We Burned So Bright by TJ Klune

August 11, 2026

We Burned So Bright by TJ Klune

Don and Rodney have been together for 40 years, living in Maine. Now both retired, they have traveled all over the United States in their rusty old RV. Don and Rodney have one last quest to fulfill, but a black hole is gradually swallowing the galaxy. They realize that they may have left it too late, and they may be out of time.

Whether he is writing about dogs or robots or children with unusual abilities or the end of the world, TJ Klune is always able to yank at your heartstrings. The story in in this short novel follows a gay couple who have been through the ups and downs of a long life together, and realize that they are almost out of time to fulfill one last promise. Reminded me of The Measure by Nikki Erlick, in that it looks at the different responses that people have to a catastrophic event. The world may be ending but you're left with the feeling that it may just be okay. Not my favorite Klune novel but definitely worth reading.

A black hole, a region of space where gravity is so dense it sucks in everything and doesn't even allow light to escape

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune

September 27, 2024

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune

In the sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea, Arthur Parnassus, magical adult and caretake of a group of magical children, petitions to adopt the children in his care, rather than just supervise the group home where they live. With his partner Linus Baker, they work to thwart the bigoted government agency that is attempting to force their beliefs on the world by gaining control of one particular magical child: Lucifer, aka Lucy, spawn of Satan, age seven.

While I loved revisiting the characters from the first book, there is a certain amount of lecturing here, with more emphasis on politics. In addition to being a fantasy, it is also a parody of the current issues on gay and transgender rights. A certain percentage of the population believes that anyone who is different from them, is a lesser life form and not entitled to the same rights as a human being. Gorgeous cover art. It's still worth reading. Recommended for fantasy readers everywhere.

A phoenix, like Arthur

Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune

May 24, 2024

Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune

Wallace Price is having a really bad day. When he dies suddenly and pops into his own funeral, he starts to realize what others really thought of him. Worse yet, there is a Reaper waiting to herd him to the afterlife. Wallace realizes that he was so focused on growing his law firm and being ruthless, that he never really lived life.

This title was one of my choices for Pride Month. I love TJ Klune's previous novel The House in the Cerulean Sea, and while this one isn't quite that good, it's still pretty damned good. Considering the subject is death, it balances the ultimate heavy topic with humor, kindness, and wonderful characters, including a charming dog named Apollo. In the acknowledgments, the author notes that this was a very personal book for him to write (yes, I do read the acknowledgments at the end of every book, and you should, too). Take a good look at the fantastic cover, also keep some tissues handy. Recommended for readers who enjoy fantasy with a whimsical slant.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

September 19, 2022

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Linus Baker is a caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth (DICOMY). He visits orphanages that house/confine children with unusual magical talents. Once he completes his visits and submits his reports, he rarely gives a thought to how his findings might affect the children who live there. He follows the official RULES AND REGULATIONS to the letter. Other than his cranky cat Calliope, he lives a solitary life. But then one day, he is selected by Extremely Upper Management to visit and report on a group home that he has never heard of, run by a man named Arthur Parnassus. Linus finds himself thrown completely off balance by the residents and the philosophy of the master, causing him to rethink his whole life and his job.

This is a delightful charming story, filled with hope, joy, sadness, and love! The characters are wonderful and draw the reader in immediately. It does have a YA feel to it, and there is a strong theme of inclusivity, so there are LGBTQ characters as well as characters with extreme magical gifts. The closest comparison might be to the Harry Potter books. I was sorry to see it end, but I couldn't put it down. Put this one on the top of your TBR pile (which I heard someone call Mount TBR). Beautiful cover art. Highly, HIGHLY recommended. A best book of 2022.

A phoenix (yes, a phoenix plays a part in the story)