Somewhere Beyond the Sea

Klune’s sweet, satisfying sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea finds Arthur Parnassus, a man with the power to shape-shift into a phoenix, hopeful that his testimony about his abusive treatment under government care as a child will soften hearts and ease restrictions on all magical beings. But during the hearing before Parliament’s Council of Utmost Importance, he succumbs to goading from arch conservative Jeanine Rowder, who threatens to dispatch an inspector from the Department in Charge of Magical Youths to the remote island where Arthur lives with his fiancé, Linus Baker, and the six magical foster children they’re hoping to adopt. Arthur and Linus return to their home with David, a melodramatic 10-year-old yeti, to prepare their six young wards—gnome Talia, forest sprite Phee, wyvern Theodore, semiaquatic oddity Chaucey, shape-shifter Sal, and son of the devil Lucy—for the investigation. The stern inspector, who claims she does not feel fear, notes every deviation from regulations while the children waffle between trying to appease her and lashing out at her intolerant views. When Arthur uncovers the real motivations behind her visit, the action careens to a tense showdown. Though slightly more preachy and less sophisticated than book one, this follow-up still bursts with charm, wit, and endearing scenes of magical found family, complete with timely messages on acceptance and fighting oppression. Fans will be gratified by this heartfelt return. (Sept.)