Carmela's Books

TJ Klune’s YA hit showcases a love for everything bright and ridiculous. All at once hysterically ridiculous and brutally heartfelt, The Extraordinaries is an homage to the naturally campy (and queer) nature of superheroes. Nick Bell? Not extraordinary. But being the most popular fanfiction writer in the Extraordinaries fandom is a superpower, right? After a chance encounter with Shadow Star, Nova City’s mightiest hero (and Nick’s biggest crush), Nick sets out to make himself extraordinary. 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). I’d best explain this book as Marissa Meyer’s Renegades meets “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift, but with all the iconic hilarity and nostalgia of Peter David’s 1998 run of Young Justice. From over-the-top suits to flashy fights to terrible hero names, this book should feel familiar to anyone whose ever been a fan of superheroes. The train of thought narration style takes s...

An uplifting story where Studio Ghibli meets Hallmark, The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune both warms and welcomes its readers with its poignant attention to detail and supercharged comedic timing. Rounded off with wonderful representation and an adorable ensemble cast, this book is perfect for anyone wanting to feel that there’s still space for them somewhere.  Linus Baker is a by-the-book case worker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He's tasked with determining whether six dangerous magical children are likely to bring about the end of the world. Arthur Parnassus is the master of the orphanage. He would do anything to keep the children safe, even if it means the world will burn. And his secrets will come to light. I’m not often a fan of romance stories that involve children, but TJ Klune managed to make this an exception. Ample time is spent fleshing out each and every one of the children, their personalities, fears, and needs, making them feel like true chara...