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sophieguillas's review against another edition
3.0
I thought this concept was interesting and the characters had really sweet chemistry. I felt all warm and fuzzy when Linus and Sal came out of their shells.
The central message was about as subtle as a gun. I think Klune was focused on mapping a critique on real life bigotry onto his story and so the world sometimes lacked internal logic. The townspeople and Linus's superiors had really one dimensional prejudices. This illustrated how unreasonable bigotry can be but I think it had an immature understanding of how systemic oppression actually plays out. The stakes felt unnaturally low considering how one speech could completely change their minds. There were some interesting points in how Linus confronts the system in the epilogue but that's not as developed upon. I wanted to know more about the political and historical contexts that preceded the books.
Additionally, there were a lot of impassioned speeches lol. I would rather see the text explore the children's characters and relationships further than have the adults monologue about how them. Even the children we spent some time with didn't feel fully fleshed out.
The central message was about as subtle as a gun. I think Klune was focused on mapping a critique on real life bigotry onto his story and so the world sometimes lacked internal logic. The townspeople and Linus's superiors had really one dimensional prejudices. This illustrated how unreasonable bigotry can be but I think it had an immature understanding of how systemic oppression actually plays out. The stakes felt unnaturally low considering how one speech could completely change their minds. There were some interesting points in how Linus confronts the system in the epilogue but that's not as developed upon. I wanted to know more about the political and historical contexts that preceded the books.
Additionally, there were a lot of impassioned speeches lol. I would rather see the text explore the children's characters and relationships further than have the adults monologue about how them. Even the children we spent some time with didn't feel fully fleshed out.
ashction's review against another edition
5.0
Ahhh, this book was such a warm balm to my soul during these stressful times!
The House in the Cerulean Sea is truly a delightful work, one with plenty of humor and laughs but also one with so much heart. In this novel we meet Linus Baker, an employee for a magical creatures government agency. Linus oversees many magical orphanages, ensuring they're providing adequate care, and outside of the office lives an average, unremarkable life. But when Linus receives a classified case from the executives of the agency, he finds himself crossing paths with Arthur Parnassus, a mysterious caretaker of an orphanage with magical children who are different than any Linus has crossed paths before. But as Linus spends a month alongside these children and Arthur, he may find that his average, rule-abiding life could be so much more.
The characters are the stand-out of this novel. Every character receives such well-rounded development and close work on bonding with Linus, our protagonist. My personal favorite just might have been Lucy because he made me cackle like crazy, but in reality the entire cast of characters are strong and phenomenal. The writing consistently brings this sense of comfort, of warmth (literally and figuratively), and you can't help but feel sucked into a relaxing story about found family and finding your home in the world. This story is just so delightful and if it sounds like your kind of thing, you should definitely read this one for a lift in your spirits!
The House in the Cerulean Sea is truly a delightful work, one with plenty of humor and laughs but also one with so much heart. In this novel we meet Linus Baker, an employee for a magical creatures government agency. Linus oversees many magical orphanages, ensuring they're providing adequate care, and outside of the office lives an average, unremarkable life. But when Linus receives a classified case from the executives of the agency, he finds himself crossing paths with Arthur Parnassus, a mysterious caretaker of an orphanage with magical children who are different than any Linus has crossed paths before. But as Linus spends a month alongside these children and Arthur, he may find that his average, rule-abiding life could be so much more.
The characters are the stand-out of this novel. Every character receives such well-rounded development and close work on bonding with Linus, our protagonist. My personal favorite just might have been Lucy because he made me cackle like crazy, but in reality the entire cast of characters are strong and phenomenal. The writing consistently brings this sense of comfort, of warmth (literally and figuratively), and you can't help but feel sucked into a relaxing story about found family and finding your home in the world. This story is just so delightful and if it sounds like your kind of thing, you should definitely read this one for a lift in your spirits!
celia_lane's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
gingerrvgers's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
lpayn3's review against another edition
4.0
Very sweet and charming story. Unfortunately, the plot was quite predictable and everything was resolved far too neatly and easily in the end. Not quite worth the hype, but still a lovely read.
books_w_bex's review against another edition
5.0
what a gorgeous, warm, heartwarming read full of hope and love and found family. It’s Hook meets Harry Potter. This book is a parable, a fable of sorts, sometimes a little too on the nose but I tend to like that. Highly recommend.
librarylandlisa's review against another edition
1.0
I wanted to like this book. I REALLY wanted to like this book. I tried. I even purchased the audiobook. The narrator made it worse. I only made it about 2 hours in. I might try again in the future if someone else makes it through and suggests it, but it did not have the momentum needed.
nebyula's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ehoustonmyatt's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Delightful and cozy!