Reviews

The First Bright Thing by J.R. Dawson

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…

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.

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.

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

xelanimation's review

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring 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? It's complicated

4.5

This book felt like such a bittersweet celebration. I connected with the characters much faster than I do normally, which I think is due to just how compelling they are. The book starts with the found family already found, and instead the story takes us through the challenges they go through in order to stay together. The flaws of each character made them feel real, you feel as if you understand them and why they make the decisions they do. You can really feel the love they all share. It took all of the parts of The Night Circus that I enjoyed and added in its own spins and twists. I’ll definitely be rereading this one!!

ladydarkblood's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced

5.0

sadconfetti's review

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

4.0

poisonbyte's review

I wanted to enjoy the book a lot there were so many elements i loved about it in concept. However, when reading the book i found myself overwhelmed and unable to keep my interest and attention on the story considering the three different plot points occurring at the same time which was worsened by these plot points taking place over different periods in time. I would be open to possibly going back and attempting to read it again