The House in the Cerulean Sea

The House in the Cerulean Sea (2020) T.J. Klune

Linus works for DICOMA–the department that looks after the welfare of magical children.

“It’s just that…” She stood from her desk, arms still folded. “Don’t you wonder?”

“Never,” Linus said promptly. Then, “About what?”

“What happens to a place like this after you file your final report. What becomes of the children.”

“Unless I’m called to return, I expect they continue to live as bright and happy children until they become bright and happy adults.”

“Who are still regulated by the government because of who they are.”

Linus felt backed into a corner. He wasn’t prepared for this. “I don’t work for the Department in Charge of Magical Adults. If you have any concerns in that regard, I suggest you bring it up with DICOMA. I’m focused solely on the well-being of children, nothing more.”

The thing is, he really truly does care about the children he checks on. But he refuses to become involved with any of the children, because it is against the Rules and Regulations.

Although on one level this is a romance between Arthur and Linus, it’s mostly discovering who Linus is as he interacts with the children.

And the children are marvelous.

“It would be better if there were actual treasure,” Lucy muttered.

“And what if the treasure was the friendships we solidified along the way?” Arthur asked.

Lucy pulled a face. “That’s the worst treasure in the world. They already were my friends. I want rubies.”

This was a comfort reread. But now I need to find another, because apparently, as good as this is, it wasn’t enough for my brain.

Publisher : Tor Books
Rating: 8.5/10

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