The Extraordinaries was an absolute delight of a novel that managed to break me out of a very long reading slump. It follows Nick, a boy who wants desperately to be extraordinary, as he finds himself catching the attention of Nova City’s extraordinaries whilst dealing with a crush on his best friend and constant setbacks in his grand plan.

There’s something so wonderful about Klune’s writing, from his YA to his adult books, it never fails to pull me in and bring these wonderful worlds to life. Given the less than stellar start to the year I’d been in something of a slump for a good while. Although I was still reading, my heart wasn’t in it and I found myself unable to enjoy many books. But then I picked up The Extraordinaries and for the first time in a long time, finished a book in 3 days.

The slowly-burgeoning love between Seth and Nick was such a delight to watch. It warmed my heart. They are awkward and adorable and Nick is utterly oblivious. It took awhile for them, well mainly Nick, to get it together but it was wonderful to watch. Not to mention the friendship group of Nick, Seth, Gibby and Jazz was wonderful. I loved watching their interactions and the ways they support each other etc.

There were a few things that I thought might happen that meant that I wasn’t able to 100% sink into it. I needn’t have worried in the end but expecting those things did mean that it wasn’t quite a five star read.

The Extraordinaries was the distraction I needed from a terrible world and I loved it for it. I definitely recommend it, if you’re in the need for some good, light-hearted fun that doesn’t take itself too seriously with just a dash of angst.

As always, this author kept me hooked on the book from the beginning and super entertaining till the end.
It goes without saying that if you read Tj Klune before, you are going to love this story too.

I loved this book, it has everything I like to read plus superheroes, which I always liked very much and I had not found a book with superheroes that I liked, until this one.

The plot is very good, even though I realized what it was going to happen, it did not make it less entertaining to read, and that is because of the characters. Although I knew where the plot was coming from, I wanted to know how the characters were going to react, because let me tell you something, the author did it again and created fantastic and super original characters.
Nick's entire group of friends is extraordinary, just like Nick himself. I just loved it, Nick's relationship with his best friend, Seth, is beautiful. And not to mention the relationship with his father, which was one of the things I liked the most about the book and one of the things that gave me the most emotions.

Ah, I just loved it. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a good story, with extraordinary characters, superheroes, romance, comedy and representation.

Title: The Extraordinaries
Author: T.J. Klune
Chapter: 20/20
Rating: PG-13/T for Teen
Pairing(s): Original Male Character/Original Male Character, Original Female Character/Original Female Character
Characters: Nicholas Bell, Seth Gray, Owen Burke, Gibby | Lola Gibson, Jasmine | Jazz Kensington
Tags: Superhero!AU, Action & Adventure, Humor, Slow Burn, Friends to Lovers, Pining Idiots, Queer Friendship, Grief & Grieving, ADHD Character, First Kiss, Fandom Meta, Secret Identities, Egregious Use of Bow Ties

Comment by BellgrayForever:

Wow. What an amazing, wholesome, emotional, hilarious journey this story was! Nick had my whole entire heart from the opening of the novel when we’re treated to an excerpt of his self-insert fanfiction featuring ‘Nate Belen’ and his superhero crush, Shadow Star. His voice was not only hysterical (there were several points in this novel where I cry-laughed through several pages), it was also heartfelt and so, so real in regards to his struggles with both managing his ADHD and other trauma he’s experienced. The main cast is entirely queer, and there are few things that warm my heart more than a group of queer friends navigating their triumphs and struggles together.

One part identity story (though not necessarily in the ways you’d think), one part love story, one part ode to the joys of fandom and superhero subculture, and 100% amazing, The Extraordinaries is one of my favourite reads of the year and will be going on my go-to recommendation list. I can’t wait for the journey to continue in the second installment of The Extraordinaries.

(Thank you to NetGalley and Tor/Forge for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.)

I usually don't even like superhero stories. And yet Tj Klune strikes again. This book was SO MUCH fun. Loveable characters, amazing story and GAAAY

<i> I was given this book as an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. </i>

What a wonderful little gem!

<i>The Extrordinaries </i> is the first installment in a new supernatural-themed series by T.J. Klune. Nick Bell is a tumblr fanboy with ADHD who spends his spare time writing self-insert fanfiction about Shadow Star (Nova City’s favourite superhero and Nick’s not-so-secret crush) and Pyro Storm, the ultimate villain and Shadow Star’s archenemies. When Nick is not busy obsessing over <i>hopefully</i> queer superheroes, he is a normal teenager who spends his days at school and tries to deal with the sudden (and still recent) loss of his mother. Fortunately, he is supported by his father and his best friends Gibby and Jazz (the lesbian power couple we <b>all </b>want in our lives), his too-hot-to-handle ex-boyfriend who he <s>kind of </s>resents and the ever so sweet Seth Gray (basically the human personification of a cinnamon roll), who has been sneaky, a bit secretive and mysteriously absent during the summer. What’s up with that?

<i>The Extrordinaries</i> was a wild ride, I was hooked to the story from page one and frankly I even lost some sleep to it, I just couldn’t put it down. Beautiful fast-paced writing brings us to Nova City. Imagine <i>Sky High</i> and the best AO3 fanfiction you’ve encountered had a lovechild: that would be <i>The Extrordinaries</i>. Just magnificent, over the top, hilarious and bold storytelling. The characters were so well-rounded and vivid that they burst alive from the page and captured my heart within seconds of their first appearance.

If this wasn’t enough, the cliffhanger in the final chapter promises so much more and teases a promising sequel. I have a feeling that it will be outstanding and I personally cannot wait to have it in my hands. I highly recommend you give <i>The Extrordinaries</i> a read, you will not be disappointed!

This title was recommended to me because of its similarity to my love for anything Rainbow Rowell, so I was pretty excited to get to rep read an excerpt thanks to bookishfirst.

My first impression was a bit underwhelming, even for a YA I felt like the wording was a bit repetitive and juvenile, but I can see where it is made for that age group and it's genre. After receiving an advance reader copy to finish the title thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge. Overall I give the title 3.5 stars.

I will say I did enjoy main character Nick, and his dad, and beginning to get to know them as they grieve his mother and begin to find their new place in the world. I loved that the fanfiction coordinated in with the plot of Nick’s life, and the characters within that story and how it relates to his life.

I genuinely enjoyed this book, despite the vast and various amounts of secondhand embarassment. The writing was simple, but refreshing, and I did end up guessing several of the "plot twists" so to speak, I still found myself enjoying the story enough to stick around.

Nick dreams of being a becoming one of the vanishingly few Extraordinaries (basically, superheroes). There are two in his city, and he has a crush on Shadow Star, who, Nick believes (as does most of the city) is the person who has set himself the task of taking care of everyone in the city, or at least, as many as he can. Nick spends much of his time writing fan fiction about Shadow Star. However, is Shadow Star all he is cracked up to be, and can Nick's friend Seth be in love with Nick? While obviously fantasy, this book has some very teenage dialogue and is hilarious even while dealing with the serious topics of ADHD and death in the family.

Nick Bell, high school junior with ADHD in Nova City, has the biggest crush on local Extraordinary, Shadow Star. He's even the most popular fanfiction writer in the Extraordinaries fandom, which is a superpower in and of itself. When Nick has a real-life encounter with his hero, he decides to launch a three-phase plan to become an Extraordinary himself. Will he be able to succeed with the help of his friends, or has Nick been doomed to live an ordinary life all along?

For a fan of T.J. Klune's previous work, and someone who's not normally drawn to superhero stories, I thought this was incredibly well done. Nick is such a fascinating character. He may or may not be extraordinary, but he's been able to overcome so much in his life, and he deals with an attention deficit disorder that oftentimes makes sitting down to think straight absolutely impossible. He's also absolutely oblivious to anything and everything around him, and I can't help but love him more for it - starting with his best friend's obvious feelings for him and ending with, well, things I can't say because of spoilers, but you as the reader will definitely be able to figure them all out before Nick does. Classic T.J. wit and charm is riddled throughout this book, and no doubt you'll fall in love with at least one of the side characters. From Gibby and Jazz (a baby butch and her cheerleader girlfriend), to Officer Rookie (whose real name is Chris, but Nick can't shake the nickname), and even Bob and Martha Gray (Seth's aunt and uncle who have cared for him since he was little), the banter and personalization of each character will have you begging for more of their presence. Additionally, falling in love with the characters made me interested in piecing together how they all fit alongside each other in this story of heroes, villains, things not being quite as they seem, and wanting to protect the ones you love at any and all cost. I am very intrigued as to how this story will progress.

According to a recent tweet, TJ said that he wanted to give a voice to people like him [people with ADHD] so they can point to a character and say "Hey, finally someone like me." As someone who has felt incredibly seen by another one of his books, I hope that neurodivergent queer kids and teens (and adults who may stumble upon this book) are able to see a little bit of themselves in Nick. As Aaron Bell tells his son, you don't have to be an Extraordinary to be extraordinary. And, as the tagline says, some people are extraordinary, some are just extra.

Another excellent novel from TJ Klune!
Description: "Some people are extraordinary. Some are just extra. TJ Klune's YA debut, The Extraordinaries, is a queer coming-of-age story about a fanboy with ADHD and the heroes he loves.
Nick Bell? Not extraordinary. But being the most popular fanfiction writer in the Extraordinaries fandom is a superpower, right? After a chance encounter with Shadow Star, Nova City’s mightiest hero (and Nick’s biggest crush), Nick sets out to make himself extraordinary. And he’ll do it with or without the reluctant help of Seth Gray, Nick's best friend (and maybe the love of his life). Rainbow Rowell's Fangirl meets Marissa Meyer's Renegades in TJ Klune's YA debut."
This novel is both delightful and timely. Klune is the master of creating fun, multilayered characters that really come to life on the page. If you enjoyed Klune's last novel The House in the Cerulean Sea, you will be sure to love this equally delightful new adventure.

This is a delightful Young Adult novel! I'm so happy I got to read the ARC! There will be a lot of !!! because the romance is hilariously great, there's a lot of humor, and I adored all the characters. The hits of intense sweetness brought tears to my eyes. The action scenes are intense!

And that ending! !!!

So! I am absolutely on board! I eagerly await #2!

'The Extraordinaries' is a highly enjoyable Young Adult superhero fantasy book I would easily recommend to anyone who loves to see the growth of characters into superheroes....or villians. I got such a kick out of Nick, Seth, Jazz, and Gabby, I loved the humor sprinkled throughout, and even white-knuckled through some of the action scenes.

Because 'The Extraordinaries' ends in a cliffhanger, and this first book really is a massive setup to what I assume will happen in the trilogy, I'm on tenterhooks waiting to find out what happens next, because I definitely have my theories and I'm desperate to find out if I'm right.

Recommended for 13+.

I enjoyed this book a lot more than I was expecting.

I felt it was a bit slow to get into the story and for me to really get on board with our main character, but once i was there, i couldn't put this down, I needed to know how it would end.

This book is well written, the story moves quite quickly and the author uses some very interesting plot devices and writing styles to keep you interested.

The book follow our lead character Nick who writes fan-fiction about superheroes in the city, he dreams of being one and getting with the hero of the city. He

I found the characters interesting, but personally not all that relatable, I did enjoy reading about an ADHD sufferer as our lead but I cannot confirm whether it was an accurate representation. I would have loved some more time learning about the other characters, as there was often a lot hinted at but not explored that thoroughly.

The book ends with a solid resolution but leave more than enough open for a sequel, which I imagine will be coming out soon. I will eagerly be awaiting to get my hands on the next instalment to see where these characters end up.

TJ Klune has such range. I just recently read the House in the Cerulean Sea and was surprised by the style shift of this book, but it certainly didn't lack in heart or humor. The characters were a lovely and real interpretation of a modern day super hero tale, and I eagerly await the next book in the series.

***Honest review given in exchange for an ARC***

Straight up—I‘d happily read TJ’S grocery list if he gave it to me. I would thrust myself into a writhing mass of non-mask-wearing folks during this pandemic if he asked me to, just so I could have a peak into his brilliant, wordsmith brain. Luckily, he (typically) doesn’t make us fans sacrifice ourselves quite so brutally and offers us ARC’s here on Netgalley, but I just wanted to throw the offer out there in case TJ reads this.

In any case, if you thought this book was about superheroes, you are correct. If you thought this book was JUST about superheroes, you would be wrong. The Extraordinaries is complex. It ventures through grief and loss, growing friendship, budding love, and coming of age tales; dealing with having a brain that constantly works against you and how you navigate in a world that doesn’t understand that brain.

I think my favorite aspect of this whole story is that it’s queer and happy. There is no struggle in it. A lot of YA novels have the protagonist coming to terms with their sexuality, and it’s refreshing to read something where the protagonist is already comfortable with his sexuality, and so are the people around him.

I highly recommend this book for anyone and everyone. I can’t think of a single reason why a person wouldn’t want to read this book. Five stars from me.

Stay extraordinary, folks.

The Extraordinaires is written to be enjoys by teens who read superhero comics and graphic novels - probably mostly young men, but young women who are into that genre of literature would certainly enjoy it. As a more mature reader, I did not find it as engaging - it was not written for me. the premise was interesting and unique, though the mystery at the denouement was obvious by the middle of the book, with one twist that did not come clear until later in the book. Setting aside the lack of connection with the genre and the writing level aimed at the target audience, it was a sensitively written book. It is good to see a book where pretty much all of the main characters are not "not cool" kids. Being and honoring who you are is a major theme. Seeking those who support your best is emphasized. I liked most of the characters and that they were imperfect, but being the best they could. in most cases. Most impressive was the diversity of some of the character and that fact they were were loving as was natural to them without apologizing more making the fact an issue.

This book is a quirky, fun exploration of teenage crushes and superheroes. I had no idea what to expect, but I really enjoyed it.

While it’s in third person, it focuses on Nick, a teen with ADHD and a massive crush on the city’s leading Extraordinary, which basically is code for super hero in the text. His friends are a great mix of supportive and snarky, and it was neat to only have his ideas about what was going on. It adds a level of mystery to figuring out what’s going on around him.

There’s also a touch of fan fiction, which I wasn’t sure I would enjoy, but it led to some great moments.

If you want something fun and different to escape into, I recommend this one. I look forward to the next book.

I received an advanced readers copy of this book from the publisher and Net Galley in return for a fair review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Teen for a copy of the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I am never more pleased than when I can write a glowing five-star review about a book. This book is going to be amazing for many people, and not only that, I feel that it captures so much in its pages. I started reading the book and about 3% in I was crying. Why was I crying? I was crying because we open with something that brought back such good, and excellent memories of things I used to love. And the book only got better.

The Writing
If I could describe the wording in one word…no, I can’t. Impossible. Klune is a fabulous writer. There is something that is relatable and charged in his writing. This book can be read by adults, but I felt so strongly that this book will resonate with today’s teens, there are so many references to things in this book that even I am aware of. Lots of cult classic references…there was a lot to love jampacked into this book.

The Pacing
I will admit, at first, I worried, because I am never sure. But the pacing in this one was fantastic, but I think in part it is because you sort of know what is going on…and well…it worked. I have a tough time discussing the pacing of this novel without giving too much away.

The Plot
I cannot talk about the plot of this book too much, because it would give so much away! Suffice to say all the characters in this book are awesome and the plot rocks. If you like superheroes, and fanfiction, and weird cultural references, then you’ll love the plot of this book. Literally, I cannot say anything about this plot, other than Nick is terribly adorable, and well…that’s all!!!

The Characters
I feel like my plot section bled into my character section, but the characters were very much the plot. Seth, Nick, Gibby and Jazz…can I love them any more than I do? No. NO. Because they are amazing. They are so personable, and real and there. They have these quirks and this friendship that is amazing. But it isn’t perfect and I adore it. I love the naturalness of their conversations, of their interactions…it brought back some memories for me.
This book does a lot of that. I felt absolutely absorbed in this book because of these amazing characters and their relationships.
Nick also has ADHD, and I thought it was great to have that type of representation. Also, pretty much everyone is queer. (It’s awesome.)

The Worldbuilding
Nova City is very reminiscent of typical superhero cities, but it also feels like a real city in this world, and the combination of that, and superhero powers worked for me.

Overall
I love Klune’s writing and books so much, and this just solidifies how amazing of a writer he is. I laughed and cried my way through this book, and I will be buying this as soon as I can! If you love clueless romance, superheroes, funny jokes, weird moments or great friendships, this is the book for you. There are some darker moments, but overall, a lighthearted and splendid book.

REVIEW: The Extraordinaries by Tj Klune.

As someone who relates so heavily to the main character, Nick Bell, I’m not sure I’ve ever loved a book more. Finally getting a #ownvoice story about a gay teen with adhd made me feel, complete. Nick struggles to keep his thoughts focused throughout the story which adds to the level of “what’s happening” which is constantly keeping the reader on their toes. The story felt more like a contemporary with the superhero aspect taking a backstage to the author tackling teenage issues such as ex boyfriends, teenage love, and friendships. This book was easily a 10/10 for me.
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I would recommend this book to anyone age maybe 12/13 and up, who love stories about friendship, finding love, and trying to get superpowers. This book will make you laugh out loud and also feel all the good feels at the end. This is a queer story, so if that isn’t your cup of tea, this novel won’t be for you.
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Normally I would list a few flaws to the story, but I honestly don’t have any. Which Is surprising.
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I definitely can’t wait for more books in this series, it makes you want to know what happens next for Nick and his group of friends.
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I already pre-ordered the book because it MUST be on my shelves. In both the US edition and the U.K. version which I decided to feature today.
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I’d like to thank Tor Teen publishing and netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for a review.



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This was the review I posted on my Instagram and to goodreads. Will be posting on amazon once the book releases. Thank you Tor Teen for the opportunity.

Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher and netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.


Book: The Extraordinaires


Author: T.J. Klune


Book Series: The Extraordinaires Book 1


Rating: 5/5


Diversity: ADHD rep, gay main character, bi love interest, lesbian friends.


Publication Date: July 14, 2020


Genre: YA Contemporary


Recommended Age: 14+ (ADHD, death mention, medication usage)


Publisher: Tor Teen


Pages: 400


Amazon Link


Synopsis: Some people are extraordinary. Some are just extra. TJ Klune's YA debut, The Extraordinaries, is a queer coming-of-age story about a fanboy with ADHD and the heroes he loves.

Nick Bell? Not extraordinary. But being the most popular fanfiction writer in the Extraordinaries fandom is a superpower, right?

After a chance encounter with Shadow Star, Nova City’s mightiest hero (and Nick’s biggest crush), Nick sets out to make himself extraordinary. And he’ll do it with or without the reluctant help of Seth Gray, Nick's best friend (and maybe the love of his life).


Review: I really liked this one! It was rich with detail and character development. The writing was amazing and I loved the representation of ADHD! I thought that Nick was perfectly portrayed from what I know about it. It was also rich in LGBT friendly characters.

However, the pacing can be slow, especially in the beginning. Other than that I was swept away by this novel!


Verdict: Highly recommend this one!