The House in the Cerulean Sea (Cerulean Chronicles, 1)

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

NYT, USA Today, Indie, & Washington Post Bestseller
Award-Winning Fantasy | A Feel-Good Favorite

A magical island. A dangerous assignment. A heartwarming discovery of found family.

Winner of the 2021 Alex Award and the RUSA Fantasy Award, The House in the Cerulean Sea is the breakout contemporary fantasy from Lambda Literary Award-winner TJ Klune — a novel that blends humor, heart, and a touch of whimsy to create a truly unforgettable story.

The Story:

Linus Baker is a quiet, rule-abiding caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He lives alone with his cranky cat and old vinyl records — until he's suddenly sent on a classified assignment to Marsyas Island Orphanage, home to six extraordinary and potentially dangerous children… including one who might bring about the end of the world.

But it's not just the children who are different.

Their enigmatic caretaker, Arthur Parnassus, harbors secrets of his own — and as Linus becomes immersed in their strange, wonderful world, he begins to question everything he thought he knew about right, wrong, and the meaning of family.

Praise & Recognition:

• "1984 meets The Umbrella Academy with a pinch of Douglas Adams." – Gail Carriger

• Indie Next Pick & one of Book Riot’s 20 Must-Read Feel-Good Fantasies

• One of Publishers Weekly’s Most Anticipated Books of Spring 2020

Why Readers Love It:

• Wholesome, uplifting found-family fantasy

• Rich world-building with quirky, lovable characters

• A perfect escape for fans of Neil Gaiman, Matt Haig, and Seanan McGuire