By TJ Klune
Publication Date: 10th September 2024
Genre: Cosy Fantasy, lgbtqia+, Found Family
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Oh, the dreaded book slump. For far too long, I’ve been caught in its murky depths, picking up books with the best intentions only to find them simply not hitting me at the right time. My last few reads ended up as big, fat “DID NOT FINISH” entries, leaving me craving something that could truly pull me back into the magic of reading.
Desperate for a remedy, I turned to the wonderful Threads community, posing a plea: “I absolutely adored ‘The House on the Cerulean Sea.’ I need a book with those vibes.” The response was immediate and surprising. It was then that I was told there was a “sequel” – or at least, another book by T.J. Klune that shares a similar heartwarming, magical realism feel. A sequel! How had I missed this? I immediately jumped onto my library app and, without a second thought, reserved “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” instantly.
I first read “The House on the Cerulean Sea” back in July 2021, and it left an indelible mark on my heart. It was a beacon of hope, kindness, and delightful whimsy, exactly the kind of story that wraps you in a warm hug. It wasn’t just a book; it was an experience.
Diving into “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” felt like coming home. Klune has this incredible ability to weave narratives that are both profoundly touching and wonderfully quirky. While not a direct continuation of Linus Baker’s story, this book carries the same gentle, empathetic spirit that made “The House on the Cerulean Sea” so beloved. It’s filled with unique characters, a touch of the fantastical, and a deep underlying message about acceptance, family, and finding your place in the world.
For anyone who found solace and joy in the pages of “The House on the Cerulean Sea,” “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” offers a familiar embrace. It’s the perfect antidote to a reading slump, a reminder that there are stories out there that resonate deeply and leave you feeling lighter and more hopeful. T.J. Klune once again delivers a narrative that is both imaginative and incredibly human, proving that sometimes, all you need is a little bit of magic to find your way back to loving books.