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

Megan | Biotechnology High School, Grade 9

Rating: *****

Linus Baker works as a caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He leads a humdrum, lonely, and mundane life, with no one but his cat to keep him company. However, everything changes when Extremely Upper Management gives him a mysterious and classified case, unlike anything that he has seen before. Linus is asked to travel to the Marsyas Island Orphanage to investigate eight unique children 一 one of them being an Antichrist, son of the Devil himself, as well as its cryptic yet lovable owner, Arthur Parnassus. At first, Linus is shocked and scared by the children and their strangeness, finding it difficult to adjust to the new rhythm of life on the solitary island. However, throughout his limited time at Marsyas, Linus forms meaningful relationships with each and every resident there. For the first time in his life, Linus finds happiness, a place where he truly belongs, and an unexpected family.

The House in the Cerulean Sea was beautifully and masterfully written in every respect. Klune’s humorous, heartwarming, wholesome, and profound writing is guaranteed to make you laugh and smile. This book is unparalleled in its ability to exude pure joy and happiness. All of the children are vivid and complex in their own ways, and despite the cruel ways in which society has treated them, they share a fierce loyalty and unbreakable bond with each other. The romance is a slow-burning and subtle one that gradually builds upon itself with small gestures of kindness and love. Klune weaves a breathtaking and magical tale of individuality and being accepted, of truly living our lives, of the irreplaceable relationships that we forge with others, and most importantly, of love. Ultimately, if you are having a bad day, this book will be sure to elevate your mood exponentially.