Note: Flash Fire follows upon the events of The Extraordinaries, a superhero story with major plot revelations. As such, this review will have spoilers for that first book.

Nick Bell barely survived the events of McManus Bridge with his life, but he did end up with a superhero boyfriend after learning that his best friend, Seth, is actually Pyro Storm. The two are now happily together and enjoying spending time with their friends, Jazz and Gibby. It isn’t a normal life, as Seth is still running around the city trying to save lives, while the rest of the gang work to support him. And Nick is still coming to terms with his own disappointing lack of super powers. But he gets to kiss Seth whenever he wants, and he has friends who have his back and people who care about him.

Unfortunately, things don’t stay calm in Nova City for long. Soon, more Extraordinaries appear on the scene. There are siblings with the powers of smoke and ice, a telekinetic, and a drag queen who can conduct electricity. On one hand, Nick and the gang need all the help they can get, but on the other, it is difficult to know who is really on their side. On top of that, Nick and his friends are dealing with a host of secrets that can’t stay hidden for long. Some of the secrets Nick knows, like Jazz and Gibby’s role in working with Team Pyro Storm that they have been keeping hidden from their parents. But others, like some deep secrets his father is holding, crush Nick in some serious ways. Not to mention, Simon Burke is escalating his anti-Extraordinary rhetoric. While no one knows his end game, it is clear that Burke is dangerous. Things are in chaos all over the city and figuring out who to trust is not easy. It will take all of the combined strength and determination of Nick, Seth, and their friends to protect each other and the city before it is too late.

Flash Fire picks up following The Extraordinaries in the wake of some big revelations. First, that Shadow Star is not the good guy Nick always believed. Owen is now being held for his crimes and his father is disavowing all knowledge about Owen’s powers or his deeds. While Nick and the gang know full well that Simon Burke is behind it all, no one can prove it. Nick also now knows that Pyro Storm is actually a hero and that his true identity is none other than his long-time best friend, Seth. And we readers know the big reveal from the very end of the first story, and that is that Nick actually does have super powers, powers that Nick’s father is hiding, with the help of Simon Burke. So it all sets the stage nicely for this next installment.

I love a superhero story and I think Klune is doing well with this series really playing with this trope. There are evil villains and the sweetest cinnamon roll of a hero in Seth. We also get some exciting battles with a variety of Extraordinaries using a range of powers to fight it out. There are questions about true motivations and who can be trusted. We have side kicks and masterminds, and lots of people hiding secrets. As with the first book, this story also gives us some bombshells, including a big one at the end. I particularly enjoyed the exploration of Nick coming into his abilities, and I think there will be a lot more to develop in the next book. So I think fans of the superhero trope will find a lot to like here. I found this one a little slow to start, however, as there is a lot of set up and groundwork laid before we really get into the action. But I think the superhero side of the series is developing really well.

The heart of this story is really the relationships. Nick and Seth are happily settled into being boyfriends and are exploring things together. I love their dynamic and the way they encourage and support each other. They both get a little awestruck around each other, and they are super sweet and adorable. There is definitely more talk about sex in this story than the first, but things are still kept very PG and the guys are just at the early stages of a physical relationship. As much as I like Seth and Nick as a couple, I think I most enjoy the dynamic between the boys and their best girlfriends, Jazz and Gibby. The girls are fierce and strong and totally in love. I also love the way the two couples interact and how the girls are often the balance and perspective that the guys need. The friendship among these four is great and I appreciate that they have all found each other and provide a source of support.

A big element here is Nick’s relationship with his dad, and there is a lot of tension between them in this story for several reasons. One is the big secret about Nick’s abilities. It is interesting the way this plays out, as we readers know more than Nick about his powers when the book starts. When things all come out, Nick is understandably upset to learn how much Aaron has been keeping from him, and we get a lot of reveals here about their past and what is really going on. We know that Nick has had a sense of hero worship about his father, and learning Aaron has hidden some big things from him really shakes Nick up, particularly in light of Nick’s new understanding about his father’s role as a cop and some major mistakes he has made. So these two have a lot to work through and we see Nick come to recognize his father’s mistakes, as well as realize his own blindness to what is going on around him. Nick is angry at his dad and disappointed in many things Aaron has done. But at the same time, he loves his father and Aaron loves him. So things are complicated here as the two work through a lot of issues.

Which brings me to an important topic I want to address. Klune received some criticism after the release of The Extraordinaries about the portrayal of the police. Some key issues include the fact that Aaron beat up a suspect during an interrogation (prior to the start of the book), and Nick defends him. Nick also makes a poor joke about police brutality from a position of privilege, knowing he is not in any danger. Others who are much more knowledgeable about this issue than me have discussed this at length, and Klune himself responded to the criticism after the release of the first book. Here in this story, it seems clear that Klune has attempted to address many of these concerns by putting focus on these issues. We see Nick come to a new understanding of his father’s behavior and realize he can’t unconditionally defend his dad any more. We also see Aaron discussing the issue of police brutality and abuses with Gibby’s parents, who are Black. The issues of the police behavior, and Nick’s father in particular, come up often and in a variety of ways throughout the book.

On a personal level, I want to apologize for the fact that I missed many of these red flags upon reading The Extraordinaries. The issues were brought to my attention after I published my review and I addressed them in the comments there. However, I wanted to respond again, particularly now as some time has passed since I read the first story. I was lucky and privileged enough to grow up seeing the police primarily as a symbol of safety and protection, and I missed problems in the first story that I should have caught. I appreciate that readers have raised this issue, both with me and on a larger level, as this is a topic that is critically important and deserves conversation. I apologize for missing things and I will work to do better.

So wrapping it all up, I will say that I really enjoyed this book. The superhero elements are nicely done, and while the story takes a bit to really get going, once it does, things are very exciting. We get some new revelations here that lead into the next book and I am eager to see how it plays out. I continue to love the teen heroes at the center of the story and can’t wait to see how they tackle the dangers facing the Extraordinaries and Nova City.

4.5 stars LOVED LOVED LOVED this book!
Nick is utterly adorkable and He really just comes into his own in this book! This book is so cute and packed full of action, friendship, love and just everything ridiculous!

I’ve been waiting what feels like forever since the cliffhanger of book one to see where this story goes and I am not disappointed, however I’m going crazy waiting for another book!!

I loved this story. It’s the long awaited sequel to The Extraordinaires & is not a standalone.

We get to catch up with the whole group of friends I fell in love with in Book 1 and check in with how everyone’s going.

As with the first book it’s honest, it’s relevant and it’s beautifully emotional. It will make you think, but, it’s also hilarious. I snort laughed in certain spots.

It’s a LGBTQ positive read that I will definitely be recommending to friends.

I received an ARC of this book.

An absolutely amazing, sweet, YA story that's also a superhero story and also one of the funniest books I've read all year. Can't say enough good things!

OMG I just want to squeeze Nicky and Seth in the biggest hug! It was so great seeing Nick grow into his powers and learning the truth about his dad. Jazz and Gibby are the ultimate support team and adorable in their own right! The foreshadowing is strong in this one, and I was so anxiety ridden the whole time, I swear I was reading most of the book with my hand over my eyes praying no one died! I adore TJ Klune and will always and forever one-click his work! **Chef's kiss**

More Seth and Nick! I missed those two, and this does not read like the "middle book" that it is. I'm secretly hoping this series will do so well that TJ gives us a longer series than just three books. I'll tell you if you like Klune's other stories, this is in the same vein, and as a bonus, you can read it with your tweens/teens.

I had been on edge waiting for this sequel and it was 100% worth the wait. Book 2 of The Extraordinaries has me screaming over that ending...but not getting too much into that because I'm afraid I'll spoil it otherwise.

I absolutely love the friend group that is Nick, Seth, Jazz and Gibby, because this found family trope absolutely owns my heart when it concerns this series.

All of the elements in this book come together so well - the angst, action, humour and of course Nick and Seth's ever-growing relationship which often had me making heart eyes.

Aside from all of this, the parts I most enjoyed was the further critique on the justice - or I guess - police system in Nova City. It was so good to see Nick's growth in relation to this point, where he understands that he has to look past his view of the police as a safety system, and actually understand the views of police in wider society, which is often vastly different to his own. And I loved how the conversation surrounding this did not just stop at this kind of realisation, but that we can actively see characters growing and doing better as a result of the conversation occurring.

This novel was so exciting to read, and I cannot wait for the third book!

I was absolutely smitten with The Extraordinaries on audio last year. When the hype hit about Flash Fire, you can bet your bottom dollar that I was riding on the bus of excitement too. Did I laugh? Absolutely! Did I finish it in one day? Yes I did! Would I recommend it? Yes, but I recommend an age range.

I don't want to say too much on the plot, but I will say that I loved the flow and superhero hilarity. There's a mention of cop brutality that fit well with current events. I honestly, liked the addition of this and appreciated the way Klune handled the approach for his readers. I'm still a huge fan of the representation of A.D.H.D. and like how it took even more of a front and center approach in Flash Fire. A lot of times I feel this is a brushed over disability. The characters are still perfection. Seriously, if I ever decided to be a parent (not likely) I'd want to be like Nick's dad. He made so much of this book heartfelt for me. Lastly, that final twist right at the end. I have questions and frustrations!! I have needs!!! For the love of all things holy, 2022 cannot come quick enough. Be warned, that twist will make your head spin a bit.

Back to my early statement on an age range before I go. Last month I got a taste of the more "bumchicawawa" side of Klune while reading Wolfsong. I'm also not swayed one way or another when it comes to intimate content. Give me all the dirty-birdie reads! However, when it comes to genre levels I do think that disclaimers should be indicated. Yes, kids are crazy and probably know more about sex than I did back in the wonder years. Still, not all parents will understand the humor behind the first few chapters and sporadic sprinklings of sexual chitter. As a close bookish BFF called it, "Teen Boy Brain" may be a smidge too much for some. Personally, I found it hilarious and though not everyone wants to admit it, it's natural at that age. Maybe just not natural for younger readers to see in their books at that level though. New Adult may be a better fit for this. Or maybe something between Young Adult and New Adult.

Thank you to Tor Teen for the gifted ARC win and shoutout to Macmillan Audio for keeping true and having Michael Lesley continue to narrate. He is PHENOMENAL! True rating 4.5/5.

I almost DNFed this because the secondhand embarrassment at the beginning was brutal and I came away from the first book ambivalent about the characters. I'm glad I stuck with it though, because somehow they grew on me and what had previously annoyed me became sort of... endearing?

I really liked the way Nick's dad had to face the things he'd done and that his role as a police officer was not as shiny as he (and Nick) had believed. There was a thoughtful discussion of what it means to be a police officer and what the police mean to different people.

There were some very sweet moments, and some embarassing ones (with Nick, there probably always will be) and dangit I went from being completely meh about the series to having to read the next book. (I'm totally not mad about that).

I love TJ Klune's writing, even when it is embarassing, because it's real and authentic and also lifts up the people who might not always be lifted up. It's also just excellent writing and a pleasure to read.

I was running late with this arc review (oops) so I ended up listening to the audiobook and the narrator did a really excellent job capturing Nick's personality (and his friends too, but let's face it, Nick's personality kind of takes over. A lot.)

I still saw the plot twists coming from a mile away but it didn't bother me so much this time.

*Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan/Tor-Forge for providing an e-arc for review.

Sure, T.J. Klune's Flash Fire is a gay superhero novel but it’s so much more, too!⁣

⁣ It’s funny, two years ago I hadn’t heard of Klune at all, but having just read and loved his fourth book, he’s become one of my favorite authors. And even though his books may be considered “fantasy,” they have contained some of the realest, most powerful, memorable emotions I’ve seen.⁣

⁣ Flash Fire is the sequel to last year’s The Extraordinaries. You really need to read the first book so I won’t spoil anything, but the book is about Nick, a teenager with ADHD, who has a bit of an obsession with the superheroes who protect (and sometimes traumatize) his town. He imagines what it would be like to be an Extraordinary.⁣

⁣ But while the book does focus a bit on the Extraordinaries (and one particular one quite often), at its heart this book is about relationships. Nick and Seth are adorable; their best friends, Gibby and Jazz, are seriously kick-ass (and an adorable couple as well); and his relationship with his dad provides some of the book’s most tender and most hysterical moments. (Imagine watching porn on your phone only to discover it’s on Bluetooth—in your dad’s car.)

⁣ ⁣ The book is also an important look at the relationship between police and the society they are supposed to be protecting. It touches on racial inequity and the way police officers often get a pass on their brutality and mistreatment, particularly toward and of racial minorities.⁣

⁣ Maybe you’re thinking you don’t like superheroes, so these books might not be for you, and maybe they’re not. But if they intrigue you in the slightest, give them a try. Klune’s books tend to leave me in tears—sometimes from laughter, sometimes from the profound emotions he provokes—and to me, that’s some of the best stuff to find in books.⁣

⁣ NetGalley and Tor Teen provided me with a complimentary advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!!

Nicky, YES! When I read the first book in this series, The Extraordinaries, it took me a while to get used to the narrator’s voice because it’s soooo teenage boy and all over the place (he has ADHD and his internal monologue rightfully reflects that), but I was prepared for it in this book and it was amazing to be back with Nick. He is one of my absolute favorite characters and feels so incredibly real — seriously, I stopped reading several times to think about how much I just love him. Saying too much about this book would be a spoiler for the first, but I loved watching Nick come into his own, his relationship with Seth develop, and every single thing from Gibby and Jazz. The satirical elements never failed to make me laugh, and the intrigue surrounding the Extraordinaries and Nicky’s past is stellar. I did wish we had gotten a few more quiet Nick and Seth moments, but the rest of the action made up for it! I will note as well that the author seems to have taken to heart the criticism he received as far as police hero worship in the first book — it’s addressed throughout the book, and brought up in multiple conversations with what I felt was an appropriate tone.

Flash Fire is the sequel to The Extraordinaries and if possible, which it is, I loved it even more than the first!!

Flash Fire picks up not too long after the events of The Extraordinaries. We deal with Nicky, Seth, Jazz, and Gibby finishing up their school year, dealing with new and old Extraordinaries, and being the best friends they can be to each other in light and dark times. (Intentionally vague so as not to spoil the first book).

One of my favorite things about the first book was that the banter between everyone, but especially Nicky and his dad, Aaron, was top tier. I cannot count how many times I ended up laughing, and that's just always fun when reading. This story is a little darker than the first one, so weaved in between all these lighthearted and sometimes overly informational moments are ones that are sincere, emotional, and heartwarming. A few might even be heart wrenching, so this book has it all. It even has one hell of a cliffhanger, so check this out as soon as possible!!

Thank you Macmillian-Tor/Forge and Netgalley for providing me with the ARC of this amazing book for my honest review.

“I hope when you look back on the life you lived and the memories you built, you’re happy with the person you’ve become.”


This BOOK!! OH MY GOD!!!!
I cried when i received the arc because i really love tj’s books, they make me feel ALL THE FEELINGS!
I really adored all the characters from book one (it’s so annotated and tabbed lol) and knowing the adults in this book? God i really love them so much more now
Even Rook is one of my favorite, he’s funny lol

I cried, laughed, blushed, and felt so embarrassed while reading this book as always<3
I couldn’t stop reading it and the highlights messed up my book but i’m not complaining lol

The chapter after the credits?? THAT WAS EVERYTHING!!!! I need book THREE NOW PLEASE!!!

Trigger Warnings: Medication, violence, sex, lying, police brutality, manipulation

Representation: Gay, ADHD, Superheroes, Fanfic, Social media, POC (Black), Butch/Dyke, Queer, Lesbian, Bisexual, Drag

Flash Fire is the second book in The Extraordinaries series. This YA, queer coming of age story continues the tale of Nick, a teen with ADHD, his superhero boyfriend, their friends, and their enemies. When the truth is exposed about Seth and Nick learns more about his past, the group must come together again to save Nova City.

I really appreciate the approach the author took to address readers’ concerns about the last book. I feel people spoke up about the positive light towards the police and within the first 60 pages, it was not only addressed but addressed by Black characters. I hope this was a true reflection on the authors part and they are more careful in the future. I also hope the dialogue was discussed with a Black person at least to make sure it was in fact culturally sensitive and appropriate.

I loved this sequel! I loved heading back to Nova City and I am reallyyyyyyy hoping there is going to be a part 3! I felt their was significant character development and overall, such a great story! I loved the flaws that the characters contained, as well as the actions by those who were wronged to speak up for themselves. I also hope there is more fanfic in the next book. I totally understand why it took a back seat in this story, but I did still miss reading it!

I received an eARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I received an advanced copy of Flash Fire through NetGalley so I could share my review with you!

Flash Fire is the second book in The Extraordinaries series, and my review contains spoilers for the first book, so read at your own caution! If you haven’t picked up the first book yet, feel free to head over to my review of that one for a spoiler-free experience!

Content Warning: Flash Fire contains scenes and discussions of police brutality and violence, kidnapping, racism, blood, and panic attacks.

You can be extraordinary without having superpowers. Really, this is something that Nick Bell has been working on accepting. There are a lot of special things about him, even if he doesn’t personally possess any superpowers, like his incredible boyfriend. Seth, Nick’s boyfriend, happens to be the newly-famous Pyro Storm, Nova City’s flame-themed hero. Though Seth struggles with the responsibilities that come with being an Extraordinary, Nick is doing everything he can to support him, even if he’d rather be on the front line of superhero action. But, when shifts in Nick’s life make him question everything he thought he knew about himself and his place in the world, he will need every bit of his extraordinary self!

You can get your copy of Flash Fire now from Tor Teen!

If you’ve been following my reviews for a bit now, you might remember that The Extraordinaries was one of my all-time favorite reads for 2020, so I could not wait for Flash Fire to come out. When I saw that I was going to get to review it, I barely stopped myself from skipping ahead in my TBR to read it right away! Lucky for me, TJ Klune did not disappoint with this fantastic follow-up. The humor in this book had me actually laughing out loud (and getting weird looks from my coworkers) more than once! Nick is such a fantastic narrator, and his perspective is what makes this series so spectacular. I loved watching how the characters grew and had to deal with challenges to their worldviews. Somehow, TJ Klune writes the most relatable superheroes I’ve ever seen, especially as a neurodivergent queer reader. I see parts of myself in Nick: in his struggles, his triumphs, and especially in his sense of humor. I cannot wait to see where Klune takes the story in the third book in The Extraordinaries series when it comes out in 2022!

My Recommendation-
If you love fresh superhero stories with relatable characters, you need to pick up The Extraordinaries series! These books are beyond hilarious and should be on the to-read list of every superhero fanatic.

I had so much fun reading Flash Fire! It was hilarious especially scenes of Nick bantering with his dad and Seth. I adore Nick. The storyline got even better. The characters were more involved in this book. Expect TJ Klune to give us adventure and a heartfelt story. I loved Extraordinaries and Flash Fire was even better. A great sequel 🤍

I was sooo excited to start this book as it was one of my most anticipated books, not only for the story but Klune is one of my favorite authors so anything by him I know I will automatically love.

I came into this book with high expectations and it did not disappoint. it had the amazing humor that TJ is known and loved for and I can't wait for book 3.

”Never, ever hit a woman, unless she’s a villain controlling smoke, crashing a prom, and ruining what should have been a perfect night.”

Hello, my lovely readers and welcome to another book review from one of my favorite authors, T.J. Klune. I was lucky enough to recieve an ARC (advanced readers copy) from NetGalley of his newest book, Flash Fire, the second book in The Extraordinaries series. As always, all opinions are my own and I was not payed by NetGalley to review this book. All quotes mentioned are subject to change. Also in this review there will most likely be big spoilers for book one of The Extraordinaries, book one, you have been warned. Now that we have the disclaimers and overviews over with let’s get right into this.

”Superhero team-up,” Nick breathed.“It’s like this is a sequel! Oh my god. Yes. Yes.”
”Uh,” Seth said. “Sure. Why not. Let’s go with that.”
Elevator Pitch
Last we left Nick Bell and Seth Gray, they’re in love. Nick finally lands the superhero boyfriend of his dreams and has almost everything he’s ever wanted. But with new superheros popping up all over the city comes the new supervillians. It’s now up to Nick and friends to protect Nova City from disaster. And that sounds like a lot for a guy who just wants his self-insert bakery/private detective fanfiction.
”Always leave them wanting. Cosmo.”
Thoughts
I think I should preface by saying I personally enjoyed The Extraordinaries better than Flash Fire. But that does not mean that Flash Fire didn’t have it's highlights. For one thing I really enjoyed the humor that was presented. This book covers a ton of important topics such as mental health and police brutality but Klune really uses humor to his advantage here. By making small jokes either between characters or just Nick's quick witted remarks Klune lightens the mood every time and remind us that they are just kids.
On the note of police brutality, in Klune's last book he covers a topic that was well explored in 2020. In his last book Klune wrote about how the main character's father had committed an act of police brutality but was never reprehended for it. Klune didn't explain this any further in his last book and received plenty of backlash. Finally in this book Nick's dad takes responsibility for his actions and stepped down from his position. Klune also included his own commentary about the corruption of the police force. All in all he really did resolve his mistake.

”But it would really suck if one or both of them ended up betraying us, so I reserve the right to complain dramatically if that happens.”

All in all I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to see what Klune has in store for us. A four out of five stars.

If you haven't read this one yet or the first book in this series, read it! Klune delivers yet again another book about acceptance normalizing LGBTQ. Highly recommend!

Klune’s books are getting more recognition and I am here for it.

This is a sequel to his novel The Extraordinaries, continuing where we left our loveable group. Much and Seth are an item and things are getting more interesting with new threats, old rivalries, and long held secrets coming to the surface, while also dealing with regular teen stuff like graduating and thinking of the future.

There’s never a dull moment. So much is happening that it keeps you on your toes and when danger appears the tension becomes real. My favourite parts are Nick and Seth finally being together, after all the craziness that happened in book one, and seeing them balancing out a secret identity, nosey reporters, and finding the time to actually see each other.

Also Nick’s dad is the best. He’s loving and caring, and his humour works perfectly against Nick hyperactivity. It’s great seeing them have a close relationship.

And that twist… I need the third book soon if I will never relax.

This is a perfect sequel that doesn’t suffer middle book syndrome. It’s funny, it’s action packed, and it will have you loving all the characters.