The House on the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune is worthy of all the hype. Linus works for a government agency that manages magical children. He is essentially a social worker. He sticks to himself and follows the rules to the letter. How else can he minimize conflict in his life? He lives alone with his cat and is rather ordinary if you ask him. He isn’t quite coasting more like he doesn’t want to upset the order. He absolutely does not want to garner the attention of the extremely scary upper management. Of course, they zero in on him and assign him to a mysterious case. He travels to a magical home for children run by a peculiar man named Arthur. It’s super secluded with the most dangerous children with one so dangerous they can’t even explain it in the files. Linus must observe to decide whether this home should stay open or if the government should intervene. For the safety of the children, naturally…or so Linus is led to believe. Linus has never done much of anything beyond work. Everything about this assignment pushes him outside his comfort zone. Arthur is a delightful caretaker who encourages adventure and fiercely protects the children. The novel explores this found family and what it means to be dangerous, to not fit in, to be lonely, and most importantly what it means to be loved.
![Alessia Trunfio on X: "“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 - by @tjklune ] - #](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FPm0Qf5XMAIkibv?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)
This read was another Lawless Book Club selection. With a busy work schedule, a hyper pup, and book events at The Ripped Bodice, finding time to read has been difficult. This audiobook (via Hoopla) was a welcome distraction. I’m also a sucker for a cozy fantasy or a magical paranormal romance. Arthur and Linus are so sweet together. And these children will warm even the coldest heart with their peculiar ways of seeing the world. We meet a family of magical kids who are not accepted yet by society. By the end, Klune gives you hope that one day they will be. I honestly would recommend this to any and everyone. Read this to remind yourself that everyone deserves a home and to find love.
I’ve hit a quarter cannonball and likely won’t get to a half, but the review marathon continues!