The growth. THE GROWTH. Seeing how much these characters—especially the children—have evolved since The House in the Cerulean Sea had me feeling all kinds of emotions. While I didn’t cry as much as I did in the first book, I still cried (because let’s be honest, it’s a TJ Klune book—tears are inevitable).

Somewhere Beyond the Sea delivers another heartwarming, emotional journey with its highs and lows, all wrapped in that same cozy atmosphere I loved from the first book. The pacing was strong, the details rich, and the themes were beautifully woven throughout. One of my favorites was the idea that even the smallest ripple can start a big movement. It’s such a simple yet powerful message.

And the ending was so sweet you might actually vomit. It was the kind of heartwarming, wholesome conclusion that makes you want to hug the book (or throw it across the room because of the overwhelming emotions).

While this was a fantastic follow-up, I have to admit that I liked The House in the Cerulean Sea just a little more. Maybe it’s because I sobbed harder during that one, or maybe it’s because it was my introduction to this world. Either way, Somewhere Beyond the Sea is still a must-read for anyone who loved the first book. This is a book for those who never felt like they belonged and it's a message to say that you do.