I haven’t read a fantasy book in a while and boy am I glad that this book lured me back in. Of course, I chose it because, as far as I’m concerned, you can never go wrong with an Amy Harmon book. Her writing is perfection and her characters always find a way into my heart. And, guess what, with this book she’s done it again! Mixing well-known Norse mythology with a world of her own creation, Ms. Harmon has written a story that I can easily see being made into a movie – one with action, deception, and just a touch of romance.

The author makes us work for this one. There’s a lot of background information to explore and years of history to understand. There are also many characters to get to know and love. This means that, as a reader, you have to be patient during the first few chapters…it may feel a tad slow but, trust me, it’s worth the time you put in because once this book takes off you have to hold on tight. There are characters you’ll love and those you’ll loath, and their interactions come in both the expected and unexpected varieties. Each has their story to tell. So much so that you will feel there are many leading characters in this story – so many of them will peak your curiosity and touch your heart.

I know I haven’t told you much about the story but, trust me, this is one you want to explore on your own. You’ll want to emerse yourself in this world and let the story wash over you, you’ll want to spend time with these characters and will root for them to get what they want, and you will be sad to leave this world when it’s over. Once again, Ms. Harmon has proven that she can write anything she wants and make it an indisputable 5-star story!

Amy has created a world that I would love to read more about. While there was a lot of heartache, and one scene in particular still has me upset, there was also a lot of hope. I’m crossing my fingers we get more from these characters at a later time. Their story feels like it just beginning.

5 Stars for The First Girl Child. This is my favorite read of 2019 so far. I do not give 5 star ratings out lightly, it really has to be stellar and this book was SO GOOD! Amazing storytelling, original, unforgettable characters and perfectly paced plot. Simply perfection in my eyes! I do not want to give anything away, so just trust me... this book is not to me missed!

Totally Speechless.

I’m so afraid that I don’t have the proper words for a review to do this book justice. This is my first kind of book in this particular genre. I love fantasy, but this is beyond anything I’ve read. Norse mythology, Vikings, blood runes..I found myself looking up things and wanting to learn more. That’s the sign of an amazing storyteller and Amy Harmon has truly outdone herself with this one. I just want to stay in this world for a while.

Where do I begin..Bayr, the “temple boy” totally captured my heart. This power he has, this strength he possessed from the time he was born—he wasn’t like other boys. His weakness was his speech. He stuttered and it caused him embarrassment at times, but it made me love him more. His heart was so good, pure, protective and had such a strong love over the little Princess, Alba. The bond these two shared from the moment Bayr held her as a newborn was intrinsic. She moved, he moved. “There is no Alba without Bayr.” They were best friends. The love they shared gives me chills..So much I could say here, but for spoilers sake I will not. I’ll just urge you to read.

Dagmar and Ghost’s forbidden love story added such a marvelous element as well. They captured me from the start and I knew they were both doomed by the love they felt for each other. That old song comes to mind, “If loving you is wrong, I don’t want to be right.” I’m still in my feels over this part:

“Then his mouth brushed hers, a kiss no deeper than a raindrop, and she tightened her hands at his face, holding him to her.

“‘I cannot see, my tongue is a traitor,’” he whispered, the whispered words tickling her lips. “‘My flesh is a foe, my heart a betrayer,’ Alas, they had to guard themselves against each other, but were still best friends even though they knew what was between them. I just love this.

Amy did such a good job at building this story from the ground up. I was enraptured with the origin of this story and the background. This is all essential to understand where it’s going and I loved every single morsel.

Open your heart and mind and just feel your way through this book. I felt every emotion known to man I feel, and my heart still aches from finishing such an epic tale. I need more and I’m so glad Amy is writing more of this world because there are more stories to be told with these characters and clans. Infinite stars from me.

This was…good. Just that. Good. I’ve read so many of Amy Harmon’s books before, and am frankly slightly disappointed. It didn’t have the spark that her other works have had in the past. This might be due to the unbearably slow pace, due to the story spanning twenty years. I really had to push myself to finish it, even though I liked it. It just wasn’t holding my interest long enough for me to power through to the end.

I think the main problem is probably a “me” problem. Vikings just do not interest me that much. And it didn’t help that the magic system remained rather unexplained and underutilised. This definitively pales in comparison to The Bird and the Sword.

The story takes place in Saylok, a land created by the Allfather, Odin. Loki’s actions caused the land to be separated into six different villages: Adyar (eagle), Berne (bear), Ebba (boar), Dolphys (wolf), Joran (horse), and Leok (lion). As the book progresses, the reader begins to see the commentary on misogynistic injustices that Harmon provides. Bayr was my favourite character, so strong and sweet. Alba was brave and kind, but often overshadowed by more prominent figures in the novel. Dagmar and Ghost were also lovely, supporting characters, both devoted to Bayr and Alba, while having a forbidden romance of their own.

While this was a beautiful story, its slow pace proved that it just wasn’t for me. I wouldn’t dissuade you from reading it though, because it truly was quite enjoyable. I’d recommend it to fans of Sky in the Deep and Warrior of the Wild.

“‘I cannot see, my tongue is a traitor.

My flesh is a foe, my heart a betrayer.

My eyes will I blacken, my lips will I close.

And let the runes lead me down paths I must go.

No man can follow.

No man can lead.

No man can save me, no man can free.”’

This book is PHENOMENAL!

Desdemona of Dolphys spent her last day alive giving birth to the bastard son of a cruel chieftain, and cursing the kingdom of Saylok: If man can so easily turn his back on his child and the woman who carries him, then man will know what it means to live without woman.

“We are abused. We are used. We are bartered and abandoned. But rarely are we loved. So be it. From this day forward, there will be no daughters in Saylok for any of you to love.”

The First Girl Child is about a curse over a kingdom that ensures only males are born. It is about the life of a temple boy named Bayr who is gifted with inhuman strength, and the first girl child born during the curse, Princess Alba. The book is one of love, sacrifice, deceit, honor, faith, hope and brutality. Women are taken by force from territories and surrounding Kingdoms, in the hopes that women outside of Saylok are exempt from the curse and can break the drought. There is adventure and war, but also compassion and loyalty dripping from these remarkable pages. It is a story of oppression and doing what is expected of you, rather than what you choose.

“This is not a world where a man or woman gets much choice in their happiness. We are born into war and each day is a battle.”

This is an EPIC historical fantasy that I don’t think I could have lived without! It centers on Saylok, a kingdom made up of six territories, with each territory being ruled by it’s own chieftain and Saylok being ruled by a King. The territories of Adyar, Berne, Dolphys, Ebba, Joran and Leok live in peace with the role of King being rotated between the tribes each time one dies. At the center of Saylok resides Temple Hill, where the Keepers live in isolation, protecting the knowledge of the blood runes and communicating with the Gods.

The story is set over a number of years as the reader watches Bayr grow within the temple walls under the care of his uncle and the Keepers. As he becomes a toddler, it becomes known that Bayr is unlike other children. Within 6 months of his birth he is walking and running, and by the age of 5 he has already taken down a bear with only his hands. But with his inhuman strength and speed also comes his unflinching heart and need to protect. So when the first girl child is finally born, Bayr feels an instant connection to the her and swears an oath to become her protector. We watch as Bayr and Alba grow together, becoming a formidable and inseparable pair, and how their relationship begins to shift as the years pass.

The relationship they share is positively adorable and beautiful. Bayr is the solid figure in Alba’s life as she grows into a small child. He acts as her confidant, brother, guard and bestfriend. His days center on Alba, and hers center on him. I found so many small smiles blossoming my cheeks as I read about these two growing together, having adventures and learning. Alba being a fierce and outspoken little girl, and Bayr being a quiet and observant boy who treats her with such care and love. They are the true heart of this book, and the romance that is…EVERYTHING you could ask for.

“There is no Alba without Bayr.”

But two other characters that really steal the show are Dagmar, Bayr’s uncle, and Ghost, the biological mother of Alba.. These two play HUGE roles in the development and lives of Bayr and Alba. They are kindhearted, compassionate and AMAZING people who live their lives in the shadows. A love between Dagmar and Ghost blossoms, but it is a relationship that is forbidden due to Dagmar being a Keeper. But the resilience, strength and selfless love that these two exude is the touch of hope and innocence that envelopes this book.

I think what really blew me away about this book, besides the incredible world-building, overall plot and complete badassery, was the writing. This is my first read from Amy Harmon, and I am SHOCKED and a little outraged that I have never come across her before! Her writing is detailed, exciting and addicting. I don’t normally go for fantasy books that have that Game of Thrones/Lord of the Rings style, but I am SO happy I decided to request this. I was fearful that it would be slow, that I would have trouble with the names and places, but NONE of that happened. I was ADDICTED!

If there is one bad thing I can say about this book, it’s that it isn’t the first in a series.

But, I’m secretly hoping it magically becomes one.

I got as far as 25% into this and... I simply can't proceed. Maybe it's the fact that the plot still revolves around a child protagonist at this point, or that there is very little fantastical about this fantasy plot, or maybe it's just the many unnecessary scenes that add nothing to the story - in any case, I won't be finishing this novel, an it's a pity, because I've liked Harmon's writing before!

The First Girl Child by @amy.harmon2 is storytelling at its finest. I loved the whole feel of this book. The set up, the characters, the tension and the flow of events was all perfection.... I want more! I need more. There are a lot of books that I read and love...but it’s books like this one that give reason to *why* I love to read. .

An addictive and original fantasy story in a universe where the magic of blood runes leads some to outrageous outrages while others are only kindness and denouement. Bayr and Alba linked by fate takes us on an adventure full of emotions as Amy Harmon knows how to make us feel

Every time I read an Amy Harmon book I'm constantly blown away by the impact of her words. Using such a rich and complex story, Harmon weaves her voice into the lives of her characters and addresses topics that are hard-hitting and impactful. The way the characters work through their problems offer a reflection of how our society functions in an almost perfect mirror image and it's quite compelling to want to start change.

The First Girl Child was an incredible read. This would have to be one of my favourite Amy Harmon books which is saying something with all the great books Amy has written.

The book is a historical fantasy with a little magic which is set in Saylok , a tribal nation. You have the Chieftans of each of the six Tribes, The Keepers and The King. The story is told in multiple perspectives full of lies and betrayal so you know what everyone is up to and what they have done.

Women were not treated very well which is where the story begins with Desdamona who has recently given birth to a Son . She is on her death bed when she curses the land of Saylok to teach the men to appreciate their women.

The story was gripping and intriguing and even though it is quite a long book, I did not want to put it down. In the acknowledgements Amy mentions if the book does well she will write more about the characters of Saylok which I cannot wait to read more about. I finished this book a week ago and still cannot get it out of my head. I would definitely give this book more than 5 Stars if I could.

5 magnificent stars!

First with the Bird and the Sword Chronicles, and now with The First Girl Child, Amy Harmon continues to make the unimaginable real by transporting her readers into her unique fantasy worlds. Her poignant and breathtaking stories are effortlessly brought to life by her vast creativity and imagination, and she consistently delivers one-of-a-kind reads.

The First Girl Child is her newest fantasy and I was quickly consumed by its magic. It is a story of gods and runes, of curses and salvation. It’s majestic and beautiful, emotional and raw.

This book is set in a world where people have gifts that have the power to change everything, and when one such gift is used to curse the future King, it threatens the future of all the people.

”From this day forward, there will be no daughters in Saylok.”

“Salvation will come through my son, and only through him.”

I don’t want to spoil a single part of this story so I will not go into too much detail about the plot but just know it is a cleverly constructed, phenomenally written, completely captivating, and emotionally gripping story that has rocked my world and is easily a top 2019 favorite!

The First Girl Child is about a boy who is destined to be king and the first girl born in a land that was cursed with no more daughters. There is magic to be guarded, battles to be won, a curse to break, and destinies to be fulfilled. This book brings mythological stories to life and the mystery and magic are well crafted. Every single word was perfectly placed and the way the story unfolds is clever and compelling.

It’s a love story of epic proportions, and though the romantic elements are wonderfully executed, this book is so much more than a romance. It’s the story of the people and their connections to each other that really consumed me. The multifaceted characters are unique and the relationships between them are complex. Whether they are good or bad, each person has a role in the story and their own journey to embark on. They face challenges, take chances, and learn to trust the people who truly love them.

The relationship between Bayr and his uncle, Dagmar is heartwarming. They will do anything for one another and I believed it. Their honesty and support is endearing, and I loved watching them work to accept their roles even when the proves difficult.

“You are a protector, Bayr. And I believe you’ve been given power to defend this land—every clan. You are not Bayr, the Temple Boy. You are not Bayr of Berne or Dolphys. You are Bayr of Saylok, and you must defend this land from her enemies within and without.”

Dagmar and Ghost have a special connection that is unique and different. I loved watching it grow and add another layer to the story.

“You make me want to be seen,” she said, and his gaze shot to hers, searing, searching.

“I have always seen you, Ghost.”

And then there are Bayr and Alba, and everything they are to each other. Their connection is true, real, and undeniable from the moment Bayr sees Alba. First as a guardian, then as a friend, and finally as her true love, Bayr has always been meant for Alba. It’s a forbidden love that is pure and fierce. It spans two decades and I believed the love as it grows to be everything.

“There is no Alba without Bayr,” she whispered. “Not now. Not then. Not ever again.”

Overall, this phenomenal story brought so much magic, life, and love into the book world. Amy Harmon has proved once again her ability to deliver an unforgettable story with exceptional characters who remain in our hearts. I want to relive this story over and over and I rediscover the magic that filled my soul.

I’m sure I’m going to get a lot of backlash for not loving this book, and that’s ok. Amy Harmon is a goddess for sure, this book just didn’t do it for me.

Now, I didn’t hate this book. I actually found the overall story quite enjoyable, but the book seemed dense, and kind of tough to read.

I constantly found myself setting this one down in favor of something more fun, and that kind of hurts my soul.

I had such high expectations for The First Girl Child, but it didn’t quite hit the mark.

I’d have to say the last 5% or so was my favorite. Some good action, a lot of death, and a nice precise ending. I do have to say the title didn’t come into play like I would have hoped.

If you like fantasy and historical reads, please pick up this book! It’s wonderfully written, and a great overall story- just not my favorite. I think if this book was cut down to more of a short story, I’d have enjoyed it more.

What an amazing read from Amy Harmon who continues to display her expert world building and beautifully weaved characters who develop fluidly throughout the folding of the plot. Breath-taking, soul deep read of mystery, and finding oneself throughout all the chaos.

I’ve read so many great books lately; exquisite, devastating books that wreck you and heal you, over and over. One of those is The First Girl Child by Amy Harmon, a favorite author of mine. Her books are consistently beautiful, painful, cathartic emotional atom bombs. The First Girl Child is a Viking/Fantasy/Historical romance, with layered world building and vivid, realistic characters. And romance. Did I mention the romance?

It begins with a curse.

“We are abused. We are used. We are bartered and abandoned. But rarely are we loved. So be it. From this day forward, there will be no daughters in Saylok for any of you to love.”

On the day he was born, Bayr’s mother cursed the island of Saylok with her dying breath. She swore that there would be no more daughters born for men to mistreat, and her curse has endured since that day. Until an ambitious and ruthless chieftain claims the throne with undeniable proof of Odin’s favor-a daughter, the first born in seven years. Bayr, only a child but blessed by Thor with inhuman strength, swears to protect the girl, called Alba, for his entire life. As the years go by and no other daughters are born, Saylok becomes increasingly desperate and dangerous, and her king increasingly corrupt. Bayr and Alba seem to be the key to Saylok’s salvation, but secrets will tear them apart, and neither of them know who they really are.

It ends with hope.

“It was not safe; it never had been. It never would be, and the world was forever altered. But mayhaps they could make it better.”

Prepare to hurt so good. I fell in love with these characters, and Harmon takes them (and you) to the very brink of despair, the darkness right before the dawn. But despite flaws and circumstances, they all shine with strength and loyalty. She’s created a magical, multi dimensional world and culture, and I dearly hope she gives us more stories from this world. There’s runes and temple druids, blood magic, shield maidens, and (tasteful) sex next to waterfalls.

The day Bayr was born, the kingdom of Saylok changed irrevocably. Unbeknownst to the people, a curse was unleashed that made them barren of female newborns. As the years progressed and desperation mounted, Alba became the first girl child to be born in Saylok. But hope for her to be their salvation was shattered when the curse persisted. He would do anything to protect her and neither of them had any idea how their fate intertwined with the survival of their kingdom.

Once in a while, I started a book and I just knew it was going to be something special. It happened rarely but this book is one of it. For me, the story was told subtly but made a deep impression internally - not in your face, but gut-punched you to the floor.

The best thing about this book is the characters and the bonds they form with each other. Blood played an important role in the story in more than one way, but it wasn’t the only thing that brought them together. I loved the characters’ loyalty, devotion, and sacrifices. I had a hard time picking a favorite because each of them was significant in their own way. But Dagmar earned his place for the choices he made.

I love mythology, so I enjoyed the Norse influences in the storyline. The plot was engaging especially with the mystical and the religious aspect of the story.

The First Girl Child is a tale of love and heroism. It would appeal to readers looking for a captivating Viking inspired fantasy.

I have been such a fan of Amy Harmon since reading The Bird and the Sword. The First Girl Child was such a delight and heart wrenching read. I was an emotional wreck. The characters are what make the book you feel for all of them Bayr and Alba, Dagmar and Ghost but I might have to admit that ghost might be my favourite. And the world building was an utter joy to read the mythology Ms. Harmon was able to weave was amazing. There is just too much to gush over. Do yourself a favour and pick up the First Girl Child you will not be disappointed.

The premise for Amy Harmon's latest release is absolute brilliance. A curse set forth by a scorned woman plagues a kingdom for decades and sets into motion a course of events that had me completely riveted. I'm not much of a fantasy reader but where this author's name goes, I shall always follow. And I'm so glad I did. This story of curses and magic, Gods and faith, love and friendship completely swept me away and I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. 

The most magical aspect of this novel was Amy Harmon's writing itself. It's absolutely STUNNING, her words. The storytelling, the word weaving, the vivid imagery, the dialogue... it's next level. I was blown away once again by her skill and I can't say that enough. 

The romance reader in me would love to call this Bayr and Alba's story but The First Girl Child is so much bigger than just these two characters who grow from children to friends to epic loves that would bring hope to a land where none exists. I was completely enamored by every single character in this vast kingdom, by the way their stories interlock, by the way their secrets weave and twist. My heart soared and broke for every single one. I'd love for Amy Harmon to revisit Saylock in the future because there's just so much possibility here in this world. While I don't read much fantasy typically, I love and appreciate that the possibilities are truly endless when your world is made of magic and otherworldly abilities. It's so exciting to imagine what else could be...

The First Girl Child is an EPIC adventure for the heart and soul. It blistered my heart with the profound sadness that runs throughout each page. But amidst the heartache, the is always hope. There is always goodness to be found amid despair. Through its twists and turns, Harmon executes a story that feels majestic and ethereal, but sends profound messages we can all relate to. It's a story that reminds us that where there is loss, there are new beginnings. Where there is evil and greed, there is also selfishness and generosity. Where there is despair, there is always love. It's beautiful and unforgettable and truly demonstrative of the mastery of this author. The First Girl Child is an absolute gem, a treat for for the soul whether you're a fantasy reader or not and I strongly recommend it!

Amy Harmon has done it again! She always has the most unique story lines that grab your attention and never let go, and this book was no exception. I can't wait to read it again!

This is my first experience with this author - and I have to say, I am hoping that it won't be my last! The book's premise - a fantasy novel inspired by Norse mythology - is just plain fun. The island of Saylok is a fascinating place and Harmon provides plenty of detail to make it fully come to life. Her characters are great, too! I really loved them all - majors and minors alike.

The book made me cry, and stay top super late to finish it in more or less one sitting (well, I started off sitting, but eventually laid down). The book reads like a fairy tale, a myth and also just as a great book! I totally loved it! The acknowledgments at the end hint that Harmon may set more books here and I certainly hope that she will! I really loved this!

The novel is well-written and fascinating. The premise of a curse that stops girls from being born raises a lot of good discussion questions and I think that this one will appeal to a wide audience of adults and young adult readers alike. I can't wait to see what Harmon will write next!