The Extraordinaries had me from the first sentence which sent me screaming back into feeling like a high schooler writing fanfiction for the first time. Let me sum it up for you in one word: angst. The subject of Nick Bell’s fanfiction is Extraordinaries, people with powers, in particular archenemies Shadow Star and Pyro Storm. Nick isn’t an Extraordinary, unless you count his powers of fanfiction writing and going on tangents! Luckily, he has a pretty awesome friend group that loves and supports him. But when Nick decides that he wants to become an Extraordinary, everything changes.
With strongly held beliefs about heroes and villains, Nick is convinced that he has what it takes. However, Nick’s earnest efforts to become an Extraordinary will force him to make choices about friendship and protecting his family. There are some very loveable characters here and I can’t wait to read more about them in book two! Seth Gray, Nick’s best friend, is one of my personal favorites! The excellent representation in terms of neurodiversity and LGBTQ rep made this story an absolute delight to read. At the same time, this is a book about the love of superheros and is very silly and fun.
True friendship is portrayed beautifully, with friends who understand how to help Nick in moments of crisis and how to tease him mercilessly when his latest idea is ridiculous. While Nick pursues his dreams, he also provides insight into what it's like to have ADHD. I found the sarcasm and sass in Nick’s train-of-thought tangents hilarious. I really appreciated the portrayal of the imperfect, but loving relationship between Nick and his dad. The sincere bond between them was so heartwarming to see!
The Extraordinaries laughs at itself, by making fun of and then effectively utilizing hero/villain superhero tropes in the same breath. This is a story that will make you laugh incredibly hard, wince at the angst, and tear up, all in the same chapter. I can’t wait to see how Nick’s adventures continue. Special thanks to T.J. Klune for that epilogue because WHY!? If you love people with superpowers, heroes and villains, and clueless golden-hearted heroes trying their best, then you need to read The Extraordinaries.
With strongly held beliefs about heroes and villains, Nick is convinced that he has what it takes. However, Nick’s earnest efforts to become an Extraordinary will force him to make choices about friendship and protecting his family. There are some very loveable characters here and I can’t wait to read more about them in book two! Seth Gray, Nick’s best friend, is one of my personal favorites! The excellent representation in terms of neurodiversity and LGBTQ rep made this story an absolute delight to read. At the same time, this is a book about the love of superheros and is very silly and fun.
True friendship is portrayed beautifully, with friends who understand how to help Nick in moments of crisis and how to tease him mercilessly when his latest idea is ridiculous. While Nick pursues his dreams, he also provides insight into what it's like to have ADHD. I found the sarcasm and sass in Nick’s train-of-thought tangents hilarious. I really appreciated the portrayal of the imperfect, but loving relationship between Nick and his dad. The sincere bond between them was so heartwarming to see!
The Extraordinaries laughs at itself, by making fun of and then effectively utilizing hero/villain superhero tropes in the same breath. This is a story that will make you laugh incredibly hard, wince at the angst, and tear up, all in the same chapter. I can’t wait to see how Nick’s adventures continue. Special thanks to T.J. Klune for that epilogue because WHY!? If you love people with superpowers, heroes and villains, and clueless golden-hearted heroes trying their best, then you need to read The Extraordinaries.