Review by Booklist Review
In this sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea (2020), Arthur Parnassus and his partner Linus will do whatever it takes to care for their magical, soon-to-be-adopted children, even if that means leaving their island home for the first time in decades to appear at a government hearing. Secretary of Education Jeanine Rowder, a member of The Council of Utmost Importance, is trying to get Arthur to do something regrettable. She doesn't quite succeed, although there is a bit of a show at the hearing (Arthur, you see, is also a phoenix). Arthur and Linus return to the island, knowing that their family is now publicly the center of a struggle over rules controlling how magical people can live. Though the message isn't subtle, it's a powerful story of self-determination and the importance of love. The lengths to which Rowder will go in her pursuit of power are quite extensive--and the family's ensuing shenanigans are entertaining--leading to an ending which is something of a deus ex machina while also being a triumphant vision of a marginalized community given space to live peacefully, which will be a balm to many readers. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: The House in the Cerulean Sea was one of the most beloved fantasies of 2020, and readers have been eagerly awaiting more from Linus, Arthur, and their family.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Klune's sweet, satisfying sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea finds Arthur Parnassus, a man with the power to shape-shift into a phoenix, hopeful that his testimony about his abusive treatment under government care as a child will soften hearts and ease restrictions on all magical beings. But during the hearing before Parliament's Council of Utmost Importance, he succumbs to goading from arch conservative Jeanine Rowder, who threatens to dispatch an inspector from the Department in Charge of Magical Youths to the remote island where Arthur lives with his fiancé, Linus Baker, and the six magical foster children they're hoping to adopt. Arthur and Linus return to their home with David, a melodramatic 10-year-old yeti, to prepare their six young wards--gnome Talia, forest sprite Phee, wyvern Theodore, semiaquatic oddity Chaucey, shape-shifter Sal, and son of the devil Lucy--for the investigation. The stern inspector, who claims she does not feel fear, notes every deviation from regulations while the children waffle between trying to appease her and lashing out at her intolerant views. When Arthur uncovers the real motivations behind her visit, the action careens to a tense showdown. Though slightly more preachy and less sophisticated than book one, this follow-up still 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. (Sept.)
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Review by Library Journal Review
Arthur Parnassus knows how one can feel as an orphan--different, feared, and abused. Now as an adult, he ensures that the children under his care on Marsyas Island instead know love, happiness, and opportunity. With the love of his life, Linus Baker, by his side and close friends nearby, Arthur protects the children while giving them space to be themselves. Called before the Department in Charge of Magical Youth to talk about his past, Arthur finds himself pitted against those who believe magic is dangerous and don't want Arthur, his children, or those like them to be near "normal people." Will everything Arthur and Linus have created be destroyed? The emotional arcs are epic, taking readers from sadness to laughter, and the children sit front and center in the action. VERDICT The follow-up to The House in the Cerulean Sea is another heart-wrenching tale of being perceived as different, finding acceptance, and having a place in the world. Fans of Seanan McGuire's "Wayward Children" series or the writings of Alix E. Harrow will especially want to pick up this duology for its emotional themes and Klune's bittersweet prose.--Kristi Chadwick
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