The House in the Cerulean Sea
by TJ Klune
The (a) story follows Linus Baker, a caseworker with the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. For the most part, Linus leads a quiet, unremarkable existence. But one day, Extremely Upper Management unexpectedly calls him into their office and assigns him to a specific case: to determine if the magical children in the Marsyas orphanage are, not only dangerous, but dangerous enough to bring about chaos and even the destruction of the world.
Trapped on an island in the Cerulean Sea, with six of the strangest magical children he has ever seen, Linus can only think about getting the job done quickly and getting back home. But as time passes, the beauty of the island, the kind-hearted and exceptional children, and the charming, mysterious master of the orphanage begin to work their ways into his heart.
Soon, Linus must decide between holding tight to his RULES AND REGULATIONS, and holding tight to the possibility of a brighter, happier existence.
The (A) story is about family—particularly, found family. It is about the bonds of love that hold people together whether they are biologically related to each other or not. It is about finding strength in that love, as well as being someone who lifts others up instead of bringing them down.
But the story also has a lot to say about prejudice, with frightening undertones of what can happen if it goes unchallenged, and when good people make the choice to look away.
This story makes my heart so happy. I’ve read so many new books this year, and this is the first one that has really touched me in a profound way. It has a little bit of everything that I love in a good story: magical realism, found family, a little bit of darkness and/or mystery, and a lot of nice, quiet moments between characters that are full of joy and wisdom.
The House in the Cerulean Sea has officially made my short list of beloved favorites that I will continuously come back to, whether I’m doing a full re-read or else just skimming through favorite parts to simply bask in the world.
Please please please read it when you have the chance.
