I have to admit, I wasn't a fan of the Extraordinaires, however I decided to give the series a second chance since I really enjoyed House in the Cerulean Sea by the same author. however, this book was just as bad to me as the first one is. I think these books are really bad for escapism. In an urban fantasy world the characters won't stop acting cartoonish, with a portrayal of what seems to be a millennial/gen X-er thinking they know how gen Z-ers act and failing miserably. Its all very... cringey.

I also think the criticism of the police in this book is interesting. The way Klune treats issues surrounding race and police is certainly refreshing... if not very confusing and out of character. I fully agree with the sentiment of defunding the police, and I'm even doing a capstone thesis currently on prison and police abolitionment. Whats interesting to me about the portrayal of police in this book is how different it is to what I've come to associate with TJ Klune. Propaganda glorifying police littered the entirety of the previous book in this series, as well as a thoughtless police brutality joke that I frankly have no idea got past sensitivity readers. Klune has also been criticized for past racial micro aggressions for the way he made the only character of color in House in the Cerulean Sea turn into a dog for his magical power.

All in all I just don't think this book is good. Authors often tend to infantilize and cartoonify young adult characters, which this book does a lot of, and it just makes the book not at all enjoyable to me.

Reading TJ Klune books you can never predict what is coming it is always keeping it on your toes. I loved everything about this book I laughed from the beginning of the book.

Omg!! This book!!!
The ending of this book....TJ is pure evil!!! I can’t wait another year!!!!!

I absolutely love Nick and Seth’s relationship in this book.

We get a few new extrordinaries.

The one issue I had with this book...and it’s totally my opinion...was all the talk about police issues. I know why TJ added it, and get that there are major issues in real life but I read to escape real life. While these did bug me and caused me to put the book down I would immediately go back because I just had to know what was happening next!

I enjoyed the first installment of this series, so I was super (hah) excited to read the sequel. With the same frenetic energy of narration, humor, and heart, it didn't disappoint! It also captures the horrifying ordeal of being a teenager pretty well, in my opinion, and approaches the heavier topics with the gravitas they deserve, though I felt the police subplot could've been woven into the narrative a little more smoothly in the beginning (by the end it meshes well with the narrative, also, ACAB).

Overall, this is a fun, hilarious, sometimes secondhand-embarrassment-inducing book with a sweet love story at its center, and I'm eager for the next installment!

I didn't think that Nick could get any more awkward than he was in The Extraordinaries. And yet, here we are - and I am loving every single second of it.

The last book already hinted at Nick potentially being an Extraordinary as well and seeing him trying to navigate these new found powers was a complete joy. I also highly enjoyed the new Extraordinaries popping up and in good old Klune fashion - What a plot twist at the end!

Absolutely loved this book just as much as the first book. I did notice one thing though. While book one is very police focused (as Superhero books/series usually are), this book contains a more questioning picture of the police. Doubtless in regards to the Black Lives Matter Movement. And I am all for it. I think the points in this book raised are more than valid and I welcome an author adressing these issues instead of just powering on. It just became a lot and eventually took me a little away from the story surrounding Nick and Seth. I felt like this book tried desperately to erase that police positive image from book one and instead of that being a side plot, it felt very big to me. As already mentioned, I absolutely welcome and enjoy the discourse we got and I am not at all saying that I thought this was negative. It was just very noticable. Depending on whether or not that was the intention, I'd say it was achieved!

All in all, I cannot wait to hold this book in my hands physically soon. Thank you for the opportunity to read this early.

T.J. Klune's Flash Fire warms the soul as it navigates queer identity, super powers, and adolescence. Nick Bell is back trying to save Nova City with his best friends and super-boyfriend, Seth Gray. His self-insert bakery fanfic is going strong, his boyfriend is amazing, and the city appears to be doing well. Everything's looking up and nothing could possibly go wrong. But when the villains of Nova City begin to cause a ruckus, it's up to the team to respond. Fan's of Klune's extensive catalog will be bathed in the warmth of sincerity, enthusiasm, and hope once more.
Now, the second book in the Extrodinaries shows a sincere appreciation for character, worldbuilding, and genre. every character introduced in the second book is a fully formed human being who I want to know more about. Nick is a wonderful protagonist whose thought patterns feel deeply familiar. As a person with ADHD, Nick often has an internal thought process where he thinks through an entire conversation and communicates the result of his internal monologue. The series works through finding the balance between managing neurodivergence without drifting into the cure territory. I adored the character growth in the novel and the changes brought on by new challenges, life changes, and various revelations. I would consider Klune a character-driven writer if not for his clever attention to plot and detail. He tends to drop seemingly obvious foreshadowing that misdirects the reader's attention. Instead, you end up being shocked by the plot twists and end up a bit emotionally ruined.
Of course, Klune's plot is supported by his subtle worldbuilding. Having a book about superheroes is not inherently unique, however, the execution is wonderful. I love the extraordinary fanfiction because of course if superheroes were real people there would be people writing fanfic about them. It shows an understanding of modern fanfiction and the community that writes and reads fan content from the tags to the comments. Then you have the media represented by a cis-straight newswoman who mischaracterizes situations. And a breath of queer identity is everywhere. I love it all.
Klune understands genre fiction. He knows how to deploy science fiction tropes without creating a tired story. He enthusiastically employs ridiculous things with the kind sincerity that makes you care about it all. I cannot count the number of my audible squeals, giggles, and laughs. Flash Fire was a brilliant sequel and I cannot recommend it more.
I would like to say once more the book is also emotionally devastating, but you won't really care when all is said and done. If you liked anything by T.J. Klune you have to pick up Flash Fire, due to release on July 13, 2021.
Thank you, Macmillan-Tor and Forge via NetGalley for providing the eARC of Flash Fire by T.J. Klune in exchange for my honest review.

Like the first book in this series, Flash Fire is a fun to read, laugh out loud, feel good book. Nick and Seth continue in their relationship and a couple more Extraordinaries appear on the scene bringing in some humor and intrigue. The book is heavy on social issues, but still manages to be a fun and fabulous story.

TJ Klune is fast becoming an absolute staple on my shelf. I had thoroughly enjoyed The Extraordinaries when I read it last summer, so was highly anticipating the sequel. Safe to say, it did not disappoint.

Packed full of his trademark humour and warmth, Klune manages to improve on the previous book (something I didn't think was possible!) As is becoming a common motif when I read Klune's work, I found myself tearing up on multiple occasions. It's also genuinely hilarious, and built on themes and relationships established in the first book in a brilliant way.

I was most impressed by how Klune dealt with the criticisms levelled against The Extraordinaries regarding his portrayal of the police and police brutality. Sure, it made for heavier reading in Flash Fire, but this is something that cannot and should not be avoided. I respect Klune was actually addressing the criticisms and working to educate himself and improve in Flash Fire. (I would like to note that I myself am white, and so you should check out reviews by POC, as this is not something that I can speak on nor claim to be fixed).

Nick is honestly one of my favourite protagonists - he is warm and kind and funny and just adorably relatable. I adore reading about him and his life, and I am already so so excited for book three in this wonderful series. Hats off to TJ Klune - I have yet to read a book by him that I haven't enjoyed, and I can't see this changing any time soon. This was, quite simply, wonderful.

TJ Klune does it again. His characters are hilarious, flawed, and fun to read. I love these these teens are in love, fumbling around, and making tons of mistakes. It's a lovely gay love story with some superhero fun thrown in. And it's impossible to read Klune without also learning about sexual orientation, homo and transphobia, and love of all kinds.

“”Superhero team-up,” Nick breathed. “It’s like this is a sequel! Oh my god. Yes. Yes.””

I’ve been waiting (not very patiently, mind you) for this sequel for so long! The Extraordinaries was the queer superhero book I didn’t realise I needed until I began reading it. If you haven’t read it yet, please rectify that immediately.

Nick, our main character, has ADHD, panic attacks and an extraordinarily high adorability/cluelessness quotient. I fell in love with him as soon as I met him. His best friend and now boyfriend, Seth, is just as adorable but not clueless, although he does have a lot of abs. Their friends, Jazz and Gibby, round out the bunch and I can’t think of a group of friends I want to claim as my own any more than these four. I could read an entire book where Team Pyro Storm just sit around chatting.

With the timing of the first book’s publication and the subsequent feedback the author received at the time, I’d been expecting police brutality and corruption to be explored in more depth in this sequel. You can read what the author has to say about this here - http://www.tjklunebooks.com/new-blog/2020/7/29/a-message-about-the-extraordinaries.

At times it felt like it was left to Gibby and her parents to explain things to the white characters. However, Nick showed maturity in the way that he reassessed what he had grown up believing about the police, still loving his father but trying to come to terms with his actions and those of other members of the police force. Nick’s father must also reevaluate his past behaviour and figure out what being accountable looks like.

“You’ve seemed to have done an about-face with the whole cop thing.”

Police brutality and corruption were addressed throughout the book and I’m glad that they were, although it definitely changed the tone of the book. The smile that you couldn’t wipe off my face during the first book and the first few chapters of the sequel (so many embarrassing sexual conversations), where everything felt light and playful, turned into a heaviness that weighed on me for most of the rest of the book.

Thank goodness for Nick, who remains adorable. I love the way his brain works. I love that he’s open to new ideas. I love how fiercely protective he is of the people he loves. I even love the “conversational whiplash”; I may love that about him most of all.

The banter between Nick, Seth, Jazz and Gibby is everything and each time they are together I melt a little bit. My romantiphobia fades away whenever Nick and Seth or Jazz and Gibby get all lovey-dovey. The friendship dynamics of Team Pyro Storm is pretty much everything you need in your life.

““We stand together,” Nick reminded him, “so we don’t have to struggle apart. You’re not alone in this, okay?””

Because this is a sequel, we have to discuss the need for superhero costume upgrades, but needles are very pointy and it’s all a lot of effort. We’re reminded that if you don’t shout the name of the move you’re doing, then you’re not fighting right.

“Backflip of Chaos!”

We’re introduced to new Extraordinaries! We’re not entirely sure if they’re on our side or not.

“”What the hell,” Nick muttered. “What’s trying to kill us now? You think it’s some new Extraordinary villain bent on—””

I particularly loved Miss Conduct but need to spend much more time with them. I need their entire backstory ASAP.

There are secrets (so many secrets) and with secrets come their unravelling. The reveal at the end of the first book is explored in a way that I loved. Even though it took Nick a lot longer than I’d hope to figure it all out, I really appreciated that it wasn’t a success only journey for him. There’s also a reveal at the end of this book but I’m not entirely sure I’m on board with this development, even though I’m definitely intrigued; I’ll wait until I read the third book to decide.

Bring on some more Extraordinaries!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Tor Teen for the opportunity to read this book. I’m rounding up from 4.5 stars.

500 Extraordinary Stars!!!

Curses to you TJ! You did it again. I swore I would never get caught up in your dastardly plan to manipulate my feelings again. I would not have my emotions hijacked this time, as I am on to you mister. I will be strong and not have this book twist me inside out like so many of your others stories. YEAH, that so didn't happen.

When I first read book 1, the Extraordinaires, I was snatched up into a world of teenagers having superpowers. All the better, they are part of the LGBTQA+ community. Book one was amazing and I was so hopeful, that Flashfire would be as good. Well it wasn't, it was so much better and how can that even be possible? I encourage you to read the books in order because the characters become so real, and their growth, success, and pain are important to follow to fully appreciate this novel.

So much will be revealed and I hate sounding so mysterious but I refuse to give away any spoilers. Nick is still the sweet, over the top 16 year old that misses his mom who died three years ago. His boyfriend Seth who just so happens to be an Extraordinaire is modest, brave and selfless. Gibby and Jazz are awesome as ever, and they have Seth and Nick's backs. The whole gang's here, teens and parents alike, fighting some pretty serious evil, and discovering how strong they are as a team.

I found myself having a new favorite and he is Nick's dad. Aaron Bell is a complex man dealing with grief he can't seem to get past. He is a flawed man but he accepts and embraces his mistakes, and owns up to them. The relationship between father and son had me equally laughing out loud like a loon, and then doing bouts of ugly crying. The tenderness and caring between Aaron and Nick spoke volumes to both men of their integrity, and loyalty to each other. So much happens, so many emotions are in play here, and the story reaches new heights I didn't see coming. The ending was bittersweet with a deeply moving epilogue. But like a decent superhero movie, is it really the ending? Sit back, finish off the popcorn and be amazed. Also make sure to have a large supply of tissues. Thank you Mr. Klune for treating me to this amazing series. I guess we know your superpower is writing!

Special thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book for my reading pleasure.

Honestly, there isn't a single book of TJ Klune's that I haven't adored so when I saw that I'd been given an ARC of this one, I binged it in like a day. I recently saw that there was some backlash for the overly-positive representation of the police in book one and I'd like to start by saying that this was definitely dealt with in this instalment. I personally believe it was handled quite well and that the character's that are POC, and mostly involved in the police plot line of the story, were also not reduced to solely that aspect. (However I am not a POC myself, so definitely recommend checking out more reviews written by them, as it is not my issue to claim fixed or not.) This book definitely spent the majority of its time hyping itself up for future plot points but I'm honestly not mad about it, or its filler moments, because it was all still so incredible. I truly adore these characters- and relate to Nick more than is probably healthy. The first few chapters seriously had me absolutely hooked from the get-go as I have never felt such a powerful second hand embarrassment ahaha. Overall, another beautiful book by TJ Klune that was just as good, if not better, than book 1! (PS my heart can't take the plot twists/cliff hangers this series keeps ending on!!!)

4.5

Thank you so much to the publisher and netgalley for my ARC 🤍

The love I had for book one was truly unmatched so I lost my cool when I got approved for this arc. I couldn’t wait to feel the warmth of TJ Klune’s writing.

First off, the book is just hilarious. The wholesome humor TJ Klune possesses is truly unmatched. I laughed out loud more times than I could count.

Second off, following the questions that were raised after the first book came out (extremely favorable and pleasing portrayal of cops) the author took it to heart to ensure book two told a different story. Did he succeed? I am not sure. I think the heart was in the right place but he used Gibby’s character to be the vessel for explaining why ACAB, making a black woman be the educator and therefore jumping into this whole other privileged rhetoric.

The cliffhanger was *fairly* obvious yet still got me excited. I will be reading book three; no doubt about it, but i also am wearing my true colors glasses now over the pink ones.

Omg this....I loved this so much! I was so excited to get a review copy but now I have to wait for the next one!
This book is everything I hoped it would be! Relevant and funny AF. I could hang out in Nicks frantic mind forever!
Loved every second!

One of the funniest and sweetest books about superhero and love. :) This sequel is terrific and picks up exactly where the first one left off. It's action packed, fast-paced, very touching... Love the themes and social issues that the author dealt with in this book. He doesn't hit you over the head with it and hopefully readers will learn from this book. Can't wait for book #3.

Thanks to the publisher for providing an arc.

3 STARS

Unfortunately, I didn't like this book as much as I thought I would. I thought it was very sweet and funny, but that just wasn't enough to make me fall in love with this book. Some of the relationships felt strange for me. I'm excited to read the next book though!

I don't know what to say other than OMG OMG GUYS WTF OMG I LOVED IT SO MUCH OMG WHY AREN"T YOU READING THIS???

Okay, so I've calmed down a bit.
We left Nick and Seth off in the last book where secrets were revealed and maybe some things were going to be revealed in this next book and OMG OMG OMG WHAT?! I KNEW IT!
Anyway, as this is spoiler free, I will not say what I think I thought and then what happened and how IT WAS TOTALLY WORTH IT. I will say that it is a fine, fine, solid and maybe one of the BEST THE BEST sequels I have ever read. It has layers and layers of character and story development without seeming forced and without forgetting the original essence of the characters. I love how the relationships developed and diverged, growing and stretching and showing us more and more and more but also how they respond to pressures and real life situations. I love how everything is addressed including Nick's policeman father, racism, stereotypes and sexuality. All of this is done with a lot of compassion and heart and without any preaching.

The first four chapters I re-read twice because I love them so much. There's so much laughter I think I did actually LOL which was okay because I was at home alone because you know, Covid, but usually I am out in public and I would have looked like a maniac.

Klune, come over and have some coffee with me so we can be best friends.

Anyway, I can't tell you how much I loved this book except to say that all my friends are going to be reading this and #1 because I am buying it for everyone for Christmas and yes, I'm talking to you book club and OMG.
Also, THE END. THE END!.
You just broke me.

Now I have to wait a whole year for book three? After that ending? Seriously???
God I'm going to have to re-read them again now.

This book was the perfect sequel to Extrodinaries. The writing is solid and the story of the superheroes were just so cute! I love the connection between the characters in the book and the way you fall in love with them. If you like superhero stories and real characters, this one is a winner!

Klune has spoken about his audience's reaction to the cop centric parts of the first book, and how he didn't think it through and planned to do better. That amounted in what is, no holds barred, a complete 180. Honestly, I was kind of worried how it was going to be handled, since too big a break too abruptly would be incredibly out of character, but I do think Klune handled it well by giving Nick the same information he was given and letting the reader see the shift in understanding.
The only issue this bring forth is that Klune definitely goes overboard at places trying to make it clear what all of the problems are and explaining Nick's feelings. It feels a bit like being hit over the head by the halfway point. And while I'm glad Gibby and her parents are involved in the conversation having so much of the argument be on their shoulders made me uncomfortable- it sometimes feels as if these characters are given the emotional labor of having to explain racism, and are always given the mantle as the angry people who are anti-cop. (The only other Black person is the Good Cop which... eh.) Now, of course, these are fictional characters who don't actually have emotional labor, and it's important to highlight the voices of POC in this matters, but it does feel like it tips over the line at times. I think Klune did as well as he could as a singular White author who has no experience with this, but I feel like he could have gotten some better outside advice in certain sections.

Onto that second hand embarrassment! The humor in this book... I needed a good distraction, light hearted book when I picked this one up and I was really hoping it would work out for me. I was shouting on about page 10. Yes, this book's humor relies a lot of second hand embarrassment and cluelessness, as the first one did, but for some reason it works better for me in this one. That doesn't mean there weren't places where I was groaning or yelling at Nick for making terrible choices, but that's all part of the experience. Maybe this is another "turn your brain off" scenario, but I was definitely cry laughing so I'm just going to call the humor Good and leave it at that.

The pacing in this book is also better than in the first book. While I didn't have huge complaints in that department for The Extraordinaries, it did sometimes feel like Klune didn't know entirely where the focus should be. I didn't feel that way in this book. It reads fast, it stays compelling, it asks and answers questions in a way that keeps you excited and makes you want to keep going. Especially at the end! I didn't actually know that there was going to be a third book, and I was downright jazzed when a plot point emerged and I realized there wasn't time in this one to tackle it.

I was excited to pick up this book because of one piece of information teased near the end of the first book, and it's handled so well in this book while also not letting it take complete center stage and keeping the flow of the story going. There are a ton of new elements added into this book and implications about what's to come, and it keeps it so fresh and interesting.

This book does not suffer even slightly from Second Book Syndrome!
There are parts of this story that felt a little unnuanced, and some more juvenile parts that I just didn't personal enjoy as much, but all in all it's a really fun book that's leading the way for a hopefully equally fun third book.

I was lucky enough to win an e-ARC of FLASH FIRE by TJ Klune in a Shelf Awareness giveaway. Thank you for the early look, and stay safe!