I really enjoyed this sequel to last year's The Extraordinaries! Nick and his friends are it again and I just love the dynamic between them. Nick and Seth are beyond adorable together., and so freakin' endearing. But, like in the first book, the relationship between Nick and his father is really the glue that holds the book together. I didn't find this one quite as laugh-out-loud funny as The Extraordinaries but there were still some moments that made me spit out my tea.

The story here dives into more serious issues than its predecessor, which I really appreciated. While The Extraordinaries didn't take itself too seriously, that was rectified here with a fair amount of page time devoted to the police-related issues from the first book, and I appreciated the conversations and revelations around this.

The queer positivity and sex positivity in this book are awesome, some of it giving way to some of the most hilarious dialogue between Nick and his dad. This was just a lot of fun, a great read for a rainy weekend, full of laughs and action and friendship and family.

Thank you to Tor Teen for providing an ARC of this book through NetGalley !

First of all I gotta say I read the first book because I received this ARC. I really liked the first one, loved the characters and laughed a lot. I just had a fun time.

For this second book, I didn’t get the same feeling and enjoyment. My love for the characters and their dynamics still stands, but the plot wasn’t as interesting and I felt like it couldn’t generate the same funny moments. I felt like the book was too long for what it had to say. I loved the characters and a lot of the elements from the plot could’ve just been added to the first book.

I also know the author was reprimanded for the police brutality in the first book so there were a lot of conversations around that subject but sadly they sometimes felt forced or like just put in there.

Overall, I think this story could’ve been put in one standalone and it would’ve been a great book.

Thank you to Tor Teen and NetGalley for the eARC to read and review!

I didn’t enjoy "Flash Fire" as much as I thought I would, especially after the explosively good beginning this series had. Sure, book 2 had plenty of laugh out loud moments. My love for Nick and his friends continued to grow. And all the father-son moments between Nick and his Dad were precious gold. Unfortunately the store as a whole was underwhelming.

Many as well as the author have already addressed the issues with the police aspect of this story, so I’ll try to keep this short. I have mixed, uneasy feelings about it, as a Black American, because continued police brutality against black people is a major issue. Police tension in a superhero story is to be expected. I was just surprised by how deep these problematic and deadly issues were going to affect the story and characters, especially after 2020. So I had to stop and read reviews for book 1 and 2 as well as Klune’s August 2020 letter to better understand everything because something felt off about how the police were worked into the story.

"Flash Fire" raises the stakes to a whole new level of tension and friction between the characters and Nova City (the setting). I worried about Nick, Seth, Gibby, and Jazz because they’re such amazing kids and so much is changing for them. They’re growing up so fast and I wish there were more moments within the story for them to just be kids, especially Seth.

I love the turn Nick and Aaron’s (his dad) relationship takes, as bittersweet as it was. They continue to be one of my favorite father-son duos. I liked getting to know the other parents and other Extraordinaries. There needed to be more Office Rookie and less Rebecca Firestone (who I loath).

The writing was and kind of disappointing. Mostly because I’m a huge fan of how Klune writes and this didn’t match up to that or the kind of voice Nick has.

I’m also still on the fence about how I feel about certain plot revelations and plot twists. But I did like their place within the story, what they implied, and how they’ll impact book 3. The climax was awesome but somewhat drawn out.

"Flash Fire" fell short for me. I felt lost and unsure at times. There were things I liked and funny moments. But it wasn’t enough to really enjoy what was happening. I will still read the next book.

Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I wish I was one of those reviewers who had the time to pull out quotes because this book was full of hilarious moments worth capturing. The dynamic between Nick, Seth, Jazz, and Gibby only gets better in this book as they navigate through different circumstances. Jazz and Gibby's parents learn that they are part of the team that protects Seth. Nick finds out his dad has been keeping secrets from him. Nick makes a startling discovery of his own. Gibby is headed off to college next year, and on top of it all, there is prom to get ready for!

I don't know how to explain that I felt like nothing and everything happened in this book. It took me awhile to get through the book because there wasn't a lot of action until the end. That being said, I wouldn't have left out a single part of the story. I felt like everything that happened was. I love that this story is about more than just The Extraordinaries and a superhero plot line. I feel like 50% of the book was focused on The Extraordinary plot line and the other 50% was focused on four teens trying to navigate life. We are introduced to some new Extraordinaries in this book and while I think it was a little predictable, I loved the cliffhanger at the end.

If you liked The Extraordinaries, I don't think you will be disappointed with this book. It's still full of crazy Nick ideas and quips, Seth being sweet, adorable Seth, and Jazz and Gibby being kick-ass friends who keep everyone grounded.

I was able to read the first book and this sequel did not let me down!! Now I am completely fangirling over this series!

Nick and Seth! I am so obsessed with them! The readers will also be learning more about other characters like, Gibby and Jazz! This book is full of laughs and also some very important conversations. It is also action-packed and full of excitement.

I can't wait to read book 3 bc this one left me with still more questions!

Definitely recommend this series! ❤

Nicholas Bell is the heart of this story/series.
Not just because he is the narrator.
But because he gives the story life.
He brings humor to almost any scenario.
And he offers unwavering support for his boyfriend, who is struggling with his path forward. after book one.

You'd think Pyro Storm would be considered a hero after the last book. But thanks to some sketchy reporting from Rebecca Firestone (I concur with Nick that she is a horrible human), and mixed support from the police force of Nova City, his position in the city is tenuous at best. Lucky for him, he has his BFF and now boyfriend, Nick by his side.

Following some hilarious LOL embarrassing moments with Nick's dad, Aaron, offering safe sex advice should Nick and Seth decide to take things up a notch (this is YA so keep your expectations low), the story evolves to the Extraordinaries role in the city now. With new players revealed, their status as good or bad, remains uncertain. While Seth/Pyro Storm tries to navigate these changes, Nick, along with Gibby and Jazz, offer him back up in only the unusual way a bunch of teenagers can.

The big twist to this story is Nick and the past his father tried to prevent from coming to light. GAME CHANGER!! It was a mix of humorous, sweet and awkward with how Nick handled this revelation. And despite many hiccups, I cheered for him every step of the way.

I enjoyed this book even more than book one and am officially hooked to this extraordinary YA LGBTQ superhero theme. I can't wait for more!! (Yes, this one ends in a mini-cliffy)

I adore TJ Klune’s writing. I loved the first book in this series. Nick is just so adorably awkward and his relationships with everyone is just so sweet. The story line is also awesome! I love superheroes and this series hits all the points: evil millionaire, superhero, hidden secrets and powers…

All that being said, this book was good but I felt it wasn’t like the first. The first book had me on the edge of my seat both times I read it and I sped through wanting to know what happened. This book didn’t have the same gripping nature to me.

I think that was mainly because the pacing was a little off for me. This book started to lag for me around the 55% mark and I even had to put it aside for a week before I was able to pick it back up and finish it. It took me so long to read from about 55% to 75% which is where the action picked up and ended maybe 10% later.. it seemed too fast considering the whole book was leading up to that.

Fabulous writing as usual. I loved the house in the cerulean sea so I felt like I had to check this one out ! However I didn’t read the first book so I felt a little lost reading the sequel.

We love to see character growth. This was so cute and so much fun. The writing was beautiful, the story was exciting if a tiny bit predictable, and I'm still in love with these characters. What more could I want? Aside from book 3, obviously...

The sequel to Klune's The Extraordinaries was a fast and fun continuation of the story of Nick Bell (who is just the best) and his very close circle of peers and family. In this sequel, Seth is still battling his inner demons related to the huge responsibility that being an Extraordinary has, while Nick discovers some very interesting information about himself and his family history which puts a major strain on his relationship with his father (one of my favorite relationships in the books). Gibby and Jazz are amazing and Burke is the total wealthy egotistical "bad guy." The books ends on quite a cliff hanger and I will be anxiously awaiting news of the third in the series!

Absolutely and easily five stars! The first book was so good, so wholesome and fun, and this follow up was just as wonderful if not more so. The characters are all spectacular and the rep was so on point I could cry.

Thank you to Tor Teen and NetGalley for the advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I liked this one a little bit more than the first in the series. Nick annoyed me a little less, and I grew more attached to him, although there were many scenes where I was cringing at his expense.

I still love Seth! And his relationship with Nick is adorable!

While I was not surprised at the ending, I do like where it left off with a hint of what is to come in the next installment. Just like the first book, there was an excerpt after the acknowledgments, kind of like the final scene after credits roll in a Marvel movie.

Even though YA is not my go to genre, I did enjoy the first two books in this series. I’m sure this will be a favorite among many!

I absolutely loved this book and think it was a great sequel to The Extraordinaries!! It had great diversity: gay mc, bi li, wlm sc, lesbian sc, and mc with adhd and anxiety. It also had things that need to be in more books like grief, lost loved one, uncertain future, sex positivity, police accountability and an emotionally abusive parent. I really loved all of the characters and how they were so different from each other and had there own personalities. Seth and Nick were just so cute in this book so we’re Jazz and Gibby! I may have liked this more than the first book haha. I actually laughed out loud a lot and that doesn’t happen often it was a really funny book. Honestly it took me awhile to get through this book that’s why I took off a star, but overall I really loved it!!

Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Teen for an arc of this book.
Content Warnings at end of review

After the events of The Extraordinaries, Nick is all about Team Pyro-Storm and making sure he is the best boyfriend he can be. But other complications get in the way--and no, I'm not just talking about his dad's "helpful" sex advice.

I'm disappointed to say I didn't enjoy this sequel nearly as much as the first book. There were a lot of things about this book that Klune got right, and I appreciate the direction he was trying to go in regards to policing and accountability. I really enjoyed the plot, and I still really enjoy Nicky as a main character.

Where I think this book went wrong for me was all of the characters other than Nick. In the first book, Nick's random thoughts and humor are super funny, and they are well-balanced because all the other characters are very normal and believable. Unfortunately, in Flash Fire I feel like there was an homogenization of characters and they all started to feel really similar. Characters who are supposed to be adult and grounded said things I don't think they ever would have said in the first book, and instead of feeling like a well-rounded cast, everyone started to feel like they were Nick. It actually kind of felt like the entire plot was Nicky's fanfiction instead of just certain parts...and not in a good way.

There was also a lot about the plot that I thought was a little too predictable, and there were places where it really dragged. I feel like this could have been much improved if it had cut out about a fourth of the book, honestly.

This is still a very fun story and I will definitely keep reading the series. And of course, I love the queer squad!

Pub Date: July 13, 2021

Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Police brutality, Gun violence, and Violence
Minor: Sexual content

I have to start this review by saying that last year, The Extraordinaries took my heart in its hands and lifted it to the skies- it was one of the most fun, heartfelt, wholesome superhero stories I’d read. With characters of varying mental states, a friend group that was completely queer, and love triangle magnificence, it was a blast from start to finish.

This book, in many ways, still has the sense of humor I loved about the first book. I love the relationships and the way that Seth and Nick interacted, the clear voice of Nick throughout the storytelling. I loved the way that the characters interacted with one another, the way Seth and Nick never seemed to succumb to a lot of tropes of newly-together characters in books. The fight scenes were epic, and a lot of the book was just plain fun.

The beginning didn’t grip me as much as I hoped it would. I found that a lot of the discussions of issues such as police brutality were very shallow and thrown in, feeling like last minute additions. But as I got into things, I found myself enjoying the plot more, finding fun in the drama. T.J. Klune never ceases to amaze me with just how fun and cliche he can be; there’s a final battle at a prom, for heavens sake! There’s a drag queen superhero in this book, which is something I cannot believe I have not seen until this moment, because it just made so much sense.

This book, in many ways, still has the sense of humor I loved about the first book. I love the relationships and the way that Seth and Nick interacted, the clear voice of Nick throughout the storytelling. Though obviously I had certain plot points and moments that in my opinion, didn’t stick the landing, this book is fu. It has heart. I love the way that T.J. Klune writes things that entertain and bring joy above all else.

All things considered, this book is cute and fun. It’s just not what the first one was for me. I will continue to read and adore T.J. Klune’s works. He’s doing the lord’s work, providing us with very gay versions of cliche stories. What a godsend.

What a great sequel to an already fantastic series. Lots of representation on all fronts, modern day issues being talked about in a way that makes it feel real. Love the dynamic of the parents and kids in the books, especially as they explore being a teenager and being part of a Superhero team. This book uses humor to really draw the reader in and keep the suspense to a perfect level. Nick is such a relatable character, and the love of the friend group between Seth, Nick, Gabby and Jazz speaks to the importance of high school friendships. I can’t wait to see what happens with everyone in the next book!

Nicky, yes!

Perfect sequel is perfect. The tone is a little different than The Extraordinaries; as the plot has a bit more seriousness and serious topics discussed. BUT the comedic writing and dialogue is still very much there. The heart of the story so pulled me in. Klune's storytelling is so refreshing. He knows what's what and I mean look at the characters he's given us and their relationships. I love Nick and Seth and Jazz and Gibby. And I absolutely adore Nick's relationship with his dad.
And something I find so much fun is that most of the plot is pretty obvious(where it's going), and it's so very much on purpose. Because we as the reader are like Nicky, open your eyes. But that's Nick, in a nutshell, can never see what's right in front of him(ahem, Seth).
All the feels here. I cannot CANNOT(!!!) wait for the finale(and quietly hope that this series is going to turn out longer than a trilogy).

A great continuation for Seth and Nick. A positive representation of the LGBTQ+ community.

This book doesn’t stand alone without book 1. Read that first. I’m looking forward to book 3.

Another mind blowingly brilliant book from TJ Klune, Flash Fire is the perfect follow up to The Extraordinaries. Fun and irreverent, this superhero series seems to be going from strength to strength.

Very little actually happens until the last chapter of the book, but the characters are so funny and engaging that I really didn't care. After finishing the last book, I said I wanted a book totally devoted to Nick dad, and this almost delivered that, providing pages and pages of Aaron being an amazing Dad. Even if the rest of the book weren't phenomenal (which it is!), I would recommend it on that basis alone...

This book has such immense heart, it feels like a warm hug. Everybody should be running to pick it up!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

4/5 Stars

In my opinion, it’s rare to find a sequel that surpasses the first book in a series in every way, but Flash Fire was able to do just that. I had very mixed feelings about The Extraordinaries and I was cautious when beginning this book, but I was pleasantly surprised with the content I received. The characters are so fun to read about, especially the side characters like Jazz and Gibby. The plot of this book was also much more captivating than The Extraordinaries, although I still found some of the plot twists predictable. TJ Klune balances the amount of humorous moments to the amount of serious ones really well, although it seemed a bit odd in some places. Overall, Flash Fire was a fun, mindless read and I can’t wait to see what Klune will do in book 3!