“1984 meets The Umbrella Academy” was written in the praise page at the beginning of the book. And to tell you the truth, I couldn’t agree more! Today’s book review is The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune.

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I’ve been wanting to read this book for a long time but never actually did. Until now- and I’m so happy that I did so. Today I’m going to talk about The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune. And don’t worry- I wont spoil anything, so let’s get right into it.

Please note: this review contains affiliate links.

Synopsis of The House in the Cerulean Sea

Linus Baker is a by-the-book case worker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He’s tasked with determining whether six dangerous magical children are likely to bring about the end of the world.

Arthur Parnassus is the master of the orphanage. He would do anything to keep the children safe, even if it means the world will burn. And his secrets will come to light.

This is an enchanting love story, masterfully told, about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place―and realizing that family is yours.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune book review

Starting with my final rating, this book is absolutely 5 stars worthy.

Lets start of with the fact that this book exceed my expectations greatly and was everything I could’ve ever hope for. I loved the world building: the description of this could-almost-be-a-dystopian -world-because-a-lot-of-aspects-really-implied-1984 throughout the book. Starting with DICOMY itself (department in charge of magical youth) and all the way to the signs on the streets and a book called “Rules and Regulations” Linus memorized by heart.

I loved every single character in the book: I really enjoyed seeing Linus Baker struggling with coming out of his bubble, and eventually doing so, or his tendency to want to just pretend things never happened and that everything’s normal.

I adored all of the six kids – each is so special in his or hers way. The author did an amazing job building and describing the relationship between Linus and the children, and also between Linus and Arthur and Zoe.

The humor in this book is fantastic : I giggled out loud more than a few times while reading this book. The story was really intriguing and I wanted to get to the ending, yet wanted to take my time with it and the characters.

This book is filled with wise words & amazing dialog. Therefore I think each of us can really take a lot of wisdom from this book. One of the main lessons you can take from it is to know that it’s never too late to follow the dream or change the way you look at things. Also, how important that is to accept people as they are and not looking at them through preconceived eyes.

quotes worth mentioning

“Just because you don’t experience prejudice in your everyday doesn’t stop it from existing for the rest of us.”

“The things we fear the most are often the things we should fear the least. It’s irrational, but it’s what makes us human. And if we’re able to conquer those fears, then there is nothing we’re not capable of.”

“He couldn’t believe it was only Wednesday. And it was made worse when he realized it was actually Tuesday”

“I’m not depressed!’
she looked him up and down. ‘You aren’t? Why on earth not?”

“All that sunlight. I’m used to only rain.”

Final saying

I truly enjoyed writing this review. Mostly because the book is still fresh in my head and it was lovely to get back to it for a little, and reduce the fact that I’m already missing this world and these characters.

I would recommend this book to you if you want something light yet suspending that will make your heart feel happy. This book is filled with magic, love and hope.

TJ Klune did an amazing job bringing all of these beautiful characters to life and telling a magical story.

Here’s a link to the book on Amazon for anyone who want to try it as well.

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