If you’re looking for a book that feels like a warm hug, filled with love, hope, and laughter, Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune delivers all that and more.
This sequel takes us back to the magical island home of Arthur, Linus, and their crew of extraordinary children, and it somehow manages to be even more delightful than the first book. (I might have loved this one even more! It might just be I needed a sprinkle of hope after the election) It’s packed with charm, humor, and heartfelt moments that had me grinning and tearing up in equal measure.
One of my favorite things about this book is the banter between the kids. Each child has such a distinct personality, and their interactions are endlessly entertaining. Chauncey, in particular, completely stole my heart. He’s a lovable bundle of enthusiasm and positivity, and his conversations with fish and interaction with pinecones had me laughing.
Arthur’s reactions and comments are also spot-on, balancing his role as a wise, caring father figure with just the right amount of exasperation and humor when dealing with the antics of his magical children. The love and partnership between him and Linus remain a central thread, and it’s adorable.
I listened to this book, and the narrator absolutely nailed it. The distinct voices for each character brought the story to life and made it a joy to listen to. From the witty banter to the emotional beats, it was a treat!
This book is about so much more than its plot (though that’s fantastic too—it’s a battle of good vs. evil with a magical twist). It’s about family, found or otherwise, and standing up for the ones you love. It’s about creating a home where everyone feels safe and valued, no matter how different they might be.
If you loved The House in the Cerulean Sea, you’re going to adore this sequel (if you haven’t read it, go read it first!!) It’s heartfelt, whimsical, and filled with so much hope that it’s impossible to finish without a smile. Highly recommend, especially as an audiobook!
Arthur: A phoenix who built a home for magical children on an enchanted island.
Linus: Arthur’s fiancé, a former government worker who now helps care for the children.
Zoe: The island sprite and owner, a close friend of Arthur’s.
Calliope: Their mischievous cat.
Rowder: the new head of DICOMY and DICOMA
Miss Marblemaw: government official sent to inspect the home, says she has no fear
The Children:
David: A newly adopted yeti with a flair for acting.
Talia: A feisty garden gnome.
Theodore: A shy wyvern.
Sal: A shapeshifter who often becomes a tiny Pomeranian.
Phee: A spirited forest sprite.
Chauncey: A lovable, sea cucumber-like being with big dreams of being the best bellhop.
Lucy: The Antichrist with a heart of gold.
Plot Summary: The story begins with a flashback to Arthur building their island sanctuary before jumping to the present, where Arthur and Linus travel to testify for the rights of magical beings. Their testimony is disrupted when Arthur’s past relationship with a government official is exposed, leading to accusations that he manipulates people for permits to house the children. To defend himself, Arthur reveals his phoenix form, exposing the government’s underhanded tactics, including eavesdropping on their private conversations.
Afterward, they journey to bring David, a young yeti, into their family. David, an aspiring actor, is welcomed warmly by the other children when they return to the island. Their lives take on a new rhythm, marked by joyful chaos, such as Chauncey delighting in talking to fish during Saturday adventures… and then eating them. (Frank the fish comes back though and helps the family multiple times later in the book).
The peace is interrupted when an inspector, Miss Marblemaw, arrives to assess the home. Her disdain for the children is evident, culminating in an incident where she harms David during a visit to the village. The children rally to defend one another, with Sal courageously standing up to protect his siblings. In the end, Miss Marblemaw is banished from the island after Lucy unites his siblings (by calling for help telepathically) to send her away.
But the danger isn’t over. Weeks later, Miss Marblemaw returns with a government army led by Rowder, intent on taking the children. With the support of the local villagers, Arthur and his family stand their ground. Zoe reveals her true power as a sprite queen and reclaims the island and nearby village, declaring them a sanctuary for magical beings. Lucy uses his abilities to banish the attackers, ensuring the family’s safety.. for now. Zoe reconnect the island and the village to become a peninsula and have more land for sanctuary.
The epilogue brings a joyous conclusion with Arthur and Linus’s wedding, officiated by an enthusiastic David. Dolores, who helped expose the government’s corruption, becomes the new head of Magic for Adults and Children, signaling a brighter future for magical beings everywhere.
