Author – T.J. Klune

Publication date- 7 January 2020

Genre – Fantasy fiction, Comedy

Review by – Amanda Hyde

Source- Review copy

Rating- 5/5

Linus Baker lives a quiet and solitary life with his Cat and his old records working tirelessly as a Case Worker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. Until one day he is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management. He's given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wy vern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they’re likely to bring about the end of days. Can Linus stay professional and not fall for these children and their charming caretaker? Is this orphanage safe? Is it an orphanage at all?

Oh my gosh! I’m in love the hype was real, how could I have thought it be anything but? Welcome my first 5 star of 2021! This was a nonstop pleasure, that wrapped me in a toasty warm embrace and had me smiling and giggling through out!

Klune has created an achingly compelling cast of “misfits” from Linus all the way to Zoe, each having erratic qualities yet oh so vividly colorful in this whimsy way, even while the kids express how they could kill Linus. I mean truly kids do say the darnest things.

While this story was so warm and fuzzy it did tackle difficult questions and problems; differences, prejudices, and following “rules” that are old and out of date. You see so much of our own world here and it’s heartbreaking. How easy it can be to go with the status quo and believe stereotypes and others views because that’s “easier”.

We ended with hope and love and the completely depressing knowledge that this is a stand-alone.