Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune is the highly anticipated sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea, bringing readers back to the magical world of Marsyas Island. This time, the story focuses on Arthur Parnassus, the caretaker of the orphanage, as he faces the consequences of his mysterious past while fighting for a future where magical beings can live freely.

Klune delivers another heartfelt, whimsical, and deeply emotional tale, filled with themes of found family, acceptance, and resistance. The novel maintains the cozy, comforting tone of its predecessor while introducing new stakes and characters, including a magical child who challenges Arthur’s beliefs.

While some readers feel the sequel suffers from "sequelitis", revisiting too much of the first book’s plot, others praise its warmth, humor, and powerful message of inclusivity. If you loved The House in the Cerulean Sea, this follow-up offers another dose of magic, love, and hope.

My in store review:

“A return to Marsyas for more found family, feel-good cosy vibes. There’s a dash of hard cold reality along with the hopeful adventure a the first book and of course, my fave, Lucy the Anti-Christ!”

I absolutely loved a trip back to this world with these characters. It didn’t hit home quite as well as the first book for me but I still enjoyed it all the same!

A heartfelt, whimsical sequel that expands on the magic of The House in the Cerulean Sea, Somewhere Beyond the Sea delivers charming characters, emotional depth, and a fight for acceptance.

✨ Arthur’s past comes to light 💙 Found family & resistance 📚 A beautifully hopeful story

I read this while listening to the audiobook, and the narration was absolutely brilliant—so much fun! Daniel Henning’s performance brings humour, warmth, and distinct voices to the characters, making the experience even more immersive. While some plot elements feel a little predictable, the emotional core of the story shines, making this a worthy continuation of Klune’s world.

If you love cosy, uplifting fantasy, this one is a must-listen!

Arguably this book is not necessary, but I did really enjoy being back with these characters (especially the kids) and in this world. This one is a little heavier in some of the subject matter, but so good.

It’s an amazing book. We read it as our buddy read and enjoyed the discussion about the children’s magical powers, wittinesses. A must read for people who are new to Fantasy genre or who loves to read fantasy books.

1/5 stars! I don't know why I keep trying books by this author. He is known to be problematic and the other books I've read have been disjointed and boring. I was hoping for something different with The House in the Cerulean Sea but it was more of the same and highly problematic for appropriating the idea from people who have suffered. May have to swear off this author for good moving forwards.

A brilliant return to the Cerulean Sea! Loved revisiting these characters, especially dear Lucy. Actually a fantastic addition to the original story and a beautiful ending that truly encapsulated all that TJ Klune does best. Hope, humanity, kindness, acceptance.

The sampler remind me of why I love tj klune writing so much. It's funny yet serious. Lighthearted but dramatic at the same time.
I was overjoyed to reunite with all tje characters the cerulean house ! Can't wait to read the full book.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Cerulean Sea was excellent, although not my favourite fantasy world ever. This does add to the world which I can appreciate, but I don't think this necessarily elevated it in any way.

If you liked Cerulean Sea, you are sure to love this! It has the same magic!

Adore this author, and this fantastic work is a hit. Enjoyable read. This author has set the bar high from previous works, and this more than meets the standards,

Thank you NetGalley and PanMacmillan/Tor for this limited arc!

Just the start of the novel was enough to bring me back to the cosyness of this found family story and the full story is fun, warm and humorous in classic Klune style.

Thank you to Netgalley for giving me the orpportunity to read an advanced digital copy.
I loved the first book, within the first few lines it became one of my comfort reads. This one was a fantastic continuation and while it did have some serious themes, it was still delightful to read.

I’m so grateful that I was given the opportunity to read this title. It certainly did not disappoint. Someone said that the first book feels like a big gay hug, and this is a perfect follow up hug too. It’s perfect for fans of the first book.

Interesting premise. In the ARC, I got to read the four chapters of this book.

I enjoyed book one, and it was fun to visit the characters again. It feels more political this time than just a fun, cosy, isolated story.

A sequel worth reading. TJ Klune is one of my favorite authors so of course I couldn’t wait to get back into the world he created it The House in the Cerulean Sea. It was amazing and just as cozy as the first one. For everybody looking for a cozy but exciting read this is the one!

It doesn’t get much better than TJ Klune and the world he has created around Arthur and Linus is one I will forever be grateful for.
Reading the sequel was like coming home, but with so much more to learn and discover.

If you loved The House in the Cerulean Sea, you are in for a treat with TJ Klune's sequel, Somewhere Beyond the Sea. This heartwarming, whimsical story brings us back into the world of magical children, kind-hearted adults, and that special brand of magic Klune does so well. While House in the Cerulean Sea gave us the adorable, lovable Linus Baker and the found family at the orphanage, Somewhere Beyond the Sea dives even deeper into the characters and their lives, adding more charm, more adventure, and even more heart.

The story centers around the characters we’ve come to know and love from the first book, especially Linus and Arthur (the headmaster of the orphanage), but this time, things are a little different. Linus and Arthur are now a couple, and their love is both sweet and tender. But life isn’t all smooth sailing. As they face some new challenges, including an unexpected mission involving a new group of magical children, their bond is put to the test. It’s a beautiful thing to watch them grow and navigate their relationship while facing these new challenges.

Speaking of magical children, the orphanage is still the heart of this world, and Klune does a fantastic job of expanding it with new characters who are just as lovable and unique as the first set of magical kids we met. These kids, each with their own special powers and personalities, bring a fresh dynamic to the story. I don’t want to spoil too much, but let’s just say there’s one particularly unforgettable child who will melt your heart.

The pacing is just right, with enough moments of quiet reflection to give you those emotional gut punches, but also plenty of humor and light-hearted moments that will make you smile. The magical world feels more alive than ever, and Klune’s writing continues to be filled with warmth and humor that balances out the serious undertones of the story. The themes of love, acceptance, and found family are woven in beautifully, reminding us that the people we choose to surround ourselves with can be just as important (if not more so) than the ones we’re born into.

If you’ve read the first book, you’ll appreciate how Somewhere Beyond the Sea gives more depth to the relationships we saw before, especially between Linus and Arthur. Their journey isn’t just about romance but about building trust, facing fears, and figuring out how to navigate the complexities of their world, both magical and real. It’s really about creating a life together, full of imperfections and all the joy that comes with it.

In short, Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a must-read if you loved House in the Cerulean Sea. Klune’s signature blend of magical realism and heartfelt emotion is front and center, and it’s impossible not to get swept up in the warmth and magic of this world. Whether you're looking for a cozy escape or a story about love and belonging, this book has it all. So grab your favorite blanket, settle in, and prepare for another delightful adventure!

My favourite book this year! I absolutely loved revisiting all the characters (Chauncey 😍) and meeting some new ones too. This is a book full of so much hope. The overall message is amazing and shows that no matter our differences, we can all achieve!!

It was such a lovely feeling to be back in the world of the Cerulean sea with those wonderful magical children. I’m quite grumpy that the arc is only a sampler which stops at just the point when the action is about to start : in a court hearing with Arthur. I just know there will be trouble and tears ahead and I can’t wait for it! Many thanks to Netgalley for a sampler of this book.

Although this was an excerpt below is my review of the book.

TJ Klune’s Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a stunning follow-up to The House in the Cerulean Sea, offering readers an even deeper dive into the magical and heartwarming world of Marsyas Island. Picking up where the first book left off, this sequel focuses on Arthur Parnassus, the enigmatic headmaster of the orphanage, as he confronts secrets from his past while continuing to fight for the safety and happiness of the magical children he’s sworn to protect.

Klune masterfully weaves themes of acceptance, self-discovery, and resilience into this beautifully written story. Arthur’s journey is both heartbreaking and uplifting, as he learns to embrace his identity while navigating challenges that test the bonds of his found family. The introduction of a new magical child—who struggles with being labeled a “monster”—adds an emotional depth that resonates deeply, reinforcing Klune’s message of love and belonging.

The writing is as vivid and lyrical as ever, balancing whimsy and humor with moments of raw, emotional honesty. Readers will delight in revisiting beloved characters like Linus, Lucy, and the rest of the children, whose unique personalities shine even brighter in this sequel. The world of Marsyas Island is further enriched, making it feel like a place you’d want to visit (and never leave).

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this in exchange for an honest review.