The House on the Cerulean Sea and Under the Whispering Door
by T.J. Klune
I have now read two T.J. Klune books, and because they are essentially the same book, they get the same short review. In both books a plain man who never really lived is sent to a business run by a suave and mysterious man. During his stay, the plain man meets colorful and magical characters who push him out of his comfort zone. Where initially he was wary and distrusting of the business, he is now becoming a deeply caring person who wants the business to succeed. He grows closer with the building’s inhabitants and crushes on the mysterious business owner. In the end, the business is saved and the plain man embraces change and is finally less-plain.
That’s the story. The only difference between the books is one is an orphanage for magical children the other is about death. The themes in each book do bring something to the table, but you can only imagine my face when after finishing The House on the Cerulean Sea and started Under the Whispering Door I found the same exact story beats. Now, listen, I get it. Many stories can be accused of reusing a formula i.e. hallmark movies, certain pulpy mysteries, but this was too much. Read these if you wish but understand the difference between these is akin to Pokémon Red and Green. Each has a few unique Pokémon to set them apart, but it’s still the same game.