Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune

Book Description

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. 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.

Welcome back to Marsyas Island. This is Arthur’s story.

Review

Some books burble with an irresistible charm, even when they’re not exactly “feel-good” reads. That was my experience with Somewhere Beyond the Sea, the newest novel from author TJ Klune.

While it is a heartfelt sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea, brace yourself. Unlike the sweet, bubblegum charm of the first book, this story dives into heavier themes. In Somewhere Beyond the Sea, Klune asks us to explore institutional discrimination, resistance, and the harm of othering people different from you.

Once again, we’re back with Arthur Parnassus and Linus Baker on Marsyas Island, caring for their magical misfit children. The banter between the kids is just as wonderful as in the first book, and the relationship between Arthur and Linus will make you swoon.

Like before, Klune’s storytelling shines. Throughout the novel, he balances whimsy and poignancy in his distinct way. The story dances between laugh-out-loud moments and deep, sometimes bittersweet reflections on what it means to belong.

Klune has always been about inclusivity. Finding oneself not just accepted, but cherished, hums at the heart of this story. Given that, who wouldn’t want to move to Marsyas Island??

Another interesting layer? Klune has shared that he has taken an “anti-JK Rowling” stance with his work. He’s intentionally included perspectives that stand for acceptance and respect, especially for LGBTQ+ communities. He’s been vocal about creating stories to counter the hurtful narratives that pervade our world.

Klune beautifully weaves this commitment into his novel. Somewhere Beyond the Sea doesn’t just invite you to accept differences but encourages you to take a stand against intolerance.

Nothing is Perfect

Here’s where the book gets sticky for me. Given Klune’s focus on crafting an inclusive community, he makes a narrative decision part way through I’m not sure I agree with. If he expands the world by adding a third book to the series, I suspect his choice will make sense. But if he keeps the series to a duology, for me, it will tarnish some of the shine from the overall story.

Even with the sour note, I loved the novel. I listened to the audiobook version of Somewhere Beyond the Sea. Once again, narrator Daniel Henning delivers a smashing performance. If you enjoyed his reading of In The Lives of Puppets, you’re in for a treat.

While the message of love and tolerance is strong (maybe a bit too on the nose for some readers), Klune’s trademark warmth and wit makes Somewhere Beyond the Sea a powerful read. And in our current moment of division, the book feels more than timely, too.

Content Warning

Child Abuse, Colonization, Bullying, Fire, Forced Institutionalism, Genocide, Grief, LGBTQ+ Othering, Panic Attacks, Racism, Transphobia, Xenophobia

The header photo is a composite image. Base image by Pawel Nolbert on Unsplash