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Johnny Ultra
Not all heroes are adults.
Tragedy struck Gabriel Fletcher at the age of eight. Losing his parents felt catastrophic enough, but to be sent to live with his aunt and uncle who didn’t want him? Life couldn’t get much worse.
Sho Tashiro only ever wanted a best friend—someone to share adventures and play video games with—and who wouldn’t make fun of his heritage or treat him like a sidekick. Little did they know their meeting and years of friendship that followed might be more than fate.
What if every world in every universe had a Gabriel and a Sho?
And what would happen if Earth was invaded by a creature that threatened to annihilate everything they loved? One trained in martial arts + one with self-proclaimed superior Asian genetics = a friendship and adventure that feels like they jumped right out of their favorite science fiction TV shows and movies they watched as children! The fate of the world is in the hands of two fifteen-year-old boys. What could go wrong?
Tragedy struck Gabriel Fletcher at the age of eight. Losing his parents felt catastrophic enough, but to be sent to live with his aunt and uncle who didn’t want him? Life couldn’t get much worse.
Sho Tashiro only ever wanted a best friend—someone to share adventures and play video games with—and who wouldn’t make fun of his heritage or treat him like a sidekick. Little did they know their meeting and years of friendship that followed might be more than fate.
What if every world in every universe had a Gabriel and a Sho?
And what would happen if Earth was invaded by a creature that threatened to annihilate everything they loved? One trained in martial arts + one with self-proclaimed superior Asian genetics = a friendship and adventure that feels like they jumped right out of their favorite science fiction TV shows and movies they watched as children! The fate of the world is in the hands of two fifteen-year-old boys. What could go wrong?
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 2, 2026
There is no better example of artful prose and diversity of talent than Kristoffer Gair. A master storyteller (and a genuinely kind human), he runs the gamut from the sublimely touching to the craftily creepy to the spectacularly snarky… and sometimes, he hits all those marks in a single book. His novels are simply unputdownable!
In his latest, Jonny Ultra, an adventure novel for young adults, he again blurs the lines of reader demographics with a story that reaches far beyond the middle and high school crowd it is intended for. As an adult playing through the latter half of my life, I can say with all sincerity: I LOVED this book. It was a well-paced and highly entertaining read that felt incredibly indulgent.
Although this is a story that plays with themes of superhero spectacle, tap dancing lightly through multiverse potentials, and the idea that revenge is sometimes a dish best served through mailing list subscriptions, it’s also a story grounded in the importance of friendship, family, and never giving up even when you think your best friend might be a little nuts.
This is one of the funniest, most heartwarming books I’ve read in a decade. There were moments when I looked over at my sleeping dog and asked out loud, “Charlie, can you believe he really did that?” as my words were swallowed up by the laughter I could not suppress. The giggles came fast and furious, and there were also tremendously tender moments that made me realize that perhaps all that awkwardness I experienced in high school prepared me more effectively for love as I grew older and became a parent.
Sho and Gabe, the two main characters in this story, exchange barbed one-liners that will not relent long enough for you to breathe, but you won’t mind. The giggles are well worth the lack of oxygen. But more than a raucous romp through stereotypes and practical jokes that I’d never be brave enough to try, there is a strong undercurrent of loyalty, friendship, and courage that lies at the heart of this story. These characters are genuinely devoted to their bond and their instincts to do the right thing, albeit from different sides of the same mirror.
Yes, bullies, cheerleaders, and jocks abound, as they do in any high school hallway… but here, we discover two young boys who made a pledge in second grade to always have each other’s back, and they never relent on that promise… even while one is plotting the psychological demise of the principal and the other is keeping them both grounded in gratitude.
The reason I was so drawn to this story is that Kristoffer takes inclusivity seriously. Yes, there is a gay student in the story – but that doesn’t matter. Yes, you will find racial diversity here – but that doesn’t matter. Yes, there are the cool kids who get more attention in the lunchroom – but that doesn’t matter, either. Kristoffer helps every kid who never felt seen in school, those taking refuge in the theatre and in other shadowed places, to finally stand in a spotlight… but without the microphone on stun. These kids are given their time center stage not because they are weird or odd, or don’t fit in. They are encouraged there, indecisively, because they alone hold the key to the success of every other “in-crowd” kid, simply by virtue of their unique authenticity. I was proud to admit that I was one of those kids once. I felt like a little bit of me (yes, even though I’m a girl) got to be a superhero for a few pages, and I’ve got to tell you, that felt fantastic.
Yes, this book is hysterical. Do not drink anything while reading; you’ll most likely do more spit takes than you expect, and that’ll create a mess… But also keep a box of tissues nearby, for your heart will be touched in ways you won’t expect, too.
In his latest, Jonny Ultra, an adventure novel for young adults, he again blurs the lines of reader demographics with a story that reaches far beyond the middle and high school crowd it is intended for. As an adult playing through the latter half of my life, I can say with all sincerity: I LOVED this book. It was a well-paced and highly entertaining read that felt incredibly indulgent.
Although this is a story that plays with themes of superhero spectacle, tap dancing lightly through multiverse potentials, and the idea that revenge is sometimes a dish best served through mailing list subscriptions, it’s also a story grounded in the importance of friendship, family, and never giving up even when you think your best friend might be a little nuts.
This is one of the funniest, most heartwarming books I’ve read in a decade. There were moments when I looked over at my sleeping dog and asked out loud, “Charlie, can you believe he really did that?” as my words were swallowed up by the laughter I could not suppress. The giggles came fast and furious, and there were also tremendously tender moments that made me realize that perhaps all that awkwardness I experienced in high school prepared me more effectively for love as I grew older and became a parent.
Sho and Gabe, the two main characters in this story, exchange barbed one-liners that will not relent long enough for you to breathe, but you won’t mind. The giggles are well worth the lack of oxygen. But more than a raucous romp through stereotypes and practical jokes that I’d never be brave enough to try, there is a strong undercurrent of loyalty, friendship, and courage that lies at the heart of this story. These characters are genuinely devoted to their bond and their instincts to do the right thing, albeit from different sides of the same mirror.
Yes, bullies, cheerleaders, and jocks abound, as they do in any high school hallway… but here, we discover two young boys who made a pledge in second grade to always have each other’s back, and they never relent on that promise… even while one is plotting the psychological demise of the principal and the other is keeping them both grounded in gratitude.
The reason I was so drawn to this story is that Kristoffer takes inclusivity seriously. Yes, there is a gay student in the story – but that doesn’t matter. Yes, you will find racial diversity here – but that doesn’t matter. Yes, there are the cool kids who get more attention in the lunchroom – but that doesn’t matter, either. Kristoffer helps every kid who never felt seen in school, those taking refuge in the theatre and in other shadowed places, to finally stand in a spotlight… but without the microphone on stun. These kids are given their time center stage not because they are weird or odd, or don’t fit in. They are encouraged there, indecisively, because they alone hold the key to the success of every other “in-crowd” kid, simply by virtue of their unique authenticity. I was proud to admit that I was one of those kids once. I felt like a little bit of me (yes, even though I’m a girl) got to be a superhero for a few pages, and I’ve got to tell you, that felt fantastic.
Yes, this book is hysterical. Do not drink anything while reading; you’ll most likely do more spit takes than you expect, and that’ll create a mess… But also keep a box of tissues nearby, for your heart will be touched in ways you won’t expect, too.
June 30, 2026
Whenever this author approaches me to read his latest book, the answer is always an enthusiastic YES, even before I know what the book is even about.
This newest book, Johnny Ultra, is a deviation from the author's usual fare in that its protagonists are young adults.
Gabriel and Sho are best friends and have been since elementary school. Sho is Japanese, and therefore, in his own words, has superior genetics.
Gabriel's life hasn't been easy since his parents died and he had to go live with his aunt and uncle who make no secret of the fact that they don't want him and only allowed him to live with them out of familial obligation. They give him a roof over his head, clothes to wear (usually thrifted, never new) and food to eat, but nothing beyond that. No hugs, no emotional support, and certainly no love. They do pay for him to take martial art lessons, and Gabriel earns some money by giving lessons to other students. He's bullied mercilessly at school, especially for presumed to be gay (which he is, but he's not out), despite being bigger and stronger than most of the other boys, but he's stoic and he never fights back.
Sho Tashiro grows up the youngest and only boy in a loving family with a mom and dad and two older sisters. He's super smart, witty and never at a loss for words. His relationship with his parents borders on disrespect, which includes him giving them google reviews (LOL), but it's all in good fun, and they are a very loving and very Japanese family. They have supported Sho's friendship with Gabriel, and while Gabriel is too proud to accept much help, he does appreciate everything they do for him.
The book is both a study of their friendship, a story of growth in that they learn to be more open and honest with each other, as well as an adventure and action-packed story of saving the earth.
A portal opens beneath the swimming pool of their high school, and a creature from a parallel universe arrives to destroy earth and all its inhabitants. Before they learn of this little fact, Sho convinces Gabriel to sneak into the school at night to check out what felt like an earthquake and the subsequent damage they're told happened, and it is then that they encounter not only the creature but also a Guardian from another universe who's just like Gabriel, but also not.
What fascinated me the most were the two main characters; their strong friendship, but also their individual personalities, and how they were like brothers in many ways. Supportive of each other, but also teasing and playful in their interactions. Many times Sho wanted Gabriel to fight back against his bullies, but Gabriel never does, until... well, you read this for yourself.
Kristoffer Gair has crafted an insightful, witty, emotional, action-packed YA novel that made me laugh out loud in one scene and then try to hold back tears in the next, and rage against Gabriel's aunt and uncle in yet another. There's never a dull moment, and there's no superfluous words. Every sentence, every paragraph is carefully written, with many packing emotional punches you don't see coming. The characters are realistic in their words and actions; this includes the supporting characters as well as the bullies, whether they be students or school staff.
As usual, this was a pleasure to read, and I am so very fortunate to be on this author's early reader list. There will be a sequel, it seems, and I for one can hardly wait! Highly recommend this!
** I received a free copy of this book from its author in exchange for an honest review. **
This newest book, Johnny Ultra, is a deviation from the author's usual fare in that its protagonists are young adults.
Gabriel and Sho are best friends and have been since elementary school. Sho is Japanese, and therefore, in his own words, has superior genetics.
Gabriel's life hasn't been easy since his parents died and he had to go live with his aunt and uncle who make no secret of the fact that they don't want him and only allowed him to live with them out of familial obligation. They give him a roof over his head, clothes to wear (usually thrifted, never new) and food to eat, but nothing beyond that. No hugs, no emotional support, and certainly no love. They do pay for him to take martial art lessons, and Gabriel earns some money by giving lessons to other students. He's bullied mercilessly at school, especially for presumed to be gay (which he is, but he's not out), despite being bigger and stronger than most of the other boys, but he's stoic and he never fights back.
Sho Tashiro grows up the youngest and only boy in a loving family with a mom and dad and two older sisters. He's super smart, witty and never at a loss for words. His relationship with his parents borders on disrespect, which includes him giving them google reviews (LOL), but it's all in good fun, and they are a very loving and very Japanese family. They have supported Sho's friendship with Gabriel, and while Gabriel is too proud to accept much help, he does appreciate everything they do for him.
The book is both a study of their friendship, a story of growth in that they learn to be more open and honest with each other, as well as an adventure and action-packed story of saving the earth.
A portal opens beneath the swimming pool of their high school, and a creature from a parallel universe arrives to destroy earth and all its inhabitants. Before they learn of this little fact, Sho convinces Gabriel to sneak into the school at night to check out what felt like an earthquake and the subsequent damage they're told happened, and it is then that they encounter not only the creature but also a Guardian from another universe who's just like Gabriel, but also not.
What fascinated me the most were the two main characters; their strong friendship, but also their individual personalities, and how they were like brothers in many ways. Supportive of each other, but also teasing and playful in their interactions. Many times Sho wanted Gabriel to fight back against his bullies, but Gabriel never does, until... well, you read this for yourself.
Kristoffer Gair has crafted an insightful, witty, emotional, action-packed YA novel that made me laugh out loud in one scene and then try to hold back tears in the next, and rage against Gabriel's aunt and uncle in yet another. There's never a dull moment, and there's no superfluous words. Every sentence, every paragraph is carefully written, with many packing emotional punches you don't see coming. The characters are realistic in their words and actions; this includes the supporting characters as well as the bullies, whether they be students or school staff.
As usual, this was a pleasure to read, and I am so very fortunate to be on this author's early reader list. There will be a sequel, it seems, and I for one can hardly wait! Highly recommend this!
** I received a free copy of this book from its author in exchange for an honest review. **
July 4, 2026
Kristoffer Gair’s writing just blows me away. He’s written two books that are on my favorites list: Butterflies I Have Known and Snow Angels in the Dust. Johnny Ultra is a bit different from those two stories but the writing and storytelling drew me in just a much and held me captive until the end.
It’s a great YA story with very likeable characters. It is not a romance (my usual genre to read) but it is a wonderful story about two young men who become best friends despite their cultural differences. Sho is Japanese and has been tormented by classmates but he ignores them and carries on. When Gabriel transfers into Sho’s school and is seated next to him in class, Sho declares that they will become best friends and so they do.
These two get up to a lot of adventures over the years and Sho is a real character. Sometimes I wondered how Gabe even put up with him but their friendship held fast. I could go into a lot of detail but you’d be better served by reading this book. It’s a great story about friendship and found family. At the end of the epilogue the author hinted that we may get another book about Gabe and Sho and I will be happy to read it.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
It’s a great YA story with very likeable characters. It is not a romance (my usual genre to read) but it is a wonderful story about two young men who become best friends despite their cultural differences. Sho is Japanese and has been tormented by classmates but he ignores them and carries on. When Gabriel transfers into Sho’s school and is seated next to him in class, Sho declares that they will become best friends and so they do.
These two get up to a lot of adventures over the years and Sho is a real character. Sometimes I wondered how Gabe even put up with him but their friendship held fast. I could go into a lot of detail but you’d be better served by reading this book. It’s a great story about friendship and found family. At the end of the epilogue the author hinted that we may get another book about Gabe and Sho and I will be happy to read it.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
July 3, 2026
This is a YA kinda fantasy no romance.
Normally I'd have passed not because of YA but the fantacy sci fi ish vibes. However i love Kristoffer Gair and after reading tge blurb a few times I decided to try...and boy am I glad I did.
This book is beawritten as I knew it would be, but it was fun, funny , Intriguing, great characters and I want more! Im ready for the next adventure!
And when do we find out who Mike was ? Nope it didnt sneak past me lol.
So even if you dont think YA is your thing and you want a good clean fun story give this a go!
Normally I'd have passed not because of YA but the fantacy sci fi ish vibes. However i love Kristoffer Gair and after reading tge blurb a few times I decided to try...and boy am I glad I did.
This book is beawritten as I knew it would be, but it was fun, funny , Intriguing, great characters and I want more! Im ready for the next adventure!
And when do we find out who Mike was ? Nope it didnt sneak past me lol.
So even if you dont think YA is your thing and you want a good clean fun story give this a go!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews