Member Reviews
After the initial pages, I found myself not connecting with the story or characters, so I decided to pass on this book. Did not finish
Thank you to the publisher for the free book. I love this series. This must be the second book in the series and feels like a good tie in between the first and the last(?). We easily pick up where we left off and we get some cute/funny relationship scenes between Seth and Nick (and Nick's dad haha). As the story goes on some suspiring information is found out and it sets the scene for the next book. I enjoyed it, but it felt a little like a bumper story - but it did its job and makes me excited to read more!
TJ Klune has done it again with the sequel to The Extraordinaries. Flash Fire is an action packed fun, witty, romp of a story where we again follow Nick and Seth as they navigate romance and superpowers. The story wouldn’t be complete without friends Gibby and Jazz along with a great representation of parents and new Extraordinaries. There is much discussion about gay sex that is bold, honest, and also endearing. On par with the first book, TJ Klune ends with a surprise that will make you wanting a book three!
This book was SO good. I got through the first book super quickly (a fantastic audiobook) and I was really excited to read Flash Fire as an arc. The ADHD rep was great, and while reading the first book I thought "concentra" was a mispelling of "concerta" but the absolute mic drop of the significance of concentra with Burke in Flash Fire.... so good. The ending makes me so excited for another sequel (I hope) - I thought maybe there was something going on after TK said a similar line to what Nick's dad says at the dance and the ending was pretty unexpected even when I had an inkling of an idea! I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It isn't often that a sequel is better than the first book in the series, but TJ Klune has achieved that with Flash Fire! He confronted all of the things that were problematic about the first book and made this one a lot more socially conscious. I LOVED Nick coming into his own abilities. And that CLIFFHANGER???? I can't wait for the next book in the series!
Flash Fire by T.J. Klune is the second book in The Extraordinaries series. I loved this first book but I think I enjoyed this one even more. The character development and twists along the way were a delight to read. I LOVE the writing style and humor woven into the whole book. I just thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The world building, plot and characters are all so entertaining and fun to read and I just cant wait for another in this series.
This was a lot of fun! As a sequel the story held up to its fast paced and action packed predecessor while still fitting in all the best awkward moments, dad jokes, and snark. I like that we get to see some new extraordinaries and the stakes being raised for our MCs. I am absolutely ready for the next book after that ending!
I always enjoy T.J. Klune and his writing, so I took a chance in continuing with his The Extraordinaries series, even though I had mixed feelings about The Extraordinaries, the first book in the series. However, I now feel more certain than before that this series isn't for me.
Flash Fire had a lot of work to do, and T.J. Klune knew it. After The Extraordinaries came out, the author underwent a lot of scrutiny for how his police characters acted in the story, and I also felt like the book felt tone-deaf in the time where police brutality and privilege has come under national attention. Though the book centers around teenage superheroes, it's also critically about Nick's relationship with his father and the police/policing, and cops play a huge role in the books.
I think T.J. Klune worked hard to change the narrative to show that Nick's father was extremely out of line with a lot of his past behavior, and I think he tried to highlight how the Black characters would feel with someone like that in their lives. How successful T.J. Klune was with his pivot may be up for some debate, but the effort is certainly there. To me, it felt a little info-dumpy and a little stilted, but it was a definite improvement over the first book in that regard.
While I liked the story, it was mainly because I enjoy the author's witty writing style and banter. Yes, a lot of his characters remind me of characters from his other books, but I always like Klune's sense of humor, so it tends to work for me. Klune can write really, really well, and I liked the dialogue and how the cast of characters played off one another.
Where the story faltered with me a bit was in the actual plot. I found it to be unusually slow-moving for a superhero story, and I know there were some plot twists and revelations, but I got bored a lot, which isn't a great sign. The villain felt a little overdone and tired. I also found the narrative and story arc to be a bit scattered.
In the end, I don't think high school superhero stories are for me, even if they are queer.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
I would like to thank TOR Teens and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I am absolutely smitten with Flash Fire! This compelling sequel still had the elements that I loved from the previous book. Flash Fire delivers a queer, heartwarming yet hilarious character-focused story full of action, fluffy romance, found family, and an excessive amount of secondhand embarrassment.
The story followed Nick Bell, an Extraordinaries super fan and an author of an AU fanfic. After the incident in the previous book, he now had a superhero boyfriend slash best friend, Seth. Nick's life, together with the Team Pyro Storm, became more complicated as he dealt with new heroes arriving in Nova City, promposal and future planning, and secrets that would be finally exposed.
It was finally good to be back to this adorable series. Plotwise, it started a bit slow, but this was not even an issue because I really enjoyed reading the exchange of banters between the characters. It picked up, developed, and established the narrative threads that were left off in the first book, while also mirroring the intricate issues, themes, and nuances found in real life. The last few pages were outright full of mind-blowing revelations and scorching moments that left me wanting for more. In addition, the writing style was undeniable witty and amusing. It perfectly matched the overall tone and atmosphere of the story, especially voicing out Nicky's character.
What I love the most in this novel are the characters, found family trope, and the romance between Nicky and Seth. Nicky was still his endearing, chaotic self, and Seth was the sweetest, cinnamon roll. I also adored Jazz and Gibby. They were all very protective of each other, and the friendship they had was the kind where they could count on each other even no matter what happened to their lives individually. In addition, the childhood friends to lovers trope was definitely one of my favorite, and Nick's and Seth's romance was very well-written. The uncertainty and risks of confessing to your love one and how finally how their feelings to each other were reciprocated just made my heart melt.
In addition, it was worth to mention that the author did his best to make up with the police issue that was on the first book. Here, the author looked into police corruption and brutality, and also racism, giving information and as well as how each action has consequences, and what to do to change and be a better person.
Overall, Flash Fire by TJ Klune was an engaging and hilarious novel about queer teens and superheroes. I highly recommend this series!
4.5/5 stars!
cw: police brutality, racism, kidnapping, forced medication, panic attacks, jokes on child labor/war, cissexism, discussions of sex
I am so happy that TJ Klune wrote a sequel to one of my favorite books of 2020. I absolutely love the characters. The fact that we get a Queer Superhero in a YA book, as well as the fact that his superfan ends up as his boyfriend really puts the cherry on top of the cake.
In Flash Fire, we get a continuation of the story we love, except now they all know the truth and can live in queer happiness. Until new villains show up in Nova city! I mean, we wouldn’t have had any kind of story without a new villain, so yay!
I love TJ Klune’s writing style and can’t wait to get to his next book
Flash Fire by TJ Klune is another great book. I loved The Extraordinaries so I was very excited to read this advanced reader's copy courtesy of the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. If you're familiar with books by TJ Klune or at least Nick from The Extraordinaries then you should already know that the characters are very likeable and there's an element of realistic humor woven into the story. He succeeded in doing this again with Flash Fire, which is amazing and makes me love this series even more. I'll admit that there were moments where the pacing in this book was a bit slow for my taste, but the author more than made up for it with the content. The world building was executed well too, and it was really nice seeing this universe expand in so many ways. I won't do any spoilers here. I'll simply say that this is a must-read for anyone who likes teens doing some amazing things, having some super powers, mixed with some diversity and inclusion, and some mystery and action.
A cute, quirky story of queer love and adventure. I’m always looking for new LGBTQ+ novels for my classroom library, so this is definitely going on my list!
A perfect continuation.
I've read TJ's books for years and he such a way of writing LGBTQ characters. He writes characters that are funny, flawed, memorable, and extraordinary (haha, get it?). This book is no different.
I've never read an author like TJ to write characters and moments that make me laugh so hard that I actually cry (both of happiness, and grief).
3.5
I read “The Extraordinaries”, just so I could read this book, because it looked so interesting. a few of my friends were obsessed with the first book and I can definitely understand why.
“Flash Fire” was a wonderfully woven story that perfectly continued the plot of the first book. what I liked most about it was how elaborated and in depth most plot-points were.
for example, seth and nick’s relationship evolved in the most beautiful way possible. their interactions made me smile and laugh, and I thought it was perfectly written. there’s so much chemistry and cute banter between them, it was hard to put the book down when their relationship was being described on the pages.
what I also appreciate was the important topics and conversations this book brought up. like, police brutality, racial injustice, trans issues, the treatment of neurodivergent people (like me!) and other topics, that I probably can’t recall now.
it’s important to speak up and especially to amplify the voices of those affected by the conversation.
overall, this novel didn’t let me down. it had humor, emotions, plot twists (that I definitely did not expect), as well as beautiful friendships and relationships.
the rating of this book isn’t left average because I disliked it, or found it problematic. it’s because (like I’d already mentioned), I read “The Extraordinaries” purely so I could read “Flash Fire”, and after reading both parts I now realize these just aren’t what I usually read, or what I’m into.
that being said, I do not think this book is bad in any way- it just isn’t for me.
still, if you like more lighthearted, imaginative and creative books that will make you laugh, I’d definitely recommend it. :)
I love TJ Klune. Don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise. From his rathe *ahem* spicy fare on his website about Satan's boyfriend Jimmy, to the incredible warm blanket and hot beverage curled up cuddling on a couch feel of Cerulean Sea. I loved the fact that The Extraordinaries came complete with a fan-fiction self-insert writing neuro-atypical queer boy who dreamed of kissing his most favourite ever super hero. In GREAT detail. I loved the almost embarrassing detail that reminded me of my own innocent adolescence. And I have to admit that my crushes were in no way as worthy as Nick's! I loved that Klune has gone all in on some of the things that LGBT kids need to know. Sometimes people won't get it. Sometimes your family is the one that you find. And sometimes Uncle TJ is going to tell you more about safe sex than you wanted to know. Listen to Uncle TJ kids. He's got you.
On the down side, there is a middle of the series kind of feel to Flash Fire. There is - pre-warning - 'quite' an ending. You may end up wanting to throw something at the wall and if you are like me and reading an ebook - DON"T DO IT! Klune is holding back enough of the good stuff to really tease his readers, but hey, we were all coming back anyway.
My one big and complicated feeling about Flash Fire is one that Klune has touched on himself in his blob/ website. Nick's dad is a cop. Nick loves and trusts his dad, and his co-workers, even though they may not always get along perfectly. Because this is Nick's story, the socio-political commentary on policing in America is missing. Klune has talked about the representation in The Extraordinaries, and how he wanted to make different choices going forwards. And I truly believe that his readers, all of them, the strange, the queer, the outsiders, the allies, are ready to hear it. So, Uncle TJ, along with THOSE ANSWERS to THOSE QUESTIONS, and OMG THOSE THINGS THAT HAPPENED, I'm counting on you. I know you'll do it.
(meanwhile, Jimmy and Jesus is hell? or the sweetness of Whispering Door.....)
**4.5-stars **
Flash Fire is the second book in T.J. Klune's trilogy, The Extraordinaries. Set in the fictional town of Nova City, this novel takes place in a world where Superheroes are real. They're called Extraordinaries, have secret identities, wear costumes, save the day and sometimes cause a lot of damage. They're worshipped, they're feared and they're a constant source of mystery and rumor.
Nick Bell is a Extraordinaries superfan and the author of their most popular fanfic. He also struggles with ADHD, the loss of his Mom and with maintaining a open relationship with his Dad. One major plus is that he now has the Superhero boyfriend of his dreams. However, with new Extraordinaries arriving in Nova City, including powerful new villains, and hormones raging like never before, life is suddenly more complicated than ever.
Nick and his friends, Seth, Gibby and Jazz, must team up to protect Nova City from these evil forces, all while trying to figure out their regular teenage life stuff and PROM!! I had so much fun returning to Nova City and this incredibly lovable cast of characters. Klune writes with such intention and that can definitely be felt within these pages. It filled my heart with so many emotions.
While this is set in a world with fantastical elements, there are also so many relevant contemporary topics explored. I personally enjoy that mixing of real-life with the fantastical. It's a novel you can sink your teeth into. Even though I enjoyed this story throughout, particularly Klune's continued witty writing and Nick's character growth, I don't think I enjoyed it quite as much as the first book.
For me, this was a pretty solid 4-star read for the majority of the book. I was really enjoying it, but not in love. Then, the ending. The freaking diabolical cliffhanger ending that left me with my jaw on the floor and my head screaming, I NEED THE NEXT BOOK!!!
Well played, Klune. This is a fantastic series. It's funny, it's heart-warming, it's full of action and uncomfortable teenage moments. I am so excited to see what happens in the next book. I can't imagine how this series is going to end. Obviously I am hoping for a happily ever after.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Tor Teen, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review. I am in love with these books and am really looking forward to the final installment!
TJ Klune does it again 👏🏼
Nick is one of my favorite characters ever and he’s just as awesome and hilarious in this sequel to The Extraordinaries!
My only gripe with these books is the length. That’s literally the only thing I don’t like. I feel they could be compressed quite a bit, but the reading experience of Flash Fire was just as fantastic as its predecessor.
*POSSIBLE SPOILERS FROM BOOK 1*
Nick and his friends are just the best. Seth is the sweetest and most patient boyfriend. In this book we get to meet some new Extraordinaries, including the mysterious TK (whose identity I did NOT guess correctly) and Miss Conduct (she was AMAZING).
This book painted the police in a much different light than the first book, which I appreciated, especially as one of the friends is a POC. It felt a bit heavy handed at times, but it didn’t take anything away from the reading experience for me.
The end was absolutely mind blowing and I need a third book immediately!
i adored this! Nick is probably one of my all time favorite characters by Tj Klune. You can tell how he is growing and i love the relationships he has been building.
This series continues to be a lot of fun and i cannot wait for more
Thank you to Tor Teen and Netgalley for a free eARC in exchange for my honest review!
So, full disclosure: I was not actually a huge fan of 'The Extraordinaries'. I wanted to be--I wanted to absolutely LOVE that book. But for some reason, I struggled to connect with Nick when reading and could not explain why. Given how I feel about 'Flash Fire'? I was clearly in a mood and definitely need to give 'The Extraordinaries' a reread!
I adored this installment in TJ Klune's YA Super Queeroes Adventure Extraordinaire! I legit snort-laughed my way through half of Nick's stream-of-consciousness-tangential-ramblings and I absolutely wanted to reach into the pages of the book and Hulk-SMASH all the villains on his behalf. I love the friendship and found family elements that further developed too--the clear platonic-not-romantic-but-so-much-more friendship between Nick/Seth and Gibby/Jazz, as well as the proper introduction of the latter's parental units and a few other newly introduced members of the gang.
I would also note how self-aware and timely this story is (if occasionally rather tongue-in-cheek) as it discusses head on issues like unconscious bias, identity erasure, the court of public opinion and even reasons for defunding the police.
And then there was that cliffhanger...When is the next installment coming again?
ARGHHHHH!
This book was AMAZING!
I read The Extraordinaries by TJ Klune (book one in this series) in a book club last year and it was fantastic. Ever since finishing it and processing that cliffhanger of an ending, I've been desperate to get back to Nick and his friends and to find out what would happen next.
If you haven't read book one yet, please note that there are spoilers for book one below.
Flash Fire completely pulled me out of my recent reading slump, plunging me back into Nova City and the world of The Extraordinaries. I hadn't realised how much I'd missed these characters, but instantly fell back under TJ Klune's spell from page one as we're reunited with loveable, relatable Nick who's still coming to terms with the fact that his boyfriend is a famous superhero who can create fire, while also dealing with new revelations about his dad.
TJ addresses a lot of big issues in this book, centring mainly around Nick's dad, a police officer demoted for violence, and how police brutality is affecting his perception of his dad and how he can reconcile that with the man who raised him and who he loves. It's a continuing theme and a deeply explored message throughout the entire book as Nick deals with how other people react to his dad, and what his dad has done.
As always, I love the inherent queerness of this book, and all of TJ's books. Acceptance just shines throughout and makes the story more powerful.
I love the action in this book, which feels a bit more intense than in book one, as the danger and tension build around Nick and his friends. While Nick deals with things in his unique, often hilarious, way we have a fantastic, realistic portrayal of what it might be like to date someone with superpowers.
We're also introduced to new characters in the book, and for those familiar with Klune's adult series', you might find a certain new character familiar.
Honestly, though, as great as the plot and pacing and world-building of this story is, it'd be nothing without Nicky. He's such a refreshing, honest, sex-positive character who you can really root for and is so real he practically jumps from the pages.
Prepare yourself for some epic reveals in this book, some things I saw coming, some I didn't, homages and Easter eggs to Klune's other works, edge of your seat, heart in your throat, tears in your eyes moments, and another GD cliffhanger that has me itching to read the next instalment!!
A very close to perfect read for me, so I'm going to leave you with my favourite quote:
"It wasn't perfect, but then, Nick thought beautiful things didn't always have to be."