The House in the Cerulean Sea was my #1 read of the year when it came out, and it's something that's stuck with me since. Somewhere Beyond the Sea is such an exciting continuation of the story. Where TJ Klune shines is in the soft, understated writing style and sense of "quiet" character and relationship building. We left off in The House in the Cerulean Sea knowing that there was something more coming that we might not be able to see (implied new child arriving), so it's exciting that we get more of Arthur and Linus.

Continuing with Arthur was a clever change from the narrative of the first book being Linus's. I felt that Klune made smart plot and stylistic choices, and the writing style matches really well with HITCS. Linus's story was complete in the first book, so it's clever to continue with Arthur because we learned of his background surrounding being a previous "magic child" and now magical adult, but we never delved into the depths of what that meant for him, how that experience changes the way he acts as a care-giver to other magical children. This book will really force a look at Arthur's mindset, the way it gradually did with Linus. The subtly of those changes (over time) and the final realization are what make this series so endearing.

While this was only an excerpt, I'm eager to see how the rest of this story plays out and how it continues to build on and maintains that same gentle and understated quality of the first book (and many of Klune's others, such as Wolfsong). Many times I don't enjoy when series continue with different character POVs, but the switch to Arthur is such a natural transition following the end of The House in the Cerulean Sea.

TJ Klune gave advanced readers just a prologue and four chapters of Somewhere Beyond the Sea, releasing in September. Yet somehow, I already know that this is a book that will make me laugh and cry and, well, grow, just like its predecessor.

I loved that we’re getting a deeper study on each of the children, especially as it seems to be a coming of age story for at least a few of them. Lucy is as charming as ever, but I am pretty obsessed with Chauncey. 🥹

I am already incredibly moved by Arthur’s fight for his found family, while also recognizing they may be hurt while he fights for the freedoms and rights of the greater magical community. And I love the David and Goliath story that seems to be forming. Reminds me that absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Many thanks to TJ Klune, NetGalley, and Tor Publishing Group for this ARC excerpt!

#SomewhereBeyondtheSeaExcerpt #NetGalley

What a fun few chapters of the new books. I cannot wait for more of our favorite characters and love that we’re getting to see the children as adults! 28 years is a long time gap so this will be a very interesting read.

The whole world is ready to scream how amazing this book is. TJ Klune’s writing will forever make me feel seen and regardless of story, ‘taken care of” A sequel we all wanted but didn’t know how much we would all need. Hearts stars and horseshoes

I absolutely loved The House in the Cerulean Sea and after reading this excerpt I am DYING for the full book two to be published!!

In the first few chapters of book two, TJ Klune seamlessly brings us back into this world and shows the love and compassion that our main characters have for the children in their care. I feel like the plot is really going to go crazy in the chapters immediately after the excerpt ends and I cannot wait to see what happens!!!

After reading this short expert I am very excited to read the full book. I cannot wait to for the story of these characters to continue.

Such a tease. Can't wait for the book! This is a nice review and set up for what's about to come. Arthur Parnassus has been called in to make a public statement about who he WAS and why working with kids with magic is important.

I was so excited to see this book on the available titles in NetGalley, but so disappointed to see that this was just an excerpt. The first book in this series, The House in the Cerulean Sea, was such a treasure of a book. I cannot wait to get the full second book and keep this story going! This was the ultimate teaser! Thanks to NetGalley, TJ Klune and Pan Macmillan for the advanced excerpt!

Even though I've only read an excerpt, I can tell that this sequel has the warmth, magic, and joy of the first book. I can't wait to read more!

While only a small excerpt of the whole book, Somewhere Beyond the Sea offers a welcome return to the island of Marsyas and its magical residents. Filled with TJ Klune’s trademark warmth and wit, Somewhere Beyond the Sea immediately brings you back into this world - a world filled with magic and those who would seek to destroy that magic. A found family tale at its warmest, but one tinted with danger. For Arthur Parnassus is about to face the fight of his life; a fight for the very future of those placed in his care. And it’s sure to go up in a fiery blaze.

Those doubtful of the necessity of a sequel to Cerulean Sea need not worry. Somewhere Beyond the Sea immediately dispels those worries as Klune clearly has more to say with these characters, a fire lit underneath him. There’s no laurel resting in these four chapters; instead, there’s a rage that threatens to explode. And seeing exactly where this story goes is well worth the price of entry.

Ughh. All my favorite characters back ago and now I just want more!!! I cannot believe it’s only an excerpt. So sad.

It’s a bit challenging to make a happily ever after into something new and interesting. But there seem to be interesting plot points developing around what this government hearing and a new kid to add to the crew.

TJ Klune really excels with how he writes the children, and it’s a delight to see them again.

The book feels very of this moment, very political and very queer.

Interested to see how it all shapes up!

I will note I wish that it had been clearer in NetGalley this was an excerpt.

I so wanted to read the entire book! The writing is whimsical and endearing. I love his books, The cerulean sea is my favorite, so I can't wait to read this one. Thank you #netgalley for the preview!

Thank you to netgalley for the 4 chapter excerpt. I loved book #1 and these 4 chapters of book #2 have me counting down to full release date. I'm loving the familiarity of old characters and excited to read further development of new characters. If you liked #1, #2 has all the same good vibes coming your way.

I was so excited to receive an excerpt of the sequel to THITCS!! I was nervous I wouldn't remember the characters, but as soon as I started reading I was instantly brought back to one of my favorite places with my favorite people. I can't wait for the full book to come out so I can continue to read about Arthur, Linus, and the adorably cute and creative magical children in their care. At first I thought Arthur was returning the house and it had been abandoned which made me think something terrible had happened to Linus and the children. After reading a few other reviews I realized that was in the past and the book it Arthur's story about how the orphanage came to be. I'm so excited for his story and can't wait for the book to come out! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the excerpt!

As lovely and delightful as I’d hoped. I can’t wait to read this in its entirety. I missed these characters and can’t wait to completely reunite with them.

So happy to be back in this world! I love these characters and Klune’s writing. I can’t wait to read the rest of the book.

As stunning as I expected! I have been been impatiently waiting for this follow up from TJ Kline and this excerpt has be on pins and needles for the release of this book. I absolutely love TJ’s writing and this beautiful story deserves all the stars!

Oh boy, I can't wait for the remainder of this story. T.J. Klune is an instant read for me and was so excited to see this was a sequel. This story is everything I wanted it to be and am so looking forward to more.

Listen, I just hate an excerpt. I really do. My bad for requesting this but it just feel gimmicky to me.