The First Bright Thing

Starred review from March 1, 2023

DEBUT The Circus of the Fantasticals always arrives at the right place at the right time, for those in the circus are Sparks, people with extraordinary powers. The Ringmaster, "Rin," can jump to different moments in time, and she, her trapeze artist wife Odette, and others have created the circus as a home and haven for Sparks who are persecuted and despised for their differences. The future looks grim, despite the moments in time that Rin, Odette, and their financier (and future seer) Mauve try to change. Rin's past also casts a long shadow, one of black tents, danger, and the whispers of a man whom Rin thought she had escaped. The Circus King also follows them, and his power can net anything he wants--and he wants Rin. Dawson's debut is haunting, employing themes of gaslighting, trauma, and war, which are woven through dual points of view and multiple timelines. Judaism plays a role as well, both in the faith of the characters and through parallels of persecution. VERDICT Dawson mashes up history, fantasy, and the magic of the circus in an emotionally immersive, character-driven story.--Kristi Chadwick

Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 27, 2023
The scars of the past make themselves known in Dawson’s debut, an uplifting historical time-travel fantasy. In an alternate-1920s America, Sparks, people gifted with unique powers, are shunned and feared by wider society. Rin, also known as Ringmaster, travels the American Midwest with her Spark circus, teleporting from city to city and decade to decade, while also fleeing from her husband, the Circus King, who used his own dangerous Spark to keep Rin chained in a coercive relationship. As Rin and the Circus King circle each other and the threat of WWII looms, Rin and her chosen family learn that, though some evils are too great for one person to vanquish alone, there is unexpected power in small gestures of courage. Dawson’s exploration of survival and healing forms the story’s emotional core but an abundance of wholesome and occasionally saccharine platitudes (“When we hurt ourselves, we hurt those around us”; “True courage comes when there is nothing we can do to stop the darkness, but we still hold the torch for those who must walk the hardest paths”) undermines the narrative’s power. Still, fans of gentle, uplifting speculative fiction will find much to enjoy in this heartfelt celebration of difference.

May 1, 2023
The Windy Van Hooten Circus travels the Midwest in the 1920s, wowing spectators with magic tricks that seem impossible. Rin, the ringmaster, ties it all together. She runs the show along with her wife, Odette, and close friend Mauve. But Rin is haunted by her past and the whispers of the Circus King, promising to reel her back in. Years ago, she lived by his side and under his thumb, bowing to his every whim until she was able to escape and rebuild her life. But he does not take kindly to losing what he believes is his. The sharp contrast between the evils of war (past and future) and the safe place Rin has carved out for herself brings home the concept of finding joy where you can, among the family you choose. Her relationship with Odette renews faith in loving and healthy relationships. While at times the subject matter can be difficult to read, especially Rin's flashbacks, the novel's conclusion rewards persistent readers, who will cheer as Rin faces down her demons.

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