This book was so cozy, goofy, silly and lovely! I love the magic that TJ Klune brings out in his books and I have to say that this book was BETTER than the first book. I love that this story starts off with Linus and Arthur together in this sequel because we got more of their relationship post-first book. My heart was so full after reading this story. No thoughts, just happy vibes!

A new child is being brought to the island. The government is trying to shut down the island home and take the children away. Linus and Arthur have to navigate having a new inspector in the house.

The first book was in Linus’ POV, and this one is Arthur’s story. We get to learn more about his past and his role in the greater picture of saving magical youth. We see him battle anxiety, stress, and (arguably) PTSD.

The cast of characters is wonderful as always. Chauncey and Lucy constantly had me laughing. I only wish that the villains weren’t all women. That was a little disappointing for me.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my advanced digital copy!

4.5 ⭐️

I'm so glad that I'm getting to meet these characters again in this sequel.

The discovery of self and path to healing is never linear and it was wonderful to see reflected in these characters.

I love seeing their hope, determination, and resilience.

This sequel was just as heartwarming as the first. I loved getting back to these kids and fell back into the world so quickly. This is a must read if you enjoyed the first book.

Not that I didn't love it but it didn't do it for me as much as House in the Cerulean Sea which I felt was incredibly unique. Honestly though to each their own as I always said. I feel like personally I wanted more of Arthurs deep and dark past and I did not get that. Dont get me wrong I loved this book the characters were the sweetest most precious people ever. I honestly felt like the plot lacked a lot and plots are what I thrive off of.

There's a whole genre around this fuzzy, loving, comforting kind of fantasy now, and I'm here for it. The main character is so loveable, and you feel like you're right back in the world from the first book right away. There are problems and trauma we need to heal from, but this is a world of love and found families. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

I loved being back in this world and revisiting with some of my favorite characters. I loved the introduction of the new character as well and some of the very important messaging in this book regarding inclusion, acceptance, and celebration!!

Rating: Stars

I picked up this book immediately after rereading The House in the Cerulean Sea, and, other than a perspective shift to Arthur, it read like one continuous book. Same vibes, same characters, same heart-bursting energy.

There was a bit more darkness to this novel, as Arthur has a lot more trauma in his past that he's working through, and the main conflict is with the government, which... yea.

But that didn't stop me from absolutely devouring the novel in (basically) one day. I love the Baker-Parnasseses, and I will live in their world as often as Klune lets me.

I love TJ Klune! He has such a unique writing style, both of the books in this duology feel like you’re getting a nice warm hug the entire time you read.

I would read TJ Klune's grocery lists. This excerpt from SOMEWHERE BEYOND THE SEA was like dipping your toe into a warm bath--or a cerulean sea--on a tough day. I love these characters dearly and it was so nice to be back in this whimsical world again.

This was only a sneak peek at the book, but I also listened to the entire audiobook recently. This was an absolutely fantastic follow up the The Cerulean Sea. Highly recommend the the audiobook to anyone and everyone. The narrator is perfection!

I loved The House in the Cerulean Sea, so I am beyond excited to have received this sneak peek - thanks to all parties! It was interesting to see a bit more of Arthur's history and point of view. It looks like in this novel, we will get a bit more of Arthur's whimsical side and more sweet interpersonal relationships between the characters. The first book is such a comfort read for me, and I look forward to adding the rest of the series to its rank.

This little snippet of the sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea was brilliant and not quite enough to satisfy my curiosity! This was just a taste and it certainly has me hooked for more! The first book was one of my favourite reads and I can’t wait to read more about the Island, Orphanage and wonderful quirky characters!

Love the excerpt! Can't wait for the whole book. Klune never disappoints and I can't wait to return to this world

Had the absolute best time being back in this world. I felt this installment was slightly repetitive, but as always, love the message and tone of this series.

Somewhere Beyond the Sea is the second book in the House in the Cerulean Sea series by TJ Klune. Released 10th Sept 2024 by Macmillan on their Tor imprint, it's 400 pages and is available in all formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.

This is a warmly supportive tale for anyone who has felt like a misfit. The characters are appealing and whimsical and the entire premise of love, generosity of spirit, kindness, and found family shine through. It is humorous, and often full of slapstick comedy (one of the kids has eyestalks on tentacles; they're -all- pretty special), but always, the theme of found family and misfits-against-the-world comes through loud and clear. It's often also poignant, but the support and growth are always there too.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 15 hours 48 minutes and is marvelously narrated by Daniel Henning, who does a great job with the wildly divergent character voices. His timing is perfect, and he manages to delineate the kids' and adults' voices perfectly. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.

Four and a half stars. Excellent series follow-up and great story narration. Definitely one for public library acquisition as well as for fans of YA school fantasy.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

It’s hard not to put this right back at 5 stars like the OG. While it took me 30-50 pages to get myself reacquainted with Marsyas Island and its cast of unruly and lovable residents - once I was in, I was all in. Much like the first book, I adopted a different reading cadence than normal and found myself slowly savoring this one rather than speeding through to find out what happens.

The depth and richness of the characters that Klune has created - even new ones like our lovely David the yeti - are truly a testament to thinking of each of these children as real and authentic children, albeit with incredible magic. We also get to see Arthur in a whole new light as this is his story and all of the cobwebs and skeletons and scars of his past re-emerge and he becomes more than the master of the orphanage - he becomes Dad.

The story itself lends parallels to so many things occurring in todays world politically and socially and Klune holds back nothing as he uses his characters to unmask themes of fascism, racism, homophobia/transphobia and face them head on. These children are truly incredible - standing up themselves and what is right in the world when almost everything outside of their idyllic world pushes to muzzle and weaponize them.

And as happens with brave and bold children, they often inspire the adults around them to embrace their true selves, stop hiding among the shadows and rubble and soar to their true potential without fear.

*I did not cry. But I loved this book with all my shriveled little heart.

Thank you Tor Publishing Group for the advanced reader copy excerpt of "Somewhere Beyond the Sea" by TJ Klune. I'm so thrilled that he wrote a follow up to "House in the Cerulean Sea." I'm looking forward to Talias antics in this next book. Actually I'm excited to see what the characters do next, it's just that Talia is my favorite!

The excerpt is from the beginning of the book and it's quite excellent because it helps you remember certain details of the characters without needing to reread House in the Cerulean Sea. Somehow Klune knows which aspects to hit to help you recall even if you haven't read the original book in 3 years.

#SomewhereBeyondtheSeaExcerpt #NetGalley

This sequel had a tiny bit less magic for me than the first, but only a tiny bit. I listened to this one, which may have been the difference. I loved the narrator’s voices for the kids but really didn’t like his overwrought, over the top dramatic tone for a couple of scenes. I think they would have been more powerful without so much emotion in his voice. That said, this was a very welcome trip back to the island and these lovely characters.

Super cute feel good book. A little heavy handed on the allegory and drags at times, but the characters are just so darn lovable. The authors note at the end makes it all worth it.