Liked this book a lot’ this author writes about hard mental topics and makes it look easy. Very readable and always an adventure to get to the ending of the book. He is unique and fun.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Group for the book excerpt!

I did not realize till after I started reading this that it was only going to be an excerpt. I did sort of enjoy the excerpt but my thoughts going forward will be about the book as a whole because I read it on release day. I am one of many who enjoyed the previous book in this series. It was one of my favorites the year I read it. However, I was also on the side of believing this didn't need a sequel. I prefer fantasy standalones over duologies sometimes. This book reminded me why I like standalones. Somewhere Beyond the Sea did not offer much that we needed or didn't already know. This book starts with high stakes as we don't know if the kids will be taken away from Linus and Arthur. Then this book takes a turn and we focus on this side plot of Arthur and Linus hiding an extra kid at the home from the inspector. That did not amount to anything since the inspector knew something was up and they barely hid the truth. The one part I did like is that we got to focus on Arthur's character but even that felt rushed. We then circle back to the main plot and even that became less serious as the book went on. This just felt like a super long epilogue that did not need to happen. I am sort of done reading this author after this because I feel all the releases I've read since The House in the Cerulean Sea have not been great and this disappointed me as well. I also think if you read this maybe don't read the audiobook as the narrator kind of took me out of the story a lot with his narration style.

Sweet follow-up to House in the Cerulean Sea with a fantastic and well=developed cast of imaginative characters. While this is a fantasy series, the focus is not as much on the world-building as it is in on the characters. The spawn of Satan is an impish boy named Lucy; and there is a delightful blob named Chauncey. This is a great series and the audiobook narration is amazing.

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune is a delightful and whimsical sequel that earns a solid four-star rating for its enchanting storytelling and heartwarming themes. Picking up where The House in the Cerulean Sea left off, the novel transports readers to a world where magic and reality intertwine seamlessly, offering a narrative rich with humor, love, and adventure. Klune's writing shines with its trademark warmth and wit, creating a tapestry of vibrant characters (It was so good to be back with some of my favorite characters- Arthur, Linus, Lucy, and the Gang) and imaginative settings that captivate from the first page. The novel explores themes of belonging and self-discovery, inviting readers to reflect on the power of friendship and the courage to embrace one's true self. While some plot elements may feel familiar to fans of Klune's work, the author's ability to weave heartfelt emotion into the whimsical narrative ensures a fulfilling and joyful reading experience. Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a charming continuation that will delight both new readers and returning fans alike, leaving them eager for the next installment in this magical series.

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune is a heartwarming and enchanting fantasy novel that blends love, magic, and self-discovery. The story follows Ben, a man searching for a sense of belonging and healing after a traumatic past, as he embarks on an unforgettable journey to a mysterious island. Along the way, he forms unexpected connections and uncovers the transformative power of love and friendship. With Klune's signature blend of emotional depth, quirky characters, and a beautifully crafted world, this book is a touching and uplifting read that resonates with themes of hope and second chances.

This book was excellent. I had the opportunity to read a preview of the story a couple of months ago and truly enjoyed what I experienced. Recently, my library hold on this book became available, allowing me to complete the story.

It features a touching found family plot interspersed with poignant moments that resonate with current times. I found it quite entertaining, and the narrator performed well, although some of the voices became somewhat repetitive toward the end of the audiobook.

Thank you to the author, T.J. Klune, for writing and sharing this wonderful story.

Incredible book. Brought me back to the comforting world of Arthur and Linus. It was obvious the author heard the criticisms to the first book (which I didn't necessarily agree with) and handled this with a more delicate hand. I applaud the heavy handed messages - sometimes there's something refreshing about identifying with the themes in the book, and if others want to partake in this beautiful story, they better understand that books are sometimes political.

A wonderful continuation of the first story. I enjoyed the further development of the characters and the final outcome of how they all stood together for each other. A great story of hope.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Company for this Advanced Readers Copy of Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune!

Didn't initially realize this was just an excerpt, so I ended up needing to read the whole thing. I just love these characters with all of my heart. TJ Klune is so talented at creating this magical world and coming up with dialogue that feels so genuine for each character. There aren't many books that feel both realistic and uplifting, but this sequel even surpassed my expectations from the first book. This is my third Klune book, and I can't wait to continue diving into his oeuvre. I wouldn't mind another book in this series as well, because I know I'll miss these characters so much! Also, this should be required reading for everyone - it encourages empathy towards others, which we so desperately need right now.

sigh, sequels are tough. I was thrilled to be back with my favorite cast of characters (shout out to Chauncey the unidentified green blob / bellhop). The story began with an exciting trial. But once we returned to the island, it felt like the exact same book as the original. It totally lost the magic and it felt like it was beating me over the head with the message. Giving it a (generous) 3 stars because the overall story still holds a special place in my heart.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

i did not realize this book was apart of a series when i had first requested but i have heard incredible things about it!

This book was a heartwarming and beautifully written continuation of the series. The characters were as lovable and complex as ever, and the emotional depth really resonated with me. The world-building was vivid, and the story balanced lighthearted moments with deeper themes perfectly. A wonderful read that left me eager for more!

4/5

Still cozy, still heartwarming: but not nearly as magical as the original.

I loved spending time with the OG characters (Lucy has such a place in my heart!), but this one felt a little...preachy? Somehow?

Book #1 felt very: "show, don't tell." and this one leaned more into the "let me TELL YOU ALL ABOUT IT" which, idk, what fine and I agree with the message being given (everyone deserves love and respect and inclusion etc etc) but it just didn't quite hit the FEELS in the same way.

If you were a fan of #1, then yes, give this a read - it will make you smile and giggle. But don't expect quite the same whimsy.

This was only an excerpt so I was only able to read the first 50 pages but definitely going to pick a copy up!

This book is a beautiful follow up to The House in the Cerulean Sea. I loved coming back to the characters. Can't recommend TJ Klune enough!

Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

My third book by TJ Klune. At this point, he is an auto read because everything he writes is golden!

The sequel to the House on the Cerulean Sea, we get to learn more about Arthur's past and how he becomes the man he is today. We also watch as the family works together to ensure they do not split up because of some suspicions.

I loved all the children in the previous book and I just love them even more after reading this one. They have all grown so much and I just love the bond they have with one another. They are so accepting of their kind and didn't hesitate to welcome another family member.

Highly recommend and highly recommend the audiobook.

TJ Klune is definitely one of my favorite authors, and is an auto-buy at this point. This story was beautifully written. Such an amazing follow-up to the first story. The characters, both old and new, are easy to love endlessly. The familiar lives and new experiences are heartwarming. This was a perfect follow-up to dive further into the lives we already know and love.

When does TJ Klune ever do us wrong? This book was just as magical as all of his previous books. I will never not support this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an an arc in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars

I enjoyed going back to the magical island of Marsyas with Arthur, Linus and the kids.