5 ⭐ CW: prejudice against children, child abuse/neglect, foster/orphanage systems, dead parents

"It's the little things. Little treasures we find without knowing their origin. And they come when we least expect them."

The House in the Cerulean Sea is my first T.J. Klune read and even with the hype, it did not disappoint! I 100% agree with V.E. Schwab's assertion that "It's like being wrapped up in a big gay blanket. Simply perfect."

We follow Linus Baker, a case worker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. In this world magical people/Creatures are forced to register and children without families go into orphanages. Linus gets a top secret assignment on an island with unique inhabitants that happen to be the only ones of their kind.

This was the most heartwarming book I've ever read. This is definitely going to be a comfort read. We get a queer normative story with found family tropes. All the characters were so lovable and sweet, and Linus' growth gives me hope. I also loved that this was an examination and critique of how harmful bureaucracy within foster care and child welfare systems can be.

The way it read reminded me a bit of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, with the reluctant MC who is just trying to be proper.

Although I have seen the controversy about this book, I went in knowing that context. I can see why some people might find it offensive, but personally I found Klune's criticism of those system made up for it. This was a book about doing better and being better. And that change can start with one person, even if it is slow.

I didn't want this book to end. Talia and Chauncey were definitely my favorites. What is more wholesome than a little gloopy guy dreaming of being a bellhop one day? Even the Anti-Christ (we don't say that on the island of course) was adorable. Looking forward to reading more from this author.