Review: The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

 

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. ~ Goodreads

Source: Audiobook from the library (Duration: 12:12:18 - narrated by Daniel Henning)

💖 Such a beautiful story of acceptance (of yourself and others), found family, forgiveness, being brave and finding your place in the world. 

👌 I'm going to be honest, this is one of my favorite books so far this year but...there's not a lot going on action wise. Linus is sent to investigate the Marsysas Orphanage, it's very special children and enigmatic caretaker. 

The children are different because of their abilities or for what they are (sprites, gnomes, a green blob, the antichrist just to name a few) and they encounter the usual judgement and fear from locals while being sequestered on the island.

Linus spends his days talking to and getting to know the inhabitants of the island - and that's kind of it - although there is a bigger picture story about Extreme Upper Management and the ultimate fate of the orphanage. 

🙌 What makes this book special is just how wonderful each and every character is. How they all grow and learn to open their hearts and minds to each other - learn to both give and accept love. 

I was so sad when this book ended. I listened to it on audio and I wanted to spend another day in Talia's (the gnome) garden, let Chauncy (the blob lol) take my bags (he dreams of being a bell hop) or give Theodore (a wyvern) a new button collection to hoard. They felt like delightful friends by the end. 

Overall: After the year we've just had, I needed this book. In a world of selfish shitheads - The House in the Cerulean Sea showed me a world where people can do and be better. It was gentle and sweet and felt like I was like being wrapped up in a warm hug.