The House In The Cerulean Sea follows Linus Baker, a caseworker for magical children, as he embarks on a life-changing journey to a mysterious orphanage. Set in a whimsical world, the story explores themes of acceptance, love, and the importance of community. Linus must confront his own biases and fears as he interacts with extraordinary children and their enigmatic caretaker, Arthur Parnassus. This enchanting novel, published by Tor in 2020, is perfect for readers who enjoy fantasy fiction with rich character development and heartfelt messages. Fans of LGBTQ+ literature will find representation and warmth in this tale of belonging and understanding.

Key Points

  • Follows Linus Baker, a caseworker for magical children, on his transformative journey.
  • Explores themes of acceptance and the importance of community in a whimsical setting.
  • Features a diverse cast of characters, including extraordinary children and their caretaker, Arthur Parnassus.
  • Published by Tor Books in 2020, this novel appeals to fans of fantasy and LGBTQ+ literature.
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author: TJ Klune More by TJ Klune Somewhere Beyond The Sea by TJ Klune Somewhere Beyond The Sea by TJ Klune
365 pages
Language:English
Type:Novel
Fantasy
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author: TJ Klune More by TJ Klune Somewhere Beyond The Sea by TJ Klune Somewhere Beyond The Sea by TJ Klune
365 pages
Language:English
Type:Novel
Fantasy
249
/ 365
ONE
“Oh dear,” Linus Baker said, wiping the sweat from his brow. “This is most
unusual.”
That was an understatement. He watched in rapt wonder as an eleven-
year-old girl named Daisy levitated blocks of wood high above her head.
The blocks spun in slow, concentric circles. Daisy frowned in
concentration, the tip of her tongue stuck out between her teeth. It went on
for a good minute before the blocks slowly lowered to the floor. Her level
of control was astounding.
“I see,” Linus said, furiously scribbling on his pad of paper. They were
in the master’s office, a tidy room with government-issued brown carpet
and old furniture. The walls were lined with terrible paintings of lemurs in
various poses. The master had showed them off proudly, telling Linus
painting was her passion, and that if she hadn’t become the master of this
specific orphanage, she’d be traveling with a circus as a lemur trainer or
even have opened up a gallery to share her artwork with the world. Linus
believed the world was better off with the paintings staying in this room,
but he kept the thought to himself. He wasn’t there to engage in amateur art
criticism. “And how often do you—er, you know? Make things float?”
The master of the orphanage, a squat woman with frizzy hair, stepped
forward. “Oh, not often at all,” she said quickly. She wrung her hands, eyes
darting back and forth. “Perhaps once or twice… a year?”
Linus coughed.
“A month,” the woman amended. “Silly me. I don’t know why I said a
year. Slip of the tongue. Yes, once or twice a month. You know how it is.
/ 365
End of Document
249

Figures

The House In The Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune — Figure 1
is a Lambda Literary Award–winning author and a former
The House In The Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune — Figure 3

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FAQs

Who is Linus Baker in The House In The Cerulean Sea?
Linus Baker is the protagonist of the novel, a caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He is tasked with investigating orphanages that house magical children to ensure their well-being and compliance with government regulations. Linus is portrayed as thorough and diligent in his work, often feeling a sense of responsibility for the children he evaluates.
What is Daisy's special ability in the story?
Daisy Levitate, an eleven-year-old girl at the orphanage, possesses the ability to levitate objects, which she demonstrates by making blocks of wood float in the air. Her level of control over her powers is impressive, and she expresses concern about accidentally hurting others with her abilities, indicating a desire to manage her emotions better.
What incident triggers Linus Baker's visit to the orphanage?
Linus Baker's visit to the orphanage is triggered by an incident involving a boy named Marcus, who was reported to have been injured by Daisy when she accidentally threw a chair at him. This incident raised concerns that prompted an investigation into the orphanage and the magical children living there.
How does the master of the orphanage view the children?
The master of the orphanage expresses a protective attitude towards the children, emphasizing that they should be seen for who they are rather than just their magical abilities. She is wary of the government’s treatment of magical youth and believes that they deserve a chance at a normal life, free from fear and regulation.
What is the significance of Linus's final report?
Linus's final report is crucial as it determines the future of the children at the orphanage. His thorough assessment will influence whether they continue to live in a nurturing environment or face potential separation from the orphanage. The report reflects his views on the children's well-being and the importance of understanding their capabilities beyond mere regulation.
How does Linus feel about the children he meets at the orphanage?
Linus Baker develops a fondness for the children he meets at the orphanage, appreciating their unique qualities and resilience. He expresses a genuine interest in their well-being, contrasting with the more bureaucratic perspectives of other caseworkers. His interactions with the children reveal his empathetic nature and desire to see them thrive.
What does Daisy promise Linus regarding her powers?
Daisy promises Linus that she will stop and think before using her powers in the future, especially after realizing that her emotions can lead to unintended consequences. This promise reflects her understanding of the responsibility that comes with her abilities and her desire to control them better.

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