I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
We Burned So Bright by T.J. Klune Published by Tor Books on April 28 2026
Genres: Adult, LGBTQ+, Science fiction
Pages: 176
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
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The nitty-gritty: Epic love story meets the apocalypse in T.J. Klune’s latest, a harrowing and emotional tale about self forgiveness and acceptance.
If you’re looking for a short but powerful story about coming to terms with your life when the world is about to end, then you won’t want to miss We Burned So Bright. T.J. Klune has written an emotional story about a gay couple who decide to make an epic road trip to fulfill a promise before the earth is sucked into a black hole. Don’t expect a happy story, although there are some feel good moments here and there, but for the most part, We Burned So Bright is filled with poignant events in the characters’ lives—their successes, failures, tragedies and regrets. I was an emotional wreck when I finished it!
Don and Rodney are in their 70s and have been together for over forty years. When the story opens, we learn that a black hole has appeared in our solar system, a nearly impossible event. Because of this, it’s only a matter of time before every planet and moon is destroyed. After almost a year of coming to terms with this horrible news, Earth is only a few weeks away from total destruction.
Don and Rodney have some unfinished business to take care of, so they set off in their old RV to travel across the country to set things right. With the clock literally counting down to doomsday, they make their way across a changed America, meeting people along the way (some friendly and some not), each one trying to make sense of the end of the world.
I loved the relationship between Don and Rodney, which has had its ups and downs over the years, but feels very real and raw. The two men have been through a lot, living through such events as the onset of the AIDS epidemic, gay marriage becoming legal and other defining moments in history. And the most emotional event of their lives is the reason they are making the trip in the first place. I won’t spoil it in this review, but trust me when I say it brought tears to my eyes. Don and Rodney question their choices at times, but ultimately they would never change the way their lives played out, despite the pain and heartache.
The road trip was so tense! Not only are they driving a very old RV that is threatening to break down, but some of the people they meet are downright crazy and dangerous. They approach each new encounter with caution: a couple with two young children who seem to be normal, but the husband and wife are starting to crack; a lone woman with a big, terrible secret who wants to draw Don and Rodney into her deadly scheme. Then there are the magical moments when they connect with like-minded people, like the hippie camp they stumble upon in Ohio, or the two young women who are thrilled to talk to another gay couple and compare experiences.
As they get closer to their destination, the world is literally changing before their eyes. Klune does a great job of reminding the reader that yes, the end of the world is actually coming. I loved the sense of urgency as Don and Rodney rush to complete what they came for, but it was bittersweet, because I loved these characters and only wanted the best for them.
In the end, We Burned So Bright forces readers to think about the hard questions while delivering an entertaining and unforgettable story.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
I havent managed to try anything by this author yet but as soon as I heard about this one I bookmarked it as the one to begin with. Why I want to turn myself into an emotional mess – and potentially terrify myself with the end of the world premise – I truly don’t know. Yet it majorly calls to me. It sounds beautifully done and very moving. It sounds like there are a lot of interesting encounters involved too which is only to be expected I suppose given the traumatic circumstances. Lovely review.
I think it would make a great first book by Klune. I have only read one other of his books, so I have quite a few I’m interested in.
I’m happy to see such a high rating… and will come back to read your review after I read the book!! I’m so excited for it!
I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Beautiful review. This sounds lovely but I don’t know if my heart can take it right now.
Thanks Laurie! I get it, it’s both a beautiful and heartbreaking story.
I’d forgotten this one was a novella! I’m definitely curious. I find Klune has a way of writing in a way that makes me cry even when I feel cynical about the concept, and this one sounds very affecting…
It’s a very quick read, and I was completely invested in the characters:-)
Excellent review! I think I would be heartbroken after growing to love the characters and then the world ending.
Thanks Anne! It was heartbreaking, but I’m glad I read it.
This sounds very good, great review! It reminds me a little of one of my fav Indie movies, Seeking a Friend for the End of the World. If you haven’t seen it, I definitely recommend.
I haven’t seen it, but now I want to!
Klune has been hit or miss for me, but this seems like one I’ll enjoy. One more on my TBR!
I hope it works for you!
This is a beautiful review!! I have this one waiting for me, and I plan to read it before the end of the month, but I think that your review helped set my expectations! Thank you!!
Thank you Susy! I hope you love it too:-)
I requested that book without reading the blurb as I love TJ Klune but knowing it’s about the end of the world I still haven’t read it because I am afraid I will be depressed .
It’s handled very well, hopefully it won’t be too traumatic for you!
This sounds lovely. Believe it or not I still haven’t ready T. J. Klune!
I’ve been curious about this one, but haven’t decided for sure to pick it up yet.
Nothing like the end of the world to bring out the crazy folks. But glad to hear they found some kindred spirits, as well. I’ve yet to try anything by this author (and so many other authors).
Very cool cover on this one. It’s another author I keep telling myself to read. Great review!
https://lisalovesliterature.bookblog.io/2026/04/13/lisa-loves-to-discuss-2026-4-giving-up-on-authors/