Book Review and Rant: The House in the Cerulean Sea

You know how people always tell you that you will find love in the most unexpected place? An orphanage in Marsyas Island filled with six magical youth, one caretaker, and one island sprite, may just be the one where you will find it. 👀

It's everything I have ever wanted in a book, a splendid mixture of fantasy, a slice of life, and a blossoming romance. Everything was just so comforting.....

I would describe the feeling of reading this book as what you would feel when the first ray of sunshine gleams after a heavy rain, the way your mind and soul just welcomes the shine like an old friend. 🌞

I have always been fond of mythical creatures. I grew up in Camp Half-Blood, fought alongside Annabeth and Percy, even went to Argo II. So it's just unlikely that I would not be emotionally invested in this orphanage filled with whimsical children, Lucy, Sal, Chauncey, Talia, Phee, and Theodore.

The pace was just right. It was not too fast or too slow. Engaging and gripping, but not in the way a thriller does it. You just can't help but turn the page over and over and over because somehow you felt like you are also in charge, that you are also taking care of those children, and you keep wanting to know what would happen to them, your beloved children.

Besides mythical creatures, there is another thing that I am such a sucker for, and that is GOOD CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT! This is my first time reading a book where the main character is a 40-year-old man, and I'm bound to not understand all of his worries. I mean, I am half his age. Surprisingly, though, it doesn't really matter. It was a pleasant ride getting to know Linus Baker and witnessing how he blooms throughout the book.

The ending was, honestly, quite predictable. I kind of got a gist of what would come, but I don't hate it. Personally, it was the ending I made up in my brain, thinking it would be the best way to end the book for my liking, so I am contented with it.

And also, what I want to ramble about is just how amazing the children are! I read a fair amount of books that centered around children, and it always warms my heart! The house in the Cerulean Sea was another that manages to tug at my heartstrings. After I finished reading, I was overflowed with adoration and love for the kids. Now all I wanna do is pack up my bag and take the train to Marsyas. And that is what a great book would do to you!

Additionally, I also want to let you know that good moral was very much instilled in this book. In a way, this book has a lot of "motivational" quotes weaved into the narration very boldly, not as subtle as I would like but thinking about the nature of the book and how Linus is at an orphanage, nurturing the kids, it was fitting.

Oh! Another thing is that I would say this book teaches a lot about diversity and the problem they face. Not surprising, due to the various mythical creatures out there, but I am happy this book touches on such a crucial matter that a lot of people face right now in a way that is easier to understand. 

May all of us start to live without prejudice, and may all of us be brave enough to pop our bubble of ignorance.

If you want to read something light and warm, a feel-good fantasy fiction, the kind of book without any huge twist or shocking revelation, The House in the Cerulean Sea might be the one for you. 

If you have read the book and you want to discuss it, be my guest! I rarely write this much about a book. Usually, it's just a snack-sized review, but I can't help myself.

P.S: Please keep an open mind when you are reading the book, and I just want to say this in advance that to understand is one thing, to agree is another. 

Bye-bye! 

Bonus: 

The Curious Case Files of Cerulean Sea

An amazing review!

And Sal's writing

Update: 6/9/2021

⚠⚠⚠⚠ OH NO ⚠⚠⚠⚠

Recently I came across a review about this book in Goodreads, and I thought I should share the review to educate us together about why this book is problematic

I can't say I relate to all the Indigenous folks have experienced, I won't be able to understand what all of you have to go through. Especially after I have finished reading about the Sixties Scoop, I'm sorry I wasn't aware of that before, I will continue to learn and learn so I won't be ignorant about everything that has happened in the world that causes harm to others.

I love the book, I really do. Despite that, though, I honestly think you should be aware of the problematic idea of this book.

Please also educate yourself about the Sixties Scoop here

To read the original Goodreads review that spread awareness about this issue here

I wrote a short guide to understand the Sixties Scoop here