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The House in the Cerulean Sea

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

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Book Brief

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T. J. Klune

The House in the Cerulean Sea

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020
Book Details
Pages

393

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Fantasy Island • Contemporary

Topic
Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

Lexile Level

HL620L

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Super Short Summary

In T.J. Klune's The House in the Cerulean Sea, Linus Baker, a caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, is sent on a secret assignment to evaluate an orphanage for magical children run by Arthur Parnassus. Initially wary, Linus gradually forms deep bonds with the children and Arthur, leading him to reconsider his life and advocate for the orphanage's future. Discussions of child abuse, body shaming, and forced institutionalization appear in this book.

Heartwarming

Fantastical

Serene

Humorous

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

4.5

768,905 ratings

87%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

T. J. Klune’s The House in the Cerulean Sea is widely praised for its heartwarming and whimsical narrative, rich character development, and themes of acceptance and self-discovery. Some critics mention a predictable plot and overt sentimentality, but overall, the book is celebrated as a feel-good, inclusive fantasy that resonates with readers of all ages.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The House in the Cerulean Sea?

Readers who cherish heartwarming, whimsical tales and moral introspection will enjoy T. J. Klune’s The House in the Cerulean Sea. Comparable to fans of Neil Gaiman's The Ocean at the End of the Lane or Ransom Riggs's Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, this book blends fantasy with poignant, character-driven storytelling.

4.5

768,905 ratings

87%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

393

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Fantasy Island • Contemporary

Topic
Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

Lexile Level

HL620L

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