I'm not sure I even understood what I read. I really liked Klune's previous book The House in the Cerulean Sea, but it had a storyline. This book felt a little like a Rainbow Rowell book (clearly Klune is a fan of hers) but this is so disjointed and confusing that I'm not sure what I'm supposed to get out of it. Perhaps I'm not in the intended audience but I just couldn't get into this book and I couldn't appreciate the characters or the writing style. I will not be reviewing this book anywhere else as to not turn readers off of it.

I loved this one. The voices are strong and unique to the characters, and it balances dramatic irony really well (where the main character is pretty oblivious so you think you know what's going on even though he doesn't) with some twists I didn't see coming.

I am realizing that T. J. Klune writes books that quickly become enjoyable and heartwarming favorites by the time I finish. Nick and his father quickly reminded me of two characters I always enjoyed on television and in fandom: Stiles and his father from Teen Wolf. They have excellent communication, positive reinforcement, and a worry for each other’s safety after losing a loved one. Seth’s awkward flirting is adorable and Nick’s thought process was startingly relatable.

I truly enjoyed this book and I look forward to more in the series. I realized shortly after finishing that other readers didn’t endorse the book due to the protests against police brutality that occurred around the time of the book’s publication. As a staunch supporter of the protests, I do not think this book is insensitive to the movement to defund the police and reformations in the justice system. Aaron Bell accepts the consequences of punching an a**hole and tries to be a good cop by working with those he previously thought were menaces to Nova City.

It took me months to finish this book. Why? Because I hate it with a burning passion.
So, what’s the problem? Well, there’s too many to count, much less mention in this review, but let’s start at the beginning: the premise. Queer boys connecting through fanfiction about superheroes. Sounds awesome, right? The thing is that superheroes are real in this universe, making this fanfic about real people, which is super creepy. Particularly a heavily objectifying fanfic that focuses on a romantic/sexual relationship. And no, being sixteen is not an excuse. Teenagers understand boundaries.
Then we move to Nicholas Bell, the protagonist and main problem of this book. He is insufferable beyond measure. Nick is an immature, self-centered jerk who blames all his faults on his ADHD (that’s not what it does) that rarely gets called out on his crap. It makes all his relationships feel unrealistic because why would anyone like him? I genuinely liked his friends, his love interests, and his father, and they all deserved so much better. I would rather read about any of them.
The plot is a very basic good vs. evil that tries and fails to have something more. You can’t call it a twist when the “foreshadowing” is just short of spelling it out for you. Instead, it’s simply painful to watch when Nick can’t figure out what’s obvious since the beginning.
There are also smaller, problematic things, like Nick only being interested in Seth now that he’s tall and muscular, but not when he was chubby and shorter (despite claiming it’s about his personality) or Nick’s father refusing pain medication for himself and Nick because of the “opioid epidemic”. The little things aren’t that terrible by themselves, but there’s too many of them.
The stinger hints at a bigger, better story than the one we got (though there were plenty of clues throughout), and in the hands of another writer, I’d find it exciting. Here, I just can’t. I know it won’t live up to its promises.
The Extraordinaries is not simply disappointing, it’s also insulting.

It was very fun read. A very genuine attempt by the author. The characters were really lovable too. Can't get enough of them.

Queer superhero loveliness! I was so excited to see on Goodreads that this is potentially part of a series. I loved the choice of telling the story through the eyes of a "bystander" rather than one of the heroes themselves. The copy I ordered for our branch just came in - looking forward to recommending this one to our teen readers.

“But sometimes, there are things greater than us. Things we must do to keep those we love safe. And he loves you. He loves you.”

Thanks to Netgalley, T.J. Klune and Tor Teen for this e-ARC. This book was actually extraordinary in so many ways. I dived into this book without any expectations what so ever but damn! The story was so hooking. Apart from some super hero clichés and cheesy dialogues, this book was love.

I read this author for the first time and I like his story telling style. There was humor, plot twists and some exciting superhero/villain action. This book was an ADHD and LGBTQ rep. The main character, "Nick Bell" is a hardcore fanboy of superheroes and that's so cute but sometimes I felt like he was being too extra. That can be because of his ADHD I guess? Other than this, Nick is crazy talented when it comes to writing fanfiction. Seth Gray, another main character who's Nick's best friend. I loved how Seth's character was so mature and how devoted he was towards his friendship with Nick. This story also focused on family and how important it is to be there for each other in the hardest times. From the side characters, I loved Nick's dad, Seth's adoptive parents and Gibby and Jazz who were such amazing friends to these guys.

To be honest, when I started this book I was unable to get a hang of the story. I guess it was a bit slow paced for the half part that's why? Somethings were confusing but later on things got cleared.

Overall, the book is perfect for a fun summer read with teenage drama and action. I am really excited for the next book in series though.

DNF. I found the main characters draining and the portrayal of the police force problematic. It completely put me off of the book.

[ESP]
Creo que todavía no proceso muy bien todo lo que implica este libro.
Sin dudas lo disfruté muchísimo, lo adoré, me reí y más de una vez estuve a punto de llorar (¿o lo hice?)
Nick tiene este super crush por un superhéroe pero, al mismo tiempo, tiene que ocuparse de que su vida no se descarrile, luego del fallecimiento de su mamá, con su papá degradado y su ADHD constantemente haciéndole la vida más complicada, simplemente lucha por mantenerse día con día.
Como primer libro YA del autor, me encantó como se acercó a determinados temas y presentó a todos los personajes, aunque a veces para tener 16a los leía demasiado maduros, me encantó su forma de pensar.

Más abajo en mi reseña en inglés me detengo en un tw que leí, estuvo preocupando bastante a muchos lectores, al punto de que TJ hizo una declaración para cambiar las cosas en los siguientes libros, pese a que el segundo está siendo editado.
Sucede que, el papá de Nick era detective y debido al ataque a un testigo que lo molestó tras el fallecimiento de su esposa, es degradado a policía. Aun así hay toda una glorificación y heroismo en torno a la figura de los policías porque Nick ama a su papá y a través de sus ojos estos son igual de heróicos que los extraordinarios.
En ningún momento mientras lo leía me detuve a pensar en BLM porque, en contexto, se entendía perfectamente que Nick adoraba todo aquel mundo e idealizaba la figura de su papá, pero al mismo tiempo, es importante remarcar que sí, en palabras del autor, su papá tuvo que haber sido despedido en lugar de degradado luego del ataque hacia el civil.
Este es un detalle que iba a pasar por alto, porque los libros pueden pasar años desde que se escriben hasta que se publian y los autores no tienen la culpa de la realidad social en la que nos encontramos al momento de leerlo, pero el autor mismo hizo una declaración y lo consideró imporante, así que me pareción correcto darlo a conocer.
Más abajo está el link a su posteo si quieren leer sus palabras.

En relación a la trama, los personajes adorables, los momentos tristes y preciosos, etc, haré una reseña completa en el blog (como siempre) que sale en unos días.

*Recibí este e-arc a cambio de una reseña honesta*

[ENG]
This book was so funny and heartbreaking at the same time.
All the comedy reminds me of Tales of Verania while the heartbreaking parts were just like Cerulean. This is an excelent book to get to know TJ's writing.
It's a beautiful mix and I really enjoyed all the superhero stuff, how Nick has to choose between the ones he loved more and how all the time we actually KNOW what's happen next while Nick didn't give a clue.

Therefore, I know how the positive-police in this book could affect some readers.
So, this is a TW: police glorification and mentions of police brutality (in the backstory).
There's one thing you have to know. Nick is a 16yo kid who has a superhero crush and a dad who is a policeman. So we have some police glorification because the city divide the police and the superheroes in good or evil. While I was reading I didn't see these things, I understood that Nick loved his father and has good memories about the police in general but is true that some actions of his father were wrong. Are wrong.

All you have to know about this topic is that the author made a statement, but keep in mind that this is a superhero YA queer book who was written years ago like most of the books are before being published.
Just try to enjoy this story, Klune has always been very careful about representation in his books and I really think that he's going to make a change in the following books.
You can read his words here: http://www.tjklunebooks.com/new-blog/2020/7/29/a-message-about-the-extraordinaries

In conclusion, this is a lovely book with a lot of humor and backstories for each character that will help you to connect with them.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

I'm going to start this review with the things I normally don't do. I normally don't read YA, like really ever. I normally don't read an ebook, and then immediately listen to the audio (Audio takes WAAAAYYYYY more time). I don't normally read much in the superhero genre. These are the things that I normally don't do when it comes to my reading habits. Reading Habits meet The Extraordinaries...you are about to be crushed under a mighty thumb.This was such a sweet, but well written book. I loved the MC's. Nick and Seth were just so perfect together, as best friends, but also as future loves of each other's lives. The "side" characters were just a much of the story as Nick and Seth. Gibby and her cheerleader girlfriend Jazz. And Nick's police officer father, Aaron Bell. (I do believe that TJ is going to address police issues with regards to the current unrest and Nick's father in an upcoming book, if that is a concern). All in all, this was a fun swing through super hero worlds, finding what makes one extraordinary, and that healing wounds that no one saw coming is an ongoing process.I didn't want to write up a review for The Extraordinaries, after reading it, until I listened to Michael Lesley's narration. He has a fantastic ability to get right into TJ Klune's characters, and create small little details that the reader might not see in an MC otherwise. I just enjoyed his narration so much for this story. Michael Lesley brought these characters to life for me! It is so obvious when he narrates that he enjoys every minute of what he is doing, and what he is reading. It was great fun to enjoy the book right along with himOverall, this was such a pleasant surprise for me, a non YA, non super hero and non back to back read/listen person, that I just didn't want it to end. But hopefully, we will see more of what makes these characters extraordinary in the future.Story: 4.5 pieces of eye candyNarration: 4.5 pieces of eye candy

honestly, the main reason I picked up this book is because a bunch of booktubers were raving about this book and the author. and honestly this book did not disappoint. it was honestly such a fun read, and i really enjoyed this book, even though I’m not into the whole superhero thing, it was still an amazing read.

4,5 ★
When I discover this book I completely fell in love with it, I didn't even know the author, but, I knew I needed to read the book, I did a little research about the author and wow my desire to read the book basically doubled! Luckily for me I got the ARC of the book at Netgalley and was able to check out the reading that let me so anxious.

I really liked the writing of T.J. Klune, his narrative is very nice and fluid, the characters are well developed, extremely fun and charismatic. I liked the direction that the author give to the story, making it engaging and funny in many moments.

I loved Nicky's growth throughout the story, I ain't going to lie, he pissed me off a lot at the beginning of the book, he is very self-centered and selfish, but his evolution makes it worthwhile his annoyance at the beginning of the book, not to mention Of course, all the moments of shame that he offers us, I laughed loudly at the situations he got into. I loved the secondary characters too, I must say that even more than I liked Nick, his three friends, Seth, Gibby and Jazz were a complete delight for me, always bringing what was necessary for the moment, besides always facing the Nicky's follies. Seth was the one I loved the most, I loved rolling my eyes with Gibby and Jazz had everything to be a stereotype, but, she goes far beyond that.

This was the first book that the first-person narration bothered me a little, Nicky couldn’t notice the things happening around him, but who is reading can and of course happen that curiosity about what is happening beyond the vision of the first-person narration. Initially I thought the book quite predictable but I fell flat on my face because the author made fun of me and did everything differently than I think and I loved it!

I loved this book, besides the strangeness with the protagonist at the beginning, I was totally immersed and entertained with the story, I gave loud laughter with Nicky and his big mouth, but I also suffered with his difficulties. What I liked the most in the book it is how it reinforces friendship, and that even though you have been hurt by a person you love, you can and should help them. I'm too anxious for the second book, the ending of this one was such a big bomb going off in my face.

*I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

While certain characters' portrayals in this book don't hit as well today as when originally written, I have complete confidence in Klune's apology and trust him to think about these discussions more in the sequel. This was a lovely gay superhero romp about teenagers and friendship. I can't wait to read the next one!

This book was so cute and wonderful. The characters are well rounded and develop progressively throughout the novel, nothing seems rushed and all of the characters actions always make sense which is a serious plus. Nothing is worse than when characters do things completely out of character. Tj Klune is a brilliant writer who creates the best and most lovable characters. This book is action packed with a twist you won’t see coming and so much heart. A must read!

The Extraordinaries is a sweet and fun book about a teenager being obsessed with superheroes. My only complain was that I disliked how it portrayed the police, especially right now. For example, at one point it says the dad, who is a policeman, hit someone but apparently it was an honest mistake. Overall it was a good book, but I would prefer the dad not being a policeman.

This book was so fun and over the top. I loved reading it. It just made me happy. This was a larger than life queer superhero comic book that has come to
Life. I laughed so much, But it also has seriously heartbreaking moments. I can’t wait for the rest of the series and I will
Definitely recommend this to my friends!

Funny, poignant, and absolutely real this book made me laugh and cry! Not only is this alternate world blended so well with our own, but the characters are well-rounded and undeniably relatable.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Extraordinaries! I loved every single supporting character so much. I was really invested once Nick's dad ended up in the hospital, and I was hooked until the very end.

I did, however, find it frustrating that Nick was so clueless to all the evidence laid out so obviously in the book. I know it was addressed towards the end after the Extraordinaries' identities were revealed, but it made me not take him too seriously as the main character. I thought if the evidence was going to be that obvious to the reader, Nick should have figured it out or speculated about it a lot sooner. On the other hand, if Nick was having a hard time figuring it out, then the reader should have had to work to figure it out too.

But I really did enjoy the plot, and I love the setup for the next book. I will definitely keep reading this series!

I absolutely enjoyed this book. It was even better on the audio as Michael Lesley continues to bring TJ's books to life. The comedy int this reminded me of his Tales of Verania series so at times it did get a bit tiring but I really enjoyed the fanfiction element to it as well and the relationships of the characters. Only thing i didnt enjoy was the depiction of cops and police brutality which TJ has already addressed now. I am greatly looking forward to the next book in the series

Extraordinaries was a great start to the series. I've been a fan of Klune for a while and I really enjoyed reading his first YA novel.
I really liked that, even though the plot points were predictable sometimes. it wasn't bothersome, because Nick was so oblivious and the dramatic irony of knowing what he didn't actually made the book more enjoyable.