Book Review: The House in the Cerulean Sea

"A home isn't always the house we live in. It's also the people we choose to surround ourselves with." 

The House in the Cerulean Sea
T.J. Klune

Description:

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.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5) 

Here's my first T.J. Klune book and the first read of the month that I definitely enjoyed reading. This was assigned for April BOTM but I had to move it to my May TBR instead. 

This is one of the few books I've read that I'm sure of giving 5 stars even if I am still not yet done reading it - moreover, not yet half of the book.

It's a light novel that will give a deep and meaningful impact on the readers; especially if you're someone who likes kids and values friendship, family, and home. The story is slow-paced but will keep you entertained - I find myself smiling (and laughing) in some scenes. Haha! I mean, just imagine this, you're given a fantasy book with magic, kids, and creatures with life lessons that are indeed applicable to all ages. Would you pass on that? 

I don't exactly know if it's because of how the author beautifully wrote it or because of the story itself but it's like he was able to reach me emotionally; he touched my heart and comforted me with how beautiful this book is - starting from the book cover, the story, the lineup of the characters up to the little details and conversations between the kids and the adults. I love how simple the conversations/lines are but they are also powerful and wise, and yet, it is also playful and humorous. It just really feels like I'm talking/listening to my friends and/or family.

I won't discuss each character because I want you to also experience what I've felt all throughout reading this book, but I am certain that if the above conditions apply to you (if you are that someone), you'll surely love the characters too. I was actually rooting for each one of them and silently cheering for how brave and resilient they are. They are just kids, after all.

There's also a subtle (but nakakakilig) romance between the two characters that will make you root for them too because they are both handling it maturely and simply because they deserve it. 

Definitely adding this to my favorites and recommending it to readers, of all ages.

Background image grabbed from Pinterest.