86 pages 2 hours read

T. J. Klune

The House in the Cerulean Sea

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In T.J. Klune's The House in the Cerulean Sea, Linus Baker, a caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, is sent on a secret assignment to evaluate an orphanage for magical children run by Arthur Parnassus. Initially wary, Linus gradually forms deep bonds with the children and Arthur, leading him to reconsider his life and advocate for the orphanage's future. Discussions of child abuse, body shaming, and forced institutionalization appear in this book.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

T. J. Klune’s The House in the Cerulean Sea is widely praised for its heartwarming and whimsical narrative, rich character development, and themes of acceptance and self-discovery. Some critics mention a predictable plot and overt sentimentality, but overall, the book is celebrated as a feel-good, inclusive fantasy that resonates with readers of all ages.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The House in the Cerulean Sea?

Readers who cherish heartwarming, whimsical tales and moral introspection will enjoy T. J. Klune’s The House in the Cerulean Sea. Comparable to fans of Neil Gaiman's The Ocean at the End of the Lane or Ransom Riggs's Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, this book blends fantasy with poignant, character-driven storytelling.

RecommendedReading Age

14+years

Lexile Level

HL620L

Book Details

Genre

Fantasy

Magical Realism

Romance

Themes

Natural World: Nurture v. Nature

Relationships: Family

Values/Ideas: Equality

Topics

LGBTQ