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A Heartwarming Return to Marsyas Island
There’s something undeniably magical about stepping back into a beloved fictional world. Like reuniting with old friends, it fills you with a warm, fuzzy feeling of familiarity and comfort. That’s exactly how it feels to dive into T.J. Klune’s “Somewhere Beyond the Sea,” the eagerly anticipated sequel to his runaway hit “The House in the Cerulean Sea.”
Klune invites readers back to the whimsical world of Marsyas Island, where magical children find a home and adults learn to embrace their true selves. But this time, we’re seeing things through different eyes—those of Arthur Parnassus, the enigmatic master of the island’s orphanage. And let me tell you, it’s one heck of a ride.
A Symphony of Love, Magic, and Resistance
“Somewhere Beyond the Sea” picks up about a year after the events of the first book. Arthur and Linus are happily settled into their life on Marsyas Island, caring for their brood of magical misfits. But when Arthur is summoned to testify about his dark past, it sets off a chain of events that threatens everything they’ve built.
Klune weaves a tale that’s equal parts heartwarming and heart-wrenching. It’s a story about found family, the power of love, and the importance of standing up for what’s right—even when it’s scary. And boy, does it pack an emotional punch.
Characters That Feel Like Family
One of Klune’s greatest strengths is his ability to create characters that feel real and relatable, despite their magical nature. Arthur, with his fiery phoenix powers and troubled past, is a complex and deeply sympathetic protagonist. His love for the children and for Linus shines through every page, making you root for him even harder.
The children – Lucy (the Antichrist), Talia (the gnome), Phee (the forest sprite), Theodore (the wyvern), Chauncey (the… blob?), and Sal (the were-Pomeranian)—are just as delightful as ever. Their antics will have you laughing out loud one minute and reaching for the tissues the next. And the addition of David, a young yeti struggling to find his place, adds a new layer of depth to the family dynamic.
A World You’ll Want to Live In
Marsyas Island continues to be a setting that feels both magical and real. Klune’s descriptions bring the island to life, from the cozy orphanage to Talia’s sprawling garden. You can almost smell the sea air and feel the warmth of the sun on your skin as you read.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The world beyond the island is a harsh one, where magical beings face discrimination and fear. Klune doesn’t shy away from addressing these heavy themes, making the story feel relevant and important in today’s world.
A Tale of Two Halves
The book is essentially split into two parts. The first half focuses on Arthur’s testimony and the immediate aftermath, while the second deals with the arrival of a government inspector and the family’s efforts to protect their home.
Part One: Confronting the Past
The first half of the book is intense and emotionally charged. Arthur’s testimony is gut-wrenching, revealing the abuse and neglect he suffered as a child on Marsyas Island. It’s heavy stuff, but Klune handles it with sensitivity and care.
This section also delves deeper into Arthur’s past as a magical underground railroad conductor of sorts, helping unregistered magical beings escape government control. It adds layers to Arthur’s character and raises interesting questions about morality and resistance.
Part Two: Defending Home
The second half takes on a lighter tone, focusing on the family’s efforts to thwart the nosy government inspector, Miss Marblemaw. This section is full of hijinks and humor, balancing out the heaviness of the first half.
While some readers might find the shift in tone jarring, I found it a welcome relief. It allows the characters (and the readers) to process the heavy emotions of the first half while still moving the plot forward.
Themes That Resonate
The Power of Found Family
At its core, “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” is a story about family—not the one you’re born into, but the one you choose. The love between Arthur, Linus, and the children is palpable, and it’s this love that gives them the strength to face whatever challenges come their way.
Fighting for What’s Right
The book also tackles themes of resistance and standing up against injustice. Arthur and his family refuse to back down in the face of government oppression, showing that even small acts of defiance can make a difference.
Embracing Who You Are
Each character in the book is unique and magical in their own way, and a big part of their journey is learning to embrace those qualities rather than hide them. It’s a powerful message about self-acceptance and celebrating diversity.
Klune’s Signature Style
Fans of Klune’s work will find his trademark humor and heart on full display in “Somewhere Beyond the Sea.” His writing style is warm and accessible, with a perfect balance of whimsy and depth.
The dialogue is snappy and often hilarious, particularly the children’s banter. Lucy, the Antichrist, continues to be a scene-stealer with his deadpan delivery and penchant for destruction.
But Klune isn’t afraid to go deep, either. The emotional moments hit hard, and there were several points where I found myself tearing up (don’t judge me, okay?).
A Few Bumps in the Road
While I thoroughly enjoyed “Somewhere Beyond the Sea,” it’s not without its flaws. The pacing can be a bit uneven at times, particularly in the transition between the two halves of the book.
Some readers might also find the government inspector, Miss Marblemaw, to be a bit of a caricature. While her over-the-top nastiness leads to some funny moments, it can sometimes feel a bit too cartoonish.
Additionally, while the book does a good job of recapping important events from “The House in the Cerulean Sea,” readers who haven’t read the first book might find themselves a bit lost at times.
The Verdict
Despite these minor quibbles, “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” is a worthy successor to “The House in the Cerulean Sea.” It expands on the world and characters we’ve come to love while telling a compelling new story.
Klune has crafted a tale that’s both timely and timeless, addressing real-world issues through the lens of fantasy. It’s a book that will make you laugh, cry, and maybe even inspire you to stand up for what you believe in.
If you loved “The House in the Cerulean Sea,” you’ll definitely want to pick up “Somewhere Beyond the Sea.” And if you’re new to Klune’s work, do yourself a favor and start with the first book—you won’t regret it.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Fans of “The House in the Cerulean Sea”
- Readers who enjoy heartwarming stories about found family
- Anyone looking for LGBTQ+ representation in fantasy
- Those who appreciate stories that blend humor and serious themes
- Fans of authors like Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
“Somewhere Beyond the Sea” is a magical, moving tale that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page. It’s not perfect, but its heart and charm more than make up for any minor flaws. T.J. Klune has done it again, creating a world you’ll wish you could visit and characters you’ll wish were real. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go reread both books and cry over how much I love these characters.
Similar Books You Might Enjoy
If you loved “Somewhere Beyond the Sea,” here are a few other books you might want to check out:
- “The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet” by Becky Chambers – Another heartwarming tale of found family, set in space.
- “Good Omens” by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman – For more humorous takes on the Antichrist and the nature of good and evil.
- “The Wayward Children” series by Seanan McGuire – Magical children finding their place in the world? Check.
- “Under the Whispering Door” by T.J. Klune – If you want more of Klune’s signature style and heart.
- “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig – For another story about finding your place in the world and the power of second chances.
Remember, there’s magic in the world if you know where to look for it. Happy reading!
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