The House in the Cerulean Sea

Written by TJ Klune

Narrated by Daniel Henning

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.

At the orphanage, Linus must somehow determine if they could bring about the end of days. But their guardian, the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, will do anything to protect his wards. And, as Arthur and Linus grow ever closer, Linus must choose: his duty, or 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, bestselling author of Dead Until Dark

‘Touching, tender and truly delightful’ – Gail Carriger, author of Soulless

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pan Macmillan
• Release date: Jul 8, 2021
• ISBN: 9781529087963

TJ Klune

TJ Klune is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, Under the Whispering Door, In the Lives of Puppets, the Green Creek series for adults, the Extraordinaries series for teens and more. Being queer himself, Klune believes it's important – now more than ever – to have accurate, positive queer representation in stories.

Reviews for The House in the Cerulean Sea

[Sheena Gurbakhash · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book has been so hyped and so many of my friends recommended it. It's a lovely book. Almost everyone is charming and delightful and kind and good- except for those who aren't. There has also been some controversy about the book resulting in the author being hounded almost to the point of suicide. I will wager that most of the people who led this virulent attack cannot have read the book because it is firmly on the side of diversity and inclusion and no author, should have to put up with that kind of hounding.
In the universe of the book, children who are "different" are placed in homes. Are they orphans as the book seems to suggest or have they simply been taken from their families- it's never clear- but they are special either because they are non-human races, have supernatural powers and are deemed too dangerous to be let loose in society.
The world of the book is almost Orwellian. Desks of overworked, intimidated case workers audit these children and the homes making reports on whether they conform to the bible of rules and regulations and weeding out/ identifying troublemakers. It's a cold and dreary existence monitored by Extremely Upper Management.

Send to audit a remote "home" on an island run by the enigmatic Arthus Parnassus, Linus Baker goes through many changes as he sheds his inhibitions during this time at the home. I really wanted to like Arthur but he was so, so preachy... everyone is so preachy... the book seemed at times to be a lecture in the right, compassionate way to go about things, and so much righteous anger but even that was so reasonable and measured it never reached the right level of tension. As soon as any sort of crisis was created it was diffused with more preaching and reasonableness.

The children are delightful and brought to life brilliantly by the narrator. They just about the only thing that kept me going. If there is one word to describe this book it is gentle. So gentle. Even the rage seems gentle- maybe I expected something more dynamic. I kept waiting for it, but it never quite happened for me.

Read this if you are in the mood for a very feel good book. It's a happy book for the most part and we all need a little feel good happiness now and again. Would recommend for YA or even read aloud to younger children.

[Martina · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Sweet and touching, great material for a movie. Loved it.

[Marcelo Muramatsu · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Uma das melhores narrações. Amei demais, acompanhei com o texto em português e foi super tranquilo

[Nicole Hattingh · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such a beautiful and well written story. The narrator was brilliant too. The Chauncey voice! Wow....

[natasha7farioli · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It is such an AMAZING BOOK. I HAVEN'T FELT AND CRIED AND LAUGHED SO MUCH WITH A BOOK IN A VERY LONG TIME.

LOVELY

[Charity Matlala · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A perfect book with a perfect message. I absolutely loved it

[Emma Somers · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

TJ Clune has a fantastic knack for crafting relationships with his characters. House in the Cerulean Sea is a heartfelt story about found family. I keep coming back to this cozy story, it feels like home.

[Paolo Queiroz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

omg what a cute book, the story is very precious and has a beautiful message, this book is PERFECT.

[Wholeaah · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is such a cozy, lovely, story. Chauncey was my favorite character!
There’s depth embedded in the plot which I appreciated and the message is lovely. I was not too excited about listening to it bc the person who recommended it did a meh job at describing it lol; but it hooked me in right away 10/10 would listen to again

[Walter Fulterer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was such a enchanting, beautiful and charming story about love and about the endless magic and kindness that humans are able to be if they choose to.

[Sally Godsell · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Just brilliant, my best test on a very long time

[Jessica Orleans · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed listening to this book. It was funny, entertaining, and insightful. Love the development of the characters.

[l ekelund · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

adorable story.. a heartwarming, thought provoking fantasy.. being scared is not......good in any way

[Anzhelika Melnikova · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautifully written, bright and warm story about love and acceptance :)

[adelinacalin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An amazing and wonderful book, full of love and humor ❤️

[Judith Briesmaster · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a simply beautiful book. It’s so well written but the audiobook is read beautifully as well! Very well done! If you like Harry Potter style books about magic and want a heartwarming read, this book is for you.