
Member Reviews

This is the second book in the series, and readers need to start at the beginning in order to appreciate the full story arc experience. While I won’t include any spoilers for this book, it’s hard to discuss this book without bringing up events from the first book.
Nick is such a great YA protagonist. He’s passionate about the things that are important to him like justice and the safety of his friends. He is especially passionate about the latest development regarding his own arc and wants nothing more than to explore everything that entails. Okay, I’m trying to be vague, but I realize that it sounds like I’m alluding to a sexual awakening. I’m not. I’m talking about his superpowers. Nick pushing the envelope while he tries to unlock his powers had me smiling and shaking my head at my Kindle.
The book is fast-paced and very funny. There are tons of quips and asides, which strengthens the “bang pow zip” nature of this comic book superhero world in which Nick and his friends live. As the description mentions, there are new villains and new friends with superpowers. But on top of all the superhero stuff, Nick must still contend with all the regular American teen stuff like school and friendships and a best friend turned boyfriend.
Also, Nick has ADHD. Just about everyone in my family has ADHD, including me. I work at a middle school with children who are neurodivergent— including but not limited to ADHD. Klune’s portrayal of ADHD is highly accurate. No notes.
I would absolutely recommend Flash Fire. I enjoyed this book a lot, but I think I prefer some of Klune’s adult books. Don’t get me wrong– this book was great, but it is with a dawning sense of horror that I am beginning to realize that I am no longer the target audience for the YA market. That being said, I think this book checks all the boxes for readers looking for a mild queer romance with superhero themes.
I received a digital ARC of this book from Tor/NetGalley.

Flash Fire by TJ Klune is such a fun, heartfelt sequel. It picks up right where The Extraordinaries left off, and I loved being back with Nick and his chaotic, hilarious group of friends. There’s the same mix of laugh-out-loud moments and really sweet, emotional ones that Klune does so well. Nick’s awkwardness is painfully relatable, and the queer representation feels authentic and refreshing. It’s got superheroes, banter, awkward crushes, and just enough heartache to keep things grounded. Definitely one of those books that makes you smile, but still sneaks up on you emotionally. I can’t wait for book three!

Everything about this series is excellent! It's quirky and loveable and exciting and sweet! The best thing I've read/indulged in all year!
Love it love it love it! Can't wait for what's to come!

*Flash Fire* by T.J. Klune is a delightful continuation of *The Extraordinaries* series, blending superhero action with the hilarity and heart of teen friendships. Nick and his squad are as chaotic and endearing as ever, navigating high school drama, budding romance, and new extraordinary challenges in Nova City. Klune’s signature humour shines, delivering laugh-out-loud moments and second-hand embarrassment in equal measure.
The book isn’t without its heavier moments, tackling topics like police corruption and public perception of superheroes. While some themes feel a bit overexplained, the story’s pacing and humour keep it engaging. The characters’ growth and relationships—especially Nick’s dynamic with his boyfriend, Seth—are handled with warmth and care.
Though the plot sets up more than it resolves, this instalment is fun, fast-paced, and packed with heart. A must-read for fans of queer stories, found families, and superhero chaos.
Can't wait to see what more TJ Klune has to offer!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this advanced reader's copy and the opportunity to read this early. Review has been posted on Waterstones and Amazon.

Flash Fire by TJ Klune is such a fun, heartwarming ride! It's the sequel to The Extraordinaries, and if you loved the first book, you’re going to love this one. The story picks up with Nick, who’s still trying to figure out his life as an “Extraordinary” (someone with superpowers), but things are getting even more complicated. He’s dealing with the pressures of being a hero, his confusing feelings for his crush.
What I really liked about this book is the humor and the character relationships. Nick is super relatable with his awkwardness and his tendency to overthink everything, which honestly made me laugh out loud a few times. The squad of characters from the first book is back, and I love the dynamic between them. They’re funny, loyal, and so real, and the friendships in this book are just as important as the superhero stuff.
The pacing is fast, so you’re always on the edge of your seat, especially with the action scenes and twists. Plus, there’s a lot of emotional depth in this one, Nick’s journey isn’t just about saving the world, it’s also about figuring out who he is and learning to accept himself. And there’s definitely a lot of heart in the romance too!

I love it when Nick's dad embarrasses him with sex talk, but overall this book was predictable and the big fight at the end was so forgettable, it was being erased from my brain as I was reading it.
However, I must say that Klune does a masterful job at conveying the mind of a normal teenage boy with ADHD.

Nick is such a precious character!! This book is somehow thirstier, sweeter, and also more serious than the first. I had to let out a scream or two by the end, read it!

I love Klune books, love his perspective, love his style. SInce Flash Fire I've read other books by him that make me swoon, they're so lovely.

Flash Fire, the second installment in TJ Klune’s The Extraordinaries series, delivers a mix of action, heart, and humor that fans of the first book will thoroughly enjoy. Picking up where The Extraordinaries left off, we follow Nick Bell, an endearingly awkward and big-hearted fan-fiction writer, as he navigates his complex relationships in a city brimming with super-powered individuals.
Klune’s writing shines with witty dialogue and quirky characters while tackling important themes of self-discovery, mental health, and LGBTQ+ identity. Nick’s journey to becoming more confident in his abilities and himself is heartfelt and relatable, especially as he continues to struggle with ADHD and personal insecurities. His relationships with his dad, friends, and love interest, Seth, are wonderfully fleshed out.
It’s a must-read for fans of the series and anyone who loves a fresh take on superhero stories.

TJ Klune is a master at crafting worlds and characters with depth. The relationships and friendships in this series are beautiful and very human. Klune is also great at the little touches of humor, it makes the story even more sweet. I love the friend group and getting to know each character even more. The prose is always spot on for whatever Klune is writing. So much heart!

This book was pretty hilarious. There's something about how ridiculous Nicky is and the rest of his friends that makes for some of the funniest scenes ever.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of Flash Fire by TJ Klune.
TJ Klune is one of my favourite authors and I always look forward to reading his books. Flash Fire is the sequel to the Extraordinaries and was just as great as the first one. TJ has a way of writing that makes you feel part of the story. He can make the story relatable even if it is about superheroes.
This is a must read sequel that if you’ve read The Extraordinaries you’re bound to love.

I really enjoyed this take on a superstory story-- however, some parts do feel a little fluffy, and it feels like not much is happening. However, its a fun and easy read so it is still super enjoyable.

The absolute best way to consume these books are through the audio. They are some of the most entertaining audiobooks I have ever listened to. I loved this book, although it was frustratingly obvious about so many things. The end blew my mind.

I don’t often read super hero style stories but, as always, T. J. Klune does it wonderfully. A thoroughly entertaining series so far.

I really enjoy everything TJ Klune writes, and this was enjoyable enough. It was not a favorite, nor was it particularly memorable. I did not continue with the series, but I do find the romance aspect very sweet.

This book was just sadly not for me! I was hoping for something different but it turned out to be something I was not expecting, which is okay and I'm sure someone else would love it!

This book is perfect. There is literally nothing to criticize about it. Tj Klune is a master of writing witty dialogue and I'll forever read anything he writes. I want this series to continue forever, though I know it's coming to an end.

I had to DNF this book. I am a big fan of TJ Klune's books for adults, but this one had a different tone, and it just wasn't for me. I also realized, after the fact, that this is book two of a series called The Extraordinaries, and since I had not read book one, I did not want to start the series with book two.