Member Reviews

DNF @ 12% in.

While I found the first book intriguing, albeit lacking the charm of Klune's adult books (which I LOVE), this one failed to grab my attention. I kept having to force myself to pick it up and just couldn't push through. The main character seemed even more annoying to me than before and now with him and the love interest together, there was really no more intrigue to keep me going. I'll definitely be sticking with Klune's books, just not these ones.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Read this while I was knee-deep in grad school for my MLIS and apparently never reviewed it? I have vivid memories of writing a review, so it's possible I dreamt it.

I absolutely LOVED this book. Every bit as good as the first one. Ridiculously excited for the third book. Sorry I can't provide a better review than this, but suffice it to say, my library purchased a copy and I have been (and will continue) throwing this at everyone who expresses an interest in fantasy!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to the publisher for approving my request for this book.

I’m afraid the author’s books are just no longer for me when you take in his continued silence on the concerns about the content in the House in the Cerulean Sea. He is usually so direct to address issues (like the cop thing in the Extraordinaries, and even setting aside a book he had written and later shelved for content reasons). But his silence on his most popular book that continues to receive praise and accolades without addressing the very real hurt from Indigenous communities and what his book was inspired from prevents me from continuing on with his books.

Was this review helpful?

This book had lots of potential however it wasn’t my favourite tj klune book. this could be to do with not feeling completely connected to the main character. would recommend if the synopsis seems appealing but didn’t blow me away the way house in the cerulean sea did

Was this review helpful?

Still very charming, a little more serious than its predecessor. Definitely need to read the former first. Gives the characters more chance to grow and flesh out their motivations and desires.

Was this review helpful?

This sequel was just as delightful as the first novel. I loved diving back into the world of Nova City and the Extraordinaries, and, of course, spending time in the delightful head of our main character, Nick. Klune writes Nick in such a brilliantly unique voice, but is always careful to reel the reader back to the plot right before it might become too much.

While I felt we got a bit lost in the middle, I was mostly okay with it as we spent time with Nick, Gibby, Seth and Jazz. It was all worth it for that ending! Klune proves once again with this second novel that he can write an ending that has you on the edge of your seat.

Overall, this book continued the strong writing, humorous scenes, and heartwarming moments from the first book. I'm excited to see what this series (and author!) has in store.

Was this review helpful?

TJ Klune’s writing style is one of my favorites. I love how his mind works. I think he must be one of the most creative people to come up with the plots he does. I really enjoyed this read and recommend his books to friends all the time. This was a very fun and entertaining read!

Was this review helpful?

An excellent sequel, this story let the characters grow and mature while allowing them to keep the same quirks and charm from the first book. This installment felt more mature and less predictable to me than the first, though it certainly followed some expected beats.

Was this review helpful?

Flash Fire is the second book in the Extraordinaries trilogy. Nick Bell, a high school fanfic writer in love with a real-life Extraordinary, is anything but average. Nick must learn to handle himself and the secret life he didn't know he had,
The banter and dialogue in this book are absolutely fantastic, even though I felt the plot fell a bit into the "middle book trap". It was still very enjoyable and an excellent lead up to the big finale coming up in the final book of this trilogy!

Was this review helpful?

This was all the beautiful queer goodness I needed in my life right now. This story is first and foremost hysterical! More importantly, it effortlessly provides the reader with such a diverse character lineup and tackles taboo topics head on. I believe most people will learn a thing or two from the topics weaved within this story of bravery, friendship, and young love. From neurodiversity and drag queens, to pronoun usage and prom night … this book does it all.

Sincere thanks to NetGalley and Tor Teen for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

A great follow up by TJ Klune. I can't wait for the final chapter.
Nick and questionable decision making skills made for a great read. Though his friends, dad and the police chief are sometimes the heart of the story.

Was this review helpful?

As always TJ Klune continues to cement themself as a must buy author. The continued heart and emotion poured into this book is evident in the well rounded characters and engrossing story. As much as we can’t wait for the final book in this trilogy we hold out hope that it grows into a more expansive and amazing series.

Was this review helpful?

I became so entranced by the first book in this series. It was just so original and fresh. Reading this one too a bit longer to get into, but once I was able to, I couldn't put it down. I love the characters and their dynamics. I can't wait for more in the future.

Was this review helpful?

I started reading this a few days ago and am giving up because I just feel too uncomfortable reading one of Klune's books after what came out about him being inspired by Indigenous children's suffering. It's unfortunate, since I had enjoyed book 1 and was looking forward to the rest of his series.

Was this review helpful?

I started reading this book and found that it was not for me. I didn't want to review a book that I didn't finish.

Was this review helpful?

Hilarious. Silly. Emotional. Thrilling.
TJ Klune always manages to pull several emotional responses from me, regardless of the topic!

Was this review helpful?

Weird as this might be to say, it’s not so much that I didn’t like this book as that the market has been saturated with this kind of story of superheroes and gay teenagers and a lot of this book is just the same.

I didn’t feel as though any of the main characters added anything to the genre, although I did like the mention of things being different for Nick’s black friends in the fact of what the police might do in the face of their vigilante-ism.

It’s a shame cause I honestly love TJ’s books for adults.

Was this review helpful?

Didn't capture my attention and engagement. Interested in trying it again though and hopefully it will take.

Was this review helpful?

This is another great book from TJ Klune! I didn't read the first one from this series but this book was still good! TJ Klune writes so well and you're fully immersed in the story. His character development is great as well!

Was this review helpful?

Rating: 3.5. This is a good series to get you out of a reading slump. These books always make me laugh---especially's Nick's character--while also dealing with more complex topics like mental health and grief among others. I enjoy following our main characters and Klune always leaves off on a great reveal for the next book.

I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?