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!

What a powerful story! Amy Harmon is one of my favorite authors and I am always intrigued when she writes in a genre that is new to me.

I am blown away by the symbolism and hidden messages she weaves so intricately into this story. I understand Amy Harmon watches and observes our world and wisely uses her art to insert her own commentary. She has something to say and I highly encourage you to give this story a chance and listen.

Amy Harmon writing a fantasy novel? Sign me up! The First Girl Child spans a story over a 20 year period, so the build up is quite extensive. I won't go into detail about the plot, 'cause there is just so much happening.

The relationships between all the different characters, especially Bayr and Dagmar, is what truly made this story for me.

The world Amy created here was quite fascinating, and well thought out. Intrigue, betrayal, and heart, everything needed for a fascinating fantasy tale. Though romance takes a back seat here, I didn't mind because there was so much more going on that demanded your attention.

*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*

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.

The First Girl Child is a fantasy book with some romance. The book is divided into three parts.

I often struggle with fantasy. But I adore Amy Harmon, so I knew that I wanted to read this book.

For the most part I really enjoyed it. I was hooked by the prologue. And I found the world fairly easy to follow. But things happened pretty slowly. It wasn't until the last chapters that the story became action-packed.

There were a lot of 3rd person POVs in this book. Two of the main ones were Bayr (pronounced Bear) and Dagmar. I really appreciated that the author included a pronunciation guide. But there were 20+ names on it. I wish that there had not been that many names that were so difficult to pronounce.

The premise of this story was that a curse was made promising that there would be no more daughters born in Saylok. I thought that this was an interesting set-up for the story. And I enjoyed where the author took the story.

I was very fascinated by the Keepers of Saylok. They were charged with the protection of the forbidden runes and the succession of kings. I adored both Ivo and Dagmar (two keepers).

There was some romance in this book. But it really didn't happen until the last 1/4 of the book. But when it did happen it was great.

My favorite characters were Alba, Ghost and Bayr. Alba was just such a sweet little girl. Ghost was such a unique and fascinating woman. And Bayr was the real hero of this book.

Time went forward too quickly IMO in some chapters. It was sort of crazy how years would pass in just one paragraph. I get that some of the characters needed to age. But I think that I would have preferred to simply have the different parts of the book take place at different times.

My favorite part of this book was the last chapters. These chapters were so action-packed. And they were extremely enjoyable.

This was a story about forbidden loves. It was about family and friendship. And about breaking a curse. I adore this author. This was an interesting and different fantasy with a fascinating premise.

This is a very interesting book. I really enjoyed the mythology side of the book. I would have liked more focus on the female lead, but that is just personal preference. The characters were relatable even if they were a little one dimensional. A very enjoyable and quick book to read. I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading it.

I was surprised to discover that this was fantasy, whereas I thought it was a fantasy romance based on the synopsis. There are two romances. Although they are both important to the story, they aren’t the main plot. The true focus is the family drama with Bayr and the lack of female children being born in Saylock.

I loved the new take on Norse mythology. The rune magic was fascinating although it wasn’t explored to the extent I would have liked. However, I did appreciate that there weren’t info dumps about how the magic worked.

The pacing of the story was off. It was painfully slow for most of the book. It covered the span of roughly 20 years, so there were several time jumps. Many of the huge issues could have been avoided if Dagmar had confided in others exactly what his sister did with her curse, which was incredibly frustrating. By the time those secrets were revealed to others, the pace moved too quickly.

The romances were okay. They were more about love than passion or lust. Dagmar and Ghost were well suited, and yet I didn’t really care if things worked out for them or not. The relationship with Alba and Bayr was awkward. It was in its way love at first sight, which was weird considering Alba was a baby and Bayr was 6 or so. I’m not a fan of love developing between children. Their love was purely innocent when they were young, but it was clear they had a deeper than usual connection for their age. I did want them to end up together but wish there had been more time for their relationship to develop as adults.

I read all of this author’s books for her brilliant storytelling regardless of the genres. She can write ANYTHING and I would read it. Fantasy is typically not my favorite but it is impossible not to get swept up in the author’s spells. You can get an idea of what this book entails in the backstory. I feel that it’s impossible to summarize the story because of its complexity and the depth of each characters. The story is so mysterious, magical, vivid, thought-provoking, and completely unique – something you cannot skim through. I had to pay close attention and sometimes re-read certain parts as it spans over a couple decades and I can get easily get lost in the lies, betrayal, twists, and surprises. In the background is a beautiful forbidden love story between the first girl child and the man who protects her but there is so much more…This is a poignant story about fate, sacrifice, survival, and redemption. Truly fascination and magnificent read!