Flash Fire by T.J. Klune: A Review

I have to start this review by saying that last year, The Extraordinaries took my heart in its hands and lifted it to the skies- it was one of the most fun, heartfelt, wholesome superhero stories I’d read. With characters of varying mental states, a friend group that was completely queer, and love triangle magnificence, it was a blast from start to finish.

This book, in many ways, still has the sense of humor I loved about the first book. I love the relationships and the way that Seth and Nick interacted, the clear voice of Nick throughout the storytelling. I loved the way that the characters interacted with one another, the way Seth and Nick never seemed to succumb to a lot of tropes of newly-together characters in books. The fight scenes were epic, and a lot of the book was just plain fun.

The beginning didn’t grip me as much as I hoped it would. I found that a lot of the discussions of issues such as police brutality were very shallow and thrown in, feeling like last minute additions. But as I got into things, I found myself enjoying the plot more, finding fun in the drama. T.J. Klune never ceases to amaze me with just how fun and cliche he can be; there’s a final battle at a prom, for heavens sake! There’s a drag queen superhero in this book, which is something I cannot believe I have not seen until this moment, because it just made so much sense.

This book, in many ways, still has the sense of humor I loved about the first book. I love the relationships and the way that Seth and Nick interacted, the clear voice of Nick throughout the storytelling. Though obviously I had certain plot points and moments that in my opinion, didn’t stick the landing, this book is fu. It has heart. I love the way that T.J. Klune writes things that entertain and bring joy above all else.

All things considered, this book is cute and fun. It’s just not what the first one was for me. I will continue to read and adore T.J. Klune’s works. He’s doing the lord’s work, providing us with very gay versions of cliche stories. What a godsend.