The House in the Cerulean Sea

Unique and fabulous.

After reading a rather heavy historical fiction novel I was looking for something lighthearted to read. I decided to try this fantasy novel for something different and because of all the great reviews. I realize I am in the minority here but I didn’t love this book. For one it seemed like the author spent a lot of time “teaching” his audience through one character- Arthur. I also struggled with the portrayal of the antichrist character Lucy. While at points the writing was humorous in many other ways it seemed to be mocking Christian beliefs, in particular that evil exists.

One of my favorite books I’ve ever listened to. Not sure I would have enjoyed it as much as I did if I would have read it myself.

A prescient theme, but I didn’t understand the main character.

This book was exactly what my heart needed. I fell in love with the characters, their warmth, and the way they grew into something like family. Linus’s quiet transformation—learning to trust himself, opening up to joy, connection, and love—was deeply moving. I cried through the final third, overwhelmed in the best way.

This is a story about found family, gentle rebellion, and becoming who you were meant to be. Completely beautiful, quietly magical, and so full of heart.