Welcome to Litsy!

What a wonderful coming of age story!

The book is set in a hotel in Seattle during the 1990s and I loved how authentically Seattle it felt. There were numerous references to Seattle pop culture (and 90s pop culture in general) throughout, including a chapter cleverly named, “Pleatless in Seattle” (pg. 114).

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2025/08/19/review-the-sylvan-hotel/

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Science fiction with a sprinkling of MM romance. My first TJ Klune but won‘t be the last!

Loved the characters but had a bit of trouble with the premise, once it‘s revealed what‘s actually going on so deducting half a star. Right up my alley otherwise!

#lgbtqia
#lgbtqia2025

***** Meh, I wasn‘t thrilled in this one, It was readable, had some exciting moments once it got there, but overall I found it lackluster at best.

Very interesting story.

For the rest of my review, visit my Vlog at:

https://youtu.be/0OFeheFG_cY

Enjoy!

While I did enjoy this, it fell short of the books I love by TJ Klune. Still a pick.

My main issue is that Artimis Darth Vader, the little girl in the story, sometimes comes across as incredibly naive and sometimes comes across as too mature. This might be fitting for the character and circumstances, but it felt inconsistent and pulled me out of the story.

Still worth a read, just didn‘t live up to Whispering Door for me.

Tracey, you make me feel seen.

One of the best songs ever to make you cry. #JuneSpecials Fathers @Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

I always say I don‘t like sci-fi books, but what did I end up reading? A sci-fi book—because I love TJ Klune & the name of the female child protagonist, Artemis Darth Vader. This story is also a gay romance, suspenseful adventure, & emotional story of found family. Not as funny as other Klune books I‘ve read but his typical heartwarming relationships & unique child.

A story that explores what defines us as “human”. Love in all its forms is at the center of it all.

I didn‘t realize this is a reprint of an earlier publication (pre-popularity). I can see the bones of what will eventually become The House in the Cerulean Sea. The banter is there but some parts were a little disjointed. Overall a great read but please check the trigger warnings.

May #bookspin is complete! @TheAromaofBooks

#bibliophile #timetravel This a fun YA mother-daughter story! Also works for #asianauthor

@Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks