Somewhere Beyond the Sea

Cerulean Chronicles, Book 2

By: TJ Klune

Narrated by: Daniel Henning

Long-listed, Barnes and Noble Best New Books of the Year, 2024

Winner, Goodreads Choice Awards, 2024

Long-listed, Library Journal Best Books of the Year, 2024

Long-listed, NPR Best Book of the Year, 2024

Long-listed, Amazon.com Best Books of the Year, 2024

"Narrator Daniel Henning brings his signature versatility, emotional connection, and perfect comedic timing to the latest in the acclaimed Cerulean Chronicles series."—AudioFile (Earphones Award Winner)

"Daniel Henning’s articulate, earnest narration winningly underscores Somewhere Beyond the Sea’s central themes of self-confidence, kindness, acceptance of others and the importance of working for sociopolitical reform."—Bookpage

Somewhere Beyond the Sea is the hugely anticipated sequel to TJ Klune's The House in the Cerulean Sea, one of the best-loved and best-selling fantasy novels of the past decade.

A magical house. A secret past. A summons that could change everything.

Arthur Parnassus lives a good life, built on the ashes of a bad one. He’s the headmaster of a strange orphanage on a distant and peculiar island, and he hopes to soon be the adoptive father to the six magical and so-called dangerous children who live there.

Arthur works hard and loves with his whole heart so none of the children ever feel the neglect and pain that he once felt as an orphan on that very same island so long ago. And he is not alone: joining him is the love of his life, Linus Baker, a former caseworker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth; Zoe Chapelwhite, the island’s sprite; and her girlfriend, Mayor Helen Webb. Together, they will do anything to protect the children.

But when Arthur is summoned to make a public statement about his dark past, he finds himself at the helm of a fight for the future that his family, and all magical people, deserve.

And when a new magical child hopes to join them on their island home—one who finds power in calling himself monster, a name Arthur worked so hard to protect his children from—Arthur knows they’re at a breaking point: their family will either grow stronger than ever or fall apart.

Welcome back to Marsyas Island. This is Arthur’s story.

Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a story of resistance, lovingly told, about the daunting experience of fighting for the life you want to live and doing the work to keep it.

Most Anticipated from Goodreads, Paste, Polygon, BookBub, and more.

A Macmillan Audio production from Tor Books.

©2024 TJ Klune (P)2024 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"Henning’s narration is captivating, filled with theatrical flair, musical intonations, growls, snorts, and impeccable comedic timing. He skillfully creates distinct, unique voices for the quirky cast of characters, making them feel real and relatable. Rather than simply listening, Henning pulls us into their world, making us care deeply about their journey. As listeners, we become fully immersed in both the story and the emotions of its characters. This audiobook is pure joy, packed with heartwarming characters that will captivate and remind you of the power of community."—Booklist

"Klune’s sweet, satisfying sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea...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."—Publishers Weekly

"[A] powerful story of self-determination and the importance of love."—Booklist

Worth the wait

Just what we need right now in a time of such turmoil: a champion. Arthur Parnassus for President!
Thank you for the story, the characters and for hope.

Welcome Home

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune is the continuation of The House in the Cerulean Sea, told from Arthur’s POV. TJ’s talk on tour is, as he said, queer wrath. If THitCS is a warm hug, SBtS is a protest rally. It’s only the following year, but the children have grown in their confidence, and Arthur runs out of fu¢ks to give. It is beautiful. And ragey. And it filled my Mama Bear heart with joy for the future of our kids. To be fair, I started crying at the dedication, and stopped with the epilogue. I also laughed some, growled some, and sighed some. As TJ said in his insta reel on release day, “Welcome home.”

Daniel Henning elevated an already amazing story that much higher with his narration. And the acknowledgements were read by TJ himself, so I also cried there. I lied when I said I stopped crying with the epilogue. Oops.

Incredible writing and performance

The story is phenomenal in and of itself but the narrator makes me feel some of the scenes so intensely, he’s just remarkable.

Emotional performance, true to the original

The performance is emotional and moving, the story was gripping, funny and beautiful. Another winner from TJ Klune.

one of the best series I've ever read

the characters and the story consumed me! I read it in one day and had tests streaming down my face almost from the beginning. definitely recommend

heartwarming, hopeful

excellent words brought to life by an exceptional artist, Klune and Henning are becoming favorites in this medium.

The power of love and community

TJ Klune, in the spirit of being “the antithesis of JK Rowling,” has created a book that celebrates found family, ruthless love, and the power of community. This fills out House in the Cerulean Sea very nicely fulfilling the role of both prequel and sequel through a fleshed out backstory for Arthur, and carries him through ignorant political drama and finally to his and Linus’ destiny together. As loving, intimate, and beautiful as any of Klune’s stand-alone books, it is worth adding to your permanent library and re-reading many times.

Heartfelt, Beautiful, MEANINGFUL

All I do is cry when I read or listen to TJ Klune's books and I mean that in the best way. TJ has a way with words that makes the message just seep in through while you're reading. Even in the lighthearted moments, there's something about his writing that just heals your inner child while also hitting some hard teuths about life. I adored this book and thought the story wrapped beautifully as a sequel to House In The Cerulean Sea. I thought the addition of David was integral to both the children's growth and the parents. If you loved House, you'll love this addition.

Wonderful story about acceptance

Really good story for young readers about acceptance. in the beginning it was a little too in- your- face. I mean, if he thought a little harder, he could get good point across without sounding like a pamphlet. But overall, fun story, great narrator and a sweet, sweet ending.

Buy this now!

Magic, love, humor. What else is there? I love this follow-up sequel .I busted out laughing with what the kids in the book say. This is what real family values looks like . may have shed a tear or two during some of the vulnerable parts. Can’t wait to visit Marcius on my next vacation.