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The House in the Cerulean Sea

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The House in the Cerulean Sea

By: TJ Klune
Narrated by: Daniel Henning
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"Daniel Henning is a great narrator for this quirky and theatrical audiobook.... Henning revels in a cornucopia of characters, diving into nuanced voices and colorful moments with accents and growls, tone shifts and whispers.... This is definitely a title for those who enjoy fantasy stories replete with gnomes and witches and all in between." (AudioFile Magazine) 

Lambda Literary Award-winning author TJ Klune's breakout contemporary fantasy

Linus Baker is a by-the-book case worker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He's tasked with determining whether six dangerous magical children are likely to bring about the end of the world. 

Arthur Parnassus is the master of the orphanage. He would do anything to keep the children safe, even if it means the world will burn. And his secrets will come to light.

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

Chicago Tribune Best Books of the Year - 2020

Amazon.com Best Books of the Year - 2020

A Macmillan Audio production from Tor Books

"1984 meets The Umbrella Academy with a pinch of Douglas Adams thrown in." (Gail Carriger, New York Times best-selling author of Soulless)

©2020 TJ Klune (P)2020 Macmillan Audio

Accolades & Awards

Fantasy Essentials
LGBTQIA+ Essentials
#BookTok
#BookTok Fantasy Fantasy Essentials LGBTQIA+ Essentials Fiction Funny Magic Heartfelt Witty Humorous Paranormal Science Fiction & Fantasy Contemporary Paranormal & Urban Feel-Good Literature & Fiction Comedy Thought-Provoking Suspenseful

Critic reviews

ALA Alex Awards Winner (Adult for Young Adults), 2021

Chicago Tribune Best Books of the Year, 2020

Amazon.com Best Books of the Year, 2020

Featured Article: The top 100 fantasy listens of all time


When compiling our list of the best fantasy listening out there, we immediately came up against the age-old question: Is this fantasy or science fiction? The distinction is not as clear as you may think. Dragons, elves, and wizards are definitely fantasy, but what about wizards that also fly space ships? (Looking at you, Star Wars.) For the sake of fantasy purity, the top 100 fantasy listens include the best audio works in all manner of fantasy subgenres.

Featured Article The top 100 fantasy listens of all time

Continue the series
Somewhere Beyond the Sea Audiobook By TJ Klune cover art
Somewhere Beyond the Sea By: TJ Klune
Best of #BookTok on Audible Listen to what everyone’s raving about
Heartwarming Found Family • Whimsical Fantasy • Distinct Character Voices • Emotional Depth • Meaningful Social Commentary

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As I first started listening to this story, I wondered if I had preordered the wrong book. But no, it was written by T.J. Klune and it was LGBTQ, so why did it seem like I was listening to a children's book? It's not a kids' book, though there are parts that many children would love and I can imagine myself curling up beside my grandson/daughter and reading it to them much like Peter Falk ala Princess Bride. But mostly, I think it's because this book appealed to the child in me. It reached a place of innocence, wonder, and playfulness that I haven't experienced in a very long time - and I loved every minute of it.

Thank you, T,J. Klune

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I knew I wouldn't be disappointed with a TJ Klune book. It was everything a great book should be. I was worried about a new narrator to the Kluneverse family, but Daniel Henning did a spectacular job. I will forever cherish Chauncey! The writing, the message, the characters, the voices... it was all just perfect. Thank you TJ for working so hard, TOR, Daniel Henning and everyone involved in this wonderful story.

I really DO wish I was there!

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It's been a while since I've read a book that made my heart swell as much as this did. We begin by meeting Linus Baker, a governmental drone going about his life and doing what he need to do, but we realize he wants more out of his life than what he has. A mysterious assignment sends him away from his routine and changes his life, and by extension starts to change the rest of his world.

I decided to read this book on a "hey I have some free credits" lark. I saw the comparisons made about it being 1984 meets The Umbrella Academy, but I don't necessarily think that's a fair comparison. There is no big bad villain to be defeated, unless you count systemic bigotry. T.J. Klune's writing focuses so much on character, each central character you encounter is so 3 dimensional and flushed out, you feel as if you know or have known these people. At the heart of this entrie book is the search for home, love, community & most importantly (to me) a sense of belonging and acceptance.

I've already suggested this book to anyone who will listen to me and still that doesn't feel like enough, so I felt compelled to write this review.

I was not ready to ugly cry.

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I had a teeny tiny problem keeping track of whose voice was whose, but that maybe an ADHD problem though.

I was reluctant to listen to a book, but I work overnights and it's either occupy my ears or listen to the same 20 store approved songs on repeat.

I loved this book so much. I really think listening to it was the best decision ever. Sometimes my ADHD prevents me from understanding things the way they are intended. But this helped heeps!

And gods knows I do so love happy gay ending.

I loved the hell out of this book

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What a beautiful story of redemption and acceptance narrated in a most amazing way!

Thank you TJ Klune for the escape and thank you Daniel Henning for bringing the story to life!

Stunning

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