Staff Book Review

Meet TJ – TJ served as the Technical Services Coordinator for both branches of the Washington County Public Library. When he is not cataloging, TJ can be found researching plants, specifically carnivorous flora and orchids; spending time with his cat, Lucy; and reading his favorite genre of books, fantasy. We wish TJ all the best as he moves on to his next adventure!

This month, TJ reviews The House in The Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, the first book in the Cerulean Chronicles! Additionally, Klune is the #1 New York Times and #1 USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary Award–winning author.

Linus Baker, a meticulous and practical caseworker, has been dispatched by the Upper Management of the Department in Charge of Magical Youth (DICOMY) to observe a mysterious orphanage on Marsyas Island. Linus, accompanied by his cantankerous cat Calliope, arrives at the Marsyas Orphanage to create detailed reports concerning the welfare of the following children: Talia, a gnome; Phee, a sprite; Sal, a shapeshifter; Theodore, a wyvern; and Lucy, the Antichrist. While investigating the children, Linus struggles to unravel the mystery of the orphanage’s enigmatic and whimsical master: Arthur Parnassus.

As the narrative progresses, Linus internally debates the duality of being a stoic DICOMY caseworker alongside his genuine concern for the well-being of magical children. Moreover, Arthur and Linus grow closer as they overcome obstacles, igniting a spark in their relationship. After learning Arthur’s secret, Linus must choose either DICOMY or Marsyas Orphanage.

What captured my attention the most in The House in the Cerulean Sea were two literary concepts—character development and writing style. Linus Baker begins his journey as, for lack of better terminology, a strict rule follower. Throughout the narrative, Linus recites and finds comfort in DICOMY’s thorough handbook: RULES AND REGULATIONS. However, Linus acclimates to the whimsy and dynamism of Marsyas Orphanage and finds himself loosening the tight grip of stoic observation. Linus continues to learn more about magical children and the rules that govern their lives and begins to question why the rules have been implemented. Overall, Linus showcases that he is more than a simple caseworker behind a desk. He is an altruistic human with a great capacity for love and life.

Klune is phenomenal at world-building. Right away, readers are transported into the fantastical narrative of the Cerulean Chronicles. The novel begins with Linus observing a child levitating wooden blocks at an orphanage to prepare a routine inspection report. From here, readers are introduced to the drab and strict environment of the DICOMY office. Klune emphasizes the lifelessness and rigidity of the workspace through the constant surveillance, tedious paperwork, and myriad demerits. As Linus rides the train to catch his boat to Marsyas Island, the language within the text changes. Here, Linus sees vibrant greenery and something beautiful he always wanted to see: the ocean. This transition into a more colorful world is significant not only as it reflects the writing but represents how Linus is taking his first steps into his own journey of self-exploration. In many ways, the transition to a more colorful world is reminiscent of Dorothy landing in Oz.