Audiobook Review: The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

Book: 136/150

Rating: 4.5/5

Linus Baker lives a simple life. He works for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth as a caseworker who investigates the well-being of children in government sanctioned orphanages. A very by the book kind of guy, Linus never strays from the rules.

One day, he is summoned by Extremely Upper Management to investigate Marsyas Island Orphanage, which houses six 'dangerous' children: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. As Linus grows closer to the children and their caretaker, the charming Arthur Parnassus, for the first time ever, he considers throwing out the rulebook.

Even though I've been enjoying fantasy lately this isn't a book I'd necessarily pick up on my own. After seeing *several* people sing this book's praises I had to check it out. And after listening to it, I can see why people love it.

I love the social commentary; so relevant today, where we tend to fear and 'other' those who are different than us, and the notion of one's chosen family. It was great to see Linus, likely for the first time ever, develop real relationships with people and as the reader you completely fall in love with these characters too. Such a fun read, and really hoping (based on that ending) there will be a sequel!

The audio is fantastic the narrator (Daniel Henning) slightly reminded me of Jonathan Groff and he did such a great job of making the characters come to life!