Publisher's Blurb

Linus baker is a by-the-book caseworker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his records for company. But his quiet life is about to change. 

Linus is summoned by Extremely Upper Management and given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to an orphanage on a distant island and determine whether six dangerous magical children are so dangerous, in fact, that they're likely to bring abot the end of days. 

When Linus arrives at that stranest of islands he's greetd by a series of  mysterious figures, the geratest mystery of which is Artur Parnassus, teh master of teh orphonage. As Linus and Arthur grow closer, Linus discoves the master would do anything to keep the children safe, even if it means the world has to burn. Or worse, his sceret comes to light.

My review

I have only one regret after reading this book – why didn’t I read it earlier? Honestly. If you’re reading this and you haven’t yet read the book, I would advise do it at the earliest.

Because if you are living in a place where there’s winter now, you need this book to warm your heart. If you’re living in India, given the terrible disease-ridden situation of India you need to read this book for a bright ray of positivity. Regardless of where you live you must read this book.

Although the book got off to a slow start, the plot picked up amazingly once Linus Baker arrived on the island. The strength of this novel is the characters. They are charming, annoying, sometimes outrageous but most times extremely lovable. Especially the kids, you’ll feel like you are living among them down by the cerulean sea. You’ll love Lucy the most ominous of the lot but Chauncey was my favorite.

The second bit I liked about the story was the beautiful setting. The color of the sea, the feel of the breeze, the dense foliage, and the smell of nature, enraptured me.

Third the dialog between Linus and Arthur. It was so enjoyable, although a lot of philosophy was discussed yet you could smell a heady concoction brewing.

T J Klune nailed the plot by centering it on children- orphans to be more specific because before even beginning the book we are unknowingly already leaning towards liking the characters. So it doesn’t take long to fall in love with them. Before long you would realize you’re at the end of the story but you don’t want it to finish.

Final Verdict

After Harry Potter, I was yet to find a book that I thought I’ll re-read when I feel gloomy. With this book, I think I made that discovery. I loved it.