From the Bookshelf of On The Same Page…

The House in the Cerulean Sea (Cerulean Chronicles, #1)

T.J. Klune

Start date: January 1, 2024

Finish date: January 31, 2024

Discussion: Fantasy BOTMs 2024

Find A Copy At

Group Discussions About This Book

Showing 2 of 24 topics — 116 comments total

Fantasy BOTMs 2024

* "Heir of Fire" First Impressions *No Spoilers* (September)
By Nicole · 1 post · 11 views

last updated Sep 07, 2024 04:40PM

* "Heir of Fire" Full Discussion *Spoilers* (September)
By Nicole · 2 posts · 5 views

last updated Sep 06, 2024 12:49PM

What Members Thought

Sep 06, 2025 Londyn Strandquist rated it it was amazing

Initial thoughts: I have had this book on my shelf for over a year and I can’t believe I procrastinated it so long.

I LOVED this one. The found family 😩 the kids who don’t “belong” anywhere else belonging here with their new family 😩 brb sobbing.

This one was just such a feel good book. Gave me similar vibes to the greatest showman but instead with magical children in an orphanage 🥰 One of the most heartwarming books ever. Immediately starting the next one!

Proper review:

This was my first time re Initial thoughts: I have had this book on my shelf for over a year and I can’t believe I procrastinated it so long.

I LOVED this one. The found family 😩 the kids who don’t “belong” anywhere else belonging here with their new family 😩 brb sobbing.

This one was just such a feel good book. Gave me similar vibes to the greatest showman but instead with magical children in an orphanage 🥰 One of the most heartwarming books ever. Immediately starting the next one!

Proper review:

This was my first time reading TJ Klune’s writing, and I was absolutely captivated. I listened to the audiobook, which is immaculately narrated by Daniel Henning. He truly brings the characters to life and made me feel like I was right there with them. The story itself is both LGBTQ-positive and steeped in contemporary romance, with plenty of funny moments that had me laughing out loud.

At its heart, The House in the Cerulean Sea is a story of acceptance and seeing people for who they truly are. Klune’s cast of characters is achingly compelling. Arthur radiates kindness despite the sadness in his eyes, and the magical children are as colorful and unpredictable as Linus is restrained and orderly. Together, they form something like family, proof that blood does not define kinship but rather the bonds we choose and nurture. Watching the kids grow attached to Linus, and seeing him risk everything for them, was one of the most heartwarming parts of the book.

Yet beneath its lightness and humor, the novel is also deeply thoughtful. It quietly confronts prejudice, complacency, and the ways we categorize people to make them easier to dismiss, while still choosing to believe in hope and the simple, transformative power of kindness. Even in its moments that felt a little young or whimsical, it remained true to its perspective because the children are children, after all. In the end, this book stirred my heart, made me laugh, and reminded me of the joy and risks of love. It is truly one of the most heartwarming stories I have ever read. ✨ ...more

1 like · Like · see review