Book Review - Somewhere Beyond the Sea by T.J. Klune

Title: Somewhere Beyond the Sea (Cerulean Chronicles # 2)
Author: T.J. Klune
Genre: Fantasy
Published: 2024
 
Description: A magical house, a Secret past, A summons that could change everything.
 
Arthur Parnassus lived a good life built on the ashes of a bad one. He’s the master of a strange orphanage on a distant and peculiar island, and hopes to soon be the adoptive father of the six dangerous and magical children who live there.
 
Arthur works hard and loves with his whole heart so none of the children ever feel the neglect and pain that he once felt as an orphan on that very island so long ago. He is not alon: joining him is the love of his life: Linus Baker, a former caseworker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. And there’s the island’s sprite, Zoe Chapelwhite, and her girlfriend, Mayor Helen Webb. Together, they will do anything to protect the children.
But when Arthur is summoned to make a public statement about his dark past, he finds himself at the helm of a fight for the future that his family, and all magical people, deserve.
And when a new magical child hopes to join them on their island home – one who finds power in calling himself monster, a name that Arthur works so hard to protect his children from – Arthur knows they’re at a breaking point: their family will either grow stronger than ever or fall apart.
 
Welcome back to Marsyas Island. This is Arthur’s story.
 
Review: With “Somewhere Beyond the Sea”, T.J. Klune once again manages to create an enchanting story that hits you right in the heart. This sequel to “The House in the Cerulean Sea” is full of humor, poignancy and a touch of magic, this novel takes you on a journey that is as surreal as it is compelling.
 
For this book we switch the focus from Linus Baker to Arthur Parnassus, the master of the orphanage, where magical children reside. I’ve read the first book in 2022 and as soon as I read about all these characters again I was reminded of how much I loved it. At the time of reading “The House in the Cerulean Sea”, I didn’t know this was going to have a sequel. And I didn’t really think it was necessary. But now I feel like it was meant to be. Because “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” is just as amazing as its predecessor.
 
Author T.J. Klune is know for his ability to write true-to-life characters, even though they are magical beings, and this book is no different. The main characters are both relatable and charming, and their struggles and growth feel genuine. Most of the story takes place against the backdrop of an idyllic coastal town, and Klune’s description of the setting make you almost imagine the salty sea air.
 
What sets this book apart is the way it interweaves major themes such as loss, love, and self-discovery with an atmosphere of magical realism. The story offers a unique perspective on what it means to face your past and find happiness again.
 
“Somewhere Beyond the Sea” is an amazing sequel, a warm embrace that is a heartwarming, compelling and beautifully written story, filled with the most fantastic characters you will ever come across. Like “The House in the Cerulean Sea”, this is book is a new favorite. So, if you loved the first book, please pick this up too.
 
Rating: 5/ 5