Who should read The House in the Cerulean Sea?

Read it if you want a warm, funny story about being accepted as you are. Skip it if you find gentle stories predictable, or want a lot of plot twists.

How long and how fast is The House in the Cerulean Sea?

It is a slow-paced, medium read of about 393 pages, first published in 2020.

Can I borrow The House in the Cerulean Sea for free?

Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The House in the Cerulean Sea; the borrow button above searches it for you.

What should I read after The House in the Cerulean Sea?

Readers who liked it often move on to Legends & Lattes, Red, White & Royal Blue.

Cozy fantasy

The House in the Cerulean Sea

by TJ Klune

4.3 out of 5, from 2,128 ratings from Hardcover readers

A rule-following caseworker is sent to inspect an island orphanage for magical children and its mysterious caretaker. The visit upends his careful life.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published: 2020
Pace: Slow
Length: Medium
Pages: 393
Format: Book 1 of 2 in Cerulean Chronicles

Borrow free with Libby Compare prices

Read this if you want a warm, funny story about being accepted as you are.

Skip this if you find gentle stories predictable, or want a lot of plot twists.

The feel

Content warnings

Prejudice

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

Child abuse
Xenophobia
Racism
Body shaming
Religious Bigotry
Ableism
Bullying
Emotional abuse
Hate crime
Abuse

Quick answers about The House in the Cerulean Sea

What is The House in the Cerulean Sea about?: A rule-following caseworker is sent to inspect an island orphanage for magical children and its mysterious caretaker. The visit upends his careful life.
Who should read The House in the Cerulean Sea?: Read it if you want a warm, funny story about being accepted as you are. Skip it if you find gentle stories predictable, or want a lot of plot twists.
How long and how fast is The House in the Cerulean Sea?: It is a slow-paced, medium read of about 393 pages, first published in 2020.
Does The House in the Cerulean Sea have content warnings?: Content we flag: Prejudice.
Can I borrow The House in the Cerulean Sea for free?: Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The House in the Cerulean Sea; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after The House in the Cerulean Sea?: Readers who liked it often move on to Legends & Lattes, Red, White & Royal Blue.

Where to get it

Store	Price	Link
Borrow free
Libby / OverDrive	Free with a library card	Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive
Print, new
Amazon	Check price	Buy new from Amazon
Ebook
Kobo	Check price	Buy ebook from Kobo
Google Play Books	Check price	Buy ebook from Google Play Books
Audiobook
Audible	Check price	Buy audiobook from Audible

Prices appear here as retailer feeds are connected. Where none is shown, check the store. Links open the store in a new tab.

Some store links, including Kobo, are affiliate links: we may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Library links are never affiliate links. How this works