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!

My gosh! Amy can write! I felt so drawn to Bayr and Alba! They were so strong and courageous along with the others in this fantastic story! In a world that hasn't had a female birth in years and on the brink of war only one person can break the curse. Who will it be? Get ready for a wonderful tale of magic, bravery, heartache and Truelove!

Amy Harmon is always an author that I can count on to deliver a well written story, and characters that are intriguing and unique. This one is no different.

The story begins with the birth of Bayr, and the curse his dying mother levies against the kingdom of Saylok: "From this day forward, there will be no daughters." Bayr is raised by his uncle and the Keepers at Temple Hill - those that wield the power of runes. Bayr is gifted with strengths beyond his age and development level, causing others to question his true identity.

When the Queen of Saylok fails to birth an heir, the King steals an infant girl from a slave woman named "Ghost" and raises her as his own. This girl, Alba, is thought to have broken the curse and Bayr is tasked as her protector. The two form a unique bond and connection that carries them through their journey.

New worlds are developed, and the story has a bit of Norse mythology embedded within. This is one novel that I read slowly, not because I wasn't engaged, but because I wanted to savor all the details and immerse myself within this fantasy world. I can't recommend this one enough!

Another amazing epic fantasy read from the author.

At the center of this story is the theme of relationships: Bayr with the priests who raise him, Bayr with Alba, Alba with the priests, Dagmar with both Bayr and Alba. Although the fate of the kingdom is at risk, it's the powerful feelings between Bayr and Alba that ultimately drive the narrative and the action as they relate to everything else.

It's a complex story where the imagery and setting and concept left me thinking for days after finishing.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

4.5 <b> Ghost </b> Stars
This book is a long one nearly 400 pages and it is one you have to slow your speed reading brain down for because there are so many little pieces of information you need to store away like bread crumbs. The world painted here is clans, Vikings, war, betrayal, lies and so much more. I am glad I took a chance on a fantasy book because it is not my normal cup of tea and I typically steer clear of the genre but the blurb and cover sold me.
<b>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</b>
What was so surprising about this story is how real it felt I almost felt I was just reading an ancient story of clans and Vikings and gods. This book is about death, growth, loss, love and power.

I adore everything Amy writes but I struggled with this one. A personal struggle because as with all her books the writing is superb and the story compelling just not for me. I did stay in it until the very last page and the imagery is magnificent.

This is one of those reads you analyze at the end of each reading session. You kinda stew and wonder. For me the pace was a little slow but Amy builds an entire fantasy world and there is so much ground to cover that you need the slower patches to fill you mind with the scene.

At the end you sit for a few days and allow the pieces to fall in place. When you look back at this one you’ll realize, WOW that was one story I’ll never forget.

I LOVE this book and man, no one can tell me otherwise!

Let's start with the basics: The Author.

I'm positive that almost everyone who's read her, can't help but fall in love with Amy's writing. And this book was no exception.

Now, I have personally never read one of her more "adventure" centered books, my favorites having been Making Faces (obviously), and The Law of Moses and A Song for David, but when I saw since I have been having a terrible time getting any reading done lately, I thought why not mix things up, and read something other than pure romance for a change?

Let me tell ya, it totally totally worked out.

I'll have a more detailed review closer to the release date..

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.

Never did I read a book from Amy that I didn't like nor feels magical whether it's a fantasy or not, and this is no exemption. I was not really expecting it to be as good as the previous book of Harmon that I've read because first, It's about a Bayr of Saylok, bastard son of a powerful and jealous chieftain, I know from experience that it's easier for me to connect if the book is about a girl or a woman, because I am one, but this book is game changer for me, I underestimate how talented Amy is. I was really into the story absorbing it, learning things, making me realized a lot of things, like Amy's previous book, you won't just read it, it will consumed you, this one does. The story telling is flawlessly done, the past, the present. I finished reading the book feeling grateful that I discovered Amy Harmon, once again proving me how talented a writer she is.

“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.”

Short but fun and sweet to read! I enjoyed this one. Plot had a few holes but nevertheless a win. A favrite author of mine indeed!

Hauntingly Excellent!

A moving representation of how 2 wrongs don’t make a right and the power of love.

The First Girl Child is a story that rocks you to your bones. The sheer words alone captivate with their power. They flow across the pages telling the story of a parent's love for their beloved child. The depths they endure to allow their child to have a better life is alluring. Along with the intense despair, a parent feels while watching a child make life choices and the consequences that ensue.

The story unravels like the layers of an onion. From kings to runes to gods this story holds a lot of raw magical power. An enchanted tale of a land cursed and the stolen ‘treasure’ that leads to the demise of the kingdom.

THE FIRST GIRL CHILD is a standalone story of a time when kingdoms ruled and curses could set the world ablaze. A truly beautiful story about the great value we place on things and the risk taken to protect those things of value. An unforgettable tale of the world gone by.

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦
RELEASE DATE: August 20, 2019
Pre-order | order: https://amzn.to/2YgJP7w


STANDALONE

**Complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.*

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I consider Amy Harmon to be one of my absolute  favorite authors and her stories never fail to blow me away. What makes her books stand out is that with each new title we get offered a completely unique story belonging to a wide variety of genres. There are not many authors who can pull off more than one genre, and Amy Harmon is able to do so with utter and total success. The First Girl Child has once again proven to me that she truly is a brilliant writer. I already fell in love with her 2019 historical fiction release, What The Wind Knows, earlier this year, and this new fantasy title is the second book to receive the full five star rating this year. Want to know why you should add The First Girl Child to your wishlist straight away?

This is already my sixth Amy Harmon book and my first time reading one of her fantasy stories (I've been meaning to read The Bird And The Sword for ages though), and I was completely blown away by it. I know already that The First Girl Child will stay with me for a long time... Its high fantasy world being one of the favorite places I've been lucky enough to visit so far this year. Oh yes, the worldbuilding in this story is absolutely brilliant. Using Norse mythology influences, Amy Harmon has created a new God and son of Odin named Saylok, and has shaped the fantasy world around his story. I loved the idea behind the star-shaped island of Saylok, with its different clans named after the different animals representing the children of Saylok. And the animals are not just for decoration, as the inhabitants of each clan bear a resemblance to their respective animal in both a physical way and through their customs. You will find many many references to the Nordic culture and myths as you are reading Bayr's story, and this was personally a huge bonus for me as I have a weak spot for Norse mythology and Nordic culture in general.

While the different clans and the inner workings of life in Saylok might have that historical feel, The First Girl Child also gives us a proper dose of fantasy with the help of the magic of the Keepers and the Runes. The fact that we don't know a lot about the history behind the Runes and its power, other than that it's basically blood magic, only adds to the mystery around the Keepers and the role they play in protecting Saylok. The Keepers play a big role throughout the story, with the main character Bayr growing up with them, and Temple Hill was a fascinating backdrop for Bayr's story in general. The plot is well constructed and is build around the curse his dying mother put on Saylok and all its inhabitants. No girls will be born from the day she voiced her curse and died, and Bayr will be Saylok's only hope... With no further explanation about how he is supposed to save Saylok available straight away, I kept eagerly reading and I loved seeing the future slowly unravel. Years pass in a fluent way, and the pace is kept at a speed that will make you turn those pages like there is no tomorrow. The brilliant writing only adds to this feeling and gives The First Girl Child the high quality I've come to expect when it comes to Amy Harmon's books.

But this story is nothing without its characters. Bayr, Alba, Ghost, Dagmar... Those are only a few of the characters that will win over your heart and make you fall in love with this story. The main stars of The First Girl Child are Bayr and Alba, and I adored both their characters and their relationship together. The character development in general is brilliantly done and shows them evolving realistically over time. The fact that nobody but Dagmar knows about the curse gives the story an interesting twist, and that is not the only secret that is being kept from the other characters. Things slowly escalate as years pass without another girl child being born, and I had a fantastic time learning all about Bayr and Alba's story. The First Girl Child ended with a bang and without doubt left me wanting for more... And I'll keep my fingers crossed we'll get to visit Saylok and its characters again some time in the future.

The worldbuilding, the Norse mythology influences, the characters and their development, the plot, the writing... Oh yes, there were plenty of reasons that made me give The First Girl Child the full five stars it deserves. I can highly recommend this story to anyone who loves a good fantasy story with characters you cannot help but fall in love with and a healthy dose of Nordic references. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

THE FIRST GIRL CHILD is an enthralling love story of the first girl child and her protector, the tongue-tied Temple Boy.

𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐆𝐔𝐘𝐒!!! 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐈𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄! 𝐎𝐇 𝐌𝐘 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐃𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒, it is so good! SO SO GOOD! Just when you think her last book was her best, Amy Harmon gives us 𝘛𝘏𝘌 𝘍𝘐𝘙𝘚𝘛 𝘎𝘐𝘙𝘓 𝘊𝘏𝘐𝘓𝘋.

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!⁣⁣

THE FIRST GIRL CHILD is unforgettable, definitely re-readable, and undoubtedly, un-put-down-able!

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!

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book I read about Amy Harmon and I didn't have high expectations but at the end of the book I felt empty because I wanted to read more about the world of Saylok and its wonderful characters, because if there's one thing I loved to madness of this book was not so much the word building but the characters. Bayr is the bastard son of a clan chief, whose mother is betrayed and when he gives birth to the little Bayr he curses their land for not giving birth to little girls. Bayr grows with Uncle Dagmar in a monastery, where he grows with inhuman strength and a sweet heart that has only one purpose, to protect the only child born in the last twenty years.

I don't write anything else about the story because I could make spoilers and I don't want to ruin your reading, but I'll give you some advice: Read this book and love it with all your heart.

I loved this book, Amy is a wonderful writer but I love her fantasy books the best. I’m a fantasy lover at heart and Amy is one of my top favorite writers. She can weave a tale and create new worlds that leave me wanting more. The story was unique one I’ve not encountered yet and I love that.

I chose to read this book simply because Amy Harmon was the author. Fantasy is not a genre I normally read, but Amy’s fabulous story telling is what continues to get me reading books that I would not normally choose.

I say this after every one of the author’s books – but this book is so much different than any of her other books. This story contained more violence than I recall in any of her other books. I guess that is due in part to the time period of this book. While the book doesn’t explicitly state when it takes place, it makes reference to the beginnings of Christianity. Please don’t take my comments to mean this book is filled with violence and religion.

While this story is fiction, apparently, the story was inspired by Norse mythology. I didn’t learn that until reading the author’s notes at the end. I don’t follow any kind of mythology, so I was completely clueless to this while reading the story, so I would say it’s not a requirement to know anything about it before reading the book.

This story takes places over a couple of decades, and it doesn’t focus on any one character in particular. You could almost say it focuses on two different couples, but that’s not really the case either. I’ll just say this – there was a lot of love in this book. Not always romance, but definitely love. Love for a child. Love for a country. Love for its people.

There are a lot of characters introduced in this book, and we learn a great deal about each of them. I wonder if there will be future books set in this world.

My thoughts are swirling all around as I sit here trying to write this review. First and foremost I loved this story. Amy has the most amazing way of crafting a story and pulling the reader headfirst into this world she creates every time she picks up her pen.

Having read her other fantasy books, The Bird and the Sword and The Queen and the Cure, I already knew she would be taking me on a journey that would be unlike anything I've experienced before. The characters, the scenery, the life and culture, the beliefs and customs, all of it was crafted so intricately that I lost myself in the pages of this book.

There were several characters that I absolutely fell in love with in this book and several that I despised, but that is the way of the world no matter if the story is told from a long ago past or current day. The life the characters lived in this time and place were often very unforgiving and I found myself wanting to wrap them up and keep them safe. As is often the case when reading Amy's books, even when she is breaking your heart she does so in a way that helps you understand that this is exactly how this story has to be told and even through my tears I found myself smiling for all the things that made it such a beautifully woven tale.

I honestly would love to sit down with Amy and ask her how she comes up with these stories, not just the basic plot but ALL that comes with it like the scenery and the emotions and the pyschology of it. She writes some of the most complete tales I have ever read.

I have purposely been vague about the actual story and what occurs, and that is because you need to start this story with no preconceived notions or spoilers that could influence your opinion one way or another. Just go in blind and experience Amy's magic roll across the pages.

Another amazing story! I so hope and pray that we will get more books from Amy and the land of Saylock!

Not quite what is expected from the description but I still enjoyed the plot. I'll certainly keep a eye out for this author.