Scan barcode
A review by luluwoohoo
Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Somewhere Beyond The Sea by TJ Klune
☀️☀️☀️⛅
A sequel to one of the peak cozy fantasies that rehashes the same ground as book 1 without giving us much more than fan service.
In terms of plot, this sequel is beat-by-beat the same as 'House', which is a bit disappointing considering how nice but predictable it was the first time. There is no further exploration or subverting of expectations - on the contrary, the 'Linus' of this book doesn't get redeemed, and the DICOMY representatives are more cartoonish and unbelievable than before.
If I was going to read the same plot over again I would want a significant amount more depth in character, which was suggested by the summary, but Arthur's backstory is glossed over so much throughout the first act that I knew I wouldn't get that either. The domesticity between the couple and the children is beautiful and charming but ultimately doesn't justify a sequel.
Klune's writing is always enjoyable to read, and it's not known for subtlety, but in particular I found certain passages and speeches overwritten and too on-the-nose. I also found the themes hit upon a bit too repetitive for the page count, which could have been spent better on fleshing out Arthur's backstory or expanding the villains into real humans.
This remains a wonderful little book that has a very important message, but it feels like a weak follow up to its predecessor. I'm not mad that it exists but I could have lived without it.
☀️☀️☀️⛅
A sequel to one of the peak cozy fantasies that rehashes the same ground as book 1 without giving us much more than fan service.
In terms of plot, this sequel is beat-by-beat the same as 'House', which is a bit disappointing considering how nice but predictable it was the first time. There is no further exploration or subverting of expectations - on the contrary, the 'Linus' of this book doesn't get redeemed, and the DICOMY representatives are more cartoonish and unbelievable than before.
If I was going to read the same plot over again I would want a significant amount more depth in character, which was suggested by the summary, but Arthur's backstory is glossed over so much throughout the first act that I knew I wouldn't get that either. The domesticity between the couple and the children is beautiful and charming but ultimately doesn't justify a sequel.
Klune's writing is always enjoyable to read, and it's not known for subtlety, but in particular I found certain passages and speeches overwritten and too on-the-nose. I also found the themes hit upon a bit too repetitive for the page count, which could have been spent better on fleshing out Arthur's backstory or expanding the villains into real humans.
This remains a wonderful little book that has a very important message, but it feels like a weak follow up to its predecessor. I'm not mad that it exists but I could have lived without it.
"Magic, comes from within. It's not just about our gifts. It's about intent. What we want from it, what we plan to do with it in the future."