Lonely rule-monger Linus Baker is a caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth (DICOMY). Despite his job bringing him face-to-face with the most extraordinary children on Earth as he visits orphanages and schools for magical youth, his days are monotonous. Overworked, micromanaged, and underappreciated, his only joys in life are his cat and the sunflowers he lovingly cultivates in his front yard. 

One day, he finds himself summoned to the mysterious fifth floor, where DICOMY's Extremely Upper Management praises him for his rigid rule-following, exhaustive report-filing, and strict refusal to ponder or question any decisions above his pay grade and award him a top-secret assignment. He must travel to a secret orphanage in a location he's never heard of and conduct a month-long investigation into the director, Arthur Parnassas, and his incredibly rare—and potentially dangerous—charges. 

The House in the Cerulean Sea is the first book in the Cerulean Chronicles series by TJ Klune. This series is set in a world that is very similar to our own, aside from the widely known presence of various magical beings. I've seen this series described as 1984 meets Harry Potter, which seemed outrageous until I read it and realized it's perhaps the most true comparison I've come across. I'd also compare it to the Netflix film Bright, albeit much happier and lighter. 

I went into this book expecting a cozy, fun fantasy, which is partially what I got. However, there are elements of darkness present that only serve to enhance the heartrending nature of the story. The magical beings serve as a stand-in for all marginalized people, and call to mind everything from trans and queer youth to undocumented immigrants to children with mental and physical disabilities. Through the lens of Linus' month-long stay at the orphanage under Arthur's care, Klune explores ideas of self-discovery, subverting expectations, and radical authenticity. I plan to read the next installment, Somewhere Beyond the Sea, very soon!