Book Review: Flash Fire by T.J. Klune

Hello everyone, and welcome back to another blog post! Today I’m sharing my thoughts on Flash Fire, the second book in The Extraordinaries series by T.J. Klune. Just like the first book, I listened to this one as an audiobook, and I highly recommend that format again if you’re able. The narration continues to elevate the humor, emotional beats, and chaotic energy of Nick’s inner monologue, making the story feel even more immersive and impactful.

Flash Fire builds naturally on the foundation laid in The Extraordinaries while deepening both the emotional stakes and the character growth. Where the first book focused on obsession, idolization, and first realizations, this book shifts its attention to consequences, honesty, and the uncomfortable work of growing up.

The story once again follows Nick Bell, who is still funny, dramatic, and intensely emotional—but noticeably more self-aware. His ADHD-fueled inner monologue remains chaotic in the best way, full of humor and secondhand embarrassment, yet this time it’s paired with a growing sense of responsibility. Klune captures that in-between stage of adolescence where emotions are still overwhelming, but the reality of actions and their impact starts to set in.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its emotional honesty. Flash Fire doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations or complicated feelings, particularly when it comes to grief, trust, and fear of rejection. While the humor is still very much present, there’s a heavier undercurrent throughout the story that makes the emotional moments hit harder without ever feeling overwhelming.

The friendships in Flash Fire continue to be a standout. Nick’s friend group remains loving, weird, and fiercely loyal, but their dynamics are tested in more meaningful ways. The found-family aspect of the series grows stronger here, emphasizing that love isn’t just about acceptance—it’s also about accountability, communication, and showing up for one another when things get messy.

The superhero elements take on higher stakes and greater tension in this installment, adding a sense of urgency to the story. However, the novel remains firmly character-driven at its heart. Readers looking for a traditional, action-heavy superhero story may still find the pacing slower, but those invested in the characters and their emotional journeys will likely find this sequel especially rewarding.

Overall, Flash Fire is a thoughtful and emotional continuation of the series. It balances humor, vulnerability, and growth with care, reinforcing the idea that becoming extraordinary often has less to do with superpowers and more to do with empathy, honesty, and learning to believe in yourself. It’s heartfelt, occasionally painful, and comforting—a story that feels like another warm hug, even as it challenges its characters to grow.

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5

Recommended for: fans of character-driven YA, queer stories, found family, and readers who loved The Extraordinaries and are ready for a deeper, more emotionally complex sequel.

Book Review: The Extraordinaries by T.J. Klune

 

Hello everyone, and welcome to another blog post featuring a review of one of my recent audiobook listens! I’d like to thank my sister for recommending this one to me—and for suggesting I listen to it rather than read it. The audiobook format really enhanced the humor and emotional moments, making the story even more engaging and enjoyable. If audiobooks are an option for you, I highly recommend giving this one a listen.

The Extraordinaries by T.J. Klune is a heartfelt, hilarious, and emotionally rich YA novel that blends superhero fandom, queer identity, and the messy intensity of growing up. At its core, this book isn’t really about superheroes—it’s about loving loudly, feeling deeply, and figuring out who you are when the world doesn’t quite make space for you yet.

The story follows Nick Bell, a queer, ADHD teen who is obsessed with local superheroes—especially Shadow Star, the city’s most powerful and mysterious figure. Nick’s inner monologue is chaotic in the best way: funny, dramatic, self-aware, and painfully earnest. Klune captures the way teenage emotions feel like the end of the world, while still treating those feelings with respect rather than irony.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its voice. Nick’s narration is laugh-out-loud funny, packed with pop culture references, fanfic energy, and secondhand embarrassment—but underneath the humor is a lot of heart. Klune doesn’t shy away from heavier themes like grief, trauma, and fear of rejection, and he balances them carefully with warmth and humor so the story never feels overwhelming.

The friendships in The Extraordinaries are another standout. Nick’s friend group is loving, weird, and fiercely loyal, and their dynamics feel authentic and lived-in. The found-family aspect is especially strong, reminding readers that being seen and accepted can be just as powerful as any superpower.

While the superhero elements are fun and engaging, readers looking for a traditional action-heavy superhero story might find the pacing slower or the focus more emotional than expected. That said, the character-driven storytelling is very much the point—and it’s where the book truly shines.

Overall, The Extraordinaries is a joyful, tender celebration of queer teens, fandom, and learning to believe that you deserve love just as you are. It’s funny, sincere, and deeply human—a story that feels like a warm hug wrapped in chaos.

⭐ Rating: 5/5

Recommended for: fans of character-driven YA, queer stories, found family, and anyone who’s ever loved something a little too much.