A Magical Return to Marsyas Island
There’s something profoundly comforting about returning to a beloved fictional world, like slipping on a well-worn sweater or sinking into your favorite armchair. T.J. Klune’s “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” offers readers exactly that cozy feeling, whisking us back to the enchanting Marsyas Island and the found family we fell in love with in “The House in the Cerulean Sea.” But make no mistake—this isn’t just a rehash of familiar territory. Klune has crafted a sequel that expands on the themes of its predecessor while diving deeper into the complex world of magical beings and the societal prejudices they face.
A Story of Resistance, Love, and Chosen Family
At its heart, “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” is a tale of resistance against oppression, wrapped in layers of warmth, humor, and the unwavering bonds of chosen family. Klune’s signature wit and whimsy are on full display, but there’s a sharper edge to this installment, a recognition that sometimes love isn’t enough to change the world—sometimes you have to fight for it.
The story picks up not long after the events of “The House in the Cerulean Sea,” with Arthur Parnassus and Linus Baker settled into their roles as caretakers of six extraordinary magical children on Marsyas Island. Their makeshift family has grown stronger, but the outside world still looms as a threat. When Arthur is summoned to testify about his past and the treatment of magical youth, it sets in motion a chain of events that will test the bonds of their family and force them to confront the prejudices of the wider world.
Characters That Feel Like Old Friends (and Delightful New Additions)
One of Klune’s greatest strengths is his ability to create characters that feel so real and lovable you wish you could reach through the pages and hug them (or, in the case of Talia the gnome, maybe just offer a respectful nod). All our favorites from the first book return:
- Arthur, the phoenix with a painful past and a heart of gold
- Linus, the formerly uptight caseworker who’s found his place in the world
- Lucy, the Antichrist with a penchant for mischief and a surprising capacity for kindness
- Talia, the prickly garden gnome with a green thumb and a sharp tongue
- Chauncey, the blob-like “whatever he is” with dreams of being a bellhop
- Phee, the fierce forest sprite
- Theodore, the wyvern with a button obsession
- Sal, the were-Pomeranian finding his voice and his strength
But Klune doesn’t rest on his laurels. He introduces us to David, a young yeti struggling to find acceptance, who adds a new dynamic to the group. And then there’s the delightfully awful Miss Marblemaw, a government inspector who embodies every frustrating aspect of bureaucracy and prejudice.
Themes That Resonate
While “The House in the Cerulean Sea” focused largely on found family and acceptance, “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” digs deeper into issues of systemic oppression, resistance, and the complexities of identity. Klune doesn’t shy away from exploring the trauma Arthur and the children have experienced, but he balances it with moments of joy, laughter, and unwavering love.
The book tackles weighty subjects like government overreach, the weaponization of fear, and the importance of standing up for what’s right, even when it’s difficult. But it does so with Klune’s trademark gentle touch, never feeling preachy or heavy-handed.
A Master Class in Magical Realism
Klune’s writing style continues to be a perfect blend of whimsy and emotional depth. He has a gift for creating moments of pure magic—both literal and figurative. Whether it’s Phee growing an entire orange tree in seconds or Arthur transforming into a majestic phoenix, the fantastical elements feel organic and wondrous.
But it’s in the quieter moments that Klune’s writing truly shines. A conversation between Arthur and Linus about the weight of responsibility, Sal finding his voice as a leader, or Lucy showing unexpected depths of empathy – these are the scenes that will stick with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
Humor That Hits the Mark
Despite tackling some heavy themes, “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” is also genuinely funny. Klune’s humor ranges from clever wordplay to delightful absurdism. Lucy’s ongoing attempts to bring about the end times (usually thwarted by his own growing fondness for humanity) never fail to bring a smile. And Chauncey’s earnest enthusiasm for everything from bellhopping to his newfound ability to “ink” had me laughing out loud more than once.
A Few Minor Quibbles
While “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” is a strong sequel, it’s not without its flaws. The pacing in the middle section can feel a bit repetitive, with multiple scenes of the children outwitting Miss Marblemaw that, while entertaining, don’t always drive the plot forward.
Additionally, some readers might find that the resolution comes a bit too easily, given the high stakes established earlier in the book. However, in a world that often feels overwhelmingly dark, there’s something to be said for a story that allows goodness and love to triumph.
A Satisfying Sequel That Stands on Its Own
While familiarity with “The House in the Cerulean Sea” will certainly enhance your enjoyment of this book, Klune provides enough context that new readers can jump in without feeling lost. That said, I’d highly recommend starting with the first book to fully appreciate the character growth and the depth of the world Klune has created.
Final Thoughts
“Somewhere Beyond the Sea” is a worthy successor to “The House in the Cerulean Sea,” expanding on its themes while maintaining the heart and charm that made the first book so beloved. It’s a story about the family we choose, the battles worth fighting, and the power of kindness in the face of hatred. In a world that often feels divided and harsh, Klune’s book is a much-needed reminder of the strength found in community and the importance of standing up for what’s right.
If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh, cry, and leave you with a renewed sense of hope, look no further. “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” is a magical journey worth taking.
Perfect for fans of:
- “The House in the Cerulean Sea” by T.J. Klune
- “The Wayward Children” series by Seanan McGuire
- “Good Omens” by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
- “The Extraordinaries” series by T.J. Klune
Content Warnings:
- Discussion of past child abuse
- Themes of discrimination and prejudice
- Mild violence
About the Author
T.J. Klune is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of “The House in the Cerulean Sea,” “The Extraordinaries,” and “Under the Whispering Door.” His writing style blends humor, heart, and a touch of magic to create stories that resonate deeply with readers. Klune’s works often feature LGBTQ+ characters and explore themes of found family, acceptance, and the power of kindness.
