At the beginning of the year, I made a list of authors that I've been saying I need to read and commit to reading at least one book by each of the authors in 2025. Here's my thoughts on one of those books/authors.
Goodreads: The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
Blurb: 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.
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.
My Thoughts: I wasn't sure what to expect with this one and it did take me a few chapters to get into it but overall I enjoyed it. Linus is very much a rule follower whose world is very small. He has a cat named Calliope and that's about it with the personal connections. When he gets to the island and learns more about the kids at the orphanage he is shocked and unsure about what to do but as he gets to know them and their caretaker his worldview begins to change. The message is a bit heavy handed but overall it's an enjoyable story with some very funny moments as well as some poignant ones. My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
I think I expected this one to be more surprising than it was; I was a bit disappointed after reading all the raves. Probably just me, though.
ReplyDeleteSounds good. I'll have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried this author. I wasn't sure if I would like the works or not. Glad you were able to enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart
Good review! I'm glad you enjoyed it. This book is on my TBR list; when I get around to it, I'll bear in mind that it can take a little while to get into it.
ReplyDeleteOkay I think that's enough for me to give it a go. I will listen to the audio version I think and see how I get on with it! 4 stars from you is recommendation enough.
ReplyDelete