Cerulean Chronicles Series by T.J. Klune -> Restarting November 13th, 2025

[Jamie]

A magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret.

Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages.

When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management he's given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they’re likely to bring about the end of days.

But the children aren’t the only secret the island keeps. Their caretaker is the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe. As Arthur and Linus grow closer, long-held secrets are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn.

An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place—and realizing that family is yours.

[Brittni]

Starting the first one today!

[Brittni]

Chapter 8

(view spoiler)[It's interesting so far, interesting enough that I didn't notice I was already a third of the way through. It's going quite quickly.

I'm loving this story about Linus. He's typically one who follows all of the rules, does as he's told and never questions, which is exactly why they picked him for the job. I love that he's being challenged. Arthur is challenging his beliefs and why he doesn't question things more often. I'm excited to see him grow throughout this book and I'm assuming it'll be challenging for him.

I'm curious if he'll see the schools where the children are sent. I'm guessing these likely aren't great and would shift his perspective quite quickly.

Also, curious if Linus and Arthur will have some sort of relationship.

I like to think that Linus to learning that it's ok to not blend in and be invisible. I hope he becomes his true self. (hide spoiler)]

[Brittni]

I love Lucy. He's adorable and hilarious.

[Brittni]

Chapter 10

(view spoiler)[ I love all of these kids. I've laughed out loud several times and find them downright adorable.

I'm really enjoying Linus being challenged and him also challenging himself. He's still reluctant to admit that his opinion may be changing. He simply says he likely needs to reread the rules and regulations haha.

This line stood out to me for some reason. I like it.

Linus sighed. "I'm not trying to argue with you on this."
Arthur nodded. "Of course not. Because if we were arguing, it would mean that we were both set in our ways, we weren't amenable to seeing it from another side. And I know I'm not that stubborn."

I'm really enjoying the writing in this book. (hide spoiler)]

[Brittni]

Finished

(view spoiler)[This was such a friggin cute book! It was a creative, heartwarming and charming book, celebrating a world of uniqueness. The writing was beautiful.

I loved the characters. I fell in love with the children and found myself laughing out loud at their silliness. This found magical family story was everything I needed in this moment.

I loved the way Linus was challenged in this book, that he found love and he was able to find himself. Being told he would always blend into the paint was just sad. He was able to come into his own and stand up for those he loved. He found his voice!

I'm excited to see what the next one has in store. (hide spoiler)]

[Jamie]

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RESTARTING NOVEMBER 13TH, 2025

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