Somewhere Beyond the Sea

I expected The House in the Cerulean Sea would be stronger as a standalone, and after completing this sequel, it didn't change my mind. Even if a sequel means more Chauncey.

This book takes place after the original story, but with more insight into Arthur Parnassus instead of Linus Baker. This time, they are facing a pair of Temu knockoff Umbridges that have as much depth as a dinner plate. Just like in the original, DICOMY are coming after his children, this time worried he is building Dumbledore's Parnassus' army.

What left me baffled the most is that there were so many opportunities for real conflict that were left unexplored. I know, I know - these books are meant to be cosy, and they are - but actual conflict and stakes do matter. Just like the last one, the ending is just mediocre, relying partially on abilities not explored or properly hinted at throughout the book.

The writing also suffers from preachy dialogue, that really distracted me from being fully immersed in the story. Having a message in your story is paramount, and I totally understand the need to get it across, but it could have been done in a more subtle manner, fitting the world of the story just a bit more. Instead, the moralism is so blatant it ripped me right out of Marsyas and right back into reality.

I also made the mistake of reading the acknowledgements. What a way to end a ‘wholesome' story in a gross. holier-than-thou manner. It left a bad taste in my mouth and ruined the genuinely still-quite-enjoyable story I had just experienced.

There's a sequel??!!??? I may die omg. Arthuuuuuuuur I'm so ready to see you again, my favourite phoenix ❤️❤️❤️

This is generally not my genre. Since it is a clear allegory for queerness, it draws me in much more than most YA stories about magical creatures would. I read both The House in the Cerulean Sea and Under the Whispering Door years ago. Remembering them were not necessary for this. I do however, remember that both of those books made me cry. This did not. It is an enjoyable easy read, though.

Starting this book I had high hopes, the first book was 5 stars for me and one I think about a good bit of time. Unfortunately I really didn’t care for the continuation of this story. I love the messages so much and believe they are ones to be shared but this plot did not hit for me. And I just couldn’t get into the story at all.

I was having a hard time deciding what to rate it but since I did spend a considerable amount of time thinking about dnfing I had to give it only one star.

If you enjoyed the first book maybe give this one a try maybe skip ><

Not as good as the first, but then lightning doesn't strike twice often.

Overall still a decent book and I enjoyed some of the characters growth, however I think they really moved from storytelling about politics and social rights and moved into straight out just stating it in a very "hah!. See we can do it if we want" which really took the out of any story or plot building.

Had to force myself past 50%.

A dull repeat of the first book for me! Shame as I was excited for it but there really was nothing new in it. Same story and if anything it just felt a bit like Klune took what people liked from the first and went ham on it and not in a good way. Felt forced and I ended up skim reading chunks of repetitive / dull writing.

While I loved visiting the island again, I'm not sure if we needed this. I did like getting more of Arthur's story, but otherwise it just seemed like a repeat of the first book, but with a ridiculous, cartoonish villain.

“Somewhere Beyond the Sea” is a sequel that surpasses the remarkable original. It delves deeper into character backstories, employs a more intricate narrative structure, and skillfully balances complex emotions.

I was excited to read the next in the cerulean chronicles series. I deducted one star, because I kinda forgot who Arthur Parnassus was, but a little into the story, I was reminded about who is was and what he had to endure when he previously lived on the island with magical children. I wish a little more detail was given to his partner. But it was still a good story.

 Qué belleza de libro ❤️ Es esperanzador, lleno de magia y una alegoría no muy escondida sobre identidad y aceptación en una sociedad que busca reprimirte. Es tan cozy que en mi mente lo imagino como una peli de pixar. El primer libro había sido una hermosura de por sí, en la continuación seguimos viendo el desarrollo de estos personajes increíbles. Re podría tomarse como un AU de good omens xD o tal vez sólo estoy proyectando porque quiero más romance gay cozy de cuarentones :v 

Thank you T.J. Klune for this delightfully rich sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea. It was wonderful to spend time with the Baker-Parnassus family and revisit Marsyas Island!

A little less charming than [b:The House in the Cerulean Sea 45047384 The House in the Cerulean Sea (Cerulean Chronicles, #1) T.J. Klune https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1569514209l/45047384.SY75.jpg 62945242], and a lot more heavy-handed. But in the four years since Cerulean Sea was published, homophobia and transphobia have only gotten worse, so perhaps subtlety is a luxury we can no longer afford. “Do you hear that?” [Bad Woman] said, raising her voice to the crowd. “That's what they think of you. Even though none of us would've been alive when this (persecution of magical beings) occurred, we're still supposed to pay the price of those who came before us? Balderdash! Were mistakes made? Yes, of course. But that doesn't mean we're not in the right now.” “It's like they can't hear themselves talk,” Linus murmured. ****************Lucy (short for Lucifer) nodded. “I'll open up a dimensional doorway in the fabric of reality and send [Bad Woman] to a place where even demons fear to tread. What is this evil place, you might be asking? Great Question!” He spread his hands wide in a practiced display of showmanship. “It's called...Florida.”Ladies and Gentlemen, T.J. Klune, or as he would like to remembered, “the Anti-J.K. Rowling.”

I was so honored to be given a sneak preview of the first four chapters of this book! The House in the Cerulean Sea was one of my favorite reads from last year so I have been very excited to read book 2. I am just so in love with all the characters and their adorable-ness. It seems like book 2 is going to be just a cute and heart warming and I can't wait to read more!!

Thanks to NetGalley for sending me a sneak peek!