Reviewed by Quirky Cat on

4 of 5 stars

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Book Summary:

Rin, aka Ringmaster, is the best at what she does. She can jump between moments in time. More importantly, she (alongside her wife) can create a safe haven for circus folk. In other words, the people who don't typically fit in with society.

Unfortunately, not all safe spaces are truly secure. There's something after Rin's troupe – and her. It won't stop until it has what it wants, which will put the entire circus in danger.

My Review:

If you're looking for a historical fantasy with circus vibes, The First Bright Thing is the book for you. It's set in 1926 (not long after WWI), though several time jumps follow, so keep that in mind if you prefer more stationary tales.

The rich and vibrant characters make it easy to follow along and appreciate their stories. I adore Rin and her determination to protect the Sparks. Likewise, I loved learning about the Sparks and their different talents.

That worked well, as it made the big bad all the more threatening. There was something at stake here, to put it mildly. It's a classic good versus evil story, with circus vibes and magical elements woven into the mix.

Highlights:
Historical Fantasy
Ringmaster
LGBT+
Post WWI

Thanks to Tor Books and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 3 July, 2023: Finished reading
  • 3 July, 2023: Reviewed