This book is basically a masterclass in making you emotionally attached to fictional people (and non-humans) way too fast. Linus Baker starts out as the quintessential rule-following bureaucrat, and by the end, he’s a whole different person—in a way that actually makes sense. The kids? Absolute scene-stealers. Every single one of them has a unique personality that sticks with you. Arthur Parnassus is suspiciously perfect, but I’ll allow it. My only minor gripe? A few side characters felt a bit like cardboard cutouts, but honestly, I didn’t care because the main cast was that good.

If this book doesn’t make you want to run away to a cozy little island filled with magical misfits, then I don’t know what will. The setting is whimsical but never veers into being sickly sweet. The orphanage itself is vivid, and the world-building balances the mundane with the magical in a way that feels grounded. That said, Linus’s workplace felt like the equivalent of eating plain oatmeal every morning—not exactly riveting, but it serves its purpose.

Klune’s prose is charming, snarky (which I appreciate), and effortlessly engaging. The humor is on point, the dialogue is snappy, and the narration has that slightly dry wit that makes everything feel a little more alive. However, there were moments where it leaned a bit too hard into the quirky, feel-good vibes, making some scenes feel a little... polished for reality. Still, it's easy to read and super effective at getting the emotions across.

Look, you’re not getting a shocking, edge-of-your-seat thriller here. This is more of a cozy journey where the biggest tension is whether Linus will learn to have a personality outside of his job. But somehow, it works. The pacing is steady, and the stakes feel personal rather than world-ending. A couple of twists are predictable, but that’s not really the point—the heart of the story is in the relationships and growth, and that part delivers.

I wasn’t glued to the book because of the plot—I was hooked because I needed to see how these characters’ lives would unfold. Every interaction between Linus and the kids pulled me in, and I was genuinely invested in how things would turn out. The mystery surrounding Arthur kept things interesting, even if it wasn’t the most shocking reveal in the world.

For a book about magical children and a government department with shades of dystopian bureaucracy, this actually held together really well. The relationships felt earned—Linus’s slow shift from skeptical rule-follower to fiercely protective dad figure was beautifully done. Some world-building elements, especially regarding how society treats magical beings, could have used a bit more depth, but overall, nothing threw me out of the story.

This book is like a warm hug, a good cup of tea, or petting a cat that actually likes you. It’s funny, heartfelt, and uplifting without feeling saccharine. Did I tear up? Maybe. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. If you want something hopeful with just the right amount of emotional gut punches, this is your book.

This book is great. Not flawless, but it hits all the right emotional beats. If you love found family, dry humor, and a bit of magical whimsy, you’re in for a treat.