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.
Rating: 5 stars
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Starting this book, I have to admit that I was deathly afraid. The amount of praise I had heard through the grapevine about the mere grace of this book was enough to put this book close to the top of my tbr, but still scared to read it.
I'm happy that I read it.
All of the characters are beautifully written, in that they are human. Even though they are seen as beings or not human, their characteristics and mannerisms make them more human then some of the "normal" people in the story (those without magic). And Linus, oh I loved his character, and more than that I loved his growth as a character. I truly hope that there is a sequel written, because I already miss the children, and Zoe in this book. And Arthur, always Arthur.
Reading updates
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Started reading
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10 August, 2020:
Finished reading
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10 August, 2020:
Reviewed