BOOK REVIEW: THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA BY TJ KLUNE

Genre: Fantasy

Awards: Winner of Alex Awards 2021

Reading Level/Interest Level: 6 grade- 12th grade and older

Star Rating: 5/5 Stars

Plot Summary: Linus, a tidy, button-up forty-year-old Case Worker for the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth is sent to investigate a classified orphanage on a strange island by Extremely Upper Management. Frightened of the unknown danger that may arise, Linus is forced out of his comfort zone. But once he is on the island and meets the magical children and undeniable charming caretaker Arthur Parnassus he is surprised to find love and family in this magical place and creatures forced to be stowed away by its community and government.

Author Background: TJ KLUNE is a Lambda Literary Award-winning author for his novel Into This River I Drown with most of his stories focused on queer characters and experiences within the fantasy genre.

Review: Though this novel is marketed for adult fantasy readers, the language and style of writing felt appropriate enough for many teens and possibly some middle-grade-age readers. The House in the Cerulean Sea characters and setting feels like a warm hug, with the scenery feeling calming and welcoming, the characters are humorous, unique, and pop off the page. T.J Klune also fantastically involves discussions on many societal issues bringing forward the great conversation on prejudices, acceptance, and found family.

Potential Challenge Issues: There are a few trigger warnings regarding fatphobia, dieting, homophobia, prejudice, and discrimination. The author challenges most of these issues within the storyline but some elements may be triggering to some readers.