The First Bright Thing is a devastatingly gorgeous tale. It is filled with tears and heartbreak, as well as joy and triumph over evil. The First Bright Thing follows Rin as she spins a circus out of sadness and eventually is joined by her found family, including her wife Odette. But Rin has been running from something that she’s never left behind and he’s finally caught up to her. Rin and her family will need to use all of their magical powers to defeat her old enemy and find a future where they all survive… 

The First Bright Thing is an excellent queer and Jewish historical fantasy. Rin can jump from moment to moment in time and does so to try and protect her family (and the world) from danger. There are vivid descriptions of World War II and some of the horrors of the Holocaust, so readers should definitely read with care. The First Bright Thing is a thoughtful, important story about how we must all choose what to do with the abilities that we have to make the world a better place. 

One of my favorite parts was the sapphic relationship between Rin and Odette and how they always found each other no matter what obstacles they faced. I loved the idea behind the Sparks and how it was tied to what you needed or wished for most. I was entranced watching Edward’s descent into a villain- it is masterfully done. He was so chilling, but utterly convinced that he was always doing the right thing. I can see why it was compared to The Night Circus, particularly the magical traveling and found family. 

The First Bright Thing grabbed me and I couldn’t look away until the end. I can’t wait to see what J.R. Dawson writes next! Readers who enjoy The Night Circus (Erin Morgenstern), Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (Ransom Riggs), and queer found family/fantasy should check out this book. 

Thank you to J.R. Dawson, Tor Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.