The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
Sometimes, all I want to do is pick up a book that’ll feel like a warm hug. Delve deep into a story that is so fulfilling and wholesome that it lights me up from the inside. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune? Did just that and more for me. My copy has a review from V.E. Schwab on the cover – “I loved it. It is like being wrapped up in a big gay blanket. Simply perfect.” She’s not wrong and as a #1 New York Times Bestselling author, I’d say she’s an expert in her field.
The story follows Linus Baker – a 40 year old, quiet and solitary man who sees the world in black and white and abides the rules to the letter. (I’m not going to lie for a little bit there I was picturing the outie version of Adam Scott’s character in Severance, which if you haven’t watched I also highly recommend.)
Linus is a Case Worker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, DICOMY. Meaning he goes from orphanage to orphanage ensuring they’re up to department standard. Unfortunately, this is a world in which magical beings are treated like second class citizens and orphanages for their youth are government sanctioned and regulated. Think the orphanage in Annie, the school in Matilda, and whatever it was Dolores Umbridge was trying to do to Hogwarts in Harry Potter.
“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 you remember you’re not alone, you will overcome.”
Everything changes for Linus when he gets a request from Extremely Upper Management to determine whether the Marsyas Island Orphanage should be allowed to remain open. The orphanage houses six incredibly powerful magical children, their charming caretaker, Arthur, and Zoe, an Island Sprite who allows the orphanage to remain on her island because she views them all as family.
It’s when Linus gets to the house and spends time with its inhabitants that he finally starts to see the world in bursting colors. As deadlines and ‘urges’ from his bosses come and go, Linus realizes that despite their wealth of power the kids at the Marsyas Island Orphanage are just that. Kids. Weird and wonderful kids, but kids nonetheless. They crave compassion, understanding, structure, empathy and above all else love. Something Arthur is all too happy to provide.
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I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t at least introduce the kids. Since, in my not so humble opinion, they’re the best part. So, here goes…
There’s Phee, a sprite, who after undergoing the trauma of watching her mother die turned the men who came to take her into trees (they’re fine, but honestly, would it have been such a loss?). Being on the island allows her to grow trees and hone her powers.
Talia, a gnome, spends her days toiling away in her garden (her pride and joy). She comes across tough and bold, even going so far as to loudly proclaim her need for human fertilizer upon meeting Linus. Some might say she’s threatening, but really she’s just protective.
Theodore’s one of the last living wyvern and doesn’t communicate in any language you or I might understand, but his family does. He gathers his hoard, collects his buttons and is generally excitable.
Sal’s the oldest of the bunch. He’s been on the island the longest and is a Were-Pomeranian. He’s the level headed older brother all of these children seem to need. Bounced around 12 homes before this one, Sal’s incredibly shy and wary of newcomers. Rightfully so. Watching Linus try to earn his trust is nothing short of heartwarming.
Chauncey, well, no one quite knows what he is. He’s a green and gooey blob, almost see-through, has tentacles and dreams of being the best bellhop to ever live. His whole life he’s been told that he’s the monster under the bed, that his purpose is to be feared and not liked. So naturally, he chose a dream future in hospitality. Which for the record? Arthur encourages wholeheartedly.
I know they say you shouldn’t pick your favorite child, but God (lol, you’ll get that one soon enough), Lucy is unequivocally mine. He’s your every day, completely average, totally normal, six year old Anti-Christ. Sure, he could end the world. Sureee, he could boil your blood and send the world into perpetual darkness (which he threatens repeatedly… his version of a tantrum). But, he’s actually sweet, loyal, hilarious and a lover of good music. Yes, especially from dead musicians. The boy has a brand to uphold, okay?
This story is a lovely tale of found family, slow burn romance (yes, I mean between Arthur and Linus), the age-old debate of nature vs. nurture, and the importance of overcoming prejudice. I laughed, I cried and I ached to be a part of something this special.
“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’m telling you, add this one to your TBR. And when you’re done, pick up the sequel Somewhere Beyond the Sea for more shenanigans.
