The House in the Cerulean Sea

Quick Synopsis

As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, Linus Baker spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages. When Linus is unexpectedly given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside, he must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they’re likely to bring about the end of days.

Publisher’s Synopsis

A magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret.

Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages.

When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management he’s given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they’re likely to bring about the end of days.

But the children aren’t the only secret the island keeps. Their caretaker is the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe. As Arthur and Linus grow closer, long-held secrets are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn.

An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place―and realizing that family is yours.

Book Review

While the synopsis for this book seems a bit bleak and heavy, The House in the Cerulean Sea is anything but. It is a story about acceptance, overcoming fear, and standing up to oppression and the powers that be.

The novel is lively and exquisitely written. The narrative was engaging and propulsive. It brings with quirkiness and playful detail. And the best part: the ending was perfect!

The characters in The House in the Cerulean Sea are fun and unique. (I recommend going into this book knowing no more than the short synopsis.) You will want to cheer for them and adopt at least one of them. I also really enjoyed how this book approaches those who are “different” as well as same-sex relationships. It is super refreshing.

Overall, I really enjoyed The House in the Cerulean Sea and its characters. I easily recommend this book. I just did not think it quite fully lived up to the hype.

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