Children with tails and telekinesis — this is what Linus Baker deals with on a regular basis. Although used to the unusual affairs that accompany being a caseworker for magical youth, he finds that his most recent assignment is unlike any other. With its amusing characters and magical attributes, The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune is a charming and comical book that displays problems faced in the real world.

Because it's a fantasy novel, The House in the Cerulean Sea contains many impossible scenarios. Picking up this book, I wasn't sure what to expect when it came to the fantasy aspect, but it ended up being quite interesting. The story takes place in a world full of magical beings and superpowers. Natural elements are protected by sprites, creatures equivalent to fairies. There are shapeshifters, gnomes, and many more. The House in the Cerulean Sea definitely gives a unique spin on fantasy that I haven't seen before.

The best quality of The House in the Cerulean Sea is its characters. Linus's assignment takes him to a strange orphanage situated on an island, and right away, it's obvious that it isn't normal. With six exceptional kids and a mysterious caretaker living at the orphanage, it's impossible not to fall in love with each and every one of them. Their differing personalities and individual abilities made the story so entertaining to read.

A major theme of the book is that not everyone's family is the one they were born into. Many different relationships grow over the course of the story, and eventually, the characters become a sort of unconventional family. It was heartwarming to see a friendship grow between Linus and all of the children despite his being so professional and career-oriented. The kids are also hilarious, adding just the right amount of comedic relief during more serious moments.

Many of the issues in The House in the Cerulean Sea can be seen in real life. Though the book takes place in a universe with so many amazing and magical beings, humans in the story are very quick to judge and condemn them, saying they are monsters. Linus realizes this as he gets to know the children and sees what they have to endure. Problems like this also appear in the real world, just without the superpowers.

Along with the magical characters, the found family theme and display of real issues made for a beautifully written story. TJ Klune did an outstanding job crafting a captivating world and writing loveable characters. While I wasn't sure about the plot at first, I really came to enjoy it in the end. The House in the Cerulean Sea is the perfect book for any reader searching for a sweet and humorous story.