Somewhere Beyond the Sea. Fantasy Fiction, 416 pages, 2024

I went to hear TJ Klune speak a few months ago, one of the most memorable author events I’ve ever attended. I loved House in the Cerulean Sea and can say this sequel was a lovely continuation of that story but from Arthur’s point of view this time around.

In the first book we meet Arthur, the last known phoenix, and the magical children he fosters for the government. These kids are the best, including Lucy, or Lucifer as he is known to many. Arthur is everything you want a dad to be.

Anyway, this second book brings on an engagement with Linus, testifying in court, adopting a yeti, and fighting off the government who wants to break up this family. I would love to visit this magical place of tolerance and love.

The kids are more funny, the magic more breathtaking, Arthur and Linus more adorable, and the townspeople completely woke. Loved it.❤️

“I’m an adult who does adult things, like taxes and laundry and being sad for no reason.”

“But I believe the greatest weapon we have at our disposal is our voices. And I am going to use my voice for you, and for me. Hate is loud. We are louder.”

“There is magic in the ordinary, magic that has the power to change the world.”