The House in the Cerulean Sea

T.J Klune created something beautiful. A home. Not only for his characters. But for the readers, too. This was such a comforting book! I enjoyed reading this very, very much. This book has it all: fantasy, found family, a cozy setting and lgbtq+ representation. Each of the characters in this book are so individual, with their own quirks and character traits that readers will learn to love easily. This was quite literally just like V.E Schwab said: ‘...like being wrapped up in a big gay blanket’. A wholesome, very sweet book that holds quite a few important messages. I’m gonna cherish this book like a button, and I do wish I was there. If you’re looking for something comforting to read, you’re definitely right here

Linus Baker is a simple caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, that is until he is called upon for a special assignment. Extremely Upper Management sends him on a classified assignment to Marsyas Island to termine wether or not Mr. Arthur Pernassus, the current master of the Marsyas Orphanage, is still fit to look after the magical children currently in his care. Nothing out of the ordinary, but he still would have liked to know beforehand that one of said children was the Antichrist. And then he goes and makes the mistake of starting to care for them. The House in the Cerulean Sea is truly a hug for the soul, it's witty and funny and kept me hooked. I honestly wish I could visit Marsyas Island and meet Phee, Arthur, Lucy and all the others, go on a Saturday adventure with them or just spend an afternoon in Talia's garden. There's so much heart and love in this story, a found family of outcasts that worm their way into the heart of Linus Baker (and me) ratehr quickly. A queer, cosy fantasy where the mismatched, loving found family stands more in the focus than the romance of the main characters. I couldn't have asked for more with this book.

Such a sweet and heartwarming read! If you’re looking for some found family and a beautifully written queer romance with a pinch of fantasy, this might be the book for you. I had such a soft spot for basically any character in this book because they just kept melting my heart. The way the characters and their relationships developed was so well done! It did cause me a few tears along the way simply because it was so tender and moving. All in all, this is a beautiful, fun and cozy book!

This was probably one of the best books I've ever read. It was so nice to see Linus' charcter development. I loved to see him go from a stiff office worker to a loving father figure who would do anything to protect the kids and Arthur. The children made me laugh a lot. Their different reactions to Linus' arrival and the way they all opened up to him at their own pace was endearing. Arthur Parnassus was a very interesting character as well. Just like Linus, I couldn't figure him out at first, but I think the plot twist made him even more interesting. I can't wait to read more about them in the second book!

The characters of this book are some of the most heartwarming I've ever witnessed. They will steal your heart with all their individual quirks, will show you what life and love is really about and will make you happy cry a lot more than is probably healthy. The book has a very character-based storyline, but it will be perfect for readers who enjoy exactly that. Especially for readers who enjoy that, the found family trope and a cute romance plot that feels cozy and wholesome. /// Die Charaktere in diesem Buch schaffen es einem direkt das Herz zu erwärmen. Sie klauen es einem geradewegs mit all ihren kleinen Marotten und zeigen worauf es im Leben und in der Liebe wirklich ankommt. Und sie haben mich ganz bestimmt viel öfter als gesund ist zum Weinen vor Freude gebracht. An alledem merkt man, dass dieses Buch zwar sehr charakterbasiert ist, doch für diejenigen, die genau das mögen und außerdem den Found-Family-Trope und eine süße Romanze zum Wohlfühlen möchten, wird es perfekt sein.