Fans of Harry Potter will undoubtedly be drawn to T.J. Klune’s fantastical tale, The House in the Cerulean Sea, a novel overflowing with magic, charm, and warmth. It addresses contemporary issues in a way that resonates with teens and adults. Klune skillfully weaves together humor and tenderness, crafting a whimsical yet profound narrative.

The story follows Linus Baker, a modest caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. Linus is sent on a peculiar assignment to investigate the Marsyas Island Orphanage, a secluded home for magical children. Upon arrival, Linus is met with a delightful and curious cast of characters. There’s Chauncey, a gnome with a mischievous streak; Sal, a sprite with a heart of gold; Theodore, a wyvern with a love for books; Phee, a mysterious green blob with a talent for gardening; and Lucy, a were-pomeranian with a penchant for trouble. And presiding over this unusual group is the orphanage’s charismatic, albeit quirky, caretaker, Arthur Parnassus. Initially unsure of the purpose of his investigation, Linus finds himself drawn into a world that is anything but ordinary.

It’s easy to make basic connections between The House in the Cerulean Sea and Harry Potter. Orphans? Check. Magical creatures? Check. Meddlesome kids? Check. Eccentric leader? Check. However, the similarities are far more profound than these surface-level comparisons. Like Rowling’s series, Klune’s novel is an unlikely adventure about acceptance, standing up for what you believe in, and finding your chosen family along the way. It’s a story that challenges societal norms, urging readers to look beyond labels and embrace the differences that make us extraordinary. This powerful message will leave readers feeling empowered and open-minded.

One of the novel’s most striking qualities is its ability to tackle heavy, real-world issues in a way that feels accessible and uplifting. The Marsyas Island Orphanage serves as a symbolic space for marginalized individuals, highlighting the discrimination they face and the resilience they must foster to thrive. Linus’s journey from a rule-following bureaucrat to a compassionate advocate mirrors the book’s more prominent theme: the power of love and kindness to overcome fear and prejudice. Klune’s characters, from the mischievous Lucy to the steadfast Arthur, are richly drawn and brimming with personality, making them unforgettable.

I initially read The House in the Cerulean Sea because it was an Alex Award Winner. The Alex Awards are given to books that uniquely appeal to young adults, and this novel certainly lives up to that. Admittedly, I was also charmed by its cover. And I am incredibly grateful I judged this book by its cover because it exceeded all my expectations. From start to finish, I spent most of my time with this book wearing a smile. Finding a story that reveals so much good in the world is rare, but this one does just that. I highly recommend it to anyone searching for a heartwarming and imaginative story that will leave them hopeful and inspired. For those seeking a fantastical tale with a meaningful message, look no further than Klune’s brilliant novel.

Genre, Subjects, and Themes: Fiction; Fantasy; Friendship; Romance; Magic; LGBT; Young-Adult

Quote: “A home isn’t always the house we live in. It’s also the people we choose to surround ourselves with.”