The House in the Cerulean Sea

Linus Baker works for the department in charge of magical youths and is tasked with inspecting an orphanage whose occupants have been deemed particularly dangerous.^[3] To reach the orphanage, Linus travels to the end of the rail line and then on to Marsyas Island.^[4] The children at the orphanage include a gnome named Talia, a wyvern named Theodore, a forest sprite named Phee, a boy named Sal, a creature named Chauncey, and the Antichrist named Lucy.^[5] While visiting the orphanage, Linus falls in love with its caretaker.^[6]

The book received a starred review in Publishers Weekly calling the story "hopeful to its core".^[7] Kirkus Reviews called the writing "a touch wooden in places" but despite this believed that "fans of quirky fantasy will eat it up."^[1] Stephanie Klose wrote in the Library Journal that the book is a "charming, funny tale about chosen family and finding your place in the world".^[8] Writing in Booklist, Regina Schroeder called the book a "sweet narrative about the value of asking questions and the benefits of giving people ... a chance".^[9] Theresa Bourke praise the book in the Brainerd Dispatch saying that "the story tugged at my heartstrings".^[10] In the Springfield News-Leader, Morgan Shannon wrote that the book is "Enchanting, whimsical and thoughtfully tender".^[11] The book received 5 stars from Common Sense Media for ages twelve and up.^[12]

An animated TV series based on the book and developed by Warner Bros. Animation was announced on April 8, 2026.^[17]