Daniel Henning

T.J. Klune

The House in the Cerulean Sea

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.

"Humanity is so weird. If we're not laughing, we're crying or running for our lives because monsters are trying to eat us. And they don't even have to be 

 monsters. They could be the ones we make up in our heads. Don't you think that's weird?"

"I suppose. But I'd rather be that way than the alternative."

"The things we fear the most are often the things we should fear the least. It's irrational, but it's what makes us human. And if we're able to conquer those fears, then there is nothing we're not capable of."

"The world is a weird and wonderful place. Why must we try and explain it all away? For our personal satisfaction?"

She looked him up and down. "You aren't? Why on earth not?"

Cassidy Nolan

Sometimes, he thought to himself in a house in a cerulean sea, you were able to choose the life you wanted.

And if you were of the lucky sort, sometimes that life chose you back.

“His name is David. He’s eleven years old. And he’s a—“

“A yeti,” Linus said in awe. He stared at the photo in Arthur’s hand. In it, there was a smiling boy covered in thick, white hair. But it was his eyes that Linus noticed more than anything.

“We’ll take him,” Linus said immediately.

Linus felt his heart settle in his chest.

As they continued to sway to a song only they could hear, the sun finally sank below the horizon, and all was right in this tiny little corner of the world.

“I’m sorry,” Linus whispered into Arthur’s throat, never wanting this moment to end.

Arthur held him tighter. “You silly, delightful man. There is nothing to be sorry for. You fought for us. I could never be angry with you for that. How I cherish you.”

He was being kissed. He hadn’t even seen Arthur move. One moment, he thought he was about to break, and the next, his face was cupped in warms hands, and lips were pressed against his own. He felt as if he were on fire, burning from the inside out. He reached up, putting his hands atop Arthur’s, holding them in place. He never wanted this moment to end. For all the love songs he’d ever listened to in his life, he hadn’t been prepared for how a moment like this could feel.

Linus shrugged. “Because it wasn’t where I belonged.”

And with the last of his courage, Linus Baker said, “Here. With you. If you’ll have me. Ask me again. Please, I beg you. Ask me to stay again.”

Arthur nodded tightly. He cleared his throat. He was hoarse when he said, “Linus?”

Linus could barely breathe. “Yes. Always. Yes. For them. For you. For—“

“. . . If I were to leave again, I would wish I were here. I don’t want to wish anymore. If you’ll have me, I would like to stay. For always.”

He rubbed the back of his neck nervously, wondering if he should say more.

“Excuse us for a moment, Mr. Baker,” Lucy said. He turned toward the others and beckoned them close. The children bowed their heads as they began to whisper furiously. Zoe covered a laugh with the back of her hand.

He hesitated, but only briefly. “Because this is where I belong. And I never should have left to begin with. I only did so in order to make sure you would be safe. All of you. And now . . .”

She sighed as she set her spade down before turning to look at him.

Linus didn’t hesitate as he scooped her up in his arms.

Right below it was a mouse pad with a faded picture of a white sandy beach and the bluest ocean in all the world.

It said, of course, DON’T YOU WISH YOU WERE HERE?

Linus opened his mouth, but nothing came out. And he 

 himself for it. Here was this man, this wonderful man, exposing his heart. Linus had to give him something, no matter how small.

He tried again. He said, “If things were—if this were different, I . . . you have to know, Arthur. You have to. This place. These children. 

He stopped as he closed his eyes. His voice was shaky when he asked, “What?”

“Stay. Here. With us. Stay here with me.”

Linus shook his head. “You know I can’t.”

“Did you like your treasure, Mr. Baker?”

Linus looked up at Arthur again. “I did,” he whispered. “I liked it more than anything.”

second read and this part still makes me cry :’)))))

He took Arthur’s hand and stood slowly as Nat told him to smile even though his heart was breaking.

“. . . But I didn’t account for one thing.”

Arthur looked at him. “You. You were the most unexpected thing of all.”

“Because of who you are. I know you don’t see it, Linus. But I see it enough for the both of us. You make me feel like I’m burning up from the inside out.”

Linus couldn’t find a way to believe him. “I’m just one person. I’m just me.”

“I know. And what a lovely person you are.”

And saw how Chauncey had hid under his bed the first morning, how Talia had looked sitting on the floor of a record shop with her tools, how Theodore took the buttons as if they were the greatest gift, how Phee had lifted a trembling Sal from a pile of clothes, how Lucy had cried after breaking his music, how Zoe had welcomed him into her home.

And, of course, Arthur’s smile. That quiet, beautiful smile that felt like seeing the ocean for the first time.

Oh, how easy would it be to turn around? To look upon the man who had twisted his heart so? The man who, in not so many words, had kept so much from him?

Linus looked up to find Arthur staring at him. “What?”

Arthur shook his head slowly. “I don’t know why you can’t see it.”

Jordan

It's idealistic, but I enjoyed it because of how idealistic it is.

Such a heartwarming, easy read. Would recommend. Would read the sequel.

It's idealistic, but I enjoyed it because of how idealistic it is.

Such a heartwarming, easy read. Would recommend. Would read the sequel.

A NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, and WASHINGTON POST BESTSELLER! A 2021 Alex Award winner! The 2021 RUSA Reading List: Fantasy Winner! An Indie Next Pick! One of Publishers Weekly's "Most Anticipated Books of Spring 2020" One of Book Riot’s “20 Must-Read Feel-Good Fantasies” Lambda Literary Award-winning author TJ Klune’s bestselling, breakout contemporary fantasy that's "1984 meets The Umbrella Academy with a pinch of Douglas Adams thrown in." (Gail Carriger) 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. "1984 meets The Umbrella Academy with a pinch of Douglas Adams thrown in." —Gail Carriger, New York Times bestselling author of Soulless At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

The house in the cerulean sea was a book i did not expect to love. I started this book after a slump and it did not disappoint. The story was heartfelt and focused on found family between the characters. While lacking in particular focus, it was still able to tell the the depth and emotions behind the story of each children. I also adore the development of the mc and how he grew to adore the unexpected. Amidst the contreversy behind the book, it will still such a good story and worth a shot. 

Lane Loyola

I was skeptical at first, since I'm usually not one for reading book where the main POV is a white cis-man. However, I was absolutely won over by the development and growth of the characters, mainly the magical children, and the wonderfully wholesome relationships that form. I definitely just, cried. For the last hour or so. Found family for the win <3 

Niza Contreras

I am in my feels. This was so warm and heartfelt and i loved all the characters and the plot. My heart aches for the children and I wanted more and more of it. 

It was so unique and exquisitely; I loved every second of it and I will take no bad criticism of this book.

Tsu 💙

I am in my feels. This was so warm and heartfelt and i loved all the characters and the plot. My heart aches for the children and I wanted more and more of it. 

It was so unique and exquisitely; I loved every second of it and I will take no bad criticism of this book.

This book is full of warmth and love and humor and I LOVE IT

Maria Fernanda Arnay

A cute way to escape the world for a few hours - slow burn old man yaoi with a heavy dose of magical found family that just happens to include the antichrist.  

miri

Not for me. Saccharine and glurgy. Too little tension, too little friction, easily solveable story problems. Writing is light and as deep as a puddle.

Margaux Yiu

lent to me by Eluned! so sweet, lovely characters, intriguing magic

August Stone

So impressed with the way the author wove together a lighthearted story of hope and love with realistic commentary on social issues like prejudice, authority, and discrimination. 

Linus starts out as a square who follows his bleak routine life every day. It always rains. His sentences are short and dull like his life. He’s lonely but he barely registers it because it’s all he’s ever known. 

When he gets to the island he starts to see color for the first time. He loosens his tie both literally and figuratively. He learns that what he always believed is not true and sheds preconceived notions.

Fear is normal but we cannot let it define us. We all have spiders in our head and monsters under the bed but they might actually be our best friends if we open our minds. 

Taylor Christine

So impressed with the way the author wove together a lighthearted story of hope and love with realistic commentary on social issues like prejudice, authority, and discrimination. 

Linus starts out as a square who follows his bleak routine life every day. It always rains. His sentences are short and dull like his life. He’s lonely but he barely registers it because it’s all he’s ever known. 

When he gets to the island he starts to see color for the first time. He loosens his tie both literally and figuratively. He learns that what he always believed is not true and sheds preconceived notions.

Fear is normal but we cannot let it define us. We all have spiders in our head and monsters under the bed but they might actually be our best friends if we open our minds. 

I really enjoyed this book, it was very sweet and heartwarming, perhaps too sweet for my taste. I just wanted a little bit more drama, particularly at the end

Jenny

Laura Walden

An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place – and realizing that family could be yours. ‘I loved it. It is like being wrapped up in a big gay blanket. Simply perfect’ – V. E. Schwab, author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue He expected nothing. But they gave him everything . . . Linus Baker leads a quiet life. At forty, he has a tiny house with a devious cat and his beloved records for company. And at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, he’s spent many dull years monitoring their orphanages. Then one day, Linus is summoned by Extremely Upper Management and given a highly classified assignment. He must travel to an orphanage where six dangerous children reside, including the Antichrist. There, Linus must somehow determine if they could bring on the end of days. But their guardian, charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, will do anything to protect his wards. As Arthur and Linus grow ever closer, Linus must choose between duty and his dreams. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune is an uplifting, heart-warming fantasy tale that’s become a New York Times, USA Today and Washington Post bestseller. ‘Likely to cause heart-swelling’ – Washington Post ‘A modern fairy tale . . . It’s a beautiful book’ – Charlaine Harris, number one New York Times bestselling author ‘Touching, tender and truly delightful’ – Gail Carriger, author of Soulless

Such a heartwarming story about finally living instead of just surviving, found family, and romance. I always thought this book was YA but couldn't have been more wrong. The style of writing is elegant and humorous with so many beautiful moments that leave you charmed. If you’re looking for a feel good story I would highly recommend.

Anna

tj has based this storyline of adoption off the 60s scoop where the canadian government stole indigenous children from their families to put them up for adoption into white families. This systematic trauma is being used for a book that's completely now out of context as a "wholesome" story for tj's wallet. Multiple creators ,especially those are directly affected this author using their actual pain as a community, has called out tj for this over the few years. Now he's still continuing the series based on this same storyline for profits whether he held himself accountable or not. No author like this should be supported. Please keep spreading this info.

Caelan

The beginning was a bit dull (on purpose to show what Linus’ life looked like in the city) and I thought I wouldn’t like this book but when he travels to his classified assignment (Marsyas Island Orphanage) everything starts to get better

One of my favourite parts of this book are when they all travel to the village and have a day out - there is an unpleasant part there too but I really liked when Linus gets paired with Lucy and Talia to take around the different shops and meeting the shop owners (liked how the warehouse shop keeper was wary but eventually turned out to have similar interests with Talia; also J-Bone was hilarious and when Lucy was talking to him, their conversation was really funny)

Side characters - loved them all, most are children and I loved all the things that they did together like the adventures, learning and their alone times; each child had their own personalities and while everyone was a part of different species, they were all really detailed and wonderfully written; really liked Zoe as the additional carer for the children and the way she was this calm strong presence; Helen was a nice character and J-Bone was really funny with the way he talked

Main characters - Linus was a really nice character who you could see changing slowly but steadily through the book (and it’s not like most books where it is constantly reminded how the character has developed as in this book you can clearly see for yourself so the author didn’t need to keep reminding the readers), I liked how realistically he acted given the situation as he was supposed to be there as a professional and the children were all unusual so it was a given that he would be scared but you could see him getting to know all of them separately and starting to like/understand them; Arthur had secrets in this book that I guessed but it was still amazing about what he could do and how he looked after the children

Plot - liked the idea of the book a lot and how the main point in the book was about seeing all the magical creatures as individuals who all had their own personalities instead of being scared of all of them as a principle and there wasn’t much of a romance but the bit that was there combined with all the other characters and the relationships that were formed, it was amazing

Ending/Epilogue - while Linus is back at the DICOMY to make sure that Arthur remains being the children’s carer and makes sure that the children are able to stay on the island (really liked the way his time back there was written as it had a lot of very short passages that were often broken up), he steals files and then he goes back to the island, we see them all forgive each other and then the epilogue shows Helen come to the island to ask them to take in another child and that’s really it; this probably isn’t fair as I just wanted to read more about these characters but I thought there could have been at least 2 more chapters showing them settling in with Linus staying there forever and we are never explicitly shown what Linus does with the files that he stole; also I think that the main reason for not liking the book as much after Linus comes back to the island is that the children aren’t shown as much as they have been in the rest of the book

Absolutely loved this book!

The beginning was a bit dull (on purpose to show what Linus’ life looked like in the city) and I thought I wouldn’t like this book but when he travels to his classified assignment (Marsyas Island Orphanage) everything starts to get better

One of my favourite parts of this book are when they all travel to the village and have a day out - there is an unpleasant part there too but I really liked when Linus gets paired with Lucy and Talia to take around the different shops and meeting the shop owners (liked how the warehouse shop keeper was wary but eventually turned out to have similar interests with Talia; also J-Bone was hilarious and when Lucy was talking to him, their conversation was really funny)

Side characters - loved them all, most are children and I loved all the things that they did together like the adventures, learning and their alone times; each child had their own personalities and while everyone was a part of different species, they were all really detailed and wonderfully written; really liked Zoe as the additional carer for the children and the way she was this calm strong presence; Helen was a nice character and J-Bone was really funny with the way he talked

Main characters - Linus was a really nice character who you could see changing slowly but steadily through the book (and it’s not like most books where it is constantly reminded how the character has developed as in this book you can clearly see for yourself so the author didn’t need to keep reminding the readers), I liked how realistically he acted given the situation as he was supposed to be there as a professional and the children were all unusual so it was a given that he would be scared but you could see him getting to know all of them separately and starting to like/understand them; Arthur had secrets in this book that I guessed but it was still amazing about what he could do and how he looked after the children

Plot - liked the idea of the book a lot and how the main point in the book was about seeing all the magical creatures as individuals who all had their own personalities instead of being scared of all of them as a principle and there wasn’t much of a romance but the bit that was there combined with all the other characters and the relationships that were formed, it was amazing

Ending/Epilogue - while Linus is back at the DICOMY to make sure that Arthur remains being the children’s carer and makes sure that the children are able to stay on the island (really liked the way his time back there was written as it had a lot of very short passages that were often broken up), he steals files and then he goes back to the island, we see them all forgive each other and then the epilogue shows Helen come to the island to ask them to take in another child and that’s really it; this probably isn’t fair as I just wanted to read more about these characters but I thought there could have been at least 2 more chapters showing them settling in with Linus staying there forever and we are never explicitly shown what Linus does with the files that he stole; also I think that the main reason for not liking the book as much after Linus comes back to the island is that the children aren’t shown as much as they have been in the rest of the book

Gica

Cute, adorable and wholesome. And the love story is the sweetest of all 💕. 

Listened to the audiobook read by Daniel Henning who did the best voices and accents ever! 

Taryn

Cute, adorable and wholesome. And the love story is the sweetest of all 💕. 

Listened to the audiobook read by Daniel Henning who did the best voices and accents ever! 

Scarlett

Es el libro más bonito con el que me he topado este año, me he enamorado de él de una manera increíble. Los personajes son sin duda la cosa que más me encanto, en especial los niños, pero su historia también es una parte fuerte de esta.
Linus Al principio me frustraba con sus pensamientos estoicos acerca de las normas y del su trabajo pero poco a poco se fue soltando y los demás personajes pudieron ver cómo era ese ser hermoso. Me es gracioso que por un momento, y por como le decían los niños que estaba reyenito, me recordó a Po de kung fu panda 😂
Para mi los niños eran mi parte favorita de leer, sus personalidades chispeantes me hacían reír a carcajadas sin parar y mi favorita de todas era Thalía, sus amenazas hacia linus me sacaban lágrimas de la risa lo que hizo que se adentrara a mi corazón.Ver cómo Arthur le daba un hogar a cada uno me calentaba el alma y me daban ganas de abrazarlo como a un Mochi 
Por favor lean este precioso libro

Really loved this book! It was recommended by a friend as something wholesome to read and it did not disappoint. The characters are all so different and equally well developed, and watching Linus' growth through the book was so heartwarming. Also, deeply loved Arthur Parnassus. Would love to know more of his story.  

Paige Carter 

the protagonists (iykyk) gave me such aziraphale and crowley energy !!!!

rubí

Much more cheerful then my typical choices but a nice change of pace and very sweet.

The House in the Cerulean Sea

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