The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune Series: Cerulean Chronicles #1
Published by Tor Books on March 17, 2020
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Daniel Henning
Length: 12 hrs and 12 mins
Genres: Fantasy
Amazon Audible
A magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret.
Linus Baker is a by-the-book case worker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He's tasked with determining whether six dangerous magical children are likely to bring about the end of the world.
Arthur Parnassus is the master of the orphanage. He would do anything to keep the children safe, even if it means the world will burn. And his secrets will come to light.
The House in the Cerulean Sea is an enchanting love story, masterfully told, about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place—and realizing that family is yours.
The House in the Cerulean Sea received numerous accolades when it was released, and I’m happy to say it lives up to the hype. This whimsical audiobook delighted me from beginning to end.
Daniel Henning’s narration is *chef’s kiss* phenomenal. He gives a true tour de force performance with a smooth vocal delivery that breathes life into a host of characters, giving them unique, expressive, and wacky personas. Truly, one of the best audiobook listening experiences I’ve had.
I was instantly drawn to Linus Baker and his sad, lonely life as a case manager for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He trudges through one identical, humdrum, dreary day after another. He is unremarkable, the very definition of average. Linus’s world unexpectedly bursts into color when he travels to Marsyas Island Orphanage to investigate the well-being of the unusual children who have been placed under the care of the enigmatic headmaster, Arthur Pernassus.
I simply adored the quirky children and all of their funny eccentricities, and I was charmed by the island’s sprite, Zoe Chapelwhite. Arthur’s appreciation of Linus warmed my heart, as did his nurturing nature. As for Linus, the changes he goes through were a joy to behold. Underneath all the humor and charm lies a story with important messages about prejudice, differences, and acceptance.
I didn’t want to let these characters go, and luckily I don’t have to. The follow-up novel, Somewhere Beyond the Sea, releases September 2024. It is written from Arthur’s perspective, and I could not be more excited to read it. I’ve already pre-ordered the audiobook, which will be narrated by Daniel Henning once again.
Recommended for fans of:
Fantasy
Young Adult
LGBTQ
Trolls
The House in the Cerulean Sea audiobook sample
About T.J. Klune
TJ KLUNE is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, The Extraordinaries, and more. Being queer himself, Klune believes it’s important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive queer representation in stories.
I’m how did I not know there was a follow up novel??
Your review brought it all back for me. I loved this book. I’m excited for the sequel. I’m glad you enjoyed it.