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Sign up todaySomewhere Beyond the Sea
Cerulean Chronicles: Book #2
Narrator
Daniel Henning
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Length
15 hours 47 minutes
Language
English
Bookseller recommendation
“Somewhere Beyond the Sea might be the sequel TJ Klune never intended to write, but it is all the more powerful for it. Beginning with a Birt celebration (ie birthday party), readers are welcomed back to the island of Marsyas and into the wonderfully eclectic family that lives there. From the joy of discovering an extra special button, to the wonder of captaining an adventure at sea, this is a place where being different is to be celebrated. Klune’s writing is beautifully poignant and vulnerable, reminding us that even though we all have spiders in our brains at times, and especially when we might want to hide, the more we find strength in family and community the more of a difference we can make.”
— Jenni • Mysterious Galaxy Books
Bookseller recommendation
“Just as amazing as The House in the Cerulean Sea! A well written and absolutely fantastic story of found family, love, and overcoming obstacles. ”
— Anne • The Traveling Book Bus
Bookseller recommendation
“I've just finished this audiobook and I'm feeling a mix of emotions, sadness because the story is over, happiness because it was truly a beautiful story, and hope after reading the acknowledgements. A truly beautiful and hopeful story with humor, wit and my favorite theme of found family. ”
— Micah • Bright Side Bookshop
Bookseller recommendation
“Aurthur, Linus, and the gaggle of magical kids are back, and they are on a mission to warm even the most frozen heart. The second installment of The Cerulean Chronicles follows this lovely family of oddballs as they fight for basic human rights in the face of a control-hungry government pretending to listen. This has all the warm and fuzzies of the first book, while challenging the reader's worldview and idea of revolution. Is it enough to be comfortable in a labyrinthine system that you have learned to navigate, or do you need to change/ burn down the system entirely to build one that actually includes you? Somewhere Beyond the Sea gives hope with a side of expectations to grow and be better. ”
— Izzy M • Off the Beaten Path
Bookseller recommendation
“My most highly anticipated sequel of the year! TJ always lives up to sky-high expectations.”
— Kirstin • Margins Bookstore
Bookseller recommendation
“TJ Klune has done it again. Continuing the story of the magical youth of Marsyas and their caregiver Arthur, Somewhere Beyond the Sea, which I admit I call Cerulean the Second because of the persistence of earworms, thank you, Lucy, takes it charmingly into dual narrator, with Arthur providing some of the story as well as Linus. This is already a comfort reread full of read aloud character bits, and all the joys and mess of a home, really building a *home*, for seven children the likes of which the world has never seen.”
— Lisa • Bookmarks
Bookseller recommendation
“Such a wonderful sequel to an already wonderful story! I wish I could read Somewhere Beyond the Sea again for the first time, being able to go back to the world and Linus, Arthur, and their platoon of magical children was such a joy. The emotions the story stirred up were so intense but in the best way possible! ”
— Harlan • Rediscovered Books
Bookseller recommendation
“Of course there are bad days in the continuation of this beautiful story due to the ever lingering threat of the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, but they joy of this book - the magical moments of connection and love - that happen between the hard moments are so encouraging and lovely. Plus nothing could have prepared me for the absolute delight of watching Arthur and Linus managing a house full of magical children - many of whom are now in the throes of puberty ❤️”
— Kerry • Anderson's Bookshop
Bookseller recommendation
“This emotional sequel is just as heartwarming and hilarious as The House in the Cerulean Sea. Arthur Parnassus, headmaster of a magical orphanage, works hard to protect his children from the pain he once knew. When he's summoned to address his dark past, he must lead a fight for a better future while facing new challenges, including another troubled magical child. This beautiful story continues exploring themes of acceptance and belonging, with poignant moments for this resilient found family that readers have come to love. ”
— Erica • Author's Note
Bookseller recommendation
“One of my most anticipated reads of the year. I couldn’t wait for another magical trip to Marsyas island! A heartwarming and whimsical hug for your soul! I don’t think I’ve loved and cared for fictional characters like this before! ”
— Lindsey • The Traveling Book Bus
Bookseller recommendation
“What a wonderful delightful return to Marsyas Island! You’ll be charmed by the story and the narration.”
— Terri • Swamp Fox Bookstore
Bookseller recommendation
“If you were afraid a sequel to the House in the Cerulean Sea wouldn't be as good, fear no more. This book is written from Arthur's perspective and it is just as amazing. The characters Klune writes are so thought provoking. I loved it! ”
— Donna • Murder by the Book
"Narrator Daniel Henning brings his signature versatility, emotional connection, and perfect comedic timing to the latest in the acclaimed Cerulean Chronicles series."—AudioFile (Earphones Award Winner)
"Daniel Henning’s articulate, earnest narration winningly underscores Somewhere Beyond the Sea’s central themes of self-confidence, kindness, acceptance of others and the importance of working for sociopolitical reform."—Bookpage
Somewhere Beyond the Sea is the hugely anticipated sequel to TJ Klune's The House in the Cerulean Sea, one of the best-loved and best-selling fantasy novels of the past decade.
A magical house. A secret past. A summons that could change everything.
Arthur Parnassus lives a good life, built on the ashes of a bad one. He’s the headmaster of a strange orphanage on a distant and peculiar island, and he hopes to soon be the adoptive father to the six magical and so-called dangerous children who live there.
Arthur works hard and loves with his whole heart so none of the children ever feel the neglect and pain that he once felt as an orphan on that very same island so long ago. And he is not alone: joining him is the love of his life, Linus Baker, a former caseworker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth; Zoe Chapelwhite, the island’s sprite; and her girlfriend, Mayor Helen Webb. Together, they will do anything to protect the children.
But when Arthur is summoned to make a public statement about his dark past, he finds himself at the helm of a fight for the future that his family, and all magical people, deserve.
And when a new magical child hopes to join them on their island home—one who finds power in calling himself monster, a name Arthur worked so hard to protect his children from—Arthur knows they’re at a breaking point: their family will either grow stronger than ever or fall apart.
Welcome back to Marsyas Island. This is Arthur’s story.
Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a story of resistance, lovingly told, about the daunting experience of fighting for the life you want to live and doing the work to keep it.
Most Anticipated from Goodreads, Paste, Polygon, BookBub, and more.
A Macmillan Audio production from Tor Books.
TJ KLUNE is the #1 New York Times and #1 USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, Under the Whispering Door, In the Lives of Puppets, the Green Creek Series for adults, the Extraordinaries Series for teens, and more. Being queer himself, Klune believes it's important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive queer representation in stories.
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Reviews
"Henning’s narration is captivating, filled with theatrical flair, musical intonations, growls, snorts, and impeccable comedic timing. He skillfully creates distinct, unique voices for the quirky cast of characters, making them feel real and relatable. Rather than simply listening, Henning pulls us into their world, making us care deeply about their journey. As listeners, we become fully immersed in both the story and the emotions of its characters. This audiobook is pure joy, packed with heartwarming characters that will captivate and remind you of the power of community."—Booklist
"Klune’s sweet, satisfying sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea...bursts with charm, wit, and endearing scenes of magical found family, complete with timely messages on acceptance and fighting oppression. Fans will be gratified by this heartfelt return." —Publishers Weekly
"[A] powerful story of self-determination and the importance of love." —Booklist
For The House in the Cerulean Sea
A New York Times, USA Today, and Washington Post Bestseller! An Indie Next Pick! An Alex Award-Winner!
"I loved it. It is like being wrapped up in a big gay blanket. Simply perfect." —V.E. Schwab, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
"It will renew your faith in humanity.” —Terry Brooks, New York Times bestselling author of the Shannara series
“It’s a witty, wholesome fantasy that’s likely to cause heart-swelling.” —The Washington Post
“The House in The Cerulean Sea is a modern fairy tale about learning your true nature and what you love and will protect. It's a beautiful book.” —Charlaine Harris, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“1984 meets The Umbrella Academy with a pinch of Douglas Adams thrown in. Touching, tender, and truly delightful, The House in the Cerulean Sea is an utterly absorbing story of tolerance, found family, and defeating bureaucracy.”—Gail Carriger, New York Times bestselling author of Soulless
“Sweet, comforting, and kind, this book is very close to perfect. The House in the Cerulean Sea is a work of classic children's literature written for adults and children alike, with the perspective and delicacy of the modern day. I cannot recommend it highly enough.” —Seanan McGuire, New York Times bestselling author of Every Heart a Doorway
“Is it possible to fall in love with someone’s imagination? If so, consider me fully smitten. TJ Klune creates worlds where fear and threat can be conquered by kindness, and a tender, queer heart is more valuable than any weapon or power.” —David Levithan
“Quirk and charm give way to a serious exploration of the dangers of complacency in this delightful, thought-provoking Orwellian fantasy from Klune.... This tale of found family is hopeful to its core. Readers will revel in Klune’s wit and ingenuity.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Lambda Literary Award-winning author Klune (The Art of Breathing, 2019, etc.) has a knack for creating endearing characters, and readers will grow to love Arthur and the orphans alongside Linus... fans of quirky fantasy will eat it up. A breezy and fun contemporary fantasy." —Kirkus
“This is a sweet narrative about the value of asking questions and the benefits of giving people (especially children) a chance to be safe, protected, and themselves, regardless of what assumptions one might glean from, say, reading their case file.” —Booklist
“This inclusive fantasy is quite possibly the greatest feel-good story ever to involve the Antichrist.... The House in the Cerulean Sea will delight fans of Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series and any reader looking for a burst of humor and hope.” —Shelf Awareness
“A beautiful little gem of both irony and, yes, kindness.” —Fantasy & Science Fiction
“TJ Klune is a master storyteller.” —The Mary Sue
"A delightful tale about chosen families, and how to celebrate differences." —Library Journal
"This contemporary fantasy can satisfy any sweet tooth with its found family story and its gentle queer romance." —Book Riot
“If ever there was an author to watch out for, [Klune] is definitely that author.” —Culturess Daily
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