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The House in the Cerulean Sea

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The House in the Cerulean Sea

By: TJ Klune
Narrated by: Daniel Henning
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About this listen

A cosy, enchanting story about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place – and realizing that family could be yours. The House in the Cerulean Sea is an uplifting, heart-warming fantasy from TJ Klune.

Linus Baker leads a quiet life. At forty, he has a tiny house with a devious cat and his beloved records for company. And at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, he’s spent many dull years monitoring their orphanages.

Then one day, Linus is summoned by Extremely Upper Management and given a highly classified assignment. He must travel to an orphanage where six dangerous children reside – including the Antichrist.

At the orphanage, Linus must somehow determine if these children could bring about the end of days. But their guardian, the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, will do anything to protect his wards. And, as Arthur and Linus grow ever closer, Linus must choose: his duty, or his dreams . . .

A New York Times, USA Today and Washington Post bestseller.

Continue the adventure with the second entry in the Cerulean Chronicles, Somewhere Beyond the Sea.

©2021 TJ Klune (P)2021 Macmillan Audio Action & Adventure Fantasy Romance Heartfelt Feel-Good Funny Witty Fiction Magic

Critic Reviews

‘I loved it. It is like being wrapped up in a big gay blanket. Simply perfect’ – V. E. Schwab, author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

‘Likely to cause heart-swelling’ – Washington Post

‘A modern fairy tale . . . It’s a beautiful book’ – Charlaine Harris, bestselling author of Dead Until Dark

‘Touching, tender and truly delightful’ – Gail Carriger, author of Soulless
All stars
Most relevant

Another book that defies definition. Part fantasy, part queer romance, part satire of government bureaucracy, part commentary on institutional racism and former homes for ethnic children.

A government case worker is ostensibly sent to evaluate an ‘orphanage’ for magical youth, to assess whether it’s fit for purpose and whether the children are safe. In reality, he discovers the authorities are more interested in whether the caretaker is a threat to civilisation. The children include a gnome girl (complete with beard), a sprite, a wyvern, an anthropomorphic jellyfish with ambitions to become a bellhop, and the child of the devil.

Klune does cosy fantasy and romance beautifully. This book is sweet, funny, and thought provoking. The narrator’s performance is absolutely top class.

Five new shovels out of five.

Five stars!

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A beautiful story about finding real life and accepting the beautiful gifts in all people.

Heart-warming, poignant and funny

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Loved the way the book and story unfolds- surprising and delightful- unique, clever and fun

Great story!

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Loved the characters so much I miss them and loved the character growth and representation of government

Loved it

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This is a superbly narrated story of love, family and finding your place. So heartwarming.

Beautiful

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Initially I found it a touch slow, however as soon as the children entered the story with all the different voices you just fall in love with them.
Great narrator. I don’t know how he kept all the voices straight!
The humor and messages in the story are delightful.

Adorable

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This is the best book I’ve read in a long time Romantic , funny , heartwarming As a mother of queer kids , I would live to take them to see this movie , and I wouldn’t want a single thing changed or left out !

Movie please

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I absolutely loved this story! 5 star read and 5 stars to Daniel... SUPERB narration. Will definitely listen to this again. Thank TJ KLUNE!!!!!!

The narrator and the kids, the story!

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I didn’t like some of the voices created for the characters. This is a story of love and kindness overcoming prejudice and small mindedness

The story was beautiful

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A heartwarming entertaining story that is read with great passion and charm bringing all the characters to life.

Endearing

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