THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA by TJ Klune

 

This book has been the talk of many of my friends and online sites. Inspired by a close friend and word that it would be May's library book discussion topic, I decided to give it a go. Its unusual characters and intriguing combination of realism and fantasy made for a rare reading experience.

Linus Baker, a caseworker for the DICOMY (Department in Charge of Magical Youth), takes his job quite seriously. The work involves visiting orphanages to determine if those in charge of these special children are doing their best to care for them and provide them with safe environments. After his visits he writes up reports that are known for their honesty and directness.

Linus has just received a very special assignment. He will be reporting to an isolated island, home to one of the DICOMY's orphanages. He is given a vague description of the orphanage and brief bios of the children living there. These children represent some of the most interesting and perhaps most dangerous of all the children he has ever observed. His stay is to last one month, and he is expected to report back to the Extremely Upper Management each week.

Intent on maintaining his usual detached observation methods, Linus soon determines this assignment is decidedly different. It is quickly obvious that the people in the town on the mainland have a profound dislike, and maybe even fear, of the children. Many rumors of their magical abilities abound, including their belief that one of the children is in fact the Anti-Christ.

Readers are in for a treat as they meet a wacky cast of characters, plenty of humor, unabashed prejudice, and a possibility of romance. THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA by TJ Klune is truly a treat. The praise heaped upon it is well deserved, and I highly recommend it.