention, but I’m planning on reading more in the future. I’m also stoked that his very first traditionally published book defied all expectations, and delivered a rather unique tale, as unique as the author.
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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 hfis 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.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
MY THOUGHTS
I shouldn’t have been surprised, but this book was nothing like I expected. It was delightful, quaint, charming. One word – timeless.
Moreover it had this wonderfully uplifting message, and was a story that lingered long after finished.
Altogether sweet, different, with some fantasy elements. The book gave me the feel of a cozy Sunday afternoon, with a cup of tea on a doily and a book in my lap. A vintage feel like Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, only better. It was whimsical at times, and wondrous, and absolutely enchanting.
Unsurprisingly I fell in love with the cast, with the many adorable personalities, all the touching moments, and the witty and moving dialogues. The romance between the main couple, which was a touching and tender slow burn romance, was heart-warming and lovable.
| last thoughts |
Although the book wasn’t in my face WOWing, the story lingered, long after I was done with it. I love unique characters, and this book had them aplenty. And I’m a big fan of original stories, which again, was something this book delivered on. So, yeah, it was a great book, and I love seeing the author stretching his traditional publishing feelers.
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The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
I started reading this book but I was still in a reading slump then so I put it away for later.
It’s better to wait until the right time! I’ve noticed that I have a different reading experience if I listen to my gut and wait.
True! I’ve recently realised that. Remember you liked the cover of This Eternity of Masks and Shadows and I told you it was pretty slow? I think it was my reading slump. I felt like it kept dragging but I finished it today and it was pretty good. 🙂 Plus, it’s LGBTQ 🙂
I’ve DNFed a couple books, only to pick them up again and really enjoyed them. 😳
LOL I DNF easily these days. So when I commit to reviewing a book, that means I’ll definitely read it to the end. It’s one of the main reasons I joined Netgalley and Edelweiss. It forces me to finish the books I would normally DNF for being too slow but then having good stories.
I wish ARCs would make a difference but they don’t 🙈 I have no patience for books that can’t hold my attention