A review by gardeningwithbadintent
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

adventurous hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This story was incredibly refreshing. The two love interests both know and accept their sexuality before the book starts, so we see a rare queer romance where the tension is not driven by homophobia but by a need for personal growth, which we get to see laid out so beautifully. It is also intertwined with the social battle of a fear of people who are different that smacks of all kinds of hatred, from racism to homophobia. It is realistic yet hopeful and such an excellent use and explanation of these themes in a book that I would not be very uncomfortable teaching to middle schoolers (if I didn’t live in America). I’d give it more than 5 stars if I could.
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