Day’s YA: FLASH FIRE

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FLASH FIRE by TJ Klune
9781250203687
Available July 13, 2021 from Tor Teen
E-galley available on Edelweiss and NetGalley
Ages 13 to 18

SOMETIMES LIFE’S A SLOW BURN, SOMETIMES IT’S A DUMPSTER FIRE.

This line perfectly nods to all the chaotic fun readers will experience in FLASH FIRE. New York Times bestselling author of THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA, TJ Klune, returns to Nova City and its resident superqueeros with the explosive and laugh-out-loud follow-up to THE EXTRAORDINARIES.

And FLASH FIRE doesn’t miss a beat, kicking off soon after the thunderous conclusion to THE EXTRAORDINARIES. In Book 1, readers meet Nick Bell, a gay teenager with ADHD who just so happens to be the most popular fanfiction writer in the Extraordinaries fandom, writing about Nova City’s mightiest superhero (and the dreamiest) Shadow Star. After a chance encounter with the hero, Nick becomes hell-bent on making himself an extraordinary, too. And he’ll do it with or without the reluctant help of Seth Gray, Nick’s best friend (and maybe the love of his life). 

In Book 2, Nick and Seth are hot and heavy. But their romance is not the only thing heating up. Nova City has new heroes on the scene (including the city’s first drag queen superhero!), and it’s up to Nick and his friends to determine who is virtuous and who is villainous. Which is a lot to handle for a guy who just wants to finish his self-insert bakery AU fanfic.

There’s so much to love about this novel, and this series. Nick’s voice is so vibrant and distinct there’s no one else like him and readers can’t help but be delighted by his often hilarious shenanigans. TJ Klune has a knack for creating well-rounded and completely loveable characters, something fans of THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA will appreciate and recognize in this series. And though humor and queer magic is at this series’ core, there’s also plenty of poignant and heartfelt moments too, most notably between Nick and his dad, both of whom are grieving after the loss of Nick’s mom. They often lean on each other for support, guidance, and strength. Part action adventure, part delightfully queer romance, the Extraordinaries series delivers all the heart and fun you’d want in a read. Shelve FLASH FIRE alongside other titles from YA powerhouse authors like Marissa Meyer, Rainbow Rowell, and Becky Albertalli.

Praise for THE EXTRAORDINARIES:

“Klune’s deliberate use of traditional comic book themes, such as masking one’s identity, mirror common struggles faced by neurodiverse and LGBTQIAP+ youth; this thoughtful approach urges readers to embrace their true selves.” 
Shelf Awareness, starred review

“This novel is all kinds of comical fun . . . plenty of genuine laugh-out-loud moments.” 
Bulletin Center for Children’s Books

“Klune’s romp is irresistibly readable . . . Readers will be delighted!” 
Booklist

“There’s plenty in this lighthearted, superhero-interested teen dramedy for kids who feel like they’re sometimes on the outside, including the positive representation of a teen with ADHD.” 
Publishers Weekly

“Hand to teens involved in fandom, writers of fan fiction, lovers of superhero stories, and queer romance readers.” 
School Library Journal

Happy reading!
Anthony

YA Resources:
2021 Books for Teens
Day’s YA archives
2021 Adult Books for Teens

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