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lea_oaktrees's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
An incredible and lyrical story with well developed complex characters. Deals with darker and more difficult themes but has worthwhile reflexions on hope and finding meaning in the day-to-day joys and in eachother. I couldn’t put this book down and completely loved it from start to finish.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Body horror, Forced institutionalization, Death of parent, Murder, War, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Eating disorder
okevamae's review
5.0
Rin is the Ringmaster of a circus full of Sparks – people who, during the height of the Great War, developed special abilities. Rin herself can travel instantaneously through space and time, and she uses her power to transport her circus from town to town, showing people in need of hope a curious display of magic and wonders, and adopting stray Sparks in need of a home, like Jo, who can spin illusions, and her brother Charles, who can’t be injured. But the Circus King and his show of nightmares are out there as well, always in pursuit, and he won’t stop until he takes from Rin what he wants.
The First Bright Thing had very strong Night Circus vibes right off the bat, so much so that I worried for a second, thinking it might be too similar, but it settled into its own thing pretty quickly. The characters in this book are vivid and distinct, with Rin’s circus as a found family, which I love. The book rotates between time periods, with some scenes in the past, others in the present, and due to the time travel elements, there are scenes in the present narrative that take place in the future. It tackles some tough themes – Edward takes “controlling relationship” to a new, horrifying level – but it’s a compelling story with brilliantly drawn characters, some really beautiful relationships, a delightful found family, and a happy ending.
Representation: POC characters, LGBTQ+ characters, characters with mental illness
TW: issues of consent, alcoholism, abusive and controlling relationship, PTSD, mention of suicidal ideation, mention of child abuse, mild gore, homophobia, antisemitism
I received an advance copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The First Bright Thing had very strong Night Circus vibes right off the bat, so much so that I worried for a second, thinking it might be too similar, but it settled into its own thing pretty quickly. The characters in this book are vivid and distinct, with Rin’s circus as a found family, which I love. The book rotates between time periods, with some scenes in the past, others in the present, and due to the time travel elements, there are scenes in the present narrative that take place in the future. It tackles some tough themes – Edward takes “controlling relationship” to a new, horrifying level – but it’s a compelling story with brilliantly drawn characters, some really beautiful relationships, a delightful found family, and a happy ending.
Representation: POC characters, LGBTQ+ characters, characters with mental illness
TW: issues of consent, alcoholism, abusive and controlling relationship, PTSD, mention of suicidal ideation, mention of child abuse, mild gore, homophobia, antisemitism
I received an advance copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
timnorman's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
the_bitchy_booker's review
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I can't rate this novel because it took me too long to read (for life reasons)
burghbooksandbrews's review
3.0
I have mixed feelings on this book because there were things I really liked about the story, but something just felt like it was missing.
What I liked…
What I liked…
they_planet's review
3.0
As many other reviewers have described it, this book is a dark magical realism that focuses on the power of art and hope, despite it all.
I might just be in a reading slump, but for me this was the kind of book I really had to stick with, had to make myself keep reading, because I wasn't really able to get fully into it until 100 or so pages in. Maybe it was the slump, maybe I'm just not as used to slow-paced character novels, or maybe it was something else entirely.
I am glad I persisted though. Despite my hesitance for the WW2 plot line, I did quite enjoy this book overall, and will be recommending it to my bookish friends.
I might just be in a reading slump, but for me this was the kind of book I really had to stick with, had to make myself keep reading, because I wasn't really able to get fully into it until 100 or so pages in. Maybe it was the slump, maybe I'm just not as used to slow-paced character novels, or maybe it was something else entirely.
I am glad I persisted though. Despite my hesitance for the WW2 plot line, I did quite enjoy this book overall, and will be recommending it to my bookish friends.
eminireader's review
3.0
The First Bright Thing is a unique story and I was impressed by the premise as well as the imagination behind it. I particularly enjoyed how different this book felt from others I have read and the representation of the characters.
Readers who enjoy historical fiction, magical realism, and found family will definitely want to pick this book up.
This book has an audience, I'm just not sure if that audience includes me. For me personally, it began to feel repetitive, and the progress/pacing and some of the plot points lacked cohesiveness. The 1916/1917 chapters were phenomenal and I wish that strength of writing carried through the whole book.
The narrators of the audiobook did a fantastic job bringing Rin, the protagonist, and Edward, the antagonist to life.
My thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced download of this audiobook.
Readers who enjoy historical fiction, magical realism, and found family will definitely want to pick this book up.
This book has an audience, I'm just not sure if that audience includes me. For me personally, it began to feel repetitive, and the progress/pacing and some of the plot points lacked cohesiveness. The 1916/1917 chapters were phenomenal and I wish that strength of writing carried through the whole book.
The narrators of the audiobook did a fantastic job bringing Rin, the protagonist, and Edward, the antagonist to life.
My thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced download of this audiobook.
hannahsbookhaven's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
nanila's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
ecroot's review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75