One word: Epic.
This book was an exquisitely written masterpiece.
Rich, fully fleshed, and believably fantastical, The First Girl Child wove its rune magic over me and didn’t let go from the first word to the last.
I loved all the interwoven threads of the story and how Saylok’s women rose above to become the strongest of them all.
I adored Bayr and Dagmar, fell in love with Ghost and Alba, and was transported to their island of Norse legends, warriors and mythology.
I could see this play out on the big screen.
A triumph by a truly talented author.

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!

Amy Harmon is a brilliant writer. I've always known this and I must say, this newest story may be her best yet.

This is filled with beautiful, vidvid scenery. Amy paints a picture with her words. I could almost be in the setting.

And the story is unique. I can't think of anything similar that I've read recently, if ever.

The characters are fabulous, memorable. They stay with you long after you've finished.

Humor! Yes, even in this story. Which I find so important.

I just...am blown away. I still don't have the words to convey how much I loved this. Definitely going to be in my top of 2019!

I don't typically read fantasy but I can't leave an Amy Harmon book left unread. I'm so glad I decided to read this. Every time I read one of her books, I get an overwhelming feeling like I'm home. Her words are comforting and full of magic. This book is no different.. She builds an intriguing world that left me unable to put this book down.

This book came out of left field for me. I didn’t really know what to expect but it was not this! This novel was amazing - so unexpected but so well done. The writing style hooked me at the beginning but the story development kept my attention. I cannot wait to see what else this author produces!

Anything Amy Harmon writes I will read it and end up loving it. I don't know how she does it but I've yet to read a book of hers I haven't cried over and this one is another addition to the endless 'Amy Harmon must read' list!

Where do I begin...Amy Harmon has yet to fail me, she always brings the goods I don't know how she does it, but I am grateful for it. Her character building is so rich and soulful I can't help but, fall in love with them. Bayr the bravest sweetheart with a stutter that just clinch my heart was a what you want in a hero who is so humble. Alba our warrior princess who knows herself and what she wants unafraid to express herself, a true heroine. Dagmar and Ghost the star-crossed lovers who just break my heart with what potential love could be if not for sacrifices. I could talk on and on about this Norse mythology of a fantasy and thank Amy Harmon for her gift of words and creating worlds that come to life with her vivid imagination. She is a true storyteller who knows how to deliver by keeping readers mesmerized long after the story has ended.

I give this book 6 stars and a strong recommendation! It's very well written. The characters are strong. The story is so good! I loved this book!

RATING: 3.5/5 STARS

Amy Harmon is amazing at creating lush imagery in her fantasy novels. The writing in this book is vivid and descriptive, and the worldbuilding is thorough. I savored Alba and Bayr's slow-build relationship. Bayr is such a kind-hearted, genuine character - his protectiveness over those he loves gave me life. Alba, Dagmar, and Ghost are also wonderful characters. However, I felt this story dragged for me a little towards the end. If you liked THE BIRD AND THE SWORD and THE QUEEN AND THE CURE by Amy Harmon, I definitely recommend giving this book a try though. She is such a talented writer.

A sincere thanks to NetGalley and 47North for providing an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Amy Harmon can bring words to life and leave you haunted when they’re gone. The First Girl Child creates a world filled with characters that become both beloved family and villainous enemy. This book shows the consequences of choices made from love and those ignored by greed. A lifetime isn’t always enough to protect what we love.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

I’ve read about 9 books by Amy Harmon. She never disappoints. She’s one of the best story tellers and her talents have no end. She writes fiction, historical fiction and sci-fi. I honestly must say I prefer her fiction over the sci-fi but I appreciate her willingness to write different stories and reach different audiences.

I liked The First Girl Child. Strong female character, which I enjoyed. Amy writes very vividly and paints a beautiful picture of all the events.

I am a fan of Amy Harmon’s books and this one does not disappoint. Her attention to detail and a unique story line made it hard to out this book down. She paints a great picture of life in Saylok and I spent the entire book cheering for Alba and Bayr. If you want a great story of honor, love and family, this book is for you!

The First Girl Child is set in a world of magic and hidden secrets. It's a gritty fantasy at its most cutthroat. A large part of this is due to the cast of characters, many of whom are torn between survival and doing what is right. These aren’t straightforward characters, honest or good. They’re characters who must react to what’s in front of them and who keep to their own code, whether or not others approve of it.

There is also plenty of history tucked away in the pages. The mysterious ruined society that haunts both the characters and physical landscape of the novel also firmly grasped my attention. Part of me hopes for more answers because I love the intrigue and secrecy! It certainly adds a brilliant layer to an already exciting fantasy.

There is so much in which this book excels. Distance itself from others. From main plot, through characterization and worldbuilding to prose. There is an earnestness in Amy Harmon's writing. An honesty and lack of pretension that I find refreshing and so enjoyable to read. I find it hard to explain as it is so intangible
A recommendation for all of those who enjoy fresh take in this genre.

This book was phenomenal!!! Once I picked it up I just couldnt put it down! It will draw you and then then trap you there!

The First Girl Child by Amy Harmon is just a reminder that Amy has and can write anything and the results will be outstanding.

This book hooked me right from the beginning. Fantasy is not my go to genre, but when I read Amy's first fantasy, The Bird and the Sword, I realized what I had been missing.

The First Girl Child will take you on a mythical Norse journey where Odin is primarily worshipped and feared by the people of Saylok. The balance of Saylok's power resides with The Keepers of the Temple and the clan chieftains.

At the onset, Saylok is cursed. "From this day forward, there will be no daughters in Saylock."

Deceit and murderous greed leads to the advancement of one of the chieftains as king. As the curse continues to plague the land the clans suffer and battle to save their land while plundering others outside of their community.

A fearless boy named Bayr, known for his incredible strength, is charged with protecting the princess, the only female born to Saylok since the curse was cast.

This is all I'm going to be able to say about the story without spoilers.

This is a complex story, I wouldn't label a "beach read". Lots of characters (several that are pivotal, and two that are endearing to the story) and information are imbedded in this novel that is sure to stay with you for a long time to come.

The writing is phenomenal as is the tale of Saylok.

This is such a powerful book. And while the slower pace of the writing and plot initially threw my expectations of a faster, more intense kind of story, I quickly assimilated to the storytelling and was caught up in the expertly-woven tale within these pages. I absolutely loved the concept of a world with such quiet yet incredibly important magic as part of the peoples lives. I loved how Norse mythology was a major backbone of the fantasy world and yet how there were many ties to actual history that made this story and world seem even more believable! But most of all I loved the characters, and reading of their growth and story arcs was the most enjoyable and emotional part of this read. So to say that I loved this book is a bit of an understatement and I'm already considering a re-read after finishing this review!

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I am a big fan of Amy Harmon, but I have to say I enjoy her contemporary and historical fiction more. I am not a big fantasy or scifi type reader. I will say anyone who loves Game of Thrones or true fantasyland will love this. Cleverly written and strong characters.

This is the first book I read by Amy Harmon. I had taken a break from reading fantasy after being overwhelmed by the genre. I gave this book a chance and I am so glad I did. It captured my attention, the world she built in the story was amazing. I liked how she developed not just her main characters but the secondary characters as well. They weren't just some filler stories. Overall, it is a great read, especially if you are trying to get back in the fantasy genre but don't want to read a long saga.

This isn't a bad book, but it isn't a book I would recommend to a friend.

First the good. The writing is first-rate and the editing excellent. The author has a gift for developing interesting and complex characters. The world building is fun and interesting, and the story as a whole is easy to follow despite covering many years and depicting a variety of characters.

The bad part is the pacing. The first 200 pages just drag along, appearing to go nowhere. Is it really necessary to watch the central character's entire childhood? This is a 400 page book. Everything could have been told in a lean 250 pages, and the story would have benefited from it.

There is a moderately satisfying resolution at the end, but it's nothing spectacular. Despite the pacing problems, the story is fairly well told. It just is not very appealing.

The only other thing of note is the title. The First Girl Child? One presumes this refers to the character Alba, who isn't really the first of anything. And, in any event, she is not the central character. Bayr is the central character.

No. I wanted to like this story. There just wasn't much to it. It is a bland and moderately good book.

This authors writing is fantastic. These characters are definitely strong. This is a fantasy book. Absolutely amazing.
Thanks NG for the Arc.