Some authors really have a way of bringing you back into a world that you read about years ago, and TJ Klune does so masterfully in Somewhere Beyond the Sea. The sequel to the hit House on the Cerulean Sea, this new book brings us back to the house on the cerulean sea not long where we left off with Linus, Arthur, and their eclectic and lovable children that they are planning to adopt officially. But new challenges will come their way. Arthur takes the helm of narrating this book, which will delve into his dark past.

While I only got to read the first four chapters, I am intrigued and cannot wait to read the rest of the book! Klune is going all in on attacking contemporary government issues, and I am curious how this will be approached. There will also be a new child added to the fray of already magical and adorable children, and how this child will adapt is likely to play a huge role in moving the book forward. I am beyond excited for September 10th to come so that I can get my hands on the final copy of Somewhere Beyond the Sea! Trust me when I say I will read this in one sitting because I know it is going to be that good of a book!

I did not realize Somewhere Beyond the Sea was a sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea, a book that is so near and dear to my heart. With just a snippet, I know that this book will surely have a chokehold on me as well. I can’t wait to read the whole story and welcome back a cast of strange and spectacular characters that feel like friends!

Arthur Parnassus has agreed to speak in front of the department of magical creatures and tell his story, but the departments aren't really there to listen it seems more like he is a being baited. Once a caseworker is assigned to the island again it is clear that the children are going to have to teach the caseworker and the government that they will fight for a new future, a better one.
We get to spend time with Arthur and Linus but also each child and meet David a newcomer to the family. It is so fun seeing each of the children be siblings and help one another out but also, I loved seeing Arthur and Linus as parents. The follow up to The House in the Cerulean Sea is maybe even better than the first book! This book is a revolution. These stories are so much more than expected and are filled with found family and hope.

Originally, this was labeled as "an excerpt" so when I didn't see that heading, I thought I scored! I was wrong. I'm not sure why the publisher is withholding access, especially to a librarian, but I've got three different edition pre-ordered. I was just really hoping to read it early.

I wish I had realized I requested an excerpt , and not the whole book, because reviewing an excerpt is tricky. Here’s what I think most people would want to know, though, that is answered within these few chapters: the same delightful tone and character relationships are alive and well here. I felt cuddled as I read this love. That’s what these books are, love in book form. And right before the excerpt ends, we see how serious and life changing things are about to get. I’m looking forward to listening to the entire book on Libro.fm!

I, unfortunately, didn’t realize I would only receive an exert when I requested BUT obviously it was great and I want more! I hadn’t realized how much I missed Chauncey! The magic from the first book is still there and it was amazing to see the whole gang again. Cannot wait to read the whole book!

Thrilled to get an early look at this sequel given how outstanding the first book in the series was. I was immediately pulled into SOMEWHERE BEYOND THE SEA, and loved falling right back in with these familiar kids and main characters. Klune's writing is stellar, as expected. Unfortunately, I didn't realize we were only getting the first four chapters, and though the story is engaging, and I'm on pins and needles waiting to see how the hearing turns out, I definitely hope it doesn't stay so politically charged. I want to get back to the kids and the island, ASAP.

It is hard to give since it was on first couple of chapters. I think the book will be good! I am looking forward to September 10

This little excerpt has me dying for more! Already, the children have once again roped me in, the stakes are higher, and I am head over heals for Arthur and Linus. I was also pleasantly surprised that Arthur is our narrator for the second book. I cannot wait for September 10th to be here!

In the sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea, we return to the magical home of Arthur, Linus, and the children just as Arthur is summoned to speak on the mainland about his childhood, and take in a new magical child. This excerpt provides the first four chapters, and I was so sad for it to end because I want to keep reading! I love these magical youths, and it made my heart happy to revisit with them! I cannot wait to read the rest of the novel!

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Books for providing me with this preview of the book!

This was only the first four chapters, but the continuation of the story that began in "The House in the Cerulean Sea" looks promising, from this small sample. Linus and Arthur have to leave their island and magical charges to go testify before the government on behalf of magical humans. I'm looking forward to getting to read the rest of the book!

ALL THE SPOILERS AHEAD, BEWARE!

I realize that this was just a sneak peak that I received from NetGalley, however, this review is for the whole book.

I almost don't know what to say about this book. I'm incredibly disappointed that this book was allowed to be published, as it is hugely problematic.

I really loved The House in the Cerulean Sea when I first read it, and at the time I could see the parallels between Klune's story and the way Indigenous people in Canada have been treated (historically and currently), so then to hear that it was directly inspired by the 60's Scoop, left me feeling quite off about it. And to hear Klune speak about it, it's as though it was this small, little snippet of Canadian history that he discovered. Which, it's not. And he rightly got called out on it. And did not respond in any way, which didn't impress me. But, I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt, he made a mistake, let's hope he does better going forward. And he really has not with this sequel. If anything, it's worse than THITCS.

The absolutely blatant use of Indigenous trauma to write this book (and sell it, because you know it's going to sell well) and then not acknowledge it whatsoever is absolutely disgusting. I wanted to give Klune a chance to hear the criticisms of THITCS and to learn from that, and not do it again, but I think he actually leaned harder into that trauma with Somewhere Beyond the Sea. In it we have Arthur, our POV character this time around, giving testimony about his time and how he was treated in foster care, he received a monetary settlement because of it; both of these things are exactly what happened with survivors of the 60's Scoop, where Indigenous children were stolen away from their families and put into white foster homes, where they were treated appallingly. While it was at its height in the 1960s, it continues TO THIS DAY, with Indigenous children making up a large majority of those living in foster care. To use Indigenous trauma that is still ongoing is insensitive at best and appropriation at worst.

Throughout the book there are mentions of intergenerational trauma, the dehumanization and othering of the children in foster care, treaties and land rights. These are all very real traumas and issues that Indigenous people in Canada are dealing with today. The 60's Scoop wasn't some small blip in Canada's history, its legacy and trauma is still very present today. At one point in SBTS the government officials come and try to take the children away (at which point treaties and land rights are mentioned) and the imagery of an Indigenous Elder, who escaped being taken by hiding under the dead body of their family (while this is reminiscent of any colonized people, it is very much a part of Indigenous history, too), showing the bad government people the treaties that were signed and declaring the land sovereign is evoked. And I can't help but think of all the times this has happened in Canadian history (as well as present day) and how the police were called in and the government just did whatever they wanted. The Wet'suwet'en in BC are still dealing with this, despite their never having ceded their land. To use this sort of imagery without knowing the history is just not okay.

In addition to the blatant use of Indigenous trauma to write this book, there is also the issue of how it portrays white saviourism. Don't worry marginalized children who have been ripped away from their families and cultures, these two middle-class white men will save you! While I do think that Klune was trying for more of a found family feel, this just comes across as white saviourism, and while the children aren't being abused, they're also not learning about their own unique cultures. This is a huge problem within the foster care system, in that children from marginalized communities are placed with white foster families and they completely lose their culture. So to reinforce that is quite awful.

And lastly, setting aside how incredibly problematic it is, the story was not compelling in any way. With THITCS, you could tell that it was a story that Klune was excited about, whereas with SBTS it feels like he was trying to write the sequel he had no intention of writing. The plot was very haphazard, the characters not well developed. I am also having feelings with regards to the dedication and author note, in that Klune is dedicating this book to trans kids and he talks about how he wants his legacy to be as the anti-JKR. However, as far as I know, Klune has never written a trans character. There is one very minor side character in SBTS who I believe is meant to be non-binary, but I don't know that they actually even have any lines of dialogue. If you are wanting to set yourself up as the anti-JKR, maybe include some trans characters in your books? Dedicating a book to trans kids and then those same kids not even being able to see themselves in that book is making me feel some sort of way.

Overall, this was a complete dumpster fire of a book that never should have been published. After reading this I am seriously considering what do to with my not insignificant collection of TJ Klune books, because it honestly makes me feel gross to even be looking at them.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an excerpt for review.

I was so sad to realize this wasn't the full novel! This is only the first few chapters. I was happy to be transported back to this island with the magical beings. There isn't much more to say because I need to find and read the full book! I'm sure it's fabulous and I look forward to reading it.

In just 4 chapters, Klune is able to give such vivid characterization to all the children and some of their unique struggles, especially as they begin to open up to the world outside of the island. The political critiques are reflective of what we see today and I'm excited to see what more is to come!

Thank you to Netgalley for providing the first four chapters of this book in exchange for an honest review.

It has been a few years since I read House in the Cerulean Sea, and I was worried that because it has been so long, I wouldn't connect to the stories and characters as much as I could have. However, these four chapters proved me wrong. Each page reminded me why I love these little kids so much. They had me laughing out loud and admiring how charming they were in these few short chapters. Will have to wait for the remaining chapters to see if everything holds up, but it seems like a good amount of drama is being set up, and I am excited to experience it.

I received the first four chapters of this book and it has got me SO excited to read the rest when it comes out!

The House in the Cerulean Sea was one of my favourite comfy cozy reads of last year, and I have been so excited read more in this beautiful, magical little world! These characters feel like coming home.

It's tough giving a full review after only reading a little bit, but I'm really looking forward to the rest!

This is such a great preview, the books starts with providing a little more insight on Arthur which was very needed. I am looking forward to reading the entire book. This is such a cozy read and so perfect. The writing style makes it flow really well, even the longer chapters aren't noticeable.

TJ's writing draws you in. He creates characters that compliment the world as he writes it. I felt drawn in and compelled to keep reading.

This is possibly my most anticipated read of 2024, and even just a tiny glimpse at it has made my entire week. I’m head over heels for Linus, Arthur, and the peek into their domestic life. The political world we got a taste of in those first few chapters is just icing on the cake.

I loved The House in the Cerulean Sea and the sequal was no different. It's so fun to meet the new characters and reconnect with our favorites only a little older! Loved it!