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Cerulean Chronicles #2
Somewhere Beyond the Sea
Goodreads Choice Award
Winner for Readers' Favorite Fantasy (2024), Nominee for Readers' Favorite Audiobook (2024)Somewhere Beyond the Sea is the hugely anticipated sequel to TJ Klune’s The House in the Cerulean Sea, one of the best-loved and best-selling fantasy novels of the past decade. Featuring gorgeous orange sprayed edges!
A magical house. A secret past. A summons that could change everything.
Arthur Parnassus lives a good life built on the ashes of a bad one.
He’s the master of a strange orphanage on a distant and peculiar island, and he hopes to soon be the adoptive father to the six dangerous and magical children who live there.
Arthur works hard and loves with his whole heart so none of the children ever feel the neglect and pain that he once felt as an orphan on that very same island so long ago. He is not alone: joining him is the love of his life, Linus Baker, a former caseworker in the Department In Charge of Magical Youth. And there’s the island’s sprite, Zoe Chapelwhite, and her girlfriend, Mayor Helen Webb. Together, they will do anything to protect the children.
But when Arthur is summoned to make a public statement about his dark past, he finds himself at the helm of a fight for the future that his family, and all magical people, deserve.
And when a new magical child hopes to join them on their island home—one who finds power in calling himself monster, a name that Arthur worked so hard to protect his children from—Arthur knows they’re at a breaking point: their family will either grow stronger than ever or fall apart.
Welcome back to Marsyas Island. This is Arthur’s story.
Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a story of resistance, lovingly told, about the daunting experience of fighting for the life you want to live and doing the work to keep it.
A magical house. A secret past. A summons that could change everything.
Arthur Parnassus lives a good life built on the ashes of a bad one.
He’s the master of a strange orphanage on a distant and peculiar island, and he hopes to soon be the adoptive father to the six dangerous and magical children who live there.
Arthur works hard and loves with his whole heart so none of the children ever feel the neglect and pain that he once felt as an orphan on that very same island so long ago. He is not alone: joining him is the love of his life, Linus Baker, a former caseworker in the Department In Charge of Magical Youth. And there’s the island’s sprite, Zoe Chapelwhite, and her girlfriend, Mayor Helen Webb. Together, they will do anything to protect the children.
But when Arthur is summoned to make a public statement about his dark past, he finds himself at the helm of a fight for the future that his family, and all magical people, deserve.
And when a new magical child hopes to join them on their island home—one who finds power in calling himself monster, a name that Arthur worked so hard to protect his children from—Arthur knows they’re at a breaking point: their family will either grow stronger than ever or fall apart.
Welcome back to Marsyas Island. This is Arthur’s story.
Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a story of resistance, lovingly told, about the daunting experience of fighting for the life you want to live and doing the work to keep it.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published September 10, 2024
About the author
T.J. Klune
64 books52.9k followersTJ KLUNE is a Lambda Literary Award-winning author (Into This River I Drown) and an ex-claims examiner for an insurance company. His novels include The House in the Cerulean Sea and The Extraordinaries. Being queer himself, TJ believes it's important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive, queer representation in stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 9,675 reviews
September 27, 2024
The beauty of The House In The Cerulean Sea was the found family. Did Somewhere Beyond the Sea live up to it’s predecessor? Not quite, but I still enjoyed revisiting everyone at Marsyas.
Linus & Arthur were properly together in the sequel, which was wonderful! I loved when they were allowed to have their domestic scenes. The children were adorable and up to their usual shenanigans, although they also seemed more grown and serious, and I didn’t always quite know what to make of that? Especially when Sal was lecturing.
CH14 was good.
And that’s… it? That’s all the positive things I’ve to say.
The book fell short for me, but why?
There were times when the dialogue became very monologue-ish and somewhat preachy. It was like getting a sermon every other chapter. It almost felt as if TJ Klune was trying to convince me(?) of the plight of magical creatures. He needn’t have bothered, I was already on their side!
How many times can you shove the same message down someone’s throat in 400 pages? As far as I can remember, Book#1 was better at show-don’t-tell than this one. I could be misremembering, of course, it has been a while. That doesn’t change the fact that I was never allowed to draw my own conclusions with this book, I was simply told who was right and who was wrong.
The book didn’t invite for deeper reflection. It almost seemed as if I wasn’t trusted to reach the correct conlusion on my own.
And while I agree with the message, did it have to be so on-the-nose and frequent?
This book and the previous one are both labeled YA + Adult. I’d thought Book#1 was whimsical with its unique language, but this book cranked it up a notch or two. To a point where I think we entered exclusive YA territory and I didn’t necessarily appreciate the shift. The House In The Cerulean Sea seemed better balanced.
In the end, I’m left with one question: Did we need this book?
Unfortunately, I don’t think so. Book#1 stood wonderfully on it’s own, and whilst the book had somewhat of an open-ended resolution, I don’t think Somewhere Beyond the Sea was the answer to that. I don’t even think it needed to be answered. Not everything needs to be tied up with a neat little bow.
In a sense, this book was a repeat of The House In The Cerulean Sea.
Again, we have an evil government who sends a worker to asses the island.
Again, we have the government offical conducting interviews and observing.
Again, we get the same message to be kind and tolerant.
The only difference is that Miss Marblemaw doesn’t become better. She doesn’t change her mind unlike Linus. The book reads more as a What-If fanfiction. What if Linus had been bad?
Then there's Rowder, who was a cartoon villain. TJ Klune tried to give her depth right at the finish line, but it felt cheap. Did she really need a sad backstory for being evil? Sometimes people just suck.
I think this could’ve been a better book if it had simply been about David coming to Marsyas and finding a home and a family. If I'm being completely honest, I thought the dedication to the trans community would have more relevance to the plot, given that it was a dedication. Maybe I was thinking too ahead and making up assumptions, but I guess what I'm trying to say is that I thought David would be trans. I thought the plot would have more to do with Marsyas being the first place David felt comfortable being open about his true self. And while the book did dedicate some time to this aspect in terms of David being a monster, I found it a little hollow.
I also think this would have been better if the politics had been a b-plot. It also shouldn’t have been stretched out as far as it was.
Would've loved diving deeper into Arthur's childhood and learn more about his parents, or hearing more about those missing years where he helped hide people in the magical community.
The sequel didn’t have the same magic of the first one.
Also, I didn’t like the ending. It was "too perfect" and convenient, almost unearned and forced. Per definition, we had a seemingly unsolvable problem that was suddenly resolved by an unexpected and unlikely intervention, with a last-minute powerup and revelation from Zoe.
Very deus ex machina.
Linus & Arthur were properly together in the sequel, which was wonderful! I loved when they were allowed to have their domestic scenes. The children were adorable and up to their usual shenanigans, although they also seemed more grown and serious, and I didn’t always quite know what to make of that? Especially when Sal was lecturing.
CH14 was good.
And that’s… it? That’s all the positive things I’ve to say.
The book fell short for me, but why?
There were times when the dialogue became very monologue-ish and somewhat preachy. It was like getting a sermon every other chapter. It almost felt as if TJ Klune was trying to convince me(?) of the plight of magical creatures. He needn’t have bothered, I was already on their side!
How many times can you shove the same message down someone’s throat in 400 pages? As far as I can remember, Book#1 was better at show-don’t-tell than this one. I could be misremembering, of course, it has been a while. That doesn’t change the fact that I was never allowed to draw my own conclusions with this book, I was simply told who was right and who was wrong.
The book didn’t invite for deeper reflection. It almost seemed as if I wasn’t trusted to reach the correct conlusion on my own.
And while I agree with the message, did it have to be so on-the-nose and frequent?
This book and the previous one are both labeled YA + Adult. I’d thought Book#1 was whimsical with its unique language, but this book cranked it up a notch or two. To a point where I think we entered exclusive YA territory and I didn’t necessarily appreciate the shift. The House In The Cerulean Sea seemed better balanced.
In the end, I’m left with one question: Did we need this book?
Unfortunately, I don’t think so. Book#1 stood wonderfully on it’s own, and whilst the book had somewhat of an open-ended resolution, I don’t think Somewhere Beyond the Sea was the answer to that. I don’t even think it needed to be answered. Not everything needs to be tied up with a neat little bow.
In a sense, this book was a repeat of The House In The Cerulean Sea.
Again, we have an evil government who sends a worker to asses the island.
Again, we have the government offical conducting interviews and observing.
Again, we get the same message to be kind and tolerant.
The only difference is that Miss Marblemaw doesn’t become better. She doesn’t change her mind unlike Linus. The book reads more as a What-If fanfiction. What if Linus had been bad?
Then there's Rowder, who was a cartoon villain. TJ Klune tried to give her depth right at the finish line, but it felt cheap. Did she really need a sad backstory for being evil? Sometimes people just suck.
I think this could’ve been a better book if it had simply been about David coming to Marsyas and finding a home and a family. If I'm being completely honest, I thought the dedication to the trans community would have more relevance to the plot, given that it was a dedication. Maybe I was thinking too ahead and making up assumptions, but I guess what I'm trying to say is that I thought David would be trans. I thought the plot would have more to do with Marsyas being the first place David felt comfortable being open about his true self. And while the book did dedicate some time to this aspect in terms of David being a monster, I found it a little hollow.
I also think this would have been better if the politics had been a b-plot. It also shouldn’t have been stretched out as far as it was.
Would've loved diving deeper into Arthur's childhood and learn more about his parents, or hearing more about those missing years where he helped hide people in the magical community.
The sequel didn’t have the same magic of the first one.
Also, I didn’t like the ending. It was "too perfect" and convenient, almost unearned and forced. Per definition, we had a seemingly unsolvable problem that was suddenly resolved by an unexpected and unlikely intervention, with a last-minute powerup and revelation from Zoe.
Very deus ex machina.
Want to read
October 13, 2023NEW TJ KLUNE BOOK!?! I guess life is worth living
Read
September 13, 2024I. LITERALLY. CAN. NOT. BREATHE. RN.
A freaking SEQUAL to ONE OF MY FAV NOVELS OF ALL TIME???? *INTERNALLY SCREAMING*
A freaking SEQUAL to ONE OF MY FAV NOVELS OF ALL TIME???? *INTERNALLY SCREAMING*
May 16, 2024
SO THRILLED TO HAVE GOTTEN MY HANDS ON A COPY OF THIS BABY! GOING TO BLANKET TOWN NOW, HOLD MY CALLS! HAHAHA JK NO ONE CALLS ME BYEEEEE!
FINISHED!!! a lovely book, gooey sweet and cozy as fuck.
FINISHED!!! a lovely book, gooey sweet and cozy as fuck.
September 11, 2024
This book gave me everything I wanted—and then some! I loved every bit of this story. I tried to pick a favorite character from the children, but honestly, I just couldn’t. Each one is so wonderfully created by TJ Klune’s amazing imagination, you can't help but fall in love with all of them.
I’m really hoping there’s many more books from the Cerulean Chronicles because it’s just too heartwarming and delightful to leave us hanging! I think a yearly instalment would be just right!
I’m really hoping there’s many more books from the Cerulean Chronicles because it’s just too heartwarming and delightful to leave us hanging! I think a yearly instalment would be just right!
September 1, 2024
I can already feel how unpopular of an opinion this is going to be (not my coworker literally staring at me with glowing embers for eyes)…..but I will speak my truth gosh darnit. This book was ALL fan service. Don’t get me wrong, I ate it up like 300 pages of Lucy the Antichrist?! Say less brother. But what made House in the Cerulean Sea so unique and special just doesn’t hit the same here. It does make sense because Cerulean Sea was very unique to its time, being the first really inclusive “cozy fantasy” to hit the mainstream, but I don’t think that’s an excuse for this one to not be as good. There was little to no real plot or character development, and while the overall message of “sometimes you can’t change people’s minds and you just have to stand up for yourself and what you know is right” is REALLY good and present - the conflict or resolution to make it hit home just feels inevitable and 2D. I’m not trying to take away from the absolute WHIMSY of it all, and maybe if I just wanted to feel good this would be 5 ⭐️s, but I was promised Arthur’s deep dark past and I got Arthur being an incredible dad to his kids for 300 pages. I’m not complaining I stg I’m just saying 😭 i did love David the yeti, he was fantastic and his dynamic with Lucy was everythinggg. Overall though, I was a little disappointed by the epilogue-esque feeling of it all. Sorry ☹️
September 20, 2024
I’m starting to think TJ Klune is as magical as the characters he writes about! He’s the rare author that can consistently get 5 stars from me, and that’s because it’s so evident that his stories come straight from his heart. Open one of his books and you can see what’s beating in there on every page. Take the words in this one's dedication:
To the trans community the world over: I see you, I hear you, I love you. This story is for you.
Followed soon after by a quote that beautifully summarizes a major theme:
“When we live in fear, it controls us. Every decision we make is smothered by it.”
In this second book of The Cerulean Chronicles, a follow-up to The House in the Cerulean Sea, orphanage master Arthur Parnassus finds himself not only having to defend himself to the remnant members of DICOMY and DICOMA (The Departments In Charge of Magical Youth and Adults respectively), but also protect his partner, ex-DICOMY employee Linus Baker and the magical children in their care when a newly appointed manager with her own agenda sends a biased inspector to investigate their home’s fitness for the children.
The long and short of the story is that Klune has written a book that confronts what happens when those in power use fear-mongering to silence and censor a marginalized community that doesn’t fit their mold. That sounds heavy and some will undoubtedly be put off by the messaging, but if you’ve ever read a Klune novel, you’ll know that he understands how to balance emotionally-charged themes with extraordinary heart and humor! The now SEVEN children in Arthur and Linus’ care have given me some of the best book laughs and feel good moments I’ve ever had!
How can you dislike a seven-year-old Antichrist named Lucy whose greatest passion in life is “dead-people” music and who aspires to make footie pajamas mandatory for humans if he ever enslaves them? Add to this eclectic group a grumpy but lovable garden gnome named Talia, a sensitive but formidable forest sprite named Phee, a button-hoarding wyvern named Theodore, a wise-beyond-his-years teen named Sal, an amorphous bell-hopping blob named Chauncey and the newest addition: a theater-loving Yeti named David! Their antics and interactions were as likely to cause tears of laughter as they were to melt my heart with their support for each other and their “daddies-to-be” Arthur and Linus. Their interactions with devious inspector Miss Marblemaw were delicious as well!
I have to say: if you have ANY inclination whatsoever to listen to audiobooks, definitely consider listening to this series. Daniel Henning returns to narrate and his voicing for every character in this large cast is so impeccably good that I can’t imagine experiencing the series without it. I followed along on my Kindle, and enjoyed every second! While this can be read as a standalone, I don’t recommend it since you’ll miss a lot of the history behind the characters and story arc.
If you enjoy ‘found family’ stories with a sprinkle of magic, loads of heart and the whole range of feels, I highly recommend this AND The House in the Cerulean Sea! Review
★★★★ ½ (rounded to 5)
(TW: Some heavy themes of childhood trauma and governmental mistreatment of marginalized communities. Also, the author’s note comes out swinging at JK Rowling and her views on the trans community, so if any of those things are an issue for you, you’ll want to consider that.)
Thanks to my library/Libby for the Kindle copy and audio. The book is out now.
To the trans community the world over: I see you, I hear you, I love you. This story is for you.
Followed soon after by a quote that beautifully summarizes a major theme:
“When we live in fear, it controls us. Every decision we make is smothered by it.”
In this second book of The Cerulean Chronicles, a follow-up to The House in the Cerulean Sea, orphanage master Arthur Parnassus finds himself not only having to defend himself to the remnant members of DICOMY and DICOMA (The Departments In Charge of Magical Youth and Adults respectively), but also protect his partner, ex-DICOMY employee Linus Baker and the magical children in their care when a newly appointed manager with her own agenda sends a biased inspector to investigate their home’s fitness for the children.
The long and short of the story is that Klune has written a book that confronts what happens when those in power use fear-mongering to silence and censor a marginalized community that doesn’t fit their mold. That sounds heavy and some will undoubtedly be put off by the messaging, but if you’ve ever read a Klune novel, you’ll know that he understands how to balance emotionally-charged themes with extraordinary heart and humor! The now SEVEN children in Arthur and Linus’ care have given me some of the best book laughs and feel good moments I’ve ever had!
How can you dislike a seven-year-old Antichrist named Lucy whose greatest passion in life is “dead-people” music and who aspires to make footie pajamas mandatory for humans if he ever enslaves them? Add to this eclectic group a grumpy but lovable garden gnome named Talia, a sensitive but formidable forest sprite named Phee, a button-hoarding wyvern named Theodore, a wise-beyond-his-years teen named Sal, an amorphous bell-hopping blob named Chauncey and the newest addition: a theater-loving Yeti named David! Their antics and interactions were as likely to cause tears of laughter as they were to melt my heart with their support for each other and their “daddies-to-be” Arthur and Linus. Their interactions with devious inspector Miss Marblemaw were delicious as well!
I have to say: if you have ANY inclination whatsoever to listen to audiobooks, definitely consider listening to this series. Daniel Henning returns to narrate and his voicing for every character in this large cast is so impeccably good that I can’t imagine experiencing the series without it. I followed along on my Kindle, and enjoyed every second! While this can be read as a standalone, I don’t recommend it since you’ll miss a lot of the history behind the characters and story arc.
If you enjoy ‘found family’ stories with a sprinkle of magic, loads of heart and the whole range of feels, I highly recommend this AND The House in the Cerulean Sea! Review
★★★★ ½ (rounded to 5)
(TW: Some heavy themes of childhood trauma and governmental mistreatment of marginalized communities. Also, the author’s note comes out swinging at JK Rowling and her views on the trans community, so if any of those things are an issue for you, you’ll want to consider that.)
Thanks to my library/Libby for the Kindle copy and audio. The book is out now.
Want to read
July 4, 2024💘🦄🌈💗🌊✨i've just burst into tears because this is everything rn!!😭💙😭💛😭🧡😭💚😭
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥also, the way this book has set fire to my feed is unreal❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥also, the way this book has set fire to my feed is unreal❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Want to read
July 29, 2024 When I received this arc, I'd thought it was the entire book. However, it's just an excerpt (Epigraph and first 4 chapters)
Not only can I not cultivate an honest review on 4 chapters but I'm struggling to get into said 4 chapters. I'm a little bored.
I'll be putting this book back on my tbr shelf until the entire book is released.
* Slams fist down on desk* THIS is what I'm talking about! I mean, maybe not so dramatic, jk. idk but I'm excited!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Tor Publishing Group, and TJ Kune for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review! 🐦🔥🌊
Not only can I not cultivate an honest review on 4 chapters but I'm struggling to get into said 4 chapters. I'm a little bored.
I'll be putting this book back on my tbr shelf until the entire book is released.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Tor Publishing Group, and TJ Kune for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review! 🐦🔥🌊
December 3, 2024
My heart has been melted by this book!!!! It has everything “House In the Ceralun Sea” does and it’s all in Arthur’s perspective, whose thoughts were originally not revealed. Throughout this whimsical sweet story there is a look into his past, a deeper dive into his relationship with Linus and also the continuation of a fight to show the simple minded people of this universe that magic is not something to be feared!! But most importantly we get to witness Arthur learn and change. He has always been the one to give love and apologize for other people's wrongdoings without thinking anything of it. Until his family shows him how to receive love in return and tell him that he shouldn’t always be the one apologizing, he’s already done enough 🥲. This story is so freakinggg sweet!! All of TJ Klunes gorgeous writing really comes to life, capturing all the characters thoughts and feelings. I wouldn’t change anything about this book!!
September 11, 2024
DNF
Made it to chapter 9 but I just can't. This felt like a middle grade book that was constantly trying to prove how woke it is by derailing the story to give cute little life lessons on being kind and dealing with trauma. I agree with all the messaging but I'd rather not fell so preached at.
Made it to chapter 9 but I just can't. This felt like a middle grade book that was constantly trying to prove how woke it is by derailing the story to give cute little life lessons on being kind and dealing with trauma. I agree with all the messaging but I'd rather not fell so preached at.
March 13, 2024
As one of TJs beta readers, I was very lucky to read this very early in its iteration. I've now read the final version and it is perfection.
November 1, 2024
IT’S OFFICIAL: SEQUEL TO THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA CONFIRMED
Want to read
October 14, 2023I’m sorry??? I had no idea this was coming out, SOMEONE SEDATE ME. I will literally be screaming about this till the day it releases in 2024.
November 13, 2024
”It’s hard.” “What is?” “Being alive.” “It is,” Arthur agreed. “But perhaps that’s the point: the trials and tribulations of life weigh heavily upon us, but we find people to help lighten the load.”
this time, the story is told from Arthur’s pov and while i still don’t think a sequel was necessary, it was nice to get some insight into his thoughts and feelings, along with what drives him to be an anchor to those who might experience the same things he did. Arthur had a rough upbringing which we get glimpses of in the other book but i almost feel like there wasn’t much depth given to the story itself as i would’ve expected, despite the obvious take away from these situations they all face. i loved seeing all the kids again though and Lucy is still my favorite, I felt so happy and proud of them witnessing how much they’ve grown in confidence since the previous book. the new character David is so sweet and i just live for how everyone welcomed and accepted him with open arms into their makeshift family.
”Confidence is silent. Insecurities are loud.”
i can see why the author felt the need to write this and the message is one i think is important always— even more so in this current shit show of a world we’re living in. but i also have to admit that i think the approach was too heavy handed and doesn’t leave room for you to just enjoy the story as it’s own thing like the other one did, since it’s overshadowed by the points T.J Klune wants to get across. it was just lacking that comforting and fun aspect that i wanted from it, so i enjoyed it less than the house in the cerulean sea. i am still glad i read it though!
this time, the story is told from Arthur’s pov and while i still don’t think a sequel was necessary, it was nice to get some insight into his thoughts and feelings, along with what drives him to be an anchor to those who might experience the same things he did. Arthur had a rough upbringing which we get glimpses of in the other book but i almost feel like there wasn’t much depth given to the story itself as i would’ve expected, despite the obvious take away from these situations they all face. i loved seeing all the kids again though and Lucy is still my favorite, I felt so happy and proud of them witnessing how much they’ve grown in confidence since the previous book. the new character David is so sweet and i just live for how everyone welcomed and accepted him with open arms into their makeshift family.
”Confidence is silent. Insecurities are loud.”
i can see why the author felt the need to write this and the message is one i think is important always— even more so in this current shit show of a world we’re living in. but i also have to admit that i think the approach was too heavy handed and doesn’t leave room for you to just enjoy the story as it’s own thing like the other one did, since it’s overshadowed by the points T.J Klune wants to get across. it was just lacking that comforting and fun aspect that i wanted from it, so i enjoyed it less than the house in the cerulean sea. i am still glad i read it though!
September 16, 2024
ALL THE STARS - if I could, I’d give 5000 stars👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻!!! THIS is the book I was most anticipating this year, and I am so, so happy that it did not let me down🥳!! Is it as perfect as the “House in the Cerulean Sea”?? If not, it’s very, very close! I loved every minute & word of it & am sad it’s over & now I have to return my library copy! It’s the greatest “found family” ever (again) with new challenges to face, lots of growth for all & as always, “Love is Love” with all that that means🏳️🌈💙 Also, I really appreciated the metaphors & allegories to todays political climate of weaponized hatred of “others”. My hearts now been broken & healed anew💔❤️🩹💝 MAGICAL, just MAGICAL🧚🏼🐦🔥!! Perfect ending and the author’s note at the end- chef’s kiss!! PLEASE READ IT EVERYONE!!
September 9, 2024
Whilst the House in the Cerulean Sea was like a warm hug, this was a strangling squeeze of reality partnered with a hopeful embrace.
With six children of varying shapes, sizes, and magical abilities, the adventure never ends.
Told from Arthur’s perspective, our beloved cast must face the prejudice of the world and the trauma from their past to pave a better, more loving and inclusive future.
Arthur set up the Island so that things would be different form his own abusive upbringing there. He pledges to give orphaned magical children what he never had: a place to be whoever they want to be, no matter what they can do or where they come from.
Now, Arthur is testifying against the government to show the corrupt system and highlight the changes that must be made.
As usual, Klune keeps a light tone with bright humour and scenes that had me giggling. There is also a lovely new addition called David - a yeti.
But before he could finish, Lucy yelled in unfettered joy, "You can breathe fire? Holy crap, Theodore! Let's burn everything!"
"And that's our cue," Arthur said.
"This is what happens when you sleep late," Linus muttered.
Klune always writes his themes with a heavy hand. His on the nose approach is obvious dealing with the queer community, finding belonging, and standing against a passive, non-transparent, unaccountable, and untrustworthy government.
In fact, Klune acknowledges himself as the Anti-Jk-Rowling.
For some reason, the chapters were soooo long! There were paragraph breaks, but sometimes I felt starting a new chapter would have worked better.
Also, to note there is some controversy about this book as the story was partially inspired by the traumatic truth of Indigenous children who were taken from their families and placed into orphanages and treated brutally to try to assimilate them into white society and culture.
As a white author, some wonder whether it is right for Klune to write this narrative.
This felt cathartic. A scream into the void surrounding a cerulean sea.
Thank you to Del Rey for providing me a physical arc (AHHHH) in exchange for a review.
Bookstagram
With six children of varying shapes, sizes, and magical abilities, the adventure never ends.
Told from Arthur’s perspective, our beloved cast must face the prejudice of the world and the trauma from their past to pave a better, more loving and inclusive future.
Arthur set up the Island so that things would be different form his own abusive upbringing there. He pledges to give orphaned magical children what he never had: a place to be whoever they want to be, no matter what they can do or where they come from.
Now, Arthur is testifying against the government to show the corrupt system and highlight the changes that must be made.
As usual, Klune keeps a light tone with bright humour and scenes that had me giggling. There is also a lovely new addition called David - a yeti.
But before he could finish, Lucy yelled in unfettered joy, "You can breathe fire? Holy crap, Theodore! Let's burn everything!"
"And that's our cue," Arthur said.
"This is what happens when you sleep late," Linus muttered.
Klune always writes his themes with a heavy hand. His on the nose approach is obvious dealing with the queer community, finding belonging, and standing against a passive, non-transparent, unaccountable, and untrustworthy government.
In fact, Klune acknowledges himself as the Anti-Jk-Rowling.
For some reason, the chapters were soooo long! There were paragraph breaks, but sometimes I felt starting a new chapter would have worked better.
Also, to note there is some controversy about this book as the story was partially inspired by the traumatic truth of Indigenous children who were taken from their families and placed into orphanages and treated brutally to try to assimilate them into white society and culture.
As a white author, some wonder whether it is right for Klune to write this narrative.
This felt cathartic. A scream into the void surrounding a cerulean sea.
Thank you to Del Rey for providing me a physical arc (AHHHH) in exchange for a review.
Bookstagram
October 2, 2024
this is my I’m not sure how I feel but mostly loved it rating.
personal setting: I’m in a mild anxiety mood at the moment because life. so as you can see by my pre-read updates below, I was hella excited for this book; for the group of weird fantastical kiddos to take me on a new unexpected adventure, make me laugh, forget and cry a little with Arthur’s backstory and end it with good vibes.
I kind of didn’t like the political agenda that was slapping me in the face from the beginning and taking me out of the story mood. but it’s TJ KLUNE, he can talk about whatever the fork he likes in his book and I’ll skip if I get bored. but it felt a lot? ALSO, Arthur talked for two hours, forty-plus minutes about his childhood and it was glossed over? we didn’t get more info than book one!!!!! ALSO, these kids don’t talk like kids, sometimes it works but other times I forget they’re ten year olds! ALSO, that lord of the rings scene at the end was a bit much🙄
to the good bits: I did not think, I would love a fictional kid more than Lucy and Talia but David was just so damn precious 🫶🫶 the first meeting was ridiculously wholesome, I just can’t even! I also, would never mind a book about him and Lucy falling in love, please and thank you. I’m loving how it’s a year later and the kids have grown in confidence (Sal) in friendship (Phee) in powers (Chauncey&Theodore) and are still ridiculously inventively murderous and sassy (Lucy&Talia). Arthur is the fun dad, I just love him to bits, how he’s always amused by everyone and goes along with everything, and I enjoyed that this book was from his point of view. someone should draw him wearing his children approved suit at the hearing🔥 (as well as Zoe clad in armor) this is my favorite quote: “We’re going to stab her with so much kindness, she’ll thank us for it.” Chauncey is a FREAKING SWEETHEART!!! the scene of him eating the pinecones, the scene where he took them on an adventure and talking to Frank the fish😂😂 ohmygod!!!!! A lot of the kids’ scenes were hilarious, like Phee’s story about the mustache and Linus’ reaction to David learning swear words in Wyvern speak. I was also taking notes on how to reply to aholes, most of these scenes are satisfying.
PS. I loved the ’flora bora slam’ easter egg, I think I’ll go read the Tales of Verania books now, maybe the audios this time!
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personal setting: I’m in a mild anxiety mood at the moment because life. so as you can see by my pre-read updates below, I was hella excited for this book; for the group of weird fantastical kiddos to take me on a new unexpected adventure, make me laugh, forget and cry a little with Arthur’s backstory and end it with good vibes.
I kind of didn’t like the political agenda that was slapping me in the face from the beginning and taking me out of the story mood. but it’s TJ KLUNE, he can talk about whatever the fork he likes in his book and I’ll skip if I get bored. but it felt a lot? ALSO, Arthur talked for two hours, forty-plus minutes about his childhood and it was glossed over? we didn’t get more info than book one!!!!! ALSO, these kids don’t talk like kids, sometimes it works but other times I forget they’re ten year olds! ALSO, that lord of the rings scene at the end was a bit much🙄
to the good bits: I did not think, I would love a fictional kid more than Lucy and Talia but David was just so damn precious 🫶🫶 the first meeting was ridiculously wholesome, I just can’t even! I also, would never mind a book about him and Lucy falling in love, please and thank you. I’m loving how it’s a year later and the kids have grown in confidence (Sal) in friendship (Phee) in powers (Chauncey&Theodore) and are still ridiculously inventively murderous and sassy (Lucy&Talia). Arthur is the fun dad, I just love him to bits, how he’s always amused by everyone and goes along with everything, and I enjoyed that this book was from his point of view. someone should draw him wearing his children approved suit at the hearing🔥 (as well as Zoe clad in armor) this is my favorite quote: “We’re going to stab her with so much kindness, she’ll thank us for it.” Chauncey is a FREAKING SWEETHEART!!! the scene of him eating the pinecones, the scene where he took them on an adventure and talking to Frank the fish😂😂 ohmygod!!!!! A lot of the kids’ scenes were hilarious, like Phee’s story about the mustache and Linus’ reaction to David learning swear words in Wyvern speak. I was also taking notes on how to reply to aholes, most of these scenes are satisfying.
PS. I loved the ’flora bora slam’ easter egg, I think I’ll go read the Tales of Verania books now, maybe the audios this time!
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IT'S HEEEERE!!!!!!
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I was about to freak out over the 57 minutes released of this book on Everand and whether I should listen to it or not, BUT THE BOOK COMES OUT IN A WEEK OHMYGOD!!!!!!
Want to read
October 11, 2023GOING BACK TO THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA UNIVERSE?? I’M SOLD. 🥹
September 23, 2024
࿐ This was hope; the children, love letters to a future that had yet to be decided.
ᝰ.ᐟ 3.5 stars
I’m not sure if this will end up being an unpopular opinion, but I don't think this sequel was necessary. It pains me to say this because The House in the Cerulean Sea is one of my favourite books, but Somewhere Beyond the Sea feels more like fan-service than a proper sequel.
── .✦ Whatever else he was, David's bravery in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds proved yet again what Arthur had always believed: magic existed in many forms, some extraordinary, some simple acts of goodwill and trust, small though they might be.
A part of me loved this book, it's cosy and comforting and it made me happy, I even shed a few tears. The characters are the kindest, loveliest, most precious people ever. Lucy remains my favourite, he's a wonderful boy, but I love them all. Sal made me so proud, he's more confident and not afraid to speak up. Talia, Phee, Theodore, Chauncey, they're all so funny and sweet. David, the new kid, was so easy to love and fit into this beautiful family like it was made for him. Linus and Arthur are the best parents these kids could have and they're just the sweetest. I love their love. So of course it was great to see them again and follow their adventures and feel like I'm part of their everyday life.
── .✦ Whatever else he was, David's bravery in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds proved yet again what Arthur had always believed: magic existed in many forms, some extraordinary, some simple acts of goodwill and trust, small though they might be.
Unfortunately, some things didn't work for me.The plot was almost non-existent and it felt like a repeat of the first book, I even got a bit bored at some points because nothing was happening. This book focuses a lot on Arthur and his story, but I think it all felt a bit shallow because his trauma was not explored in depth. And I know this is a cosy, low-stakes fantasy book, but Arthur has spent so long bottling up his emotions and always being everything to other people that I wish this book had focused more on his healing journey and him putting himself first for the first time in his life. I love him, but the truth is there's no character growth in this book.
── .✦ "You've been strong your entire life. You've had to be. Unfairly. Unjustly. But I think you also believe you're still alone at times, that you have to shoulder everything on your own. You don't. You have me. I can help you carry the weight of it. I can be your rock.”
At times the book was too political and I had the impression that the author was trying to force his ideals on me. I want to make it clear that I think this story has a beautiful message, I believe in an inclusive world where everyone is free to be who they are, to do what they want, to love who they want. And I agree with the message the author is trying to get across to his audience, but there was no need to repeat the same thing over and over again, it felt forced instead of something natural. Like he was saying "this is right and this is wrong” instead of saying "have you ever thought that maybe this is what the world should look like?”. I like a book that gives me the freedom to think for myself, not one that tells me exactly what to think.
The House in the Cerulean Sea had something that I didn't find in the sequel. It wasn't as magical, whimsical and special as the first book. And I didn't like how perfect the ending was, even though it was lovely. I appreciate this book for allowing me to visit characters I treasure so much, but I can't help but feel disappointed.
── .✦ Hope is the thing with feathers, yes, and hope is the thing with fire.
September 14, 2024
You get a star for Chauncey, because he’s perfect. However. I do not appreciate people writing books, especially fiction, for a political agenda. If you are going to write a fantasy, do it to make a good fantasy book. You want to be the anti-J.K. Rowling? At least she didn’t have her political agenda written into the very fibers of her story. I don’t care what side or views you have, write to write and write well. Otherwise you are trying to be a politician, not an author.
August 7, 2024
AudioARC received from LibroFM, thanks!
ALL THE SPOILERS AHEAD, BEWARE!
I almost don't know what to say about this book. I'm incredibly disappointed that this book was allowed to be published, as it is hugely problematic.
I really loved The House in the Cerulean Sea when I first read it, and at the time I could see the parallels between Klune's story and the way Indigenous people in Canada have been treated (historically and currently), so then to hear that it was directly inspired by the 60's Scoop, left me feeling quite off about it. And to hear Klune speak about it, it's as though it was this small, little snippet of Canadian history that he discovered. Which, it's not. And he rightly got called out on it. And did not respond in any way, which didn't impress me. But, I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt, he made a mistake, let's hope he does better going forward. And he really has not with this sequel. If anything, it's worse than THITCS.
The absolutely blatant use of Indigenous trauma to write this book (and sell it, because you know it's going to sell well) and then not acknowledge it whatsoever is absolutely disgusting. I wanted to give Klune a chance to hear the criticisms of THITCS and to learn from that, and not do it again, but I think he actually leaned harder into that trauma with Somewhere Beyond the Sea. In it we have Arthur, our POV character this time around, giving testimony about his time and how he was treated in foster care, he received a monetary settlement because of it; both of these things are exactly what happened with survivors of the 60's Scoop, where Indigenous children were stolen away from their families and put into white foster homes, where they were treated appallingly. While it was at its height in the 1960s, it continues TO THIS DAY, with Indigenous children making up a large majority of those living in foster care. To use Indigenous trauma that is still ongoing is insensitive at best and appropriation at worst.
Throughout the book there are mentions of intergenerational trauma, the dehumanization and othering of the children in foster care, treaties and land rights. These are all very real traumas and issues that Indigenous people in Canada are dealing with today. The 60's Scoop wasn't some small blip in Canada's history, its legacy and trauma is still very present today. At one point in SBTS the government officials come and try to take the children away (at which point treaties and land rights are mentioned) and the imagery of an Indigenous Elder, who escaped being taken by hiding under the dead body of their family (while this is reminiscent of any colonized people, it is very much a part of Indigenous history, too), showing the bad government people the treaties that were signed and declaring the land sovereign is evoked. And I can't help but think of all the times this has happened in Canadian history (as well as present day) and how the police were called in and the government just did whatever they wanted. The Wet'suwet'en in BC are still dealing with this, despite their never having ceded their land. To use this sort of imagery without knowing the history is just not okay.
In addition to the blatant use of Indigenous trauma to write this book, there is also the issue of how it portrays white saviourism. Don't worry marginalized children who have been ripped away from their families and cultures, these two middle-class white men will save you! While I do think that Klune was trying for more of a found family feel, this just comes across as white saviourism, and while the children aren't being abused, they're also not learning about their own unique cultures. This is a huge problem within the foster care system, in that children from marginalized communities are placed with white foster families and they completely lose their culture. So to reinforce that is quite awful.
And lastly, setting aside how incredibly problematic it is, the story was not compelling in any way. With THITCS, you could tell that it was a story that Klune was excited about, whereas with SBTS it feels like he was trying to write the sequel he had no intention of writing. The plot was very haphazard, the characters not well developed. I am also having feelings with regards to the dedication and author note, in that Klune is dedicating this book to trans kids and he talks about how he wants his legacy to be as the anti-JKR. However, as far as I know, Klune has never written a trans character. There is one very minor side character in SBTS who I believe is meant to be non-binary, but I don't know that they actually even have any lines of dialogue. If you are wanting to set yourself up as the anti-JKR, maybe include some trans characters in your books? Dedicating a book to trans kids and then those same kids not even being able to see themselves in that book is making me feel some sort of way.
Overall, this was a complete dumpster fire of a book that never should have been published. After reading this I am seriously considering what do to with my not insignificant collection of TJ Klune books, because it honestly makes me feel gross to even be looking at them.
ALL THE SPOILERS AHEAD, BEWARE!
I almost don't know what to say about this book. I'm incredibly disappointed that this book was allowed to be published, as it is hugely problematic.
I really loved The House in the Cerulean Sea when I first read it, and at the time I could see the parallels between Klune's story and the way Indigenous people in Canada have been treated (historically and currently), so then to hear that it was directly inspired by the 60's Scoop, left me feeling quite off about it. And to hear Klune speak about it, it's as though it was this small, little snippet of Canadian history that he discovered. Which, it's not. And he rightly got called out on it. And did not respond in any way, which didn't impress me. But, I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt, he made a mistake, let's hope he does better going forward. And he really has not with this sequel. If anything, it's worse than THITCS.
The absolutely blatant use of Indigenous trauma to write this book (and sell it, because you know it's going to sell well) and then not acknowledge it whatsoever is absolutely disgusting. I wanted to give Klune a chance to hear the criticisms of THITCS and to learn from that, and not do it again, but I think he actually leaned harder into that trauma with Somewhere Beyond the Sea. In it we have Arthur, our POV character this time around, giving testimony about his time and how he was treated in foster care, he received a monetary settlement because of it; both of these things are exactly what happened with survivors of the 60's Scoop, where Indigenous children were stolen away from their families and put into white foster homes, where they were treated appallingly. While it was at its height in the 1960s, it continues TO THIS DAY, with Indigenous children making up a large majority of those living in foster care. To use Indigenous trauma that is still ongoing is insensitive at best and appropriation at worst.
Throughout the book there are mentions of intergenerational trauma, the dehumanization and othering of the children in foster care, treaties and land rights. These are all very real traumas and issues that Indigenous people in Canada are dealing with today. The 60's Scoop wasn't some small blip in Canada's history, its legacy and trauma is still very present today. At one point in SBTS the government officials come and try to take the children away (at which point treaties and land rights are mentioned) and the imagery of an Indigenous Elder, who escaped being taken by hiding under the dead body of their family (while this is reminiscent of any colonized people, it is very much a part of Indigenous history, too), showing the bad government people the treaties that were signed and declaring the land sovereign is evoked. And I can't help but think of all the times this has happened in Canadian history (as well as present day) and how the police were called in and the government just did whatever they wanted. The Wet'suwet'en in BC are still dealing with this, despite their never having ceded their land. To use this sort of imagery without knowing the history is just not okay.
In addition to the blatant use of Indigenous trauma to write this book, there is also the issue of how it portrays white saviourism. Don't worry marginalized children who have been ripped away from their families and cultures, these two middle-class white men will save you! While I do think that Klune was trying for more of a found family feel, this just comes across as white saviourism, and while the children aren't being abused, they're also not learning about their own unique cultures. This is a huge problem within the foster care system, in that children from marginalized communities are placed with white foster families and they completely lose their culture. So to reinforce that is quite awful.
And lastly, setting aside how incredibly problematic it is, the story was not compelling in any way. With THITCS, you could tell that it was a story that Klune was excited about, whereas with SBTS it feels like he was trying to write the sequel he had no intention of writing. The plot was very haphazard, the characters not well developed. I am also having feelings with regards to the dedication and author note, in that Klune is dedicating this book to trans kids and he talks about how he wants his legacy to be as the anti-JKR. However, as far as I know, Klune has never written a trans character. There is one very minor side character in SBTS who I believe is meant to be non-binary, but I don't know that they actually even have any lines of dialogue. If you are wanting to set yourself up as the anti-JKR, maybe include some trans characters in your books? Dedicating a book to trans kids and then those same kids not even being able to see themselves in that book is making me feel some sort of way.
Overall, this was a complete dumpster fire of a book that never should have been published. After reading this I am seriously considering what do to with my not insignificant collection of TJ Klune books, because it honestly makes me feel gross to even be looking at them.
November 8, 2024
This healed a piece of my broken heart from the election. 🥹🫶🏼
September 19, 2024
So, so, so sweet. Hopeful and righteous and heartfelt.
And yet, I don't find this to be a good book, and I feel like a bit of a candy stealer for it. Please, do not hide your lollipops and bags of caramel popcorn, this is not an attempt to take them away.
Somewhere Beyond the Sea is unsubtle and simplistic, its antagonists devoid of inner life, its systems of oppression vague and lacking in any sense of historicity, its struggles and resolutions nebulous. Liberation is a struggle is a matter of the Good People (which are many) who only need to find their voice to stand against the Bad People (which are few.)
T.J. Klune apparently found inspiration for writing The House in the Cerulean Sea in the real-world history of residential schools, which uprooted, re-educated and abused Indigenous children; and there is a more noticeable effort in this book to address the generational trauma of uprooting, and allegorize Indigenous rights to the land. The execution leaves something to be desired, for all the author's heart is in the right place.
Somewhere Beyond the Sea's tone feels... off, to me. Contradictory. Its broadstrokes and politics have the feel of a children's book - yet, that isn't the audience the text seems to anticipate, given its language and protagonists' perspective. I'd judge the Cerulean Chronicles more kindly if they settled in for being children's literature — they still are, as long as you don't mind the occasional swear word. Better yet, its simplicity and genuinely quite fun dialogue would make it a good animated series. (Not to imply that animation is an innately more childish medium, but rather that the superficiality of the text would be lesser in a different medium.)
In the Acknowledgments, T.J. Klune professes a desire to be remembered as the Anti-J.K. Rowling. (Based. No notes. May the Queen of terfs choke on black mould and fall forever silent.) I find a bitter irony in that – for the Harry Potter series and the Cerulean Chronicles both are drenched through with a hyper-individualized view of political struggle, a liberal naïveté, a deep-rooted trust in institutions (even if Klune tries to escape it.) And everyone lived happily ever after, married in the epilogue.
P.S. This is very much Hurt/Comfort and Fluff. Possibly a bit of Crack. I bring out the fanfiction lingo, because Somewhere Beyond the Sea has the je ne sais quoi of fanfiction.
(My review of The House in the Cerulean Sea here; Past Me seemed much more inclined to enjoy it on its own level then, but both books have very similar strengths and flaws. If you liked that one, you will like this one.)
And yet, I don't find this to be a good book, and I feel like a bit of a candy stealer for it. Please, do not hide your lollipops and bags of caramel popcorn, this is not an attempt to take them away.
Somewhere Beyond the Sea is unsubtle and simplistic, its antagonists devoid of inner life, its systems of oppression vague and lacking in any sense of historicity, its struggles and resolutions nebulous. Liberation is a struggle is a matter of the Good People (which are many) who only need to find their voice to stand against the Bad People (which are few.)
T.J. Klune apparently found inspiration for writing The House in the Cerulean Sea in the real-world history of residential schools, which uprooted, re-educated and abused Indigenous children; and there is a more noticeable effort in this book to address the generational trauma of uprooting, and allegorize Indigenous rights to the land. The execution leaves something to be desired, for all the author's heart is in the right place.
Somewhere Beyond the Sea's tone feels... off, to me. Contradictory. Its broadstrokes and politics have the feel of a children's book - yet, that isn't the audience the text seems to anticipate, given its language and protagonists' perspective. I'd judge the Cerulean Chronicles more kindly if they settled in for being children's literature — they still are, as long as you don't mind the occasional swear word. Better yet, its simplicity and genuinely quite fun dialogue would make it a good animated series. (Not to imply that animation is an innately more childish medium, but rather that the superficiality of the text would be lesser in a different medium.)
In the Acknowledgments, T.J. Klune professes a desire to be remembered as the Anti-J.K. Rowling. (Based. No notes. May the Queen of terfs choke on black mould and fall forever silent.) I find a bitter irony in that – for the Harry Potter series and the Cerulean Chronicles both are drenched through with a hyper-individualized view of political struggle, a liberal naïveté, a deep-rooted trust in institutions (even if Klune tries to escape it.) And everyone lived happily ever after, married in the epilogue.
P.S. This is very much Hurt/Comfort and Fluff. Possibly a bit of Crack. I bring out the fanfiction lingo, because Somewhere Beyond the Sea has the je ne sais quoi of fanfiction.
(My review of The House in the Cerulean Sea here; Past Me seemed much more inclined to enjoy it on its own level then, but both books have very similar strengths and flaws. If you liked that one, you will like this one.)
September 19, 2024
Absolutely gutted.
Clearly used the sequel as a means to push a personal political narrative on the LGBTQ+ community. His previous books have always been beautiful in their inclusivity & it was what set him apart from other authors for me, but this was so forced, it felt like Klune took any opportunity to shoe-horn the diversity in, when I just didn't feel it necessary.
Cerulean Sea was one of the purest, comforting books I've ever read & I'm disappointed it's sequel has been used in this way. Whilst it was good to be back with the characters, the plot was essentially the same as the first, questioning the need for it to have even been written, if not to only serve as a guise for the authors underlying agenda. I'm all for raising awareness etc, but he's a talented enough author to have used another book to do this & not a hugely anticipated sequel.
I was so keen to return to the beautiful world Klune created in Cerulean Sea, but feel he shat all over it with SBTS. Every 'positive message' that was meant for the magicalal folk, was clearly intended to be about promoting equality in our own/real world & this ruined a lot for me as it repeatedly pulled you out of the fantasy element of the book.
I also can't ignore the addition of Klune slating my beloved JK Rowling at the end (again due to a differing political views) especially when this book has clearly being HUGELY influenced by her genius plotlines in HP.
'JK antithesis'?'- give me strength. She's 10x the author Klune will ever be and is just entitled to her views as he is.
I'll be using this book to light my fire when I next have a Harry Potter marathon.
*drops mic*
Clearly used the sequel as a means to push a personal political narrative on the LGBTQ+ community. His previous books have always been beautiful in their inclusivity & it was what set him apart from other authors for me, but this was so forced, it felt like Klune took any opportunity to shoe-horn the diversity in, when I just didn't feel it necessary.
Cerulean Sea was one of the purest, comforting books I've ever read & I'm disappointed it's sequel has been used in this way. Whilst it was good to be back with the characters, the plot was essentially the same as the first, questioning the need for it to have even been written, if not to only serve as a guise for the authors underlying agenda. I'm all for raising awareness etc, but he's a talented enough author to have used another book to do this & not a hugely anticipated sequel.
I was so keen to return to the beautiful world Klune created in Cerulean Sea, but feel he shat all over it with SBTS. Every 'positive message' that was meant for the magicalal folk, was clearly intended to be about promoting equality in our own/real world & this ruined a lot for me as it repeatedly pulled you out of the fantasy element of the book.
I also can't ignore the addition of Klune slating my beloved JK Rowling at the end (again due to a differing political views) especially when this book has clearly being HUGELY influenced by her genius plotlines in HP.
'JK antithesis'?'- give me strength. She's 10x the author Klune will ever be and is just entitled to her views as he is.
I'll be using this book to light my fire when I next have a Harry Potter marathon.
*drops mic*
November 27, 2024
Somewhere Beyond the Sea was even better that I thought it was going to be.
[pre-read]: i need September 2024 to get here sooner
[pre-read]: i need September 2024 to get here sooner
September 27, 2024
Primeiramente, eu preciso falar sobre a nota do TJ klune no final do livro. PERFEICÃOOOOOOOOO!! Eu escolhi o autor certo para ser meu autor favorito de livros. Ele é muito importante para nossa comunidade, seus livros são muito importantes para nós. Obrigada, Tj klune! Muito obrigada por fazer essas histórias maravilhosas para nós.
Em 2020 me apaixonei pelo livro "a casa no mar ceruleo" foi o primeiro livro dele que li e graças a Deus que fui procurar outros do Tj para ler. O segundo livro foi um presente para nós, por mim pode ter mais livros dessa galera que amo, acho que Tj fará mais, é um mundo que tem muito para ser explorado.
O segundo livro foi tão maravilhoso como o primeiro, existe livro ruim do Tj? O homem tem um talento precioso que devemos valorizar.
Chorei de novo com todas essas crianças, estou orgulhosa de toda evolução que tiveram. O Sal teve uma evolução incrível, orgulhosa dele😭 Amo todas as crianças e seus papais😭😭😭. Zoe muito divaaaaaa, divou muitooooo💯💯💯💯💯
MUITO OBRIGADA POR MAIS UMA LEITURA MARAVILHOSA.
Em 2020 me apaixonei pelo livro "a casa no mar ceruleo" foi o primeiro livro dele que li e graças a Deus que fui procurar outros do Tj para ler. O segundo livro foi um presente para nós, por mim pode ter mais livros dessa galera que amo, acho que Tj fará mais, é um mundo que tem muito para ser explorado.
O segundo livro foi tão maravilhoso como o primeiro, existe livro ruim do Tj? O homem tem um talento precioso que devemos valorizar.
Chorei de novo com todas essas crianças, estou orgulhosa de toda evolução que tiveram. O Sal teve uma evolução incrível, orgulhosa dele😭 Amo todas as crianças e seus papais😭😭😭. Zoe muito divaaaaaa, divou muitooooo💯💯💯💯💯
MUITO OBRIGADA POR MAIS UMA LEITURA MARAVILHOSA.
August 30, 2024
I hate to rate this so low but after the first book which I adored this book fell extremely flat. Very surprised by all of the high ratings
It was a hard read to get through, just repetitive and trying to push a narrative constantly that although is justified and good was really all the book was.
Characters lacked the same characteristics from the first book and all of the children seemed to be the same and not individual.
If you loved the first book don’t read this one. The ending of the first can be left as that and should have been.
It was a hard read to get through, just repetitive and trying to push a narrative constantly that although is justified and good was really all the book was.
Characters lacked the same characteristics from the first book and all of the children seemed to be the same and not individual.
If you loved the first book don’t read this one. The ending of the first can be left as that and should have been.
October 27, 2024
Clear allegory addressing politics today othering LGBTQ+ and acknowledging all the historical atrocities of government, including Indigenous colonization and genocide. So it resonated with me deeply, but what I loved most about this book is the promise that a third must be coming based on the ending.
I���m so distraught about the state of humanity in the US right now. This book tells me to remain hopeful and believe in the righteousness and goodness of people who will stand in solidarity with us. With elections only a couple of weeks away and the MAGA party (I refuse to call them Republicans) setting up to destroy and rebuild the country in its pre-Civil War image, hope is a hard resource to find right now. The most I hope for is that this author is right - that we have the right to hope that our citizenship will be defended and allowed to live in peace with the full authority to exist as we are - someday.
I���m so distraught about the state of humanity in the US right now. This book tells me to remain hopeful and believe in the righteousness and goodness of people who will stand in solidarity with us. With elections only a couple of weeks away and the MAGA party (I refuse to call them Republicans) setting up to destroy and rebuild the country in its pre-Civil War image, hope is a hard resource to find right now. The most I hope for is that this author is right - that we have the right to hope that our citizenship will be defended and allowed to live in peace with the full authority to exist as we are - someday.
September 18, 2024
This is tough for me. I have loved every TJ Klune book I've ever read, and the House in the Cerulaen Sea is one of my all-time favorites. The setting, the characters, the feels - that book was so important to me during the pandemic and probably deserves much of the credit for setting me on a cozier reading path.
So it is safe to say my expectations were sky-high for this sequel. Don't get me wrong, this book has a lot of things to love. All of our favorite characters are back and just as adorable and lovable and hilarious as ever, with new friends to boot. I still found so much joy in the siblings' interactions and their wild adventures.
But. I just couldn't connect with this story in the same way as the first. The pacing and plot were uneven and I don't think the story came together as a whole in the same way. I mean, the first ~100 pages are about Arthur baring his soul in a testimony before congress and the story doesn't even really start until after that. Surprisingly, though it took me midway through the book to realize, Arthur really didn't work for me as a POV character. His language and communication are quite stiff and I read some lines that really took me out of the story because no one would ever say some of his words out loud, let alone to children. My one humble suggestion is that this actually should have been Zoe's story, not Arthur's.
Finally, my big (sad) complaint. I really, deeply appreciate what TJ Klune is trying to do here. There is no greater aspiration for a writer than to be the anti-JK Rowling. But reaching into your back pocket for a cartoon-sized mallet to bang us over the head with a message over and over again did not make me feel all warm and fuzzy. It really took me out of the story and made me sigh each time.
Upon reflection, this could definitely be a me problem. I look to TJ Klune for an escape that will make me cry and laugh and break my heart (gently) and then put it back together again. But this book was way too real. It was not an escape, instead it was an overt exploration of our society and the many ways we hurt and target the most vulnerable among us. That is a very important story to be told and I applaud him for doing it. I just think there is a book somewhere in here that accomplishes all of those things rather more delicately. This one unfortunately, devastatingly, wasn't it for me :(
So it is safe to say my expectations were sky-high for this sequel. Don't get me wrong, this book has a lot of things to love. All of our favorite characters are back and just as adorable and lovable and hilarious as ever, with new friends to boot. I still found so much joy in the siblings' interactions and their wild adventures.
But. I just couldn't connect with this story in the same way as the first. The pacing and plot were uneven and I don't think the story came together as a whole in the same way. I mean, the first ~100 pages are about Arthur baring his soul in a testimony before congress and the story doesn't even really start until after that. Surprisingly, though it took me midway through the book to realize, Arthur really didn't work for me as a POV character. His language and communication are quite stiff and I read some lines that really took me out of the story because no one would ever say some of his words out loud, let alone to children. My one humble suggestion is that this actually should have been Zoe's story, not Arthur's.
Finally, my big (sad) complaint. I really, deeply appreciate what TJ Klune is trying to do here. There is no greater aspiration for a writer than to be the anti-JK Rowling. But reaching into your back pocket for a cartoon-sized mallet to bang us over the head with a message over and over again did not make me feel all warm and fuzzy. It really took me out of the story and made me sigh each time.
Upon reflection, this could definitely be a me problem. I look to TJ Klune for an escape that will make me cry and laugh and break my heart (gently) and then put it back together again. But this book was way too real. It was not an escape, instead it was an overt exploration of our society and the many ways we hurt and target the most vulnerable among us. That is a very important story to be told and I applaud him for doing it. I just think there is a book somewhere in here that accomplishes all of those things rather more delicately. This one unfortunately, devastatingly, wasn't it for me :(
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