Review of “The First Glimpse”
Reviewed by guest reviewer J.Z. Pitts:
The First Glimpse is a fantasy story, but if you’re expecting a sweeping epic, this doesn’t neatly fit that description, though it does have its epic moments. Nor is it cozy fantasy, despite being dotted with whimsical elements and characters typical of the genre.
Whatever your expectations, I recommend leaving them at the door. The author wants to take you on a unique journey that doesn’t fit neatly into any single genre.
The story follows Corin Raldekaln, a dwarf cartographer drowning in grief. While wandering through his city, he stumbles upon a mysterious shop he’s never noticed before—one that seems to exist between the cracks of reality. Inside, he discovers a peculiar bookmark that transports him to the Athenaeum, a reality-bending library where books are living things. There, Corin must confront not just the mysteries of this impossible place, but deeper truths about his own grief, memory, and the choices that have brought him to this moment.
The author’s prose is remarkable, with a poetic quality that makes Corin’s journey feel almost dreamlike. And what a pilgrimage it is. Without getting into spoilers, I’ll say that Corin’s trek is both sweeping and intimate. Like some therapy with your fantasy? Good, because by the end, it feels like you’ve been in a therapy session with the main character, in the best way possible.
That’s not to say reading the book feels like sitting in a therapist’s office. Rather, the story focuses on Corin’s emotional journey: the motivations behind his actions and feelings, and the choices he faces that could change the direction of his life.
Bussard has crafted something special here—a contemplative, lyrical exploration of grief and healing wrapped in fantastical trappings. If you’re looking for a quick, action-packed fantasy adventure, this might not be for you. But if you want a beautifully written, emotionally resonant story that lingers long after the final page, The First Glimpse delivers something truly unique. I’m eager to see where Bussard takes the Curiosities of the Eldritch series next.
