Cups & Curiosity

A Cozy Return to Marsyas Island

Some books feel like coming home. That’s exactly how Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune felt for me—a return to Marsyas Island, to Arthur, Linus, and their wonderfully chaotic family of magical children. If The House in the Cerulean Sea was about discovering love and belonging, this sequel is about holding onto it when the world threatens to take it away.

Back on the Island

Arthur and Linus are building their life together with the children, and there’s such a comfort in slipping back into their daily rhythms—Lucy’s over-the-top dramatics, Talia’s stubborn gardening, Chauncey’s endless dream of being a bellhop. Klune does such a good job of reminding us why we fell in love with these characters in the first place, while also pushing their story into deeper, more emotional waters.

This time, the focus leans more on Arthur. His past, his fears, and his strength all take center stage. It’s not always easy—there are some heavy truths here—but that’s what makes the tender moments of family and love shine even brighter.

Themes That Stood Out

• Chosen Family – This series is basically a love letter to the families we build for ourselves. Every interaction between Arthur, Linus, and the kids shows how love can make a home out of the most unlikely mix of people.
• Identity & Courage – Arthur’s story really hit me. The idea that you can spend your life hiding who you are just to survive—and the bravery it takes to finally stand in the open—is something so many people can connect to.
• Hope & Resistance – While Cerulean Sea was all about sweetness and discovery, Somewhere Beyond the Sea brings in the reality that sometimes you have to fight for that sweetness. It’s about protecting joy, not just finding it.

My Reading Experience

I’ll be honest, I laughed out loud at several parts (Lucy’s lines are pure gold), but I also teared up more than once. It’s such a cozy story, but with enough emotional weight to keep you thinking long after you close the book. Reading it felt a little like sitting in a safe place with a cup of tea, knowing the storm is outside but you’re surrounded by warmth inside.

Final Thoughts

Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a beautiful continuation of a story that already meant so much to me. If Cerulean Sea was about falling in love with the idea of home, this one is about standing up to protect it. It’s tender, funny, heartbreaking, and hopeful all at once.

If you loved The House in the Cerulean Sea, you’ll find yourself right at home here. Just be ready for a little more depth, a little more heartache—and a reminder that love is always worth the fight.

See my review for “The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune.