TJ Klune

Please note that I read this title as an ARC that I got from my local library

I'm a huge fan of queer literature, and TJ Klune's We Burned So Bright is one of the more unique plots in queer literature that I've read in a while. Don and Rodney are an old gay couple on a road trip at the end of the world to take care of unfinished business. A very short read, and reads more like a novella than a novel like I saw it listed elsewhere. I think it would have worked great as a novel, but it's a very show more bittersweet cozy read as-is.

The literary world needs more old couples like Don and Rodney, regardless of sexuality or gender. Though I'm definitely far from an elder, the way Klune wrote the two really speaks to my experiences with my partner and how I want to see us as we grow older; someone you can truly have a partnership with, fall in love with over and over again, still find yourself blushing over even after years together. It was so refreshing in contrast to all the "strangers to lovers" romance stories out there that I tire of easily. Seeing Don and Rodney together as a team and still worrying about each other, able to argue constructively and in a healthy way most times, and even when they mess up, able to address and move past it... Beautiful. Every couple could take notes from them.

I loved the queer history tidbits scattered throughout, especially about why the community changed its title from GLBT to LGBT—something I've seen various debates or answers for, but it seems like Wikipedia's sources affirm Klune's answer for it.

My only real gripe was that Amelia's part seemed to go on and on and could have been shortened a bit, but then, I can also see how making it as long as it was likely done to be purposely unsettling. I also expected their travels to include visiting long distance friends or loved ones, which wasn't the case, which I would have loved to see more of if not for the book's length.

Lastly (and maybe this is the fellow writer in me), I found a lot of parallels within the story and real life that were comforting in a bit of a sad way, but I loved them nonetheless. Don and Rodney's trip, their struggles with Jeremyand encounters with all those they met along the way... To me, it parallels with the LGBT+ community I know and love, a community that will go out of their way to love and help each other, to help better the world whether it's through science or writing or technology or something entirely different. The constant theme of "we weren't perfect, but we tried" hit so hard. The feeling like you're always near the end of the world, always on the run, but you can't turn a blind eye to those in need or those you love, even if it burns you later, even if they will never respect you for being LGBT+. That's something I got out of this book that I hope others can also see and appreciate and mourn.

We Burned So Bright paints a picture of life lived to the fullest—it isn't always pretty, it's scary as hell, and it might not have a happy ending—but it was a fun ride nonetheless, and this is a ride I would absolutely advise others to hop on and read. show less

Woof! What a letdown!

Despite not feeling like Cerulean Sea needed a sequel, I was excited for this release (and the hardcover looks fantastic.) However, soon into the book I found myself bored, and then that feeling progressed into annoyed. I was looking forward to a new character in David (teased at the end of the last book), but he didn't really stand out from any of the other orphans. To me, they all just feel like extremely quirky kids who are whacky and goofy and weird 100% of the time show more and it's EXHAUSTING.

The whole book felt bizarrely similar to the first, because the plot is that the house is being investigated by DICOMY again, but this time by a truly "evil" rep and there's no gay pining. I missed the pining so bad.

Another issue I had is that this felt like a middle-grade read, when I'm 99% sure this is written and marketed to adults. I like middle-grade, when that's what I set out to read. But the "bad guys" in this book felt comical and overstated, like in a Dahl book or Disney cartoon. I did have a slight issue with the adults in the first book feeling cartoonish too, but it felt so much worse the second time around. And every conversation is either the kids being so whacky-quirky-goofy-silly-lol can you believe it-funny or it's like Social Justice for Babies. Again, if this were middle-grade, the constant reminders to treat each other with empathy, be true to yourself, look past someone's exterior to what's really inside, care about mankind generally, etc. would have felt like the belonged. But if the audience for this book is adults, and we're reading about two gay men trying to supportively raise and protect a group of teenage mutants, I think Klune could give us a bit more credit.

In the end, this was exhausting and a bit insufferable. Based on the ending, I wouldn't be shocked if he wrote a third book. If he does, I'll skip it like I wish I'd done with this one. show less

If the first book in the Cerulean Chronicles is about breaking down societal expectations and finding the truth of oneself - both excellent and compelling themes to underpin a wonderful and heartwarming story - Klune takes the second novel to a whole new level. We definitely got some idea of the innate cruelty that underpinned DICOMY, but in this story Klune is laser-focused on exploring the reasons why Arthur has to fight for the rights of himself and the magical children in his care - a show more narrative that hits close to home for anyone who has any familiarity with the reality of the uncaring government bureaucracy the world over. It’s definitely a harder story to read, as we can easily see parallels in the current justice system as Arthur takes the stand to expose the reality of what he endured as a child in one of DICOMY’s orphanages, but what makes the story worthwhile (and bearable from the underlying sadness) is that we know Klune will have Arthur and Linus and their motley crew of children reign victorious by the finale. As we wait for the climax of the story (and you know Klune can write a doozy of an unexpected battle!), we get his subtly amusing and quietly sweet character development that makes us love Arthur and Linus even more, tied up with a narrative that’s politically poignant and very much needed in these challenging times. While we know in the real world (and Klune echoes this in the story) that the fight for equal rights is an ongoing war and it is the small actions as well as the large that have the greatest impact to individuals, Klune gives us a story suffused with hope and love that reminds us that the right things are worth fighting for. Even if we (maybe, but not actually) wish he could have written a simply sweet love story more in line with the charm of the first novel, this second book is well-needed and justly earned - and a perfectly placed parry against the ideals of a certain Author Who Must Not Be Named. show less

🌈 The House in the Cerulean Sea — T.J. Klune

Rating: 3 / 5 Stars maybe closer to 3.5, I did enjoy it a lot

A soft, magical hug of a book that gently side-eyes prejudice while handing you a cup of tea.

🏠 what this book is about:

Linus Baker lives a delightfully boring life. He’s forty, single, owns a very suspicious cat, and finds comfort in routine, records, and rule-following. His job? Case Worker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth — basically the government babysitter show more for magical orphanages.

Until one day…
Extremely Upper Management™ decides to spice up his beige little existence. This is how you know it definitely is for kids with the constant mention of Extreme Upper Management. 😂 but again it's cute

Linus is sent to the ultra-classified Marsyas Island Orphanage, home to six allegedly dangerous children:
A gnome
A sprite
A wyvern
A mysterious green blob
A were-Pomeranian (yes, really)
And… the Antichrist (no pressure) 🧐😂

His mission? Decide if these children are going to bring about the end of the world — and if so, politely report it.

But the island holds more than magical chaos and adorable mayhem. Their caretaker, Arthur Parnassus, is warm, charming, quietly fierce, and deeply protective of his kids. As Linus slowly peels back the layers of this strange, beautiful place, he’s faced with a life-altering choice:

Protect a home… or follow the rules and burn it all down.

💭 My Thoughts

This book is pretty cute, cozy, and heartfelt — like a Studio Ghibli film met a social justice lesson and decided to be gentle about it. Like it really gave me that House Moving castle vibes, Z was like no that was not a cute movie, whatever I say it was.

The children absolutely steal the show — their personalities, innocence, and quiet wisdom are the heart of the story. The message about prejudice, fear of the unknown, and chosen family is beautifully handled and honestly I really liked that the best and some moments really tugged at my heart strings.

Yes, it leans younger in tone, but let’s be real — a lot of adults could stand to learn these lessons again. The way compassion, acceptance, and bravery are woven into the story is genuinely admirable. Why can't real humans , no adults deal with these issues like Linus and Arthur. 🫂

It’s not high-octane, dark fantasy — it’s more soft magic, found family, warm tea, and healing vibes.
And while it didn’t emotionally obliterate me (hence the 3.5⭐), it did leave me smiling and thinking — which is exactly what it set out to do. 😌 ❤️

This is a book I would absolutely recommend, especially if you want something comforting but still meaningful.

✨ Tropes & Vibes

🏡 Found Family
🌈 Cozy Fantasy
🐉 Magical Orphans
📜 Government Bureaucracy vs. Humanity
🫖 Soft & Gentle Healing Energy
🧸 Childlike Wisdom
⚖️ Morality vs. Rules
✨ “The World Isn’t As Scary As You Were Taught” Energy and this is my favorite 😍

Final thoughts:
Wholesome. Cozy. Heart-warming. Gently powerful.
Like a warm blanket with a moral compass sewn into it. 🐉💛 a great pick for the cold days of January ☕ show less