Flash Fire (The Extraordinaries, 2)

4.5*TJ, no.Ok, I guess that's not an acceptable review, although I'd really like to leave it at that!The cliffhanger at the end of The Extraordinaries had me impatient for this book, and let me tell you, T.J. Klune did not disappoint. Not in the least. Flash Fire was all that and a bag of Skwinkles Salsagheti. (I still need to track some down to try.) And talk about cliffhanger- if I thought it was tough waiting for today to get here, how the h e double hockey sticks am I supposed to survive until 2022??? You evil genius TJ!Oh how I adore Nick Bell. Like completely and utterly adore and would do anything to protect him from this cold, cruel, ugly world. But as adorably clueless as he still is, Nick really comes into his own in Flash Fire and I don't think he'd actually need my protection. No, scratch that, he still needs protecting, if only from himself.There is a lot packed into FF- action, suspense, silliness, love and friendship, surprises, so many surprises. This book gave me so much more than I ever anticipated, and I loved it so very much. It's laugh out loud hilarious at times- see chapters 1 & 2 for reference. It's so endearing, thanks to the sweetest romance between Nick and Seth, I can hardly contain my heart. The friendships between Nick, Seth, Jazz, and Gibby are still the best, I love how they always have each others backs, no matter what. Like The Extraordinaries, it's full of feels, especially when it comes to Nick and his dad. They have such a wonderful relationship, even when things between them get tough, and they definitely do in this book.I know there were quite a few people upset with how certain things were handled in book one, when it came to Aaron Bell and the way the police force was portrayed. I think most people will be satisfied with the way TJ addressed that in this book, although I'm sure there'll still be those who won't think it's enough. I appreciate that he took the feedback to heart and made some changes-still giving us that heartwarming father/son relationship which is so pivotal to these books, while at the same time having Nick realize that his father isn't infallible.With this series TJ Klune has created a world I know I'll never want to leave, I will always want more. Hopefully 2021 will continue to fly by because I cannot wait to see what it's in store for Nick, Seth, Gibby, and Jazz. If that cliffhanger is any indication, it's sure to be explosive!

I can't get enough of this storyline. I had to slow down because I didn't want the book to end. The characters are relatable and lovable. Lots of great twists and turns. I'm rooting for love, family, and friendship. Onto book 3!

I read the first book and liked it. This one was a no brainer because Nick and Seth are precious and their friend group is lovely. This book is very funny, most jokes are sexual in nature but I am all for that. The plot builds nicely enough and leaves not on a cliffhanger but with anticipation for the next book. There are some plot holes or suspensions of disbelief but I feel like that is easily ignored due to the general charm of the characters. I really enjoyed this book except for one thing...my soap box.The sudden, all consuming, not realistic, absolute hate for police officers. Some will say I am exaggerating but it really got ridiculous at times and downright irked me at others. Do not get me wrong, I am a left leaning liberal POC and I have my issues with the institution that is the Police but that isn't what this book did. It ragged on the one prominent police officer character Nick's father for, in my opinion, not really good reasons and Nick f***** agreed with it!I am a strict believer that you cannot scapegoat one when there is a problem with the whole, which is what this book did. This is how the Police defend themselves, "We have a few bad apples but most cops are good." Rather than accept they have something fundamentally wrong with how they practice. You can't hate a good cop because you think all cops are bad. It would be one thing if Nick's dad was a corrupt cop or lied for a corrupt cop and got ragged on as much as he did but no! Nick's dad is a good guy, genuinely trying to do his best, risking his life (first book) and being a single father. His fault? He made a mistake, frankly an understandable mistake. Nick's father assaulted a suspect during interrogation, probably imagine Elliot Stabler from SVU. Why? Due to poor management, in my opinion, by his superiors. Nick's father, recently widowed, was allowed to continue working, who knows if he received any mandatory therapy, and assaulted a suspect who trashed talk his recently deceased lawyer wife in what we now know was a premeditated hit. Whether the suspect was the murderer we don't know but come on, seriously? I'm not saying this isn't wrong but this is the "bad cop" this book wants to burn on the cross?And his biggest abusers? Gibby's parents the so called black hippies. I say so called because I find these character descriptions to be so out of character for how these parents acted. Hippie values are supposed to be about love, peace and non judgement. Protests, rock, psychedelics, and anti-institutionalism. But because these were our only adult black characters (other than a police captain lol) they placed the entire weight of the BLM movement on Nick's dad's shoulders with only one mention of Gaia. No peace, no open-mindedness, just one sided blame about everything wrong with the Police on Nick's dad. Any communication they shared was about how they were black, he's a cop so they are diametrically opposed. I am paraphrasing but man that is what it felt like. The only thing they legitimately had to be angry about against Nick's dad was not telling them about the superhero stuff but oftentimes that was overridden by the fact that their family is black and he was a cop. I'm sorry but did they have these issues with him before this incident? Why let their kids be friends then?The most infuriating thing was that Nick agreed with all of this? And would add salt to the wound after everyone was done kicking his dad?! I don't have any police officer family members but man I hope their families are more supportive than Nick. The very lie that set this thing in motion, not telling about the superhero thing, Nick was guilty of too (and dad didn't tell FOR Nick) but nope they shit on dad for that, Nick is like they're right. They say we can't trust you because you assaulted someone. Has nothing to do with them, they are not related, and the assault wasn't racially motivated...and his wife was just f**** murdered! Nick is like, "they're right," even though he thinks he'd do the same if someone bad mouthed his mom years later and he gets downright murdery with the bad guys, but he's not a cop so I guess it's okay. He was constantly like they are right and you need to do better and just accept and "listen" to all the crap they throw at you. I'm sorry! I am all for defunding the Police, police reform and BLM but what was done to Nick's dad was bs! If he was my dad, I would be so angry at these people.And this is from someone who is not necessarily pro-cop. As is,4 stars, I liked everything else. If blue runs in your veins, you are warned.

Oh my goodness. This book. Is. Everything. Expect to feel all the things - expect to laugh (a lot), to swoon, to bite your nails, to roll your eyes, to be verklempt, and to cry. This book is a crazy, comedic masterpiece encompassed in a beautiful, heart warming story of love, family, and finding your path. TJ Klune is a master storyteller who has perfected the art of writing stories whose meaning and emotions stay with you long after you read the last word and whose main characters include ridiculous non-hetero characters who are also characters with such depth and so much heart that you want them to be your best friends. This is book 2 in the Extraordinaries series and picks up where book 1 left off as we follow the continuing adventures of Nick, Seth and their friends and family. The main characters and villains are still present as Nick and friends balance and struggle on the cusp of adulthood while the citizens of Nova City continue to deal with crime, corruption, and the issue of humans with powers. The story includes what you’d expect from this genre - fighting, dangerous situations, powered humans, evil masterminds, henchmen, loyal friends and family, tragic back stories, coincidences, snark, and laughs. Oh and the ending…I cannot wait to read the next book in the trilogy.

Muy buena continuación de la historia, fácil de leer y momentos geniales. La único que no me gustó fue el final o "stung", no tiene sentido terminar una historia así, se veía venir al comenzar a leer ese último avance. Me decepcionó el final pero igual leeré el 3er libro, en serio que la historia es genial si no cuento ese final.

I thoroughly recommend this hilarious riot as the book you need to stretch your child’s empathic understanding… think acceptance of neurodiversity and gay love, sprinkled with cackles about the cringeworthy parenting techniques!TJK inspires me with hope, and dare I say it, joy.

Omg I can’t even process all that happened in this book but damn that was great sequel. SETH AND NICK FOR THE WIN! TEAM LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE WIN!!Reading this book felt like coming home. Seeing these characters come together again. It was wonderful to see everyone get character development. Plus I adore the new additions to the group. I can’t wait to find out more about them. This book tackles some heavy stuff but I think it was represented very well. It’s very important to talk about those issues. I really appreciate Tj including those scenes. With that being said, I loved this book and I’m gonna need a couple of days to recover from this book hangover.I look forward to book 3!!!

Beautiful alternative jacket and arrived in great condition.

El libro tiene ha llegado con un desperfecto en las hojas de abajo, por lo demás bien.