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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There were so many things that felt different for me reading this book in such a good way. Especially with the setting, vikings, clans, warriors, Norse Mythology that its an untouched subject I don’t think I have come across before or maybe its just been a few years. Towards the end though everything felt rushed. I highly applaud Amy for embarking on a Fantasy journey. I STILL enjoyed it. I also thought Rob did a good job narrating.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I finished this book early this morning and have marinated on it all day. This is the type of book The First Girl Child is. I didn’t devour it in one sitting, rather I read it over a period of a few days. That’s not my normal reading habit. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. You will want to read it slow and savor each nuance of the plot, characters and storytelling. It’s like a fine European meal, where you receive each course, taste it and let the flavors explode on your mouth. Then you sit back and reflect on how it made you feel and how it went together so perfectly. This isn’t a fast food meal where you devour it. Savor and enjoy this purely magical event in story telling.
Amy Harmon took a genre and made it her own. This is a fantasy/historical fiction told in third person, loosely based on Norse mythology. Where the characters are mighty and could stand on their own. But that’s not it. Then we get the setting. The setting could easily be seen so vividly through the details and the words. I could see myself walking through the halls of Temple Hill with Alba and Bayr. You could feel the tension of the older characters and rulers and feel the love and naiveness from the younger characters.
The First Girl Child takes place over many years. From the birth of Bayr to his young adulthood. It reads rather quickly, even though it is over an extended period of time. We see him grow from a baby to a powerful child, to a protector and then to a warrior for his clan. He is a character that bleeds right off the pages. I could feel his thoughts, his love, his protectiveness and his anger. He is MORE.
Then we have Alba. Throughout the story, it’s almost like we are to have these two characters, Alba and Bayr, as the main two. But she seemed to be more supporting, along with Dagmar, Ghost, and Banruud. But we couldn’t have Alba without Bayr. Those two went hand in hand. Their stories intertwined in ways that they were destined to from Desdemona’s curse to the clan they were raised in.
“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 Sailor for any of you to love.”
From the rulers and keepers, to the women and daughters, to the slaves, workers and warriors, this book had it all. It almost reminded me of an episode of Games of Thrones. Where we have certain clans all within a certain area that are fighting to show their strength and fighting to represent their people. I don’t want to say too much else as I fear I will give away too much. But I will say again and again that Amy Harmon has a way with words that paint a beautiful scene that can jump right off the pages. The First Girl Child is no different. And while I am content and pleased with the entirety of this book, I wouldn’t mind revisiting this world with other characters. I just fear that some character’s happiness has passed.
I hope you take a chance on a well told story of love and war, lies and deceit, family and honor. It starts out a little slow, but progresses along quite nicely and has quite the climax that will be sure to please any lover of battle.
Sometimes a book will cross your path that leaves you wondering how to write a review without spilling the secrets hidden between the covers. Anytime I pick up an Amy Harmon book, I get that feeling that I might gush so much I will ruin the nuance for other readers. No matter the genre, Harmon expresses her writing style with such finesse and creativity. There really isn’t a genre that Harmon tackles that doesn’t lead me into a world of beauty, connectivity, and the treat of such amazing characters.
The First Girl Child leads readers into a world that has been cleverly crafted around Norse mythology. The time frame spreads out for more than 20 years. Saylok wasn’t just a Kingdom on paper. Harmon wrote this story in a way that made the fantasy as believable as any reader could imagine. The secondary characters felt just as important as the main characters in the novel, a feat that isn’t easy to create. This tale set in a time of kingdoms, curses, and magical powers will lead you to uncover just how important loyalty and devotion is to your life.
4 & 1/2 stars and a definite must read! Very well written with complex characters in an intriguing new world.
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’m normally not a fantasy/pnr reader, but this author has a way of changing all of that.
I was pulled in with the vivid descriptions, and careful attention to details and descriptions.
Captivating, exciting and unputdownable, this story was more than a a story of fantasy and mythology.
It was a girl’s journey to find her way in her world.
How 21st century!
My only issue was that there were some elements of the story that were too stretched out.
Amy’s writing is an incredible talent. I was transported into the story as I read, right next to Bayr and alba through their struggles and triumphs. I’m not a regular fantasy reader, but The Bird and the Sword was my first taste and I loved it. The First Girl Child takes place in an entirely different world, but was a beautiful read. I hope we see more of Saylok in the future!
4.5 stars. Wow Amy Harmon has done it again! Her world building is amazing, the details, and each character has so much growth! This mythical world was nothing short of amazing. Blood runes, love, battles, sacrifice, and family just everything you could want in a fantasy! Bayr for me was the favorite, he had weaknesses but he always stood his ground and fought for what was right and for love, of family and his people! It was a tad long for me, but other then that I loved it!
Thank you to Netgally and 47North for my copy for honest review.
Let me start with a disclaimer: I’m NOT a fantasy reader…AT ALL
I picked up this book because I firmly stand in front of Amy Harmon words with a begging bowl, starving and ravenous.
Having said that, it was relatively easier for me to follow this story because it is beset with current topics which are still rampant in modern times. The plot was as alive and kicking as it was during medieval times
Misogyny is a social curse plaguing humankind, or I should say womenkind, ever since god created Eve from Adam’s rib.
“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.”
Women have been relegated to the background despite proven abilities to lead
Amy skillfully sets her story amidst patriarchal society cursed by a Bay’s mother ridding the future world of girl-children. The son, Bayr is haunted and and tortured by the curse and holding Alba in his soft human heart, wanders about trying to salvage the fate of their country
“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.”
There’s a whole lot of emotions scattered everywhere making it a colorful and enthralling read.
I’m unworthy of reviewing it appropriately as I got lots in so many scenes but overall I still remain detached from fantasy genre
Sorry Amy, Though I didn’t get much of the story, your words just uplifted and transported me to Saylok and I loved my time spent there
4 stars for Daughter Of Saylok
I love that Amy Harmon can imagine and create a whole other realm based on Mythology to give us a story unlike any other that I have read.
The tale is slow to start but if you continue on you will have one of the best stories brought to life, the vividness her words create can produce in your mind’s eye that you will want to visit often. Unforgettable!
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.
Sometimes when an author creates a new world it can drag or be hard to follow. Not with this book!
The things we do for love is a big part of what I took away from this story. The love of a brother for his sister and nephew, the love of a mother and her child, even the love of a whole kingdom. Love can move mountains they say. Too bad there is always going to be evil in the world. It is even worse when evil has all the power.
A must read for fans of Amy’s books, fans of strong women stories, lovers of underdogs finding a way to shine, and over all fans of love stories.
Harmon always weaves the most intense, interesting stories. Her books leave me thinking and grateful and feeling like I went on a journey. This one was a little different the her others. Most of her books are about two people falling in love with the world heaving around them. This is about a world and the different people in it who love and loose and fight. Her Characters always pull me with them through there thoughts, feelings and actions. She is a brilliant story teller and the world she has built is intense and it’s people are real and flawed. This is an adult novel. There is the violence you would expect from the vikings but it’s not blood and gore in your face, it all has a purpose and is not over done. There is sensuality but no sex scene but talk of the act and talk of nudity and some crude talk about sex. This is a novel teaching the value of the human life and what would happen if the population of woman declined rapidly. There is talk of rape, and slaves and kidnapping. If it were a movie it would border the R-pg13 rating.
I normally have a hard time getting into fantasy books because of the world building. I find it makes for a slow read. The world building in this book is spread throughout and makes for a well-paced story. This was beautifully written and the story pulled me in. I loved all the characters and everything they brought to the story. The story flowed well and the pace picked up towards the end. Amy brought everything together and gave the story the perfect ending.
Only an author like Amy Harmon can thrust me into a fantasy world and cause me to fall in love almost immediately. This is not my kind of genre (not even close) but her superb storytelling whisked me away to the land of Saylok and I never looked back.
Harmon’s love of Norse mythology is at the forefront of this beautiful tale, one spanning many years as the Temple Boy known as Bayr becomes the fierce protector of Princess Alba. Their pairing is most unusual as the brutish Bayr feels a sudden kinship to the newly born Alba upon his first laying eyes on her and becomes the center of her life. Their sweet relationship is one of mostly joy as Bayr teaches Alba the ways of their world. Their bond cannot be broken even as they are eventually separated when Bayr becomes a beloved Chieftain and Alba carries on her rightful duties as the lone princess of her father’s kingdom.
Throughout this story, many battles are waged, both between warring factions that make up Saylok and those of the heart. From the very start, Bayr’s mother Desdemona, sets in motion a curse after her own heart was broken that changes the course of not only her land of Dolphys but all of Saylok. What transpires after that fateful day when Desdemona causes a rune to guide the rest of her world after she is long gone sets the course for not only her own son’s destiny but that of his beloved Alba.
This book is intensely detailed but it needs to be in order to fully comprehend just what this fantasy world is all about. And perhaps for me, not relishing most fantasy stories, had me struggling at first trying to decipher all the foreign names, the chosen work of most of Saylok’s inhabitants and the stark reality that I wasn’t in Kansas any longer! (lol) But as I delved deeper into the story, I couldn’t help but get lost in its magic with love as the subtle guide for each of the characters I came to adore.
And as the journey of Bayr continues through the years, all the unfamiliar terms started to make perfect sense and I realized that in the end, the differences between my own world and that of Saylok weren’t all that important. What is crucial is the affection and determination that Bayr, Alba, Dagmar, Ghost all have within them and how they would stop at nothing to make sure those they loved were safe and protected. The humility on Bayr’s part was wildly endearing and his innate agility and ability to expertly use weapons without practice made him even more attractive to a reader like me. It was hard not to lose myself in his imperfect perfection.
The many sacrifices these characters endured brought me to tears more than once and yet the way they all continue to endure despite many obstacles thrown in their way made me even more anxious to find out what would happen next. There is much talk of the power of runes and a certain kind of spirituality that is a usual part of the Harmon mystique in her work and it definitely added an otherworldly kind of feeling. With Dagmar as a Keeper of Saylok, under the guidance of the very wise Ivo, we are treated to quite a few remarkable occurrences. And they added just the right touch when things seemed to be a bit out of control.
Like I said at the beginning of this review, I am not a fantasy reader. Not at all. But Amy Harmon made me a believer with the way she continues to share the power of love no matter the genre. Even when I became a bit lost at all the terminology and trying to keep everyone’s names straight, I still found the love story that made me smile.
Give this one a go. You won’t want to stop once you start and your heart will be forever lost to the Temple Boy and his Princess and the brave souls of Saylok. Really well done, i couldn’t give The First Girl Child anything but a huge 5 stars!
I nearly didn’t read this because I’m a little burned out recently by Norse inspired stories but I would definitely have missed out on a really good story about sacrifice, love and redemption.
Dagmar watched his sister die after giving birth to her son Bayr but as she did she cursed the people who she thought had cruelly let her down. Dagmar had turned away from his fathers Viking ways to become what is essentially a Monk so you can imagine the chaos and controversy it would bring to turn up with a baby ! Luckily this child is very special and Bayr is allowed to stay and as he grows his amazing God given abilities see him catching the eye of the King and Bayr becomes the protector of the first girl child born since the curse Alba but all is not as it seems. A power hungry corrupt King, a young couple who seem doomed and then there’s the secret of both their births that could very well topple a Kingdom !
I absolutely loved this and will definitely read more from this author. It’s as much a story about Dagmar as it is Bayr. Dagmar and those he trusts within the temple make great sacrifices to protect their people and its oh so poignant but to say more would ruin this story. I can say that I really enjoyed how Alba was written as she’s stubborn which offset the sweetness and naivety that was Bayr quite nicely. Make no mistake Bayr goes on a journey of self discovery that leads him back to where his Uncle Dagmar began and that made this feel like a well rounded tale. With a little magic to further enhance the events taking place the author has written a story that has romance, action and perhaps even a feminist message but most of all it made me feel for these characters and surely that’s the best recommendation ?
This voluntary take is of a copy that I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
The First Girl Child
By: Amy Harmon
4.5 Stars
I can now say that I’ve popped my Fantasy Cherry!
Going into this book, I will admit…I was very leery of it going into the pile of DNF books. To read a fantasy book, it is not at the top of my list of genres to read, that’s for sure. But… and a huge But… this fantasy book is written by one of my all-time favorite authors. If I could actually read one, it would be written by no other than Amy Harmon!
The talent that this author gives to us in each and every book she publishes is amazing. The different journeys she has taken us readers on are all very different in their stories but one thing that never fails, they are journeys that we as readers will never forget!
Drawn into this book from the get go, it takes a bit to get the feel of the characters and how it all works in this world they live in. The different levels of people and what their responsibilities are for their world to survive.
Once the setting is set and you’ve now been engulfed into seeing the good and the bad, you will be rooting for one team alone. Team Bayr and Alba!!!
Although their lives are not brought to us without major setbacks, their lives are complete when they are together.
Dive into this wonderful world and enjoy! I never thought I would recommend a fantasy book but would definitely not hesitate to recommend this one to everyone to enjoy.
THE FIRST GIRL CHILD is an enthralling love story of the first girl child and her protector, the tongue-tied Temple Boy.
!!! ! , it is so good! SO SO GOOD! Just when you think her last book was her best, Amy Harmon gives us .
After Bayr’s mother puts a curse upon the land, where no girls will be born and Bayr is to be the King and savior of Saylok, Bayr’s mom dies. His uncle, one of the Keepers of the land, finds Bayr and raises him in the temple with the other Keepers. Years after, the wife of the Chief of one of the clans of Saylok is pregnant. She’s lost all children she’s tried to carry and they’d all been boys. Miraculously, this time, she births a girl and the baby survives. Bayr may be a young boy, but he’s physically built and stronger than most boys and men twice, even three times his age. It is his strength and agility coupled with his loyalty that makes the Chief of Berne proclaim Bayr the protector of his daughter, Alba. Bayr is not only her protector, but he becomes her only friend. The two were inseparable while they grew up together. But it was a threat of danger for Saylok and Alba that forces Bayr to leave, entrusting her protection to the Keepers of Saylok.
I absolutely loved it. It was beautifully written, the story was so rich and full of character. The descriptions were stunning. But the characters! The characters were flawlessly written. I loved their journey and mourned the end of their story.
Be careful what you fear” “We draw the attention of the fates when our fear grows too loud. The fates are cruel, and they will reward you with what you fear most.
With THE FIRST GIRL CHILD, Harmon gives us beauty, depth and insight. This fantasy world she created is stunning and harsh. Her characters are flawed and perfect.
With the Keepers of Saylok, this book is rich in spiritual ideology and threaded with hints of Christianity.
Banruud will deny him again. And in his denial, He will deny all of Saylok. Salvation will come through my son, and only through him.
Everyone has their favorite author(s), their one-click favorites. Over the years the list of my favorites has grown and changed. I’ve found that many authors I stood beside, I no longer read. Their writing has become stale and they aren’t producing new and exciting material. Is that the writer or is that me? Have I become accustomed to, and therefore bored with their voice? I’m not sure.
What I am sure of is that I’ve been reading Amy Harmon’s words since 2013. And with each book, her storytelling improves. Each story is unique. And I proclaim each release to be my favorite. Once again, Amy Harmon will be at the top of my favorites of the year list!u2063u2063
THE FIRST GIRL CHILD is unforgettable, definitely re-readable, and undoubtedly, un-put-down-able!
“We do not live to endure. We endure so someday we can…live.”
Wow! What a fantastic story! Amy Harmon’s writing never ceases to amaze me. I am sitting here in awe. This story completely captivated me!
The writing is spectacular! The depth of which Amy Harmon allows you to envision everything is incredible. You can see the land of Saylok. You can feel the characters and everything they go through. The way she paints the entire world within the story will have you absolutely mesmerized.
And the characters! Alba, Bayr, Dagmar, Ghost, Ivo, they will all grasp a piece of your heart. Such amazing characters written with so much heart.
This story and its characters will consume you. It’s a story of survival. It’s a story of deceit. It’s a story of strength. It’s a story filled with passion and heart and love. It’s a story that must be read. Absolutely phenomenal!
“There is no Alba without Bayr.”
Absolutely AMAZING!!!!
Amy Harmon managed to completely lure me into this world of Saylok. I was obsessed with Alba and Bayr. Obsessed!! This one is different to my usual reads and it completely captivated me.
You get Norse mythology, magic and mystery. Curses and tragedy are themes and I have to say I was sad when it ended. I could have easily read another 500 pages about these characters. It’s a 2019 Favourite for me for sure!