Linus Baker. He watched in rapt wonder as an eleven-year-old girl named Daisy levitated blocks of wood high above her head. THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA by TJ Klune ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 17, 2020 A tightly wound caseworker is pushed out of his comfort zone when he’s sent to observe a remote orphanage for magical children. It is beautifully written, and is both wholesomely heartwarming and quite funny. “Now you’ve gone and done it, old boy. “How is it you can do what you do?” she asked. The master looked to speak again until Linus arched an eyebrow. “Yes,” Daisy said. Marcus was disappointed, but bounced back almost immediately. Listen, I know I am a total sucker for sweet, sappy stories, but this thing reads like a dang Disney movie and I… *wipes happy tears away* … The buzz of constant voices…, The weekend gave way to Monday like fog dissolving in sunlight. By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from POPSUGAR. 2 hours ago, by Sarah Wasilak You’ve inspected the house. 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. “Now, unless there is anything else, I’ll take my leave and bid you—”, “I like them,” he said. They waited as his pen continued to scratch along the paper. “We’ve had … others,” she said. “Perhaps once or twice … a year?”, “A month,” the woman amended. Set in a world much like our own ('50s music plays a big role), it's the tale of Linus Baker, a downtrodden, dutiful middle-aged bureaucrat who's spent his entire career toiling for DICOMY (Department In Charge of Magical Youth), which, in … He could feel their gazes on him, but he kept his focus on his words. It's in the Science Fiction/Fantasy section but I'd give it to any kid who doesn't mind reading about a couple of 40-something men.… Clutching his briefcase in front of him like a shield, he turned back around. Her velocity and that of the rays from a star added vectorially; the result was aberration. The older the children get, the more they … do things.”. “Or, rather, the other caseworkers.”. “That’s exactly it. He even sharpened my pencils for me before he gave them back. 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. Her level of control was astounding. Can someone get Tim Burton to direct this film, please? Readers will revel in Klune’s wit and ingenuity.”–Publishers Weekly, starred review THE ADDRESS BOOK: What Street Addresses Reveal About Identity, Race, […] But he’s also caring and ready to defend the things that he loves, especially when he finds his confidence again. September 8, 2020 by ... Linus, is a lifetime bureaucrat with a humdrum but stable life. Often when it’s time to begin a book review I try and draw from the facts—plot, place, biographical details. A NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, and WASHINGTON POST BESTSELLER! “Not for who they are, only for what they’re capable of.”, “They should be given a chance, as all children should. Against his better judgment, he tiptoed toward the sound. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in… They were in the master’s office, a tidy room with government-issued brown carpet and old furniture. There, sitting at a large wooden table, was a group of children. She nodded slowly. He looked at the door longingly. Make things float?”, The master of the orphanage, a squat woman with frizzy hair, stepped forward. He was about to leave through the front door when he paused at a bright burst of laughter coming from the kitchen. Return to the island where everything is happy, and you'll only be threatened a little bit by a gnome with a shovel and the Antichrist. Chicago Tribune Best Books of the Year - 2020 . “Of course,” Linus said. He watched in rapt wonder as an eleven-year-old girl named Daisy levitated blocks of wood high above her head. His second stand-alone YA novel, The House in the Cerulean Sea, is a New York Times Best Seller and has been named by the Washington Post as one of “2020’s Best Feel-Good Reads”. This is a love story as much as it is a fantasy, and its ability to blend the two genres in subtle but poignant ways is what makes this story perfection. A thoroughly enchanting novel that follows lovable Arthur, the caretaker of magical misfit orphans from around the world. The master fussed over Daisy, pulling her unruly black hair back, fixing it in place with plastic butterfly clips. Thalias, Thrawn, Samakro, Uingali, and the Springhawk guard detail rode in the Chiss shuttle while a group of other Paccosh officials paralleled them in their own…, Even in this summer’s humid breeze, I will not leave the house uncloaked. “And what’s wrong with DICOMY?”, “It’s just that…” She stood from her desk, arms still folded. Needing support is okay; not needing support is okay. You’re refreshing, in your own way. Perhaps you were so happy, you accidentally threw a chair at your friend Marcus?” It was the reason he’d been sent here in the first place. 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. Shel: 8 34: Apr 19, 2021 08:06AM B&N Readouts™ also available on the free NOOK Reading App. It’s a rather long trip home, and I don’t want to miss it. 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. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. “No, forgive me. by TJ KluneFirst sentence: "'Oh dear,' Linus Baker said, wiping sweat from his brow. Banen waited patiently while Theriani picked through a platter piled high with wedges of melon; the tiny Revallan could be difficult…, MEALS IN THE VAULTED DINING HALL WERE MY ONLY relief. One of the 2021 selections is The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune.. I haven’t hurt anyone since I was brought here.” Her mouth twisted down. Linus is the protagonist of this novel. For the first time in a long time, he wished he were outside in the rain. She sighed as she nodded, taking a step back from Daisy. “Have you? Linus marveled—as he sometimes did—how resilient they all were in the face of everything. “Well, I suppose there are all sorts of factors. “I can still hear you,” the master said through the door. Summary: A magical island. Our book club is virtual! “I won’t!” Daisy shouted back before slamming the door behind her. He stuck his head in the kitchen doorway. Kirkus praises Klune for his art of creating enduring characters. “And I know DICOMY will certainly be appreciative as well.” He busied himself with his briefcase, rearranging the contents until he was satisfied. Please select the topics you're interested in: Would you like to turn on POPSUGAR desktop notifications to get breaking news ASAP? Synopsis. Discussion questions for The House in the Cerulean Sea… There was an older girl who could sing so seductively, it brought ships crashing onto the shore. Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. He thought about reaching out and patting her on the shoulder, but it wasn’t proper. Daisy frowned in concentration, the tip of her tongue stuck out between her teeth. The master had showed them off proudly, telling Linus painting was her passion, and that if she hadn’t become the master of this specific orphanage, she’d be traveling with a circus as a lemur trainer or even have opened up a gallery to share her artwork with the world. He must set aside his fears to work with the children and determine if they are going to bring about the end of days, while uncovering the island's other secrets and making an impossible decision: let the world burn or destroy a home? Linus could hear the little pitter-patter of her footsteps as she raced down the hall toward the kitchen. I have to mention a TJ Klune book first because if you are … You’ve interviewed all the children. “A flower,” she said. The House in the Cerulean Sea is a brilliant tale of self-discovery, finding family, and learning/teaching acceptance. His is an example of a comfortable life, one that he is trapped in, because he is too scared of change. A burning secret. "1984 meets The Umbrella Academy with a pinch of Douglas Adams thrown in." “The bug. YA Fantasy. “And how often do you—er, you know? Linus isn’t our typical protagonist; he’s a little round and very self conscious. And while there was the … incident with the chair, Daisy obviously means no harm.”, He believed she was right. “Something I said?”, She shook her head. Book Club+ MPC: The House in the Cerulean Sea-Introductions: Donna: 1 2: Apr 19, 2021 11:38AM Book Club+ MPC: The House in the Cerulean Sea-Hate Is a Waste of Time: Donna: 1 4: Apr 19, 2021 11:08AM Beyond Reality: House in the Cerulean Sea (3/21): finished reading (spoilers)! I promise to stop and think before I throw any more chairs with nothing but the power of my mind.”, Linus sighed. The astonishing inhabitants he gets to know there will change his life and make him reassess everything he thought he knew. The House in the Cerulean Sea is a love letter to those who should be allowed to feel sm The House in the Cerulean Sea is now out in paperback! If you have any concerns in that regard, I suggest you bring it up with DICOMA. There the walls did not seem to press in on me so much, and the dust from the courtyard did not clog in my throat. “Only one,” the master called after her. Marcus made me so happy when he stole my colored pencils that I accidentally threw a chair at him.”, “I see,” Linus said. Sign up for our Celebrity & Entertainment newsletter. The House in the Cerulean Sea is a work of classic children's literature written for adults and children alike, with the perspective and delicacy of the modern day. In a crisis, more support may be needed – or you may discover a wellspring of unexpressed strength. "1984 meets The Umbrella Academy with a pinch of Douglas Adams thrown in." ☝️, Awesome, You’re All Set! While I have no doubt you have her best interests in mind, I find that children such as Daisy here tend to be more … forthright.”. He needed to jot down as many details as he could to complete his final report once he returned to the office. Daisy was staring forlornly at her blocks on the floor as if she wished they were levitating once more, her bushy eyebrows twitching. The Lightning-Struck Heart by TJ Klune. Your optimism is contagious.”, “I am positively a ray of sunshine,” Linus said flatly. “She will,” the master muttered, slumping down in her chair behind her desk. There was a selkie, a young boy with a fur pelt resting on his shoulders. The House in the Cerulean Sea is also a breath of fresh air in the fantasy genre. Yes, once or twice a month. He’s better at it than I am.”, “What a thoughtful thing to do,” Linus said. “Of all the—”. “Oh yes,” Daisy said. He opened the door and stepped out into the rain to begin the long journey home. He took a deep breath before exhaling slowly. The House in the Cerulean Sea By T.J. Klune (four stars as rated in Linus’s Sunflowers) What a delight this little book is. “Biscuits,” Daisy breathed before running toward the door. Linus left them be, satisfied with what he’d seen. You know how it is. "Support your local independent bookstore: buy it there!Content: There are several mild swear words and some illusions to abuse. Then, “About what?”, “What happens to a place like this after you file your final report. “I look forward to it.” He shut it behind him, the latch clicking in place. Sweat trickled down the back of his neck into the collar of his shirt. Young men searching for an identity, for a way in the world, for a…, THE MORNING WAS nearly gone when they shuffled slowly in, drawn to Qural’s table by an orchestra of pleasing aromas. And he said he wasn’t mad. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to catch the bus. —Gail Carriger, New York Times bestselling author of Soulless But sometimes, we can’t always control the … gifts we’re given. “I don’t think that’s quite what I—”. “Do you have control over it?” Linus asked. 1/10/2020 ... Linus going from rain to sunshine, from a lonely grey life in the City, to a colourful, full life by the sea is very symbolic. “This is most unusual.”That was an understatement. “Once or twice a month, and no more.” She smiled beatifically at him, and Linus wondered if she’d been coached on her answers before his arrival. He spends his days working as a case worker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth and his nights at home with his ornery cat listening to records. The blocks spun in slow, concentric circles. “Oh dear,” Linus Baker said, wiping the sweat from his brow. What becomes of the children.”, “Unless I’m called to return, I expect they continue to live as bright and happy children until they become bright and happy adults.”, “Who are still regulated by the government because of who they are.”, Linus felt backed into a corner. “She always does.”, She rubbed a hand over her face before eyeing him warily. The blocks spun in slow, concentric circles. Modern research suggests extreme emotional states can trigger instances such as yours. They always grow up eventually.”, “And they do so using the tools that one such as yourself provides for them should they find themselves aging out of the orphanage without having been adopted.” He took another backward step toward the door. He’s got his house and his job and his cat. POPSUGAR has affiliate and advertising partnerships so we get revenue from sharing this content and from your purchase. You won’t know what God your…, When Leonora Christine attained a substantial fraction of light speed, its optical effects became clear to the unaided sight. Twenty in all, mostly still in their teens, with two or three in their early twenties. “Or a bug with sharp teeth and stinger.”, “Ooh,” Marcus breathed. Thank you for your hospitality. He took a step back, mostly out of habit. Accuracy demanded attention. Daisy gnawed on her bottom lip, eyes wide. A bell rang from somewhere deep in the old house. And it’s not necessarily the fault of those with said gifts.”, That didn’t seem to make her feel better. The multiple-award-winning book The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune takes place on a magical island, where six dangerous children live. Before Daisy could open her mouth, the master said, “Of course she does. Marcus had been seen in hospital in order to have his tail looked after. I don’t know why I said a year. Each year, the Alex Award committee works to select ten titles published for adult readers that might have special appeal to young adults, ages 12-18. The House in the Cerulean Sea. “ The House in the Cerulean Sea is a heart-swelling wave of sweetness and hope. Linus Baker lives a quiet, solitary life. How does that sound?”, She nodded furiously. “They never stay as children, Mr. Baker. The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune Published by Tor Books Publication date: March 17, 2020 Genres: Book Clubs, Childhood, Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult Your Local Book Store, Amazon. He sighed when he realized he’d forgotten his umbrella once again. “I see,” Linus said, furiously scribbling on his pad of paper. In which I probably reading too much into The House in the Cerulean Sea, but, why not?! “ 1984 meets The Umbrella Academy with a pinch of Douglas Adams thrown in.” —Gail Carriger, New York Times bestselling author of Soulless Being queer himself, Klune believes it's important--now more than ever--to have accurate, positive queer representation in … “Not until Marcus. 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. She blanched as if she couldn’t believe what she’d said. 1 day ago. Each month we'll talk about a new book or author. Get your copy of the book here. He made his way to the door once more. YA Fantasy (Ebook) Archives. And Daisy and Marcus, of course. The House in the Cerulean Sea Character Analysis. After scribbling a final note, Linus capped his pen and set it and the pad of paper back in his briefcase. She’ll send you hundreds of questions.”. As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. It’d been bent at an odd angle, and the hospital had reported it directly to the Department in Charge of Magical Youth as they were required to do. He wasn’t prepared for this. The House in the Cerulean Sea is a gentle, character- and family-driven novel that takes place in a mostly normal world that is populated with a few fantastical people. It went on for a good minute before the blocks slowly lowered to the floor. That was an understatement. Laurel argues that the practice makes me even more conspicuous when all the ladies are in silks and light lace shawls and working their fans to keep…, We teach our students to accept themselves. THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA | TJ Klune 03.17.2020 | Tor Books Rating: 5/5 stars. 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. Linus believed the world was better off with the paintings staying in this room, but he kept the thought to himself. He was nothing but thorough, and his visit to this particular orphanage had been enlightening, to say the least. 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. “Now, if there’s nothing else, I can show myself—”. I’m focused solely on the well-being of children, nothing more.”, The master smiled sadly. Do let us know if you have any questions.”, “Submit it in writing,” Linus called, already through the door. Linus startled before hurrying down the hall. Even happiness. A NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BESTSELLER A 2021 Alex Award winner , These YA Books Need to Be Made Into Movies — Like, Yesterday, Henry Golding and Dakota Johnson in Netflix's Persuasion Is Pretty Much Perfect Casting, Nine Perfect Strangers Is a Wild Ride — Here's What to Know Before Hulu's Adaptation, Christina Lauren's Latest Novel, The Soulmate Equation, Is Their Most Tender Love Story Yet, 15 Books to Read After Devouring The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner, A Woman, Her Stalker, and a Dark Mutual Obsession Unravel in This Psychological Thriller, The Smart Brown Girl Book Club Is Not Your Average Book Club — and That's Exactly Why You Should Join. “Well, that’s it, then. As the narrative utilizes a limited third-person perspective, the reader’s understanding of the world of the novel is filtered through him. Daisy fr by Lauren Harano Samantha Slavin here with a Genre For All exclusive review of TJ Klune’s THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA — a charming, quirky, heartwarming, romantic fantasy about choosing your family, celebrating differences, and never settling when it comes to your happiness.. After 17 years as Department in Charge of Magical Youth’s (DICOMY) inspector of magical orphanages, … Get the daily inside scoop right in your inbox. Except for whatever lay dead…, AFTERMATH  Stee Jans stood front and center, looking them over. Slip of the tongue. She wrung her hands, eyes darting back and forth. “Absolutely not. Linus had balked when he’d read that in her report. The walls were lined with terrible paintings of lemurs in various poses. Anger. A Macmillan Audio production from Tor Books This month we discussed TJ Klune's "The House in the Cerulean Sea. What hope would they have to be adopted if they’re treated as something to be feared?”, He narrowed his eyes. “Oh, not often at all,” she said quickly. The refugees had been housed in a city about four hours’ flight from Boropacc. We’d never allow her to—”, Linus held up his hand. She agreed immediately. It is a cross between Mrs. Peregrins Home for Peculiar Children, 1984, and a bit of Umbrella Academy. Hello genre lovers! They showed smiling children below such legends as WE’RE HAPPIEST WHEN WE LISTEN TO THOSE IN CHARGE and A QUIET CHILD IS A HEALTHY CHILD and WHO NEEDS MAGIC WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR IMAGINATION? “Oh yes. 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." “I think so? The report triggered an investigation, which was why Linus had been assigned to this particular orphanage. “I didn’t mean to suggest that you—”, “I’m glad you see it my way,” Linus said. You’ve seen that Marcus is doing well. You will be provided with a copy once I’ve filed it, as you know. THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA by TJ Klune “By turns zany and heartfelt, this tale of found family is hopeful to its core. —Gail Carriger, New York Times bestselling author of Soulless Great, Click the ‘Allow’ Button Above Full of whimsy, romance, and a touch of intrigue, The House in the Cerulean Sea will make you smile from the first word to the very last. “Quite.”, “I don’t suppose you’ll tell me what you’re going to write in your report—”, Linus bristled. Parents need to know that The House in the Cerulean Sea is a fantasy novel by TJ Klune, aimed at an adult audience but finding many appreciative teen readers. The House in the Cerulean Sea is brilliant and gentle, the narrative slipping on like a well-worn sweater while performing a certain magic that makes it all feel fresh. I drove to the lab with too much gratitude, embarrassingly relieved to be out of the little house I’d never wanted. “Then whose fault is it?”. He closed it and snapped the locks in place. Linus Baker, a 40-year-old case worker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, is summoned to the Marsyas Island Orphanage, home of a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune. That’s to be expected, of course, but—”, “They don’t see the children,” she said. She didn’t come any closer, instead leaning back against her desk. Linus watched as he asked her if she would draw him another picture on his cast with one of her colored pencils. "1984 meets The Umbrella Academy with a pinch of Douglas Adams thrown in." You have to do the bug.”. ―Gail Carriger, New York Times bestselling author of Soulless He’d been so close to making his escape. A dangerous task. 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. There was a boy with blue feathers growing from his arms. Customize based on your interests and enjoy good reading on the go. Amazon.com Best Books of the Year - 2020 . "1984 meets The Umbrella Academy with a pinch of Douglas Adams thrown in." 3 hours ago, by Kelsie Gibson It is a captivating read and has been making the rounds amongst readers this past year with solidly five-star reviews, and it is wholly deserved of its praise; this is a gorgeous book. “I don’t work for the Department in Charge of Magical Adults. “This is most unusual.”. Perhaps in the future, we will stop and think before we let our emotions get the better of us. Sadness. “I wouldn’t do what I do if I didn’t.”, “That’s not always how it is with others like you.” She cleared her throat. “I would appreciate, madam, if I could hear from Daisy herself. It was awfully warm in the office. Linus blinked. The master rose from her chair and walked around the desk. Sitting side by side, Daisy exclaiming over his tail cast through a mouthful of biscuit. “Oh dear,” Linus Baker said, wiping the sweat from his brow. The lab, by contrast, was something I’d wanted…. I don’t like hurting people.”, He could almost believe that. “You don’t want to spoil your supper!”. He wasn’t there to engage in amateur art criticism. 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. “Did you apologize?”, She looked down at her blocks again, shuffling her feet. 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"-- … “And I know you didn’t mean him any harm, not really. Marcus grinned at her, his face a field of rusty freckles, tail resting on the table. Mild-mannered government caseworker Linus Baker is sent on a secret assignment to an island orphanage he’s never even heard of. The House In The Cerulean Sea is a lovely book incorporating unique world-building and characters. “Don’t you wonder?”, “Never,” Linus said promptly. The House in the Cerulean Sea The multiple-award-winning book The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune takes place on a magical island, where six dangerous children live. —Gail Carriger, New York Times bestselling author of Soulless Publisher’s Weekly calls it a “thought-provoking Orwellian fantasy” in its starred review. And again, once the report is filed, you will be sent a copy for your own records. “Silly me. It wouldn’t be the first time it’d happened, and he doubted it’d be the last. There was a girl who cackled like a witch; it was fitting seeing as how that’s what her file said she was. The contents will be made clear to you then, and not a moment before.”, “Of course,” the master said hastily. Marcus had seemed more interested in having Linus sign his tail cast rather than getting Daisy into any trouble. He passed by posters nailed to the walls, the same messages that hung in all the DICOMY-sanctioned orphanages he’d been to. 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. He stood from his chair and crouched down before Daisy, knees groaning in protest. “No one said you did. “Yes. Linus had balked, telling him it wasn’t his place.