I struggled to get into this one so I did end up DNFing, but I do not think it was a bad book and I do believe that others would enjoy it more so I do encourage you to pick this one up for yourself.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

“The Night Circus,” but gay, and about trauma!

In the midst of the Great War, certain members of humanity suddenly developed into Sparks. Each Spark’s power is unique, but the feelings of the world at large are universal: hatred.

Rin the Ringmaster runs the Circus of the Fantasticals, a safe haven for Sparks–and especially queer ones!–to show off their talents, under the guise of “circus tricks.” The peace she enjoys now is the result of a young adulthood full of hardships, and just when she feels settled in to enjoy the future, she receives a vision of what that future actually holds.

Think of this as super-heros extra-light. The Circus isn’t out stopping criminals, but more helping a few lost souls get to a happier place. I wish we’d gotten to see more of that, actually. While I understand that there needed to be a larger conflict, I really enjoyed the cozier atmosphere of the circus’s mission. Little nudges to make little changes which are, nonetheless, monumental improvements for the individual.

Still, enjoyable. Another wonderful queer-forward release from Tor!

Advanced reader copy provided by the publisher.

At first, this book was a bit difficult to follow with the jumping timelines. Eventually, everything fell into place and I got it, but be aware that it might be a bit jarring to begin with.

I appreciated the characters and the way they were developed. There were certainly some aspects that left me in suspense as I was reading, and some twists that I wasn't expecting. I get that the novel was character-driven, but it was a bit slow at times. But overall, I liked the story and the pacing, though the ending didn't fulfill me as much as I had hoped.

A delightfully dark and engrossing tale. This is the kind of story that sinks in keep and keeps you wanting to know what happens next. I loved the way the author delved deep into the circus world and brought it to life. It was like being there and seeing the acts come to life. The Sparks and their magic created a whole new world to explore, and the history between Edward and Ruth, along with Rin's story pushed this magical tale straight into fantastic. There were times when I honestly did not know what would happen next. I was bracing for the worst but hoping for the best. The varying styles of Spark magic enthralled me and all of them together were a force to be reckoned with. I listened to the audio book and the narrators were wonderful.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

When I began listening to this audio ARC of The First Bright Thing, I was a little worried at first that it would be too similar to The Night Circus. It's hard not to compare any circus-themed book to such a popular title, and the beginnings of First Bright Thing had some striking similarities to the idea of a magical circus simply appearing somewhere overnight. But after a couple chapters, the novel took off on its own unique course. The magical "Sparks" were an interesting idea and I like how they impacted the storyline.

I most definitely jumped on this book because it was marketed for people who love The Night Circus. I can definitely see why the comparison was made but The Night Circus has this element that made me want to linger and wonder over the magic and world in those pages. This book starts off slower paced, with that magical and mysterious atmosphere but it also makes me think a bit of X-men thanks to the Sparks having such widely different abilities, the found family aspect and the impending war story line. I also feel like the underlying topics that come up throughout the book are also a lot deeper and darker than what was in The Night Circus and I do like how these topics were implemented, sometimes you need to read between the lines a bit. One aspect I enjoyed was the time jumping aspect of this story - I find it creative and fun, even if there a few holes surrounding this.

Ultimately, this book is all about good vs evil. I do wish the villain was a little more developed, I would've liked the opportunity to discover/understand his motivations a little bit more. But, I loved how Rin and the other characters at the circus all banded together to protect their home and found family. There is also always a ray of hope that endures and the idea that through love, they can conquer anything, which I appreciated when it came to balancing the darker themes.

All in all, I thought this was going to be a light magical read and what I got was so much more! I also enjoyed the LGBTQIA+ and Jewish rep in this book!

I went back and forth between the ebook and audiobook and enjoyed the narration! I felt like the narrator portrayed the range of emotions very well.

Content warnings: War, murder, alcoholism, emotional abuse, homophobia, suicidal thoughts, antisemitism, eating disorder, animal death, child abuse.

Thank you to Tor, MacMillan audio and NetGalley for the ARC of this book for review. All opinions are my own.

I heard a decent amount of hype around ‘The First Bright Thing’ and honestly? I was fully prepared for the book to not live up to the expectations.

In this case though the pessimism was unwarranted! I got into the plot and magic system very quickly. Integration of the world building was so smoothly done and it really allowed for a wonderful focus on the characters themselves. Add all of that to the fact that the circus setting and LGBTQ+ inclusion is always a smash hit with me and I’ll be happy to recommend this to anyone!

Audio - 4/5 I didn’t know going in that this would be dual narration, both actors did a fantastic job though. I particularly enjoyed the woman who read Rin’s perspective. A wonderful performance all around.

I don't think I've ever read a historical fiction or fantasy that was set in the post-WW1 era, so I was super excited when I heard about The First Bright Thing. Rin is a ringmaster with the extraordinary power to jump through time and she hosts a circus of people called Sparks who have similar abilities. When she begins seeing a future where the world is destroyed by war, she works her way through time trying to stop it. Meanwhile, she's also shadowed by a threatening presence who wants to destroy everything she holds dear.

First of all, I loved the timing of when this book was set. The world is recovering from the horrors of World War One and although no one knows it yet, World War Two looms in the near future. Our main characters are aware of it in a vague sense and horrified to imagine the world going through another massive war. In fact, they worry that it will be the end of humanity. I felt like that would probably be a common fear after having just survived a massive war and seeing all of the soldiers returning with severe PTSD.

I liked Rin as a main character. Her power was interesting and the way she runs her circus is lovely. You can see that she is a compassionate, caring individual who wants to help everyone she can. Her relationship with her wife and then later the twins that she rescues is particularly lovely.

That said, this book had some issues for me. We have a segment of the population who have developed different types of super powers, but it is never explained why or how. The main character even points it out at one point, thinking about how suddenly all of these people have extraordinary abilities but no one has ever figured out why. It felt like a cop out to me. I know it can be hard to figure out a good reason for the population to develop powers, but since this book is set in a real time and everything else in the world functions as normal, it really felt like it needed some sort of explanation...even if it wasn't 100% explained.

I also was a little let down by the reveal of the big bad guy. The author did a great job of making him ominous and building up all of this tension with some tough encounters, but the final actual big confrontation felt a bit too short and anti-climactic. I just wanted there to be a bit more consequence or a little harder time beating him.

All in all, this was a fun read. The combo of historical fiction and fantasy made for a unique read. While there are definitely some areas where this book could've used further detail or explanation, if you can suspend disbelief, you'll likely enjoy it.

3.5 stars rounded up

This was a very imaginative and unique novel, and such a great debut by author J.R.Dawson. I went Im blind which I’m happy about, but know it’s a fantastical historical story, full of magic, and is about much more than just a circus.

I did find that the middle of the book felt a little long and repetitive, however I absolutely loved the ending.

I received the audiobook, and really loved both narrators and found they did an excellent job and were full of emotion. The dual-narration complemented the story and its progression so well.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the ALC Im exchange for an honest review.

A tragically beautiful story full of magic, mystery, found family, and an unforgivable villain. The story will linger in your mind days after reading. 10/10. The narrators did a great job. Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen in exchange for a review.

"Rin was certain she was the only person in the world who remembered the sound of her mother singing...Rin remembered the outside of her mother's old synagogue. It was surrounded by the names of the dead. They sang of the dead every Shabbat...That was part of what it meant to be Jewish. To hold the other's light that had come before and then had to leave...What if everyone was gone; who would remember?"

The genius of fantastical historical fiction The First Bright Thing by magical insightful debut author J.R.Dawson snuck up on me.

At first it appeared to be a fantasy of a circus run by "Sparks," magical beings with various powers including time travel. Entering their tent will ease your pain make a wish come true. Then the evil Circus King wants their circus, their power. How will they make sure, "He doesn't get to take our joy"?

It's about so much more than this circus and it truly touched my heart. It's an allegory for the heart break of war. Rin and her wife realize WWl "... wasn't a war to end all wars, it was a prologue." Should they use their powers to stop WWl or WWll? What are the repercussions? Can they survive it? Can they survive the wars? Can the world?

The anguish portrayed by narrators @petreabs and @timcampbellvo was pure as was the joy Rin had in understanding the need for her Jewish traditions, "traditions meant history, history meant stability, and stability meant safety."

A mix of Doctor Who, The Invisible Life Of Addie Larue and Night Circus, The First Bright Thing may make you remember what you have lost but remind you that you have to stay around to tell the stories others may forget.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from MacMillan Audio via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Told in two voices, this magical novel takes us back and forth between a soldier in the trenches of WWI and the Ringmaster of a traveling magical circus in 1926. The circus, the characters and the story unfold bit by bit as the Ringmaster does her best to make lives around her better while also running from the Circus King, a man who controlled her earlier in life. I loved this story and can't wait to share it with the readers around me!

In the wake of the first world war, the spark was unleashed, giving powers to a variety of individuals in line with needs or desires.

In 1926, we follow the Ringmaster, Rin, her wife Odette and her circus as they use their sparks to bring joy and help one special guest each night. When the public goes home, Rin, Odette and Mauve, who can see the future, jump through time to try and make the world a little better each night.

In 1917, Edward is rescued as a young man from the trenches of France by Ruth, who can transport anywhere in the world. Back in New York, they navigate life as a couple in a spark filled world where some sparks have darker gifts.

The book primarily takes place in 1926, with some trips to the future, and Edward back in 1917. While at times it feels grand and sweeping, there is also an intimacy to a found circus family and the broken people who try to heal and support each other.

Beautifully narrated, the two timelines primarily having different voice actors, this was a highly enjoyable listen.

Despite the premise being entirely different, this book gave me “The Atlas Six” vibes. I think it’s due to all the different characters and the magic involved.

It took me a LONG time to finish this book, and I’m voracious reader. I guess I just never felt invested in the characters, so it didn’t make me want to keep going. I wasn’t pulled in, and it took a long time for the story to really get anywhere.

I like the idea of the world, but it was rushed despite being a long book. I think it should have been broken up into a series, so there would be more time to build up the world and its specific kind of magic.

The conflict in this book felt anti-climatic, and I think that it could have also been expanded upon. Overall, it just felt really mediocre, despite having nuggets of potential. I wouldn’t write off this author, but I won’t be running for the next one. This book appeared to be their official debut.

Hard to ignore the comparisons… yes, it did give me major “X-Men hiding out in the circus” vibes, but in the best possible way. A good blend of fantasy and historical fiction as a chosen family with the “Spark” uses their powers to not only entertain but impact the course of the past, present, and future.

Medium-paced with interesting characters. You start to see glimpses of why they all fight so hard for and love each other, but it fell just a little short. I needed a touch more character development to truly fall in love with them. The pieces were there, just needed a bit more. Same with the plot, had so much potential and we got a great build-up, but the ending felt underwhelming. So much time leading up, then it felt like the climax was over so quickly with no major struggle. That being said, still a good story with strong characters - 4 stars. I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone, but would definitely recommend it to the right reader.

Both narrators were fitting. Vocals enhanced the story without any distraction.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

I found the split timeline in the book fascinating, as it allowed me to explore Rin's experiences during the interwar years and Edward's involvement in World War I. The incorporation of time travel elements and Dawson's skillful description of major historical events without explicitly naming them added an intriguing layer to the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the historical aspects of the book, which offered a refreshing departure from the often whitewashed landscape of historical fiction.

However, the ending didn't resonate with me, and some plot points were left unresolved. The thematic discussions on toxic relationships, gaslighting, and the process of recovering from trauma were thought-provoking though.

On a positive note, the narration by Petrea Burchard and Tim Campbell was exceptional. The dual narration added depth to the storytelling, and both narrators effectively set the tone of the novel.

I believe this book will be a satisfying choice for fans of magical realism, as it combines an engaging split timeline, rich historical elements, and inclusive representation. However, there is room for improvement in terms of streamlining certain plot points to ensure a tighter narrative.

I'm going to start off by flat-out saying that I love this book.

The First Bright Thing is a sapphic fantasy novel following Ringmaster Rin - who can travel through time and distance in a moment - and her circus family as they spread their magic and hope to those who need it in a post-World War One society, However, while she's out spreading her light to the world, Rin is still running from a dark shadow from her past that refuses to let her go.

There are so many things that I love about this book. First off, there's the unique magic system wherein certain individuals are blessed with a "Spark" that gives them a unique power. Then, there are the incredibly personalized circus acts that just seem magnificently choreographed. Plus, there's a wholesome found family aspect to the character relationships that ties everything together perfectly.

This, paired with the queer joy, Jewish pride, and focus on the importance of small acts of kindness and compassion just made my heart really happy.

This story reminds me of Lyssa Mia Smith's Revelle in at certain points, so if you like the magic there then I think you'll enjoy this book!

Also, if you're a Taylor Swift fan - this story is very Invisible String - coded. Very.

Just a reminder to look up the trigger warnings before diving into this read!

An interesting found family story set in a 1920's traveling circus, Rin and her troop of "Sparks," those with differing abilities, do their best to support one another and improve the world around them.
I enjoyed the world Dawson built. A traveling circus, run by three women devoted to one another and helping the less fortunate they find along the way? Yes please. Rin and Odette were lovely. I especially enjoyed Jo and her twin brother Charles, and especially Jo's Spark. I was a little confused on their ages. I could have sworn they were mentioned as being as young as 13.. but then they were 17? They seemed to act like older teens, but the initial introduction was confusing.
Haunted by her past, and a terrifying ex, also a Spark, the Ringmaster, Rin, also has a story being told along a separate timeline. Her ex, Edward, has a terrifying power... basically giving him the ability to manipulate thoughts and minds.
Overall, I really enjoyed the idea behind "The First Bright Thing," more than the execution. Between bouncing about to prevent WWII and running from Edward, the plot felt very fragmented. Edward was really enough of an enemy, especially if there is a plan for more books. Focusing on setting up the world, their backgrounds of Rin, Odette and Mauve and the circus is alot.... throwing in two major plots made the whole story a little hard to follow and truly become immersed in.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC copy to review.

"The First Bright Thing" by J.R. Dawson is Creative, Entertaining, and Uniquely Different!

"The Sparks Circus always arrived at the right place at the right time..."

The Sparks Circus is a caravan of red, gold, and blue well-worn train cars labeled with the name "Windy Van Hooten's Circus of the Fantastical". It appears, almost unnoticed, on the tracks of small towns across the American Mid-West for one special night of magical entertainment.

Sometimes the train cars simply appear out of nowhere, in the middle of a field. Not a train track in sight.

The red and white canvas Big Top is nothing special. It's what happens when the lights fade to black and the halo of the spotlight illuminates the Ringmaster, wearing her red velvet coat, in the center of the ring and the magic begins...

I can't tell you any more than this but there's so much to discover and it's best for you to do so as you read/listen to the story. I promise.

"The First Bright Thing" is simply loaded with Magical Realism and amazing characters! Magical characters called Sparks are viewed as outcasts and misfits because of being different. Most of them are very different.

The Sparks are what makes this read fun and entertaining: a time-jumper; one with hands that heal; one that can see into the future; one that can...well, you get it. It's best for you to discover this for yourself. I promise.

"The First Bright Thing" is set in the year 1926 with multiple time-jumps from 1914 to 1945, always returning to 1926. I found the audio (ALC) confusing in the beginning with the timelines switching back and forth. I was glad to also have a physical ARC which I relied on to keep track of who was where and when. This truly became an immersive read. It does take time for the author to introduce all the characters and to fully understand where this story is headed but it's worth it. I promise.

This is a Good vs Evil story. The goodness and safeness of found family vs the darkness of a black heart filled with revenge, disguised as love. At certain points it turns dark and it's a constant mixture of emotions, possibilities, and outcomes.

One concern I did have is how the author uses her characters to relay information through a narrative rather than focusing on her creative writing skills. Less telling and more showing in a story is always the best choice.

The audiobook narrators Petrea Burchard and Tim Campbell made this a memorable listen with their range of voicing skills.

"The First Bright Thing" is a creative, entertaining, and uniquely different read that I loved and highly recommend it to those who enjoy reading a blend of Historical Fiction and Fantasy!

4.5⭐rounded down!

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and J. R. Dawson for an ALC and Tor Publishing Group for a physical ARC of this book through Shelf Awareness. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.

Found family, lush descriptive atmospheric world building, and a magic circus? This book was tragic and beautiful. Dawson covered many heavy topics and yet still gave us wonder and hope. Having two narrators on an audiobook is one of my favorite features, it really helps with capturing the essence of the characters.