The First Breath

by Teshelle Combs

There is no air left in the realm of Morn, and Cassius Vers takes up too much of it. But when she meets High Prince Griff and learns his seditious secrets, her skills as an artist not only unlock her realm's power, but they breathe chaos into everything she touches. Cassius will take it too far. And further still. Because true art--and true love---only live at the edge of life and death. | From the First Collection, including The First Flame, The First Dryad, The First Stone, and The First Nymph

Genres: Fantasy Romance, Fantasy, Dystopia

Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2023

About the author

Teshelle Combs is the award-winning author of books like The Underglow and the First Collection.

She's well known for her fantasy romance standalones like The First Dryad, The First Stone, The First Nymph, and The First Flame. (Read in any order, listed in order of writing).

Tropes include enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love, arranged marriage, twists & turns, and more.

Find TC @booksarebrightstars on TikTok.

Reviews

[Jamie Battaglia · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I was gifted an E-Arc of this title in exchange for an honest review.*

I would rate this 2.5 stars out of 5, but rounded up for Goodreads.

There were some good things and bad things about this book so let’s get into it. Let’s start with the bad:

-Many reviewers here talk about the world building, and in descriptions of this series it mentions that you can read this as a stand-alone within her series. Since I have never read her other books, I had absolutely no idea wtf was happening. Words like “Truth” with a capital T, “Stifling,” “Whisper,” “catastrophes,” and so much more all had meanings other than their literal meaning. I had absolutely 0 idea and there was almost no explanation about these terms. One of the words was explained and a little background info was given towards the last 3/4 of the novel, but by then I had kinda checked out. None of the world building made a whole lot of sense for me. Why was there no air? What happened to cause this? How are these people living off of no air and how do those air crystals feed into that? What does the town look like? What surrounding countries are nearby? We know another country is attacking by the end, but who is this country and why are they attacking? Or, are they actually even attacking or was it someone else? Maybe these were explained in earlier books, and maybe I should have read her earlier work, but it would be nice to still have something in there.

-I also didn’t get much physical descriptions of characters. I guess maybe to some that would be kinda cool because you can kinda make it up yourself, but for me, I don’t know…

-The dialogue was overly formal in places making it not believe-able. It almost seemed robot-like. Now I love that our main character Cassius is kind of eccentric and says weird shit, I’m so down for that, but some of the dialogue was just so stuffy I just didn’t see how anyone actually talks that way.

I’ll end on the good:

-I really liked that this is a dialogue-driven story. Because there was so much going on through speech, it made it go by so quickly. Cassius is super witty and interesting (though note the overly formal speech patterns above), and so I loved her quick turn of phrases or witty banter with other characters.

-The ending. It was absolutely heartbreaking—the other reviewers were not lying…but I liked it. Does this mean I have a black heart? Yes, probably. But in all seriousness, it was unexpected, very rarely done (having the “bad guys” win), and so filled with emotion. Such an interesting plot twist and I am here for it.

-This have me sci-fi/The Giver vibes so I loved that. Really interesting concept and the story arc was pretty cool. I can tell it was planned out really well.

But, definitely read this book and tell me what you think!

[Chelsea (thatbookishteach) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to come back to this review, because I was emotionally wrecked when I finished. Tess’ world building and characters are top notch. There are characters you just absolutely love and care for in her books. Cass is one of my favorite quirky, no holds barred FMC from any book I’ve read. She was so determined to fight against everything her society was trying to force upon them. The dystopian world was so well written and I found myself constantly picturing the scenes and settings as I read. Ugh, I just feel like this is a book I won’t soon get over.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story will stick with me forever!
Cassius is such a relatable character to me, saying exactly what she’s thinking and being upfront and *Truth*ful about it the entire time. It’s refreshing to have a quirky FMC who may not be the physically strongest or the biggest group of friends but the friend she has is loyal to the bitter end. Anmity is the best friend a girl could ask for, trying to be the voice of reason to someone who she genuinely fears for. And Alabaster is the sweetest, cutest little scaly friend! 🥹 Ugh! This story is worth the Dare. The emotional ride pulls you through every emotion imaginable! 1000% worth the read!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

It's possible to read The First Collection in just about any order imaginable. I chose "The Historian" order. So far I'm not certain that I would suggest this as I think there was quite a bit of context missing from this story.

Cassius is a truly chaotic main character and was my favorite part of the book.

Looking forward to getting more context with the rest of the collection!

[Tylinn Houy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book from Tess. The writing style is very new to me but I didn’t mind it.

This dystopian world wasn’t like anything I’ve read. The FMC was witty and kind of reckless but I loved her. She fought against everything she was supposed to do.

The end shattered me, wasn’t expecting that heartbreak at all.

[Jordynn Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goddammit Tess is always capturing me with one chapter!! She has yet to disappoint me! The end has me close to tears so tragic! My new favorite from Tess by far!!

[Alliyah Beisell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highlights: Betrayal, multiple loves, fight to make it right, discovering oneself
Favorite Character: Cassius, An, Bas
Honorable Mentions: Feldren
Character that grew on me: no one really, it was quite a lot of betrayal
Favorite Scene: Cassius and her catastrophes were my favorite part
Overall thoughts: Another amazing book, but this one is quite heart shattering if I’m honest, great story line though.
Star Rating: 4 out of 5
Why: I’m a sucker for a happy ending and this one had none.. it was quite literally devastating
Predictions: I am hoping in future book - there is a timeline of when these stories are happening in relation to eachother. There is small notes from other stories that put pieces together but I want the big picture.

[Brooklynn Presley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an amazing book that had lots of twists and turns! It had plot twist I never saw coming, but they really grew the story line. All in all a great read!

[cait · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is my first book by this author and you know i’m going to be reading every single one of hers. her writing is amazing and the characters are so unique. i absolutely loved this. it broke me but i loved it

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a similar but different feel from the others in the First series. Although they are all stand alone (with the exception of Dryad 1 and 2), they each have an empowering aspect and strong willed main character. Cass is the same but in such a different way! Her outgoing personality, her deep love for An, the passion in her catastrophes, and just the overall presence of her is so frustratingly fantastic. I can't wait for the next First book in the series!!!

[Gabby Lecon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t even know where to start. I AM UNWELL. The series of emotions I went through reading this book. This is the first TC book i’ve read and I am very impressed.

The First Breath is the kind of book where you have so many questions in the beginning but see them all unfold as you keep reading. So many things happening at once that lead to the dramatic unexpected ending. It is the most gut wrenching read, makes you question things and ultimately has an ending nobody could expect.

To start with, Cassius, my favorite girl! She does what she wants and doesn’t let ANYONE put her down. She’s not afraid of death and lives life to the fullest in hopes to fulfill her promise to her grandmother. To live. She had to deal with so much and her character development was so genuine. People didn’t like her, they hated her in fact but she didn’t let that change anything about her. Her catastrophes sever to inspire people and that’s exactly what she did until her very last breath. She deserved to have a happy ending, but unfortunately that was not in the cards for her. While the people of Morn and the neighboring realms may never know her name, long live Cassius Vers, forever in my heart.

For all my Smudgers: Visha, Marjita, Pol, Nimo, Yev, and Kuka. Visha although short lived, I loved her character so much. Kuka, my Ku I miss you, what I would do to have gotten more time to know you. You deserve better you were misunderstood. Yes you had a history but I genuinely believe you cared for Cass the way nobody else was able to. In my head Cass and Kuka would have been an amazing endgame.. Pol, Marjita, Nimo, and Yev: while you all did things to piss me off in the end, you did not deserve those horrible deaths. May you all rest in piece.

My dearest Anmity: you sweet sweet soul. From the first time I met you I could tell you were gonna be an amazing character. The bestest friend a girl could ask for. You were so genuine and had Cass’ back no matter what situation you were put in. Never for one moment did you doubt your loyalty. We could all use a friend like you. You did not deserve the horrible death that was upon you. May you rest in piece.

Griff.. Where do I even begin. I loved you. I really really loved the way you cared for Cass in the beginning and in part throughout the book. However you used her on multiple occasions for reasons she should have known before hand. You claim to have cared and loved her but your actions in the end prove otherwise. I was not expecting that 180 you made.. There was no reason for you to have to KILL everyone Cass cared for. You all could have worked for the same goal but instead you got greedy and selfish and killed them. THEN you stabbed Cass in the back and laid upon the ONLY thing in the world that could make her afraid. You made her hold your breath. AND to make it worse you hid her in the darkness under your throne. For loving someone like you said you did, you could have had the decency to give her the light she longed for.. I will never forgive you…

If you have made it this far wow. I threw out so many emotions there. BUT I loved this book so much. It had me on my toes trying to figure out what was happening and what different things meant but it all came together. I was not expecting the ending but I think it made it that much more emotional and enjoyable. Although I wish justice for some characters, TC has a brilliant mind when writing. She took this book in a direction I did not expect but it paid off.

Thank you TC, I look forward to reading more of your work.

[Never · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have ever been inspired to create or have ever felt that you interacted with the world "differently" than those around you, this book is for you. Cassius moves through the world constantly being told she's too much, too loud, too alive, and therefore dangerous. Cass, though, feels as though her realm is out to stifle the truths she feels and yearns to express, and this persistent tension between being herself and being who everyone else expects her to be has the potential for devestating consequences. Griff, the prince of the realm, seems to understand her Too Muchness on some levels. With him, Cass is given a taste of what it could be like for her to be celebrated for who she really is. With the threat of war hovering over their heads, Cass and Griff have to decide what kind of world they want to live in, what kind of future they want to take part in creating and inspiring. And when betrayal happens, as it inevitably does when a realm full of people desire opposing outcomes, Cass and Griff have to decide exactly what they are willing to offer up to see their inspirations through to existence.

And, as with all Combs' stories I've read so far, there are plenty of opportunities to dig deeply into meatier themes, should one so choose. I think that's one of the things I like best about her writing. If I'm exhausted from a long day and I don't want to think, I can still enjoy the characters and plot progressions. But if I want to exercise my "if I were going to teach this story, what themes would we discuss" muscles, there's ample material to work with. For example...

I loved that this story involved the kind of heartbreak not typically explored in fantasy/romance type genres. I'm not talking about betrayal by friends or close to death scenes that make you break, I'm talking about all those other heartbreaks that are part of life - realizing a parent isn't perfect, fearing for a pet's well-being, discovering one's body won't hold up the way one wants, etc. The author does a beautiful job of exploring how these kinds of heartbreaks shape the characters and inspire them to create different meanings, different futures, different interpretations of the world.

I also liked that the idea of Giving versus Sacrificing is explored. These two words both involve that idea of offering up something of one's own, but in this story, we look more closely at that line between the two. When does giving become sacrifice? Is that line determined by the one giving or the one taking? Can it really be called giving or sacrificing if the one giving doesn't have a say in the matter?

I absolutely adore how Teshelle Combs writes bad guys, because her bad guys are the kind of people we can wrap our heads around. While their logic may be flawed morally, emotionally, etc, it's still very human, very relatable. And relatable bad guys are some of the scariest ones.

I can go on and on. But read the book! It is amazing!

[Maggie's Nook · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this one as an arc in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for to Teshelle for the arc.

2.5 but rounding it to 3

I read this book with the understanding that it could be read as a standalone, although there were other books in the collection. However, as I got into the story, I couldn't help but feel that It might have been better had I read the earlier books in the First series. I don't quite know how to properly describe how I felt about this book; it was not as easy for me to rate or categorize it like the books I've read before. There were a couple of times I wanted to DNF it ,but curiosity and intriguing plot kept me going.

Few things that truly stood out for me, aside from the premise, was the main characters, Cass and Griff. Their distinct personalities and undeniable chemistry made the narrative truly captivating. And I can't deny I love that heart-wrenching twist at the end! I found myself convinced that Griff wasn't truly a villain, and had there been better communication between him and Cassius, their relationship could have ended well.

However, I craved for more world-building. The lack of comprehensive descriptions at the beginning confused me (I also struggled with the writing style, but, that is a me problem). Terms, elements, and creatures were introduced without sufficient context, requiring me to make assumptions on their description.

I might have liked the intriguing plot, but in the end, it didn't entirely resonate with me. If I only read a summary of this book I would definitely love it however reading the book proved to be more challenging.

This might be the perfect read for those who are familiar with the writing style and have read all the books in the series; unfortunately for me it wasn't.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

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─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Rating Scale:
5⭐ The book is perfect! I love everything about it
4.5⭐ I love the book and would highly recommend it. There might still be something small that I want from the book
4⭐It was entertaining. Not perfect but it hooked me big time. I would recommend it to anyone
3.5⭐ I liked the book but I have issues with some things. I would recommend it to those who enjoys the specific genre, writing style or author
3⭐ A not so bad book. I neither disliked or liked the book. It just didn't connect with me. I would recommend with reservations
2⭐ I had a hard time finishing the book. It's not for me and wouldn't recommend it
1⭐ I don't like it at all and would not recommend

[Moryah Musclow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy in turn for an honest review. I'm rating it personally a 3.5, rounding to a 4 on GoodReads. I truly enjoyed it after spending some time to familiarize myself with the writing style, and I would recommend it to others, but I'm satisfied with reading it once.

This is the first book I've read by Combs, and I truly liked it, though I don't typically go for this writing style.

I will say it did take me some time in the beginning to fully be enraptured by The First Breath. I had to accept the awkward feeling conversation between the characters, which don't get me wrong, I did love regardless of having to get accustomed to it. Sometimes it felt as if I was watching a conversation between some toddlers with little social skills.

That being said, the conversations did make sense when you consider the standards and laws within their country. No emotions or impressions are allowed, words must be kept minimal due to a shortage of air, and people were not allowed to express themselves. Any conversationalist would be awkward in such situations.

This book claims to be a possible stand-alone read within a series. I would recommend reading the previous novels as I would have appreciated more context on their strict laws of keeping quiet, why there was limited air, what the Whispers were, etc. But despite not reading any of Combs' other books, I did slowly piece together what those things were (just with less knowledge, I'm sure).

Cassius, oh my Cassius. The main character who is 100%, truly herself. I loved her. In some ways (the best ways), she reminded me of the Mad Hatter. She was chaos, colour, inspiration and emotion, and she was unapologetically herself. It was refreshing reading a female MC that actually was strong and independent, and felt love for someone without falling apart over them.

An. Sweet sweet An. As well as Kuka, and everyone else that took part within the story. Everyone fought for what they believed was right, and that is impressive. Personally, I believe Griff did all of the terrible things he did because he believed it was best to save the most amount of people he could. A torn mind, a torn battle, and a torn heart. Which, of course, caused a bitter, lonely ending that will make hearts ache across the globe.

Here's to Cassius hopefully being rescued alongside her beloved Grandmother someday in the future!

[Rav3n Owl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Truth is never plain

..... And neither is Cassius Vers.

This is the first book I've read from Tess, and whilst it is very different from what I normally read (pitch black dark romance), I have to say that it is like having a breath of fresh air..... If you'll excuse the pun.

Cassius is the FMC, and she is a very strong willed, sassy, smart, creative woman. She is also completely unhinged in the best of ways. She does what she wants, even when people tell her not to do it. Griff is the MMC and he is ... interesting, to say the least.

I have a lot of emotions for this book, especially since I just finished it and there was a plot twist I did NOT see coming. There were quite a few of them actually. As this book is part of a series, I will be reading the other books in the series as I believe that will contribute to the world building as a whole. This book can be read as a standalone, but why would you want to?

Tess has made this world extremely interesting. I will admit to feeling like I was missing out on half the world building at the beginning of the story, however, unlike most authors, Tess sprinkles all of the world building throughout the book rather than hitting readers in the face with it at the very beginning. The writing style was very different to what I am used to, but it sucked me in enough that for the majority of time spent reading it, the book was playing out as a movie in my head rather than words on a screen.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that wants to delve into a world completely different to our own, and that wants to fall in love with the outsiders and the underdogs of a world, the rebels working to cause a disruption.

Let all your catastrophes inspire those around you.

[Teha · Rating 4 out of 5]

- I was given a free copy as an ARC reader, and this is an honest review posted on my own volition -

This book. THIS BOOK. It gave me so many emotions. The first 25% took a while for me to get through, but once I passed that point, I just couldn't put it down. I adore Cass so much, her don't care attitude, her take on life, her refusal to be anyone but herself, her cluelessness at social norms, I love all of it. And I'm not sure if this was intentional by the author, but it seemed like as the book went on, and as situations got more serious, Cass' language seemed to change, almost as if the character herself was maturing. And An, sweet, sweet An. Everyone needs an Anmity in their lives.

Griff, though. I wasn't sure how I felt about him at first, because he seemed so...forward. But when the narration switched to his POV, I realised there was a reason and I felt pity for him. Pity for having to hide himself, for having to pretend he's not who he is, for knowing the truth but not being able to do anything about it. And I was also angry at him when he brought Cass. He KNEW Cass wouldn't listen. He KNEW Cass would do what she wants. And yet he didn't pre-empt her about what would happen. He could have saved her from all the pain. The one thing I wished was that if we could see his narration change to the moment he broke and become insane. That would have made it perfect.

AND THAT ENDING. I was in no way ready for it. After I put it down, I stared at the page in disbelief and had to take a moment to absorb everything (and ponder my life choices). I know Tess said this book would leave you shattered but OMG. I am indeed well and truly shattered.

[CiCi | bookameme · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if the mad hatter was a woman?


Quotes:📖
People like us don’t fit in boxes…do we?

“And you offer no apology?”
“I am sorry you feel the need to ask for one.”

Thoughts: 💡
The story is steeped in the madness of wonderland but imbued with a purpose. Morn is a realm under a tyrannical rule of enforced dour that punishes everything and anything that isn’t mundane. And the one thing Cassius Vers (the FMC) can never be is mundane. She speaks nothing but nonsense, lost in her mind while keenly aware of her surroundings as though she’s the only one that really sees them.
This book broke me and left me rocking in a corner. I went into the story blind so I had no idea what I was expecting.

Writing Mechanics: ✍️
It is incredibly beautiful. Teshelle captured the essence of madness perfectly, and made it undeniably clear that Cassius was an unreliable narrator. There were very minute formatting issues but they didn’t detract from the story.

Quick Note About The Spice:🌶️
There are scenes where the characters are intimate but they are not explicit and references to the act are never more than a few sentences.

Fun Bits:
⚜️ The Madness of Wonderland
⚜️ Strong & Unique FMC
⚜️ Ragtag Cast of Characters
⚜️ Crazy Plot Twists
⚜️ Imaginative & Immersive World
⚜️ Beautiful Quotes
⚜️ Oddly Profound Insight
⚜️ Neurospicy

Important Note:✨
This is part of a series but the books can be read interchangeably.


Stats:📊
Spice Scale: 1 🌶️/ 5
Character Dev: 5 💙💙💙💙💙/5
Genre: Dark Fantasy 📕
Tropes: Descent Into Darkness, Neurospicy, Dark Secrets, Royalty 📘
POV: Dual 👩‍❤️‍👨
CW: Violence, Gore, Death, SA⚠️

[Brittney Perry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book to read and review before publishing.

I rated this one three stars because while it had TC's usual good writing and well-developed characters, I just didn't like it this time around.

I don't like or resonate with the main character. She's a bit annoying pretty much the entire time and constantly makes decisions that negatively impact everyone and everything around her. Normally, that would be a good segway into development, but it never really gets better. She told Griff she never wants to speak with him again because "he brought her there just to watch him come together with someone else" when that wasn't anywhere near reality. Things like that just made it somewhat difficult for me to get through.

Anmity was pretty great. I enjoyed her being there and liked her development quite a bit. I wish this book included what happened to her, though, because that scene was crazy!

Griff was okay. He's not as chivalrous or adorable as her other main male characters. He brings up some problems that weren't good or bad. I think what happened at the end of the book was fitting.

Kuka was interesting, but it's unfortunate we didn't get to see more of him, his abilities, or his background. I would have liked to see him make a greater, more in-depth appearance.

Other side characters were a little forgettable. Not bad, just didn't put that much more into the story as a whole.

I wish becoming The First Breath meant a little more. Previously, all the other Firsts changed in some way. They became something more, got a new appearance, etc. She didn't really get as glorious of an "ending" as the others did.

[Itsonlyval · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let’s start. This is the only book I have read from this author so I am not sure if I am missing other parts of this story or the introduction of the language that was used in this book that could possibly be found in other books.

I just finished The First Breath and I enjoyed Cass’s character. She is very bold, straight forward, and so quirky. I want to say my favorite scene with Cass was the ceremony. I actually like Gri. I like the connection that Cass and Gri have and then theres Kuka. Kuka was a different relationship and connection than Gri. The spice is not descriptive which can be a good thing or bad thing depending on the reader. I don’t mind it. There are some scenes that grab my attention more than others. Some history of the main story will be appear towards the end of the bool.

However, the story itself I struggled at the beginning. I found myself struggling to get use to the writing style. I struggled to follow along with some conversation when they use certain language that I couldn’t pin point what those words meant through out the book. These words are used quite often. There was not much on physical description on the characters so I found it hard to picture the character. I was confuse on the war that is happening or going to happen. This is just based on my thought and experience.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teshelle Combs continues The First Collection with another unpredictable, fast-paced story of First Breath. This book was beautiful and wonderfully devastating at the same time. Readers will resonate with the main character, Cassius Vers (Cass), a young woman who is defying the odds to thrive in the First’s infamous Morn.

Like many of those who are different or go against the grain, Cass’s differentness is often stifled or otherwise mistreated by those surrounding her. Yet, still, she defies the odds against her in many glorious ways. That includes how she treats those around her, be them friend or foe, and how she changes through the story while still being herself. The antagonist and love interest are also captivating. The characters have layers, depths that are intriguing and inviting readers to get lost within their world.

Within these pages, I found moments of laughter, as well as moments of sadness and rage. I read this page turner in one sitting and now I feel…well, quite breathless indeed. It is as beautiful as it is tragic, and I love it. Due to some themes in this whirlwind of a story, I recommend The First Breath to adult readers of fantasy romance. Caution advised for those who may be sensitive. As advised, this story will break your heart, and in more ways than one.

[maryah McClintick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Let me start off by saying that I will definitely not be forgetting this book anytime soon. All of the emotions I hope to feel when reading a book were there. I absolutely loved that Cass had a quirky personality and that she stood up for herself against anyone and any situation she did not agree with. Although there were other characters within that I enjoyed as well, I didn’t connect with them as much because I feel as though almost all of their personalities did a 180 halfway through. I guess that should’ve prepared me for the twists at the end, but it didn’t. Instead it left me heartbroken. 💔

Heartbroken and wanting more. An origin story that explained the realms, truths, why there was no air, why this story seemed to be history repeating itself. Perhaps I need to read more books by Teshelle Combs to get a full grasp on this world, as this was my first. I just felt like there were too many things that were unexplained for it to be a standalone, which left me confused at times like I was missing something.

Overall, I would have to say that I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for an easy read.

[Aly S · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I finished reading this book, I sat for a while to gather my thoughts.

My thoughts are as follows: This book is profound.

I found an FMC that is like me. Her thoughts wander, people's names are irrelevant, creativity is king, and the rules of society are confusing. Also, she is a fellow redhead (I love seeing it)! Our FMC, Cassius, doesn't fit into her society. Much to others' dismay. She is too creative. Too brilliant. Too loud. Too much. She is bold and beautiful. She is such a good person.

Her best friend, Anmity, is also a good person. She wants Cass to thrive even as she worries for her safety because she doesn't fit in. Cass is eventually surrounded by a ragtag crew, including a High Prince, Agagriff, and a mischievous thief, Kuka. They all get together and create magic.

This story shows wild hearts. It shows how beautiful creativity and brilliance are. It gives love to free spirits and wild souls.

This tale is tragic. It showed how people are beaten down, stiffled, to force conformity. How love, when forced to be something it isn't, is cruel and selfish and tarnished.

If you're looking for a feel-good read, try another one of Teshelle Combs' books. This will devastate and inspire. It will leave you deep in thought and needing to discuss it.

[Shernina Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Truth is tricky, Griff,” she said. “I am not  yours . I belong to catastrophe. If you want me…if you really want me…go talk to madness. See if it’ll make a trade.”

This book was such an emotional read. This book is my favorite from The First Collection. Cass thought she was broken, but she was the perfect character. She was herself, more than any other character in the book. Cass’ madness made this book. Cass went through so much hurt and pain just because of who she was. I guess because I’m bipolar, I felt her pain even more . Now, Griff…I just…uggg how to say it without spoilers…He was like a vice that slowly ebbed away at Cassius in good and bad ways. That ending was so unexpected that I couldn’t cry from being shocked…
There were a good amount of side characters…my fav was definitely sweet An. She was the balance to Cass. The stability that kept Cass afloat her madness. She was more than a friend, she was practically a sister.
The world building in this one was great because you got it as needed. You knew what you needed to know, when you needed it. The descriptions and such are always great in these books.
Overall I recommend this book, but don’t dare read it. It will break your heart….

[Electra · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Honest ARC Review***

✨I was privileged enough to receive an ARC of The First Breath in exchange for an honest review, and seeing as this book is very much based around the Truth, that is what I will provide✨

I was a little confused at first with how things were worded and I have to say, the way that Cass spoke reminded me of the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland. She would say things that wouldn’t make sense, but you also understood what she was saying, it was very conflicting in a very interesting way.

But as I progressed into the story, I was slowly putting pieces together and I realised that she had traits of OCD and ADHD, which I’ve never read in a book before so I was sucked in even more!
This book is all about expression, inspiration, love, betrayal, surprises, there are so many emotions in this story, it’s hard to list them all.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised and was utterly shocked by the end!

Please give this book a read when it gets released! It may be a struggle at the start to understand what is going on, and you can get confused at times, but that’s the beauty of Cassius, this book is a beautiful catastrophe!

[Tiaunna Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me from the start. Cassius was such a relatable character, as I too am the odd one out. Her character was so witty and funny and had me laughing at multiple times through out the book, as well as feeling a bit sad as she went through the hardships that came with being the "black sheep".

This story was funny, heartwrenching, and heartwarming all in one. It took me through an array of emotions following Casius and Griff. I couldn't decide through out the story if I liked Griff or not. I feel like his character is one you love to hate. He gave such confusing vibes, but once you find out why he was so secretive it begins to make sense.

The ending had my heart breaking and I am left wanting more about these characters and this storyline. It was a beautifully written story. The only thing that had me confused at times was the dialogue, and the only reason I say this is because with ADHD my brain fumbles over words so I was left having to reread lines to make sense of what I was reading. Overall it was fantastic and a journey all in it's own.

[Tabetha Slade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC of this book, my review is voluntary and honest.
The First Breath is a heartbreaking story of Cassius and Griff, filled with fun, friends, and betrayal.
I was hooked and wanted to read more... now I regret reading it, not because the book is awful or anything but because this is not a 'Happily Ever After' book and now my heart hurts.
As with Tess' other books, we are thrown into the story without a lot of build up - that is revealed throughout the story as needed.
If you are looking for a 'Happily Ever After' book I suggest you look elsewhere, maybe to The First Dryad 1&2). But if you are looking for something interesting, thought-provoking, and heartbreaking - this is the book to choose. All the First series are in the same world, but they are all (except dryad 1&2) Stand-Alone so can be read in any order (maybe with some spoilers/confusion).

A couple of non-spoiler quotes from the book:
"Did we... do a murder?"
"I am not afraid to die and I am not afraid to live. It's whatever lies in between that I fear."

[Kr3tari Stacy Bridges · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review.

It’s mentioned before in some other reviews that even though it’s stated as a standalone book. I haven’t read any of the other titles so when I started this one I was confused on a lot of things…

***contains spoilers ***
There were terms such as
Stifling, Whisper, Out, Ispiri (guessing she’s a goddess?), Smudges (misfits?), having your breath held, catastrophes, and why do grass shoots grow out of one’s chest when their breath is held?

And why were they running out of air? What caused it?

I got to 34% of the way through but couldn’t get past the writing style.

The part where I decided to DNF was where the group played pranks on another town. I didn’t understand why pranks were going on in another city when the air crisis was such a big deal.

I may come back to this book later.

I did however enjoy Cass’ personality and her sass but some of her interactions with other characters felt off in some situations and robotic in others.

[Chloe Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an e-ARC for a honest review.

Over all I feel like this book has a great story line and has lots of potential. I will say this is the first book I’ve read from this author so the writing style was different for me but I got used to it. I was very confused on what was going on for at least the first portion of the book since it just jumps right into it with no backstory on why these things are going on.

I came to fall in love with Cass’s character she is funny and witty and doesn’t let people hold her down!
Later on you meet a character named Kuka and I feel like his character had so much wasted development/potential.

The ending through me for an absolute loop and was devastating and so so sad it also left me with a lot of questions. It seems to be left open with no Plans of a sequel :( but overall I was interested and blew threw this book but if you are looking for a book with a happy ending this is not it

Definitely think you should read it for yourself and comment what you think! Since everyone has different likes and preferences :)

[Sammi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book by Teshelle Combs. The writing style was different than I am used to. It made me think of a Princes Bride or Monty Python style with the way they speak-- a little out there with some comedy in it-- I enjoyed it, though. I loved the storyline and that it wasn't always easy to see the outcome.

**spoilers**

I absolutely loved that this was a book that didnt end on a happily ever after note. It seems more realistic. It did take me a while to understand what is going on in this world. What's a catastrophe, and why is it bad? Why do they need to conserve air? Where did it go? How did things end up the way they are? You get a small glimpses of the answers to these questions closer to the end of the book.

I was also confused at the end when we find out that all of the "smudges" are dead. How are they already turned to bone? How long was Cassius holed up in the room painting?

I agree with some other reviews that this shouldn't be put out there as a stand alone book just for the understanding of how we got to this point.

[Nicole Sanborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many feelings have been felt....

This was my introduction to the works of Teshelle Combs, and I can confidently say that I am not disappointed. I cannot wait to read more of her stories! For transparency's sake, I received The First Breath as an ARC and my review is honest and unpaid/unsponsored.

I instantly fell in love with Cass; a brave, inspired girl who only knows to speak her truth. She is a strange, yet loveable person who is perceived as reckless by most. She is not reckless, though, they just misunderstand her.

Griff is....a character. I have so many feels at this very moment that I'm going to leave it at that to avoid spoilers.

I can honestly say I am forever changed by this story. Five stars isn't enough and no one can change my mind on that. This is easily my favorite book written since Y2K. I can already tell I'll be reading, re-reading, analyzing, and feeling all the feels from this story for years to come.