T. J. KluneFantasy · LGBTQ+ Romance·b. 1982
Somewhere Beyond the Sea
Synopsis
In the sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea, Arthur Parnassus is now a father in every way that matters, raising six magical children on Marsyas Island alongside the love of his life, Linus Baker. But the safety they have built is fragile. When Arthur is called to speak publicly about his own painful history in a government facility, he steps into a larger fight over how magical people are seen, feared, and controlled.
Into this comes a new child, one who has learned to arm himself with the very word Arthur spent years shielding his family from: monster. Welcoming him tests everything the household has become and forces Arthur to face his past so the children can have a future.
Told this time largely from Arthur's point of view, TJ Klune's follow-up keeps the warmth and humor of the first book while turning more directly toward advocacy, chosen family, and the cost of standing up.
How it reads
Prose complexity 4/10
Content warnings (1)
Abuse
- This book was so close to being a 5 star read. I love Cerulean Sea, I even reread it right before starting this book to fully immerse myself in the experience. That being said, I almost would have been okay with it being a solo book. Somewhere Beyond the Sea is told from Arthur's POV and takes place not too long after the end of the first book. We learn more about Arthur's backstory, how he came to become the Master of the orphanage and ultimately how they plan to deal with DICOMY while hiding an unregistered child. First and foremost, the children will always be the star of these books. Lucy is and will always be my favorite character and you really get to see him shine in this due to his bond with Arthur. David was a refreshing addition to the group and really added another perspective of the label of "being a monster." My big gripe with the book was there was a lot of telling vs showing. There were quite a bit of monologues where I felt like it was pressed on the reader the importance of overturning DICOMY, which I feel as a reader, we already understood. Or at least could get to that conclusion with less words. Even the big resolution felt like a bit of a hail mary instead of something of an organic ending. Overall, this is still a really good book and an addition to the story.
- <div><em>Somewhere Beyond the Sea</em> by TJ Klune is another heartwarming gem, every bit as endearing as <em>The House in the Cerulean Sea.</em> Klune has a knack for weaving cozy tales that feel like a warm hug, and this book is no exception. The kids in this story are unforgettable—full of quirks, depth, and love—and they’ve completely nestled their way into my heart. And Chauncey? Well, he’s still my favorite, even more so now that we’ve learned about his… nocturnal tendencies. </div><div> </div><div>The allegory here—highlighting the struggles and resilience of marginalized communities—is anything but subtle, and it’s not meant to be. Klune’s storytelling is a powerful reminder of the beauty in embracing those who are different and in creating safe spaces for everyone to thrive. This book is both a comfort and a call to kindness, a cozy read that leaves your heart fuller than it was when you started. </div><div><br></div>

