Review

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Published on: 17 March 2020
Published by: Tor Books
Type: standalone, series
Genre: LGBTQ+ Humorous Fiction, Fantasy Fiction
Author: TJ Klune
Book Length: 400 pages (hardcover)
Read: 29 November 2021
Shelved: 08 December 2021
Rating: 5 / 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis

Linus Baker is a by-the-book caseworker 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 is about Linus Baker, a diligent, “by-the-rules” caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth (DICOMY). He was recently appointed to observe a very special orphanage on the island of Marsyas, wherein Linus hardly had any information to prepare by Extremely Upper Management (aka Big Bosses) until he was right on the island itself. When he does learn all about people, children, and the orphanage’s master, he starts questioning his life, his job, and the people he works for. This assignment leads him to open himself up beyond the “rules book” that he obediently follows and starts seeing the injustices happening after his report gets submitted.

From the very start, humor is number one in this book. Don’t believe me? Check out snippets like the below to reinforce why.

“Well, I suppose there are all sorts of factors. Modern research suggests extreme emotional states can trigger instances such as yours. Sadness. Anger. Even happiness. Perhaps you were so happy; you accidentally threw a chair at your friend, Marcus?”

With the above just at the first chapter, I know that things will be interesting, and the author has successfully proven it to me.

Each character in the book contributes ample (if not more) humor at appropriate and sometimes much-needed segments. I love it! Readers can expect a lot of these sorts of humor and interjections in all the characters as Linus starts learning each one of the children like no one else in his position has.

The book’s voice and perspectives are from Linus Baker only – first-person POV. It may not be something I read in the past, but I realize that as I move to more YA, sci-fi, fantasy, suspense, and mystery books, this is the most common and most successful route to use. It is also a refreshing take in books since the reader does not know everything (less time to be frustrated on telling off a character that they are wrong, etc.). So, instead of knowing everything, the reader gets entrenched in that character’s perspective and (hopefully) connects with the primary (and supporting) characters as they mature and grow as the story progresses.

The writing and pacing are perfect. Ample “space” and character development were given and respectfully discussed. Many quotes will make you think and reflect. I enjoy books that make me curious. This book has light humor and many heavy topics like social issues, human rights, privilege, preconceived notions, etc. It is hard to write about these controversial topics without coming off as propagandistic. It is an art to balance social commentary AND good storytelling, and the author did it flawlessly!

I love the internal struggles that readers will see in all the characters, even if it’s all from Linus’ POV because these children he’s assigned to observe are vocal enough to share when they are ready. The deep thoughts and philosophies these

It was impossible not to love the book with all the conundrums and discussions instilled by the orphanage’s master, Mr. Arthur Parnassus, and his students! Some were enlightening, like “categorical imperative,” while some get pretty frustrating (same feelings as the character) on how the world’s perception of things are. The ideas in the book are great conversation starters and will make you want to “start the change” from within yourself, radiating outward.

A few passages that got to me are:-

“Categorical Imperative…that it’s the supreme principle of mortality. It’s an objective. A rationally necessary and unconditional principle that we must always follow despite any natural desires or inclinations to the contrary.”
“And was Kent right? …”
“No?”
“And why not?”
“Because people aren’t black and white. No matter how hard you try, you can’t stay on one path without diversions. And that doesn’t mean you’re a bad person.”

This is one of the many philosophical talks Lucy and Mr. Parnassus discussed in the book. If you like in-depth talks on human behavior and perception, this is a great book that balances out both sides of the spectrum but also debunks archaic thought to help prove the point of empathy, respect, and acceptance.

You can find out more about Categorical Imperative by Kent here.

“These children are faced with nothing but preconceived notions about who they are. And they grow up t be adults who know only the same. You said it yourself: Lucy wasn’t who you expected him to be, which means he was. How can we fight prejudice if we do nothing to change it? If we allow it to fester, what’s the point?

Reading this made me think of how hopeless people sometimes are, especially if others have already “brainwashed” the future generations on a set idea, even if current evidence says otherwise. The herd mentality plus generational prejudice tears me up sometimes. Standards and barriers need to come down to enable humans to flourish to one’s full potential.

“Words can hurt too,” Lucy told him. “I know. But we must pick and choose our fights. Just because someone else acts a certain way, doesn’t mean we should respond in kind. It’s what makes us different. It’s what makes us good.”

In this day and age, we all have to deal with many problems – some solvable while others beyond our capabilities, but having to decide which ones we will “let slide” and otherwise will ensure sanity and stress levels are managed. I am glad that Linus also had this thinking since he needs to watch his blood pressure as his doctor advised.

“And it’s not fair. At all. But you need to remember your position. You need to remember who looks up to you. Who you care for. And what they’ll think. Because what you do here, no, will stay with them forever.”

The voice of reason, Linus’ line struck a chord because we are all role models to the future generation as adults. Whether our actions were good or bad, there will always be a lesson from them, whether a cautionary warning or a successful guideline remains uncertain.

Before I forget – the ending was magnificent!
I want to say, and this is NOT a spoiler. HEA was not evident even after a few “revelations” happened. Instead, there was a lot of uncertainty and limbo situations that I got lost, especially why Linus did what he did. There were a few confrontations but a lot of “pondering time” that kept me on edge.
Thankfully, the story wrapped up for the moment, but the problem would persist unless we start somewhere. Linus knows it, and I am sure that even after readers like myself have read the last sentence of the last chapter, the “seeds of change” have taken root and will slowly and steadily grow and flourish into a brighter future for the characters.

Overall, The House in the Cerulean Sea will make you laugh, cry, and see the world in a new light. It will teach you about empathy, self-worth, sensitivity, and love in all types and levels. It was impossible NOT to become emotional when reading this book because, like Linus, these children in Linus’ case file are endearing and uplifting in their words, thoughts, and action. I cried in various chapters because of all the poignant, controversial discussions – right and wrong and, especially, the “grey areas.”
This book may not be for young readers, but I hope people who read it will spread and share the message of love, hope, and non-judgmental life approaches with humanity.
I am excited to start with the second book, Under the Whispering Door, soon!

Tropes: Humor, Thought-provoking, controversial, LBGTQ+

About the Author

Tj 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 Green Creek series, The House on the Cerulean Sea, and The Exraordinaries. Being queer himself, TJ believes it’s important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive, queer representation in stories.