Between the Pages

by TJ Klune

• Fantasy
• Cosy
• Whimsical
• Uplifting
• Romance
• LGBTQ+

The House in the Cerulean Sea follows Linus Baker, a dedicated employee of the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He is perfectly content with his quiet, structured life and prides himself on keeping a firm boundary between his work and his emotions. 

Everything changes when he is given a highly classified assignment: to travel to a remote island and determine whether the orphanage there should remain open. What he doesn’t expect is to meet the extraordinary children who call the island home, including the Antichrist himself. Before long, Linus finds his entire worldview turned upside down. 

I went into this novel knowing absolutely nothing about it, and at first I was a little confused by the world and its magical rules. However, it didn’t take long for me to become completely immersed. T.J. Klune has created such a wonderfully imaginative setting that feels like an alternate version of our own, full of charm, warmth and magic. 

Beneath its cosy fantasy exterior, the novel explores some incredibly powerful themes. It highlights the importance of found family, choosing acceptance over prejudice, and questioning corrupt systems rather than blindly following them. These messages are woven naturally into the story, making them both impactful and thought-provoking without ever feeling heavy-handed. 

The cast of characters is one of the book’s greatest strengths. From humans to magical beings, every character has their own unique personality, quirks and emotional depth. The children, in particular, completely stole the show and made the story impossible not to fall in love with. 

The writing is simple and accessible, making it an easy book to sink into. While the plot is engaging, the real heart of the novel lies in its character development and the relationships that grow throughout the story. 

Although this is an LGBTQ+ story, the romance isn’t the central focus. Instead, it develops naturally alongside the wider themes of belonging, love and acceptance, making it a beautiful addition to the novel’s cosy atmosphere. 

Overall, I would highly recommend The House in the Cerulean Sea to anyone looking for a heartwarming cosy fantasy. It’s an easy, enjoyable read that also encourages you to reflect on prejudice, acceptance and the systems that shape our lives.