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A review by ninegladiolus
The First Bright Thing by J.R. Dawson
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Every time I hear the words “queer magic circus book”, I am automatically compelled to try and get my hands on it as soon as possible. Naturally, when I heard J.R. Dawson’s THE FIRST BRIGHT THING described with these words, I knew I had to check it out. While inconsistent with its pacing at points, overall THE FIRST BRIGHT THING presents a deeply moving, often painful, ultimately cathartic read sure to captivate fans of historical fantasy.
Ringmaster, or Rin, leads a circus full of outcast performers; many of these performers have special magical abilities and are known as Sparks, which is often the reason they have been pushed to the fringes of society. Along with her wife Odette, Rin and the circus travel across the nation in the wake of World War I and offer entertainment to all who enter the Big Top. But no matter how far her time jumping can take her, Rin cannot outrun the shadows of her own past—including a rival ringmaster with a dark circus all his own.
THE FIRST BRIGHT THING offers lyrical prose and intricate structure from the beginning. Because Rin has the power to manipulate time, there are several interwoven time periods within the novel. For all the warmth, camaraderie, and support found in Rin’s circus and the novel as a whole, it is definitely not a light read. World War II serves as a prominent backdrop of this novel and all the atrocities thereof. In addition, elements of intimate partner abuse feature heavily, specifically intense and distressing levels of gaslighting.
Rather than talk too much about the plot which is best experienced as it unfolds, I will say the comps of The Night Circus and Addie LaRue do this novel justice; I could see strong elements of both in THE FIRST BRIGHT THING. Additionally, I would add in X-Men as a strong influence. The magical abilities and political ramifications of being a Spark are quite similar at points to some stories explored in the X-Men universe.
I loved how diverse this novel was. Rin is a Jewish, sapphic protagonist; both of these facets of her identity play an active, integral part in the novel. Though no specific age is given, it can be assumed Rin is middle-aged or older, which is exceedingly rare in the protagonist of a fantasy novel. Other prominent side characters such as Rin’s wife Odette, their mutual beloved friend Mauve, young hotshot Josephine Reed, and more are also a delight. Many, many characters have a queer identity and the found family element of the circus is an absolute delight.
If you enjoyed The Night Circus or The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, THE FIRST BRIGHT THING is definitely worth checking out when it releases on June 13, 2023. Rin and her extraordinary circus will sweep you up into a magical, sensational atmosphere and take you on an unforgettable journey.
Thank you to Tor Books and NetGalley for an advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
Ringmaster, or Rin, leads a circus full of outcast performers; many of these performers have special magical abilities and are known as Sparks, which is often the reason they have been pushed to the fringes of society. Along with her wife Odette, Rin and the circus travel across the nation in the wake of World War I and offer entertainment to all who enter the Big Top. But no matter how far her time jumping can take her, Rin cannot outrun the shadows of her own past—including a rival ringmaster with a dark circus all his own.
THE FIRST BRIGHT THING offers lyrical prose and intricate structure from the beginning. Because Rin has the power to manipulate time, there are several interwoven time periods within the novel. For all the warmth, camaraderie, and support found in Rin’s circus and the novel as a whole, it is definitely not a light read. World War II serves as a prominent backdrop of this novel and all the atrocities thereof. In addition, elements of intimate partner abuse feature heavily, specifically intense and distressing levels of gaslighting.
Rather than talk too much about the plot which is best experienced as it unfolds, I will say the comps of The Night Circus and Addie LaRue do this novel justice; I could see strong elements of both in THE FIRST BRIGHT THING. Additionally, I would add in X-Men as a strong influence. The magical abilities and political ramifications of being a Spark are quite similar at points to some stories explored in the X-Men universe.
I loved how diverse this novel was. Rin is a Jewish, sapphic protagonist; both of these facets of her identity play an active, integral part in the novel. Though no specific age is given, it can be assumed Rin is middle-aged or older, which is exceedingly rare in the protagonist of a fantasy novel. Other prominent side characters such as Rin’s wife Odette, their mutual beloved friend Mauve, young hotshot Josephine Reed, and more are also a delight. Many, many characters have a queer identity and the found family element of the circus is an absolute delight.
If you enjoyed The Night Circus or The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, THE FIRST BRIGHT THING is definitely worth checking out when it releases on June 13, 2023. Rin and her extraordinary circus will sweep you up into a magical, sensational atmosphere and take you on an unforgettable journey.
Thank you to Tor Books and NetGalley for an advance review copy. All opinions are my own.