J.R. Dawson


J.R. Dawson (she/they) is a writer and educator with shorter works in places such as F&SF, The Year’s Best Science Fiction and Fantasy 2018, and Lightspeed. THE FIRST BRIGHT THING (Tor, 2023) is her first novel, and follows a queer magical circus through time and space. After living in Omaha and Chicago, Dawson now has found a home in Minnesota with her loving spouse and three goofy dogs. She splits her work between teaching at Drexel’s MFA program and assorted nonprofits that bring the power of the performing arts to children in the Midwest.

Tor Books is due to publish THE LIGHTHOUSE AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD in July 2025.

Agent Contact: Stevie Finegan

titles



THE LIGHTHOUSE AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD

reviews

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    • THE LIGHTHOUSE AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD
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      ‘An earnest, heartfelt read set in a moody, otherworldly Chicago steeped in loss and history.’Veronica Roth, #1 New York Times bestselling author of When Among Crows

      ‘Gorgeous, lyrical, heartfelt, and true in all the ways that matter! This is an achingly beautiful book that is as much about life as it is about death. Haunting and healing and highly recommended!’Sarah Beth Durst, New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop

      ‘In the deft hands of J.R. Dawson, death is merely a transition point. THE LIGHTHOUSE AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD is a poignant story of love and grief, memory and myth, and what it truly means to be alive.’Rita Woods, award-winning author of The Edge of Yesterday

      ‘A poignant novel about seeing the dead, and the business of getting them to where they need to go. But more, it’s a novel for people who feel confused and lost, and who need to learn it isn’t their fault. That it takes more than light to face all kinds of darkness.’John Wiswell, Nebula Award-winning author of Someone You Can Build a Nest In

      ‘In turns heartbreaking, haunting, and hopeful, THE LIGHTHOUSE AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD is a powerful novel about the memories that can break a spirit and the love that can heal it again. It’s a moving reminder that after great loss, it’s still possible to find love, joy, and light when lost in grief’s darkness.’Heather Webber, USA Today bestselling author of Midnight at the Blackbird Café