The House in the Cerulean Sea (Cerulean Chronicles, 1) Paperback – December 29, 2020

The cover on this. It's magical. The description appealed, but that art was compelling as well.What a surprise this book was, writing that fought successfully against sleep and everything else I should have been doing.There will be a spoiler in this, which I don't think I've ever done before. But really, I extrapolated and expected that bit based on the available and it was lovely. Brilliantly written. If you are the sort of person (as I am usually 🤦🏻‍♀️) that feels it will diminish enjoying the book to know anything key in advance, please read no further than the 'Spoiler' heading and give your attention to this amazing tale instead.I don't know that I've found an author in years that made me *feel* quite so much. I quite literally cried in many spots, sometimes laughing at the same time.The development of characters is incredibly well done, they turned real in the story in a very short time. Often an author can flesh out a character or two very well, but to use a visual metaphor, the other characters are slightly fuzzy and out of focus. Every person the author writes about in this is in clear focus, there is no 'main' character polished to the detriment of others. Even when only given a few sentences, characters breathe on the page. I must say, my benchmark for this style of writing is Bujold, and she is a very high bar to even approach in my opinion. TJ Clune has made me love these characters, and be hungry for more, in just the same eagerness to know how they fare.**Spoiler ahead!**I believe in supporting authors writing about gay experience as I feel that if people just are open to learning about different people it should surely get better? Well, I'd hope. That said, I almost wish that review quote wasn't on the cover.While this IS a moving and beautiful tale where two main characters fall in love - that happen to be men - it deserves more than to be thrust in a box as "about" homosexuality. While this author treats this just as deserved (we are all just people), and it is moving, this story is so much more than just the deft handling of a lovely romance.For context, I'm an old lady, long married to an old man. I beg you, if that cover quote made you feel this might not be the story for you, reconsider.I'm off to buy the second book, as well as anything else this author might have written. A book that makes an old and tired woman simply get lost in feelings like this one did, what a treasure. ❤️ I hope you love it too.

This book was soooo perfect. Linus, a case worker is assigned a secrete orphanage on a far away island that harbors magical youths to ensure everything is up to code with the building and it's mysterious Master, Arthur. Linus is tasked with staying for an entire a month and along the way he grows closer to the 5 magical youngsters, Arthur, and the island sprite Zoe who protects the island. This book is full of love and the most amazing found family story. I cried so many happy tears! It also deals with hate and prejudice towards people/creatures who are different in the most beautiful way. The thread of hope, understanding, and being kind in the face of discrimination is beautiful. I will absolutely be purchasing a hard copy and re-reading! I cannot wait to see what the second book includes, I love this world and everyone in it!! Read this now, you won't regret a single moment! I laughed, I cried, I laughed again. TJ Klune is a wizard with words and world building, I have loved every single book he has written!

When I first started reading this book, it felt too juvenile for me to continue. I'm glad I continued because I ended up enjoying it. It is not a book I would usually read as it's a little too heartwarming for me, but it was a palate cleanser that I needed.I don't know why I liked this book. I don't really like Linus much, and the plot is very predictable. I was much more interested in the interactions Linus had with those around him. I did like watching him grow and move out of his comfort zone. I liked that he became more of a person and not the worker-bee who's just doing his job. Still, the constant talk of his appearance and weight and saying, "I'm just me," did get a bit grating. I did not feel the love connection between Linus and Arthur. There is zero chemistry between them.This book is predictable, with no surprises and repetitive dialogue. Despite these things, I had fun reading it and actually had trouble putting it down. It was a nice escape from the world's current dramas, and it was nice to read something lighter than my usual dark fantasy with morally grey characters. Everything in The House in the Cerulean Sea is very black and white. The bad guys are bad, and the good guys are good. It's amusing because part of the message of the book is that there is no black and white.

Books jump out at me; regardless of the subject.This book was no different.I love the cover; the colors, the font of the title.It's whimsical though the storyline is much deeper.It's about getting to know others. Looking beyond the differences of each other and finding the magic inside; what makes us special.It had a Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children feel to it.(Please TJ, don't let Tim Burton get his hands on it.)I'm already looking into reading the second book.