The House in the Cerulean Sea

An Uplifting, Heartwarming Cosy Fantasy About Found Family

By: TJ Klune

Narrated by: Daniel Henning

‘I loved it. It is like being wrapped up in a big gay blanket. Simply perfect’

– V. E. Schwab, Sunday Times bestselling author of Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil

A cosy, enchanting story about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place. The House in the Cerulean Sea is an uplifting, heart-warming queer fantasy from TJ Klune, a Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author.

Linus Baker leads a quiet life. At forty, he has a tiny house with a devious cat and his beloved records for company. And at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, he’s spent many dull years monitoring their orphanages.

Then one day, Linus is summoned by Extremely Upper Management and given a highly classified assignment. He must travel to an orphanage where six dangerous children reside – including the Antichrist.

At the orphanage, Linus must somehow determine if these children could bring about the end of days. But their guardian, the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, will do anything to protect his wards. And, as Arthur and Linus grow ever closer, Linus must choose: his duty, or his dreams . . .

Continue the adventure with the second entry in the Cerulean Chronicles, Somewhere Beyond the Sea.

‘A modern fairy tale . . . It’s a beautiful book’ – Charlaine Harris, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author

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Fans fell in love with The House in the Cerulean Sea:

‘I was completely captivated’

‘The narrator was brilliant and really brought the characters to life’

‘This is a glorious, romantic, old fashioned, queer fantasy’

‘A tale as beautiful as this one should be compulsory reading’

‘If you want a magical romance that will make you giggle and cry, this is for you’

Critic reviews

I loved it. It is like being wrapped up in a big gay blanket. Simply perfect (V. E. Schwab, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue)

A witty, wholesome fantasy that’s likely to cause heart-swelling

The House in the Cerulean Sea is a modern fairy tale about learning your true nature and what you love and will protect. It’s a beautiful book (Charlaine Harris, author of the Sookie Stackhouse series that inspired HBO's True Blood)

1984 meets The Umbrella Academy with a pinch of Douglas Adams thrown in. Touching, tender and truly delightful, The House in the Cerulean Sea is an utterly absorbing story of tolerance, found family and defeating bureaucracy (Gail Carriger, author of Soulless)

Sweet, comforting and kind, this book is very close to perfect . . . I cannot recommend it highly enough (Seanan McGuire, author of the Wayward Children series)

This tale of found family is hopeful to its core. Readers will revel in Klune’s wit and ingenuity

Lambda Literary Award-winning author Klune (The Art of Breathing, 2019) has a knack for creating endearing characters, and readers will grow to love Arthur and the orphans alongside Linus

Quite possibly the greatest feel-good story ever to involve the Antichrist . . . a burst of humor and hope

A beautiful little gem of both irony and, yes, kindness

A delightful tale about chosen families, and how to celebrate differences

If ever there was an author to watch out for, [Klune] is definitely that author

Social conscience wrapped in fantasy

As an older reader I found some of the story a bit too simplistic, however a fabulous read for younger people and great way to explore concepts such discrimination, bias and how fear albeit unfounded can alter our perception and behaviours. Being older I loved the reference to older music, I have spoken to younger people and they don’t get the musical references. It would be simple enough to update these for the younger generations

I really liked the characters

It portrays the dynamic with children perfectly, the endearing and naughty side. I really liked how you warm up.to them

A book that reads like a warm hug

One of the most beautiful books. Like a warm hug. I cannot wait for the next one!

Engaging and Delightful

The performances were wonderful making the story come to life. Wonderful lessons for today’s world.

What a beautiful story!

It may be written for young adults but the messages are those everyone needs to hear. Just beautiful