Review: Flash Fire

Title: Flash Fire

Author: TJ Klune

Publisher: Tor Teen

Publication date: July 13, 2021

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org | Book Depository | Goodreads | StoryGraph

Summary

After landing the superhero boyfriend of his dreams, Nick is ready for life to finally settle down. However, dating a superhero means that life will probably never be calm. All Nick really wants to do is write his fanfiction that is loosely based on his life. Maybe. But no one has to know that.

As new Extraordinaries start to arrive in Nova City, Nick and Seth have to figure out how to determine who is a hero and who is a villain. But when everyone is keeping their own secrets, it becomes more and more difficult. And the wrong choice could be devastating and alter their future forever. Does Nick have it in him to step up and be a hero?

Review: Flash Fire

Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Teen for an advanced copy of this to review! I absolutely loved The Extraordinaries last year, so I was so excited to dive into this one. Mostly because Nick is one of my favorite characters, and I needed to know what happened to him and his friends!

Right from the get go, this book is funny. That first chapter set the tone for the novel, and of course, Nick himself. Having ADHD means that Nick’s mind takes him down some interesting paths, which makes the narration all that more entertaining. He’s a teenager in his first relationship, and his relationship with his dad just adds fuel to the fire. Everything about Nick just pulls you through the story and having him as a narrator was the perfect choice. Also the way he always makes sure everyone knows Seth is bisexual is adorable.

Honestly, character is the best thing about this book. As is usually the case with a TJ Klune book, as I’ve found. Not only is Nick great, but also Seth, Gibby, and Jazz. The way they interact with each other is so endearing, and you know that they’ll always have each others’ backs. I love this quirky group of characters and can’t wait to see them again in the third novel.

Klune also addressed the criticism he got from the first novel about the way police were portrayed in the book. Nick’s dad is a police officer, and there are a lot of great discussions in the book about the way police can abuse their power. This is a great example of an author taking criticism and improving on it in later books.

No spoilers, but a fair warning. This book ends on a cliffhanger that’s definitely going to make you want the third book immediately. So don’t say I didn’t warn you!

All in all, this is an edge of your seat book filled with great characters you won’t want to leave. I know I didn’t!

5/5 stars