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The House in the Cerulean Sea

TJ Klune

Tor Books

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ISBN10: 1250217318
ISBN13: 9781250217318

Trade Paperback

416 Pages

$18.99

CA$25.99

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Winner of an Alex Award

Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages.

When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management he's given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they’re likely to bring about the end of days.

But the children aren’t the only secret the island keeps. Their caretaker is the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe. As Arthur and Linus grow closer, long-held secrets are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn.

An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place—and realizing that family is yours.

Reviews

Praise for The House in the Cerulean Sea

“It’s a witty, wholesome fantasy that’s likely to cause heart-swelling.”The Washington Post

“A beautiful little gem of both irony and, yes, kindness.”Fantasy & Science Fiction

“TJ Klune is a master storyteller.”The Mary Sue

“If ever there was an author to watch out for, [Klune] is definitely that author.”Culturess Daily

“This inclusive fantasy is quite possibly the greatest feel-good story ever to involve the Antichrist . . . The House in the Cerulean Sea will delight fans of Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series and any reader looking for a burst of humor and hope.”Shelf Awareness

"It will renew your faith in humanity.”—Terry Brooks, New York Times bestselling author of the Shannara series

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, #1 New York Times bestselling author

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, New York Times bestselling author of Soulless

“Sweet, comforting, and kind, this book is very close to perfect. The House in the Cerulean Sea is a work of classic children's literature written for adults and children alike, with the perspective and delicacy of the modern day. I cannot recommend it highly enough.”—Seanan McGuire, New York Times bestselling author of Every Heart a Doorway

"Lambda Literary Award-winning author Klune (The Art of Breathing) has a knack for creating endearing characters, and readers will grow to love Arthur and the orphans alongside Linus . . . fans of quirky fantasy will eat it up. A breezy and fun contemporary fantasy."Kirkus Reviews

“This is a sweet narrative about the value of asking questions and the benefits of giving people (especially children) a chance to be safe, protected, and themselves, regardless of what assumptions one might glean from, say, reading their case file.”Booklist

"A delightful tale about chosen families, and how to celebrate differences."Library Journal

“Quirk and charm give way to a serious exploration of the dangers of complacency in this delightful, thought-provoking Orwellian fantasy from Klune . . . This tale of found family is hopeful to its core. Readers will revel in Klune’s wit and ingenuity.”Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Reviews from Goodreads

BOOK EXCERPTS

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ONE


“Oh dear,” Linus Baker said, wiping the sweat from his brow. “This is most unusual.”

That was an understatement. He watched in rapt wonder as an eleven-year-old girl named Daisy levitated blocks of wood high above her...

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About the author

TJ Klune

TJ KLUNE is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, The Extraordinaries, and more. Being queer himself, Klune believes it's important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive queer representation in stories.

Natasha Michaels

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