Somewhere Beyond the Sea (Cerulean Chronicles, 2)

The House in the Cerulean Sea was the first book I ever read by T.J. Klune a few years ago. I loved it and have since read the other two fantasies he wrote following it, which I also greatly enjoyed. So I was more than excited to read Somewhere Beyond the Sea, which is a follow-up to The House. It can be read as a standalone but it's always best to read The House first. I appreciated all the context that was included, as it had been a while!Sequels aren't always better than the first novel, but this one is an exception! I loved so much about this novel: Relevancy to real life, teamwork between the characters, all the love, true villains to deal with, humor, creativity, etc. Some parts reminded me of The Parent Trap, when the girls go camping with their dad and Vicki. (Yes, I'm talking about the original movie, although I know the same things happened to Meredith in the remake.) That's all I will say. Like me, you'll be applauding for all the magical youth in this novel. And the newest addition to the group is fabulous!Some parts of the story definitely had my blood boiling, perhaps because they were so relevant to real life. While I know what message he was trying to convey, it also had parallels to another situation that has been going on for the past year. There were some lines that could apply to either. In the meantime, I can tell you that the villains are really well done and I love seeing how they are dealt with.It was so great being reunited with everyone and getting to know the characters even better, this time through Arthur's perspective. In a recent interview with T.J., he hinted at writing a third novel. I really hope that happens!I highly recommend this novel! Even if you're not into fantasy (like me), it's such an incredible story that you will be easily captivated and fall in love with these characters too. (Especially Chauncey...)(Trigger warning below.)Movie casting suggestions:Arthur: Neil Patrick HarrisLinus: Lee PaceZoe: Rutina WesleyMs. Marblemaw: D'Arcy Carden********TW: Mentions of child abuse from the past. Villain projecting gender norms on people.

I happened to read the first of this series just two weeks before this book came out. Perfect timing on my part. I really enjoyed the continuation of the story and the determination for equality, regardless of who you are. The story makes you smile, laugh and cry - exactly what a book should do. Highly recommend the two book series.

This book is a masterpiece. The House on the Cerulean Sea is one of my favorite books of all time, and it seems that this book is up there too. This is one of my favorite books of the year.This book follows Arthur's journey, as well as picking up where the found family left off in the previous book. There are family hijinx, understanding, compassion, love, and heartbreak. I laughed out loud multiple times because the cast of characters is unique and their interactions are honestly hysterical. I also cried because to understand their struggles and what they have overcome is a source of hope, but also devastation. This book is like wrapping yourself in a warm hug.But this story is also a critique against those who work to undermine people’s identities. To read this story is to embrace people for who they are, not to deny them their right to be themselves. It is a poignant read, one that while set in a magical world, highlights the issues that plague our secular one. It is not preachy or judgmental, but it does shed light on fundamentally allowing people to simply BE.Overall this is a book that I couldn’t put down. It is one that centers on being your true self, finding the strength to fight against discrimination, and how to find people that accept you for who you are. I laughed. I cried. I felt. To read this book is to read a story worth listening to and to maybe, just maybe, find the magic in the world again.

Oh my goodness. This book. Is. Everything. It is a wonderful sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea and w phenomenal book all on its own. Expect to feel all the things - expect to laugh, to swoon, to bite your nails, to roll your eyes, to be verklempt, and to cry. I wish there was a way to give a book more than 5 stars. If so, this book would deserve all the stars. All the stars. It is most importantly a story of a man who finds his family and his path but interwoven with this wonderful tale is an equally profound and beautiful philosophy about bigotry, love, differences, joy and acceptance. This book is about a home for extraordinary, unique, magical, quirky, and lovable orphans and the two adults who love and care for them and what happens when the world tries to squish them and destroy their found family. TJ Klune is a master storyteller who has perfected the art of writing stories whose meaning and emotions stay with you long after you read the last word and whose main characters include beautiful three dimensional, imperfect, non-hetero messy humans with such depth and so much heart that you want them to be your best friends. I will now be carrying Arthur, Linus, Zoe, Lucy, Chauncey, Sal, Theodore, Phee, Talia, and David in my heart every day because how could I not. And I’m with the author ”take their fear away. Take their anger. Take their hatred, their bigotry, and remake the world as it should be.” “We will remake this world into one it should have been: welcome to all.”

Im in page 50 and im crying from happiness and confort.Like the first book but better.

Well written and couldn't help laugh throughout the story. The story makes you want to fall in love with a kind and compassionate person while simultaneously adopt several children.

Sou suspeita. Amei intensamente o livro anterior. Adorei cada personagem e a voz do narrador. Agora, pelo contrário, não gostei tanto do narrador e mesmo as novas personagens não convenceram. Vou ler mais livros do autor, mas este não foi para mim.

T J Klune is a master of stories. And I've been waiting for this book since finishing The House By Cerulean Sea. Waiting and dreading, because how could it get any better than that?! How can there be a continuation that can be just as great?But it was. It was worth the wait. To see the amazing characters and feel all the amazing emotions. It is warm, it is sad, it is furious, human, but above all that it is bright and warm as Arthur Parnassus' fire. Thank you for the amazing, amazing story. Thank you for taking your time to share it with us. Truly - thank you!

If I could give this book a million stars I would. From the very first words, Somewhere Beyond the Sea suckered me in just like House in the Cerulean Sea.Chapter one bought out all the emotions from laughing out loud to crying due to his beautiful the children are. And it didn’t stop there. The emotional roller coaster kept coming.Starting to read the book gave me the feeling of coming home after a long holiday and seeing the family - the warmth you feel on Marsyas Island is beyond imagination. I didn’t realise how much I had missed all the characters it was nice to catch up with them (and meet a few new ones too).This book continues on from House In The Cerulean Sea perfectly.Also any book where u find someone I dislike more than Umbridge is a win for me!TJ Klune you are a master piece and I want to thank you for the beautiful people and worlds you have created.