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.