Publishers Weekly
07/08/2024
Klune’s sweet, satisfying sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea finds Arthur Parnassus, a man with the power to shape-shift into a phoenix, hopeful that his testimony about his abusive treatment under government care as a child will soften hearts and ease restrictions on all magical beings. But during the hearing before Parliament’s Council of Utmost Importance, he succumbs to goading from arch conservative Jeanine Rowder, who threatens to dispatch an inspector from the Department in Charge of Magical Youths to the remote island where Arthur lives with his fiancé, Linus Baker, and the six magical foster children they’re hoping to adopt. Arthur and Linus return to their home with David, a melodramatic 10-year-old yeti, to prepare their six young wards—gnome Talia, forest sprite Phee, wyvern Theodore, semiaquatic oddity Chaucey, shape-shifter Sal, and son of the devil Lucy—for the investigation. The stern inspector, who claims she does not feel fear, notes every deviation from regulations while the children waffle between trying to appease her and lashing out at her intolerant views. When Arthur uncovers the real motivations behind her visit, the action careens to a tense showdown. Though slightly more preachy and less sophisticated than book one, this follow-up still bursts with charm, wit, and endearing scenes of magical found family, complete with timely messages on acceptance and fighting oppression. Fans will be gratified by this heartfelt return. (Sept.)
From the Publisher
"[A] heart-wrenching tale of being perceived as different, finding acceptance, and having a place in the world." —Library Journal, starred review
"Klune’s sweet, satisfying sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea...bursts with charm, wit, and endearing scenes of magical found family, complete with timely messages on acceptance and fighting oppression. Fans will be gratified by this heartfelt return." —Publishers Weekly
"[A] powerful story of self-determination and the importance of love." —Booklist
For The House in the Cerulean Sea
A New York Times, USA Today, and Washington Post Bestseller! An Indie Next Pick! An Alex Award-Winner!
"I loved it. It is like being wrapped up in a big gay blanket. Simply perfect." —V.E. Schwab, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
"It will renew your faith in humanity.” —Terry Brooks, New York Times bestselling author of the Shannara series
“It’s a witty, wholesome fantasy that’s likely to cause heart-swelling.” —The Washington Post
“The House in The Cerulean Sea is a modern fairy tale about learning your true nature and what you love and will protect. It's a beautiful book.” —Charlaine Harris, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“1984 meets The Umbrella Academy with a pinch of Douglas Adams thrown in. Touching, tender, and truly delightful, The House in the Cerulean Sea is an utterly absorbing story of tolerance, found family, and defeating bureaucracy.”—Gail Carriger, New York Times bestselling author of Soulless
“Sweet, comforting, and kind, this book is very close to perfect. 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. I cannot recommend it highly enough.” —Seanan McGuire, New York Times bestselling author of Every Heart a Doorway
“Is it possible to fall in love with someone’s imagination? If so, consider me fully smitten. TJ Klune creates worlds where fear and threat can be conquered by kindness, and a tender, queer heart is more valuable than any weapon or power.” —David Levithan
“Quirk and charm give way to a serious exploration of the dangers of complacency in this delightful, thought-provoking Orwellian fantasy from Klune.... This tale of found family is hopeful to its core. Readers will revel in Klune’s wit and ingenuity.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Lambda Literary Award-winning author Klune (The Art of Breathing, 2019, etc.) has a knack for creating endearing characters, and readers will grow to love Arthur and the orphans alongside Linus... fans of quirky fantasy will eat it up. A breezy and fun contemporary fantasy." —Kirkus
“This is a sweet narrative about the value of asking questions and the benefits of giving people (especially children) a chance to be safe, protected, and themselves, regardless of what assumptions one might glean from, say, reading their case file.” —Booklist
“This inclusive fantasy is quite possibly the greatest feel-good story ever to involve the Antichrist.... The House in the Cerulean Sea will delight fans of Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series and any reader looking for a burst of humor and hope.” —Shelf Awareness
“A beautiful little gem of both irony and, yes, kindness.” —Fantasy & Science Fiction
“TJ Klune is a master storyteller.” —The Mary Sue
"A delightful tale about chosen families, and how to celebrate differences." —Library Journal
"This contemporary fantasy can satisfy any sweet tooth with its found family story and its gentle queer romance." —Book Riot
“If ever there was an author to watch out for, [Klune] is definitely that author.” —Culturess Daily
Library Journal
★ 08/01/2024
Arthur Parnassus knows how one can feel as an orphan—different, feared, and abused. Now as an adult, he ensures that the children under his care on Marsyas Island instead know love, happiness, and opportunity. With the love of his life, Linus Baker, by his side and close friends nearby, Arthur protects the children while giving them space to be themselves. Called before the Department in Charge of Magical Youth to talk about his past, Arthur finds himself pitted against those who believe magic is dangerous and don't want Arthur, his children, or those like them to be near "normal people." Will everything Arthur and Linus have created be destroyed? The emotional arcs are epic, taking readers from sadness to laughter, and the children sit front and center in the action. VERDICT The follow-up to The House in the Cerulean Sea is another heart-wrenching tale of being perceived as different, finding acceptance, and having a place in the world. Fans of Seanan McGuire's "Wayward Children" series or the writings of Alix E. Harrow will especially want to pick up this duology for its emotional themes and Klune's bittersweet prose.—Kristi Chadwick
