An excellent follow-up to The House on the Cerulean Sea, this book is chock full of this found family fiercely protecting the space they've carved out for themselves, with plenty of reminders that our choices and actions are what define our character, and not the stereotypes or labels the world might want to put on us.

Linus & Arthur have filed paperwork to adopt the children at Marsyas island, but the government decides to throw a few more hurdles their way instead. I enjoyed the fact that the children have learned enough from Arthur that they start expecting him to follow his own advice instead of bowing before unfair restrictions, and they regularly inspire hope through their creative shenanigans and refusal to be anyone but who they are.

There are a few unexpected surprises, and the ending and epilogue were incredibly satisfying. This was a delightful read imbued with hope and the determination that even inspiring a small change in the world around us can make a big difference. Recommended for readers who enjoy found family, baddies you can easily dislike, and a messily happy ending.

4.5🌟

These characters will forever be some of my favorites. 😍 I adored diving back into the house by the cerulean sea! This sequel was just as endearing, laugh-out-loud funny, and charming as book 1. David was a perfect addition to this family! If you loved book 1, you have to read this sequel! You will have all the same feel good feelings 🫶

Daniel Henning did a phenomenal job once again via audio!!! There’s a reason book 1 narrated by him is my favorite audiobook of all time. 🎧 The voices he does for each character really completes the story for me ❤️

TJ Klune remains a favorite!

“When Linus smiled, Arthur was reminded of the sun, of a blinding light coming to chase the darkness away.”

House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune was my absolute favorite book of 2020. I loved it so dearly that, when this sequel I didn’t dare to dream could exist came out, it took me an entire month to read it. I kept picking it up in short bursts, nibbling a chapter at a time so I didn’t devour the book because, dear hearts, we can’t eat our Marsyas Island and have it, too.

My beloved friends did not disappoint - and neither did TJ Klune. The generous heart, kindness, wholesome joy and message of loving, accepting and celebrating everyone - they all came out in full force.

Spending time with Chauncey, Talia, Lucy, Linus, Arthur, Theodore, Phee, Sal and newcomer David was all I could have hoped. And that this time was courtesy of TJ Klune’s deft, conversational hand all the better. If there was one element that kept this one from matching its predecessor, it’s that the messaging - one that my BLUE and RAINBOW self wholeheartedly believes - felt more heavy-handed. You could make the case that denser nails call for bigger hammers (and, frankly, that over-the-top super-villains feel more realistic than ever), yet I worry the reduced subtlety may keep those who need the message most from fully absorbing it.

I love TJ Klune and the world he created in The House in the Cerulean Sea. It was truly enjoyable to return to Marsyas Island and the loveable misfit characters that inhabit it. This series is a warm hug of love and family and friendship and everything we want the world to be.

Thank you to Tor Books and Netgalley for the preview of this lovely book.

4/5 Stars

T.J. Klune delivers another enchanting tale with Somewhere Beyond the Sea, a worthy follow-up to The House in the Cerulean Sea. This book carries forward the same wholesome charm and thought-provoking themes that made the first installment so memorable.

Set in a magical world filled with supernatural characters, Klune explores love, belonging, and identity with his signature tenderness and wit. The LGBTQ+ representation is woven seamlessly into the narrative, offering both visibility and relatability. While the story stands on its own, fans of Cerulean Sea will appreciate the familiar vibe—a heartwarming blend of whimsy and introspection that reminds us to embrace what makes us different.

Although Somewhere Beyond the Sea doesn’t quite capture the same level of magic as its predecessor, it’s still an uplifting and delightful read. Klune’s ability to create a world that feels both fantastical and deeply human is unmatched, and this book is another testament to his talent. If you loved The House in the Cerulean Sea, this one is a must-read.

Rounded up to 3.5 stars.

I enjoyed this book, but I didn’t find it as “unputdownable” as the first one. While I still loved the characters and was happy to be back with them on Marsyas Island, it felt like more of the same. Part of what I loved so much about The House in the Cerulean Sea was how very different it was. I hadn’t read anything like it before. However, Somewhere Beyond the Sea seemed to be the same basic story with a few additional characters. I did appreciate the themes of acceptance and love, which is what I loved most about the first book as well, and the antagonist was truly despicable, I just wanted something more.

4.5 stars

Arthur and Linus may have finally found love and they are ready to officially adopt the wonderful children they are raising together. But the overreach of the government stands in their way, and the orphanage finds itself under scrutiny from DICOMY. When Arthur faces an inquisition about his own past, the future for all magical beings may be in danger.

I loved getting back into this world and seeing more interactions with the children. Every conversation and interaction they have together is an entertainment. The addition of another young child to the group just makes it that much better.

This is a perfect addition to the first book, and a recommended series for those who enjoy some tongue-in-check characters and dialogue.

After reading the first four chapters which were sent to me by TOR, I quickly dove into TJ Klune’s sequel to House on the Cerulean Sea.

For the past three years, HotCS has been my favourite book. It has been usurped by Somewhere Beyond the Sea.

We join Arthur and Linus shortly after the end of the first book. As they are adapting to life as co-guardians of the children, new government officials threaten their way of life. All while a new kid is set to join their family. Can Arthur elicit change while staying true to himself and his beliefs?

With a cast of highly developed and unique characters, a beautiful story of hope, love and change, plus a message against prejudice, it’s the ideal comfort read. Did I mention I laughed and cried?

I’ve given it five stars but I would give it six if I could.

It’s difficult to rate a few chapters of a book honestly. I know there’s controversy surrounding Klune and this series in particular. With that said, I don’t plan on buying this book to finish. I will be utilizing my library because I did really enjoy Cerulean Sea.

Amazing!!! Can’t wait to read the full story from TJ!! Love his writing and beautifully told stories!

Thank you to Tor for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! Somewhere Beyond the Sea is such a beautiful title and it really encapsulates TJ Klune's writing. These kids... these characters... what can I say other than they are to absolutely die for? Every moment in TJ Klune's books is earned in the most earnest of ways.

A great snippet of the book. Obviously I wish it would have been the whole thing. Thank you I purchased this now that it is out and read it. I loved it just as much as book 1.

Absolutely loved being back in this world. TJ Klune has such a magical way with words. I feel like I am truly in every story he writes. This novel pick up right where The House in the Cerulean Sea left off. Once again we are immersed in the world of Arthur Parnassus and his children. This book follows Arthur and the children as they once again try to just live a normal life. I felt like Klune did such a great job of using the so called "monsters" to represent minorities in today culture and the daily struggles they face just to feel like they belong. The story is filled with humor, sadness, and hope for the future. I will read anything Klune writes, but these children hold such a dear place in my heart.

THRILLED for this sneak peak sequel! It was such a joy to be graced with this cast of characters again and I can’t wait to read the full book!

This was good story. Not great, but good. I struggled a bit and I know this is a classic case of, “it’s not you, it’s me,” since everyone I know that read it, loved it.

Thank you, Tor Publishing Group | Tor Books for the excerpt. This will be one of favorite books of '25.

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune is a beautifully crafted, heartfelt journey that explores love, loss, and self-discovery with Klune's signature blend of warmth and emotional depth. The characters are richly developed, and the romance at the heart of the story is tender and slow-burning, allowing for deep emotional connection between the protagonists. As always, Klune’s ability to write complex, authentic relationships shines through, offering moments of both heartache and joy. Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a love story that goes beyond the typical romance, exploring themes of healing, family, and finding home in the most unexpected places.

* Thank you to @netgalley and @torpublishing for providing an ebook in exchange of a honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What a perfect addition to The House In athe Cerulean Sea. It was such a pleasure to reconnect with all the caracters and to get to know more about them. This is exactly the kind of story I hope every children will get to read while growing up.

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Returning to Marsyas Island and reuniting with the orphanage of magical children under Arthur Parnassus's care feels like coming home. In Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune, we find ourselves once again amidst a world where magic and family blend seamlessly. This time, the arrival of a new child, a young yeti named David, brings fresh excitement as he joins the other magical children in their joyful routines of school, chores, and imaginative adventures. However, their idyllic life is soon threatened by a new leader at DICOMY (the Department in Charge of Magical Youth), who has sinister plans to seize the children's magic for her own power. With the help of the powerful island sprite, Zoe Chapelwaite, Arthur, Linus, and the children must unite to defend their home and family from these looming dangers.

Days on Marsyas Island are filled with warmth and wonder as Arthur’s children create a world where magic and love are woven into daily life. But as DICOMY’s influence grows under its new leadership, the stakes are raised, forcing the islanders to fight for what they hold dear. The children's joy, infectious personalities, and strong family bonds bring this story to life. As they face challenges together, Arthur and Linus’s devotion to the children and the lengths they go to protect each other are both inspiring and heartwarming. Klune's narrative highlights how family is defined not by blood but by love and loyalty, showing that even in the face of darkness, unity can be the strongest form of magic.

Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a feel-good story that lightens the heart, delivering both adventure and warmth as Arthur, Linus, and the children fight to keep their family intact. Their support and love for one another are inspiring, making you root for them every step of the way as they face the mounting threats from DICOMY. TJ Klune’s endearing characters and uplifting message celebrate the magic of love and unity, inviting readers into a world that is as enchanting as it is heartfelt. This story’s joy and resilience leave you with a powerful reminder of the bonds that hold us together, and it’s a journey worth taking.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing for the eARC and the opportunity to continue this series!

I loved returning to the little house on the Cerulean Sea and seeing more of our favorite kids. This story focused a lot on Arthur and his story - both past and present as he fights for his family. Like other Klune book's I've read the story was filled with hope, love, found family, and fun.