From the New York Times bestselling author comes a breathtaking fantasy of a cursed kingdom, warring clans, and unexpected salvation.
Bayr of Saylok, bastard son of a powerful and jealous chieftain, is haunted by the curse once leveled by his dying mother. Bartered, abandoned, and rarely loved, she plagued the land with her words: From this day forward, there will be no daughters in Saylok.
… no daughters in Saylok.
Raised among the Keepers at Temple Hill, Bayr is gifted with inhuman strength. But he’s also blessed with an all-too-human heart that beats with one purpose: to protect Alba, the first girl child born in nearly two decades and the salvation for a country at risk.
Now the fate of Saylok lies with Alba and Bayr, whose bond grows deeper with every whisper of coming chaos. Charged with battling the enemies of their people, both within and without, Bayr is fueled further by the love of a girl who has defied the scourge of Saylok.
What Bayr and Alba don’t know is that they each threaten the king, a greedy man who built his throne on lies, murder, and betrayal. There is only one way to defend their land from the corruption that has overtaken it. By breaking the curse, they could defeat the king…but they could also destroy themselves.
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I rarely read fantasy but when I saw that The First Girl Child was from Amy Harmon, I didn’t think twice about picking it up because I love her writing. She did not disappoint, creating a wonderful plot inspired by Norse mythology full of intrigue, curses, betrayals, struggles, adventures, wisdom and action. Not to mention two exciting backdrop romances.
It was wonderful to follow the journey of Dagmar, Ghost, Alba and Bayr. Early on we learned of Bayr’s mother Desdemona’s relationship with her brother Dagmar, showing her impetuousness and his strength in defying his father who wanted him to be a clan warrior rather than a temple guardian, a keeper.
Then we follow Bayr’s life, all his shyness, obedience, sweetness, and strength, remembering Samson and Moses, biblical characters.
Finally, we saw the struggle of a people against a tyrant and traitor capable of everything for power just like medieval movies.
Fantastic and engaging from start to finish.
Every book I pick up by this author I find I can’t put down and The first Girl Child is no exception. Bayr and Alba’s story set amongst the myths and legends of Saylok is intriguing and as always beautifully written by this exceptionally talented Author. You want to know what is going to happen as their lives become more and more entangled and the actions of others from long ago begin to be revealed with dire consequences. If you’re a fan of Norse Mythology you will love The First Girl Child even if you’re not stick with it it’s so worth the read.
Amy Harmon is an amazing storyteller! This is only the second book I’ve read of hers, but wow. I will definitely read more!
Amy Harmon continually amazes me with the creativity of her stories. I loved this story and think it would make an incredible movie. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
Great book. Slow-developing fantasy, so if that’s not your jam, I don’t recommend it. Really masterfully written. If I had one request, it would be for a more nuanced/developed villain, but I’m not sure that could be accomplished given the storyline (and the need to keep his plans secret to provide suspense).
In this story, Amy Harmon has created a magical world that will leave you wanting more. Bayr born in a land cursed by his mother, but destined for great things. Alba is first girl that is born in years, but her birth is shroud in deception. The tale is captivating and unpredictable. This is not my usual genre but you can’t go wrong with this author. Amy’s words flow beautifully and capture every character’s emotion perfectly. Take your time reading it, getting lost in a whole new world.
My first Amy Harmon book and boy did she captivate me. I’m not much of a fantasy reader but this one hooked me. I felt as if I was in the land of Saylor along with all the characters. I was able to visualize and feel due to the extraordinary words of the writer.
Bayr and Alba….. There is no Alba without Bayr and No Bayr without Alba. Plain and Simple is the beauty of the story. It is destiny fueled by a curse of a dying mother. But this tale is also so much more. This story is a mythological journey about sacrifice, devotion and love. It is also fueled with friendship and loyalty intertwined with lies and a secret curse. The connection that the author fuses with the different characters is ever present and continually growing. Each and every character is bold and transcendent. Without one there is not the other. Dred, Desdemona, Dagmar, Ghost, Alba, Banruud, Master Ivor, the keepers, the clans, and the Daughters of Freya all bring this fantasy alive and nourish the story to magical heights.
What I have discovered over the years is that reading eloquent and magnificent writing makes any story, any genre worth trying. And while I thought I wasn’t a fantasy reader, Amy Harmon has changed my mind and made me a wanna reader. Thank you AH for a beautiful story that kept me enchanted and mesmerized and in the land of Saylor.
A story for all readers who love to read about love and loss, good verses evil and magical HEAs.
PS- This story would make a fabulous Netflix movie/mini series I must say!!
The First Girl Child another amazing story by Amy Harmon!! I felt in love with this world from the very first pages of the book. in the beginning, I was having a hard time getting into all the characters but then around 30% everything was clearer and it blew me away..
Bayr a strong characters that we meet when he was just a boy, he is special even if people around them think otherwise but just a few know that he has the power and the blessings of the Gods. he was kind and always trying to do the best for others, protecting what he loves the most. it really broke me at times when people were mean to him but Bayr always surprised us with his strong mind and his determination.
Alba was also a great character her journey started at a very young age without even knowing her truth.. she was respected and loved by all the people that got in touch with her including Bayr her faithful protector.
Alba and Bayr affection and love were always palpable even if the years passed by or the king try so hard to separate them no matter what everything was already written for these two to be together. their story was unclear, only a few knew the truth about their past a past that it is known, can bring the king down to his knees and destroy all his plans.
Dagmar and Ghost’s story is also beautiful I will love to know more about them or to have a book about their love, they’re very important in Alba’s and Bayr story. their love and secrets are so strong that eventually, they will have to realize them to bring peace to the kingdom.
overall without giving so much away the story was amazing, the characters where intense and super rich, I love how Bayr was strong and didn’t care what other people said about him, his love for the people he care was intense and pure and he didn’t have anything more important to do that protect what he loved the most his uncle and the love of his life..
“In the beginning, they’d rejoiced. Sons were always preferable. Sons were the lifeblood. The protectors. The warriors. The farmers. How foolish they’d all been.”
A beautiful, dark, slow paced tale based on Norse mythology! I however didn’t care about Alba even though she was our main heroine, instead, I found Ghost much more interesting.
Unbelievably fantastic read! I have loved every book I’ve read by the author.
I do not know how she continues to write such epic fantastical tales.
I do know that I’m hooked on her words.
~BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS~
Plot~ 5/5
Main Characters (hero/heroine)~ 5/5
Secondary Characters~ 5/5
The Feels~ 5/5
Pacing~ 5/5
Addictiveness~5/5
Angst~ 5/5
Steam/Hotness/Chemisty ~ 5/5
Theme or Tone~ 5/5
Flow (Writing Style)~ 5/5
Backdrop (World Building)~ 5/5
Originality~ 5/5
Ending~ 5/5
Book Cover~ Simple but profound
Series~ Stand-alone
Source~ Kindle eBook – Borrowed from KU
Would I read more from the author? Yes
Would I recommend this book? Yes
No doubt, this was another breathtaking story in this author’s arsenal. The First Girl Child was amazingly well thought out and the details were exceptional in the world-building and characterizations. The first 50% was slower moving as it built this fictional Norse world. After having meticulously learned the ways of the kingdom, clans, and keepers, the story built to a resounding crescendo in the second half with multiple characters and their individual stories meeting in a flurry of revelations that threatened to be their undoing. There were many characters, but the author managed to have me invested in each of their stories and outcomes. At moments tense and frightening, there were also many times I smiled, cried, and swooned. Most importantly, I was consistently awestruck by the storytelling. In the end, it was a brutal world, but not without a gloriously welcome happy ending.
Since I read and listened to the book and audio interchangeably, I want to give recognition to the narrator, Rob Shapiro. I’ve only listened to this narrator on one other occasion and that was with Amy Harmon’s, Making Faces. Along with that novel, it’s an audio that remains a top favorite of mine, because of the fabulous presentation. It’s rare for me to enjoy a single male narrator when they are also relaying female dialogue. Rob Shapiro has it mastered in his sentence emphasis, inflections, and various voice incantations. An outstanding story aptly presented by an excellent narrator.
What can I say? Where to start…. This was a very different book than I was expecting and it exceeded my expectations by leaps and bounds! This story is essentially a hero’s journey, minus the road trip, but nonetheless, we are given some remarkable archetypes that flourish.
There is a young boy, Bayr, who grows into a strong and kind warrior. His life interweaves with that of Alba, a young girl, who also fits an age-old archetype that I was relieved to see spun in the manner in which Ms. Harmon chose. She is more than she seems, and that’s all I can say : ) Along with these 2 protagonists, we meet a whole slew of fascinating village of people who all bring this world to life, particularly Dagmar, Master Ivo and the mysterious outsider, Ghost.
I can’t go into more detail without giving away too much. Just believe me when I say that the Norse mythology interweaved with artistic license into this fabelesque fantasy is not to be missed. Amy Harmon’s writing is simply exquisite and her ability to paint a vivid and lifelike picture with her words is remarkable and awe inspiring. Pick up this book and settle in for an incredible journey and exciting tale.
The First Girl Child was an incredible story. I am not a fantasy reader. I am an Amy Harmon reader. I have to admit that I have not yet read her other fantasy books, but I will definitely be moving them to the top of my TBR now. This other world of Saylok was mesmerizing. The whole story of Bayr and Alba, and all of the amazing characters, was unlike anything that I’ve read before. I was immersed in their world and drawn into their lives. It is a must read, for sure.
The First Girl Child by Amy Harmon is a full length, standalone novel. Set in historical norse gods mythology.
Dagmar and Desdemona are siblings and destined for great things. While Desdemona became a warrior, Dagmar joined the lokal temple and became a Keeper, part of a group of a spiritual leaders.
He’s able to make contact with his gods and karma has big plans with him. Plans in form of a newborn child.
The First Girl Child is a gripping story, a nailbiting, unputdownable read that had me sitting on the edge of my seat from start til the end. I can’t express how much I loved the story, and the writing is more than excellent. And don’t get me started with the characters. I couldn’t get enough reading about them. I loved Alba and Bayr’s story and wish to read more about this time period.
I highly recommend The First Girl Child and give 5++ stars.
I loved this Norse-inspired stand-alone fantasy from one of my favorite authors, Amy Harmon. Regardless of the genre she writes, her books are sure to captivate me and play on my heartstrings, and The First Girl Child was no exception. It’s not my favorite book from Amy, but it’s still an excellent read. I recommend it!
Just….whoa. This looks like a great upcoming epic read! And it’s got vikings!
“No Alba without Bayr. No Bayr without Alba.”
No gut-wrenchingly beautiful worlds to imagine without Amy Harmon.
I cannot express my love for the worlds Amy is able to create with her mighty pen. I wanted to savor every moment in Saylok. Every rune of the Keepers. Every stroll through the garden. Every wall scaled in bravery. Every tree and stone prayed by. The images and scenes and pictures created by Amy’s magnificent prose is second to none in the fantasy world.
I will no longer just see a nights sky filled with stars but instead “The night above the trees void of color. Black branches, white stars, gray sky.”
Mine IS the heart of a defiant child.
No spoilers…
Incredible and amazing… such a beautiful story. Amy Harmon spins up a wonderful tale of mythology, survival, chaos, love, and magic. This book is emotional, heartbreaking, action packed and romance all in one.
A must read!!!
A curse with far reaching consequences is crafted within the opening chapters of this novel and it is this event steeped in emotion and tragedy that shapes the narrative of the story, and thereafter a stunning tale is weaved depicting power, jealousy, betrayal, hope, sacrifice and above all else, love. Amy Harmon is a writing genius when it comes to creating unique layered worlds, whether they be in the genre of romance, history or fantasy and this story encompasses all three elements with absolute excellence. It was a joy to feel immersed in the land of warring clans and characters who were brave, who cared deeply, were principled, and had faith. Characters who developed perfectly through the timeline of the story and effortlessly pulled me into the heart of their cursed kingdom making me feel and hope and love along with them.
Bayr of Saylok and Alba are the main protagonists in a sea of compelling characters who make up the tapestry of this story, many having an equal and vital role in the rich prose of the story arc. I was utterly enamoured with the plotline and the vividly depicted world beautifully showcased by Harmon who, I feel, can turn her hand to any trope and capture my undivided attention with her penmanship. I very much hope I have the opportunity to visit the fantasy world of Saylok again and highly recommend this novel to my fellow reading addicts.
Review copy received via Netgalley / reviewed voluntarily *
This book was deep. I love Amy Harmon and she single handedly brought me into the world of fantasy. Before I read her books I didn’t think I was a fan of the genre. She made a liar out of me and this book was right up there with quality I have come to expect when I read an Amy Harmon book. The story of Alba and Bayr was twisty, it was deep and it was salvation. There were so many times where I wanted to scream at the characters so they would not be scared and do what was right and go with their hearts. I absolutely loved the fantasy aspect of this book and the Keepers and Runes. “There is no Alba without Bayr.” We didn’t know how he would be the salvation of Saylok, but we knew it was written, so it would be. Even the secondary love stories had me completely invested. Definitely not let down at all!