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A review by flyingfox02
Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune
2.5
Not quite the strong start I was hoping for the new year. I adored the first book, The House in the Cerulean Sea. It had so much whimsy, charm, and warmth. This book exhibits some of those things too, but in a much lesser degree.
In this sequel, we follow Arthur's perspective instead of Linus. I was expecting the story to revolve mostly around Arthur's past (as the blurb makes it out to be) but that only serves as an opening. A big chunk of the story is taken up by an inspector who comes to the island to check on the 'wellbeing' of the children. Much like the first book, if not a carbon copy. I felt it was longer than it needed to be. I couldn't make out the inspector character (can't remember her name, Marylebone or something). What even was the point of her? Like the author was making her do stupid stuff just to prolong the story.
I think this book was trying to do too much. The pacing and plotline felt a little clunky. The social commentaries were way too on the nose. (Sal being black and Talia having a beard... come on now). Some of the dialogue felt unnatural. I prefer more nuance, though I guess I'm older than the target audience.
There were things I liked. Themes of found family, inclusivity, acceptance of self and others. There's a new kid on the block and the children were so welcoming. They're still their bright, mischievous, joyful selves. (Theodore and his buttons still my favourite, of course).
There will probably be a third book. I will probably read it just to be with the characters again, even if I felt this sequel wasn't needed in the first place. If that happens, I just hope it'll somehow live up to the magic of book one.
In this sequel, we follow Arthur's perspective instead of Linus. I was expecting the story to revolve mostly around Arthur's past (as the blurb makes it out to be) but that only serves as an opening. A big chunk of the story is taken up by an inspector who comes to the island to check on the 'wellbeing' of the children. Much like the first book, if not a carbon copy. I felt it was longer than it needed to be. I couldn't make out the inspector character (can't remember her name, Marylebone or something). What even was the point of her? Like the author was making her do stupid stuff just to prolong the story.
I think this book was trying to do too much. The pacing and plotline felt a little clunky. The social commentaries were way too on the nose. (Sal being black and Talia having a beard... come on now). Some of the dialogue felt unnatural. I prefer more nuance, though I guess I'm older than the target audience.
There were things I liked. Themes of found family, inclusivity, acceptance of self and others. There's a new kid on the block and the children were so welcoming. They're still their bright, mischievous, joyful selves. (Theodore and his buttons still my favourite, of course).
There will probably be a third book. I will probably read it just to be with the characters again, even if I felt this sequel wasn't needed in the first place. If that happens, I just hope it'll somehow live up to the magic of book one.