How do you review utter perfection? The In The Cerulean Sea by T. J. Klune was a frickin’ masterpiece! As I mentioned in my Mid-Year Freak Out post, my good friend Mollie recommended this book to me and she was SPOT ON. I absolutely loved this book from the very beginning! The plot was engrossing and I even found myself thinking about it when I wasn’t reading. I ended up reading the last ~200 pages on Sunday because I just had to know how this was all going to end.
The plot revolves around a casework, named Linus, who worked for the Department In Charge Of Magical Youth (DICOMY). Linus gets assigned out to different orphanages around the country that provide housing for these magical children. Linus prides himself on his objectivity and how he doesn’t become emotionally attached to anyone he meets. He is there to do a job and, eventually, make a recommendation if the orphanage should remain open. Soon Linus is called to meet with Extremely Upper Management and receives a highly classified assignment: Visit the Marsyas Island orphanage and report back on whether it should remain in operation. Linus immediately packs his bags and heads off for the greatest adventure of his life!
There was honestly just so much that I loved about this book. It was such an interesting journey watching Linus evolve as a character. He truly grows and develops throughout the story and there are main key moments that really stand out to you as the reader. Additionally, the cast of character were so endearing and diverse. Each of the children we met at the orphanage had a unique voice and personality. It was also very sweet how this group of assorted magic youths all interacted and became each other’s families. The world is such an ugly place right now that reading something so heartwarming really was a refreshing change of pace!
I also feel it necessary to call out how skillfully Klune managed to tackle prejudice and discrimination in this book. “The House In The Cerulean Sea” came out in March and it’s very ironic how relevant these themes are given the current climate we’re living in. As I was reading, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between minority groups and the magical children in this book. Klune does an incredible job highlighting the message that just because someone is different, doesn’t meant they are wrong. This was such a positive message and something that many people needs to hear (unfortunately, those people probably don’t read much).
If you’re looking for a book that will whisk you away while dropkicking you in the feel, pick up “The House In The Cerulean Sea” by T. J. Klune. From start to finish, this was an absolutely amazing book! You won’t regret it!
Until Next Time,
Mr. Geek
Treat Yo Shelf By Mr Geek 