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The First Girl Child

The Chronicles of Saylok

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The First Girl Child

Written by: Amy Harmon
Narrated by: Rob Shapiro
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About this listen

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.

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.

©2019 Amy Harmon (P)2019 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.
Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Historical Romance Heartfelt Norse King Royalty
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What the critics say

"By far, my favorite book of 2019. Addictive, engrossing, completely unputdownable. Amy Harmon's The First Girl Child needs to be at the top of everyone’s reading list." --Penny Reid, New York Times bestselling author

"The First Girl Child is a unique and lovely read set in a world that is both familiar and strange. Rich, fast-paced, and romantic, this book will thoroughly satisfy fantasy readers craving a story with meat on its bones. It’s going on my shelf next to Robin Hobb and Patricia McKillip." --Jared Garrett, bestselling author of Lakhoni

"Utterly brilliant. A sprawling tale of love and magic, of leadership and the sacrifice that comes with it. I cannot recommend this book enough." --Bestselling author Staci Hart

What listeners say about The First Girl Child

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Amazing story !!! OMG

Another must read I enjoyed the story line I could not stop listening.

don't skip this book .

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  • Overall
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Lovely story with the perfect narrator

This is the second book by Amy Harmon that I've listened to. Her writing style is simple and elegant. A lovely story that passes the time in a pleasant fashion. The story is captivating and honest. I can believe the characters are real and their actions are human and true. I'll continue to find other books by her and listen.

The narrator suited the story perfectly. I'm quite picky about my narrators and Rob Shapiro did not disappoint.

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  • Overall
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More Norse Folklore Please

March 2022 | 4/5
Amy Harmon is a new author to me, but that publishers summary ticked all the boxes for an epic fantasy read. And I had just finished American Gods, so the chance for more Norse mythology made this a no brainer.

The book kicks off with an exciting premise, a cursed land and boy born with a touch of magic. Blood runes and priesthoods. And of course the nod to Norse folklore, but its a slow burn after that.

I was commited and needed to know where it was going. Some of the characters introduced I enjoyed, others easily forgettable. The romance(s) was nice, but also slow to build and dont really go any where. The magic system and runes need more exploration.

I'll read the next title in the series, and hope for a little more action from the Gods.

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1 person found this helpful

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great

loved this book,the princess and Bear were perfect. Lots of action and a perfect love affair,great characters .I really enjoyed it,narration was great. Worth the credit and look forward to the next.

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Great story.

Intriguing story with well developed carectors just wish there was more. The world was so well developed felt like you were stepping inside the pages every time. The narration is wonderful crisp and clear. Lovely.

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3 people found this helpful

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Charming story

After a slightly awkward start this tale quickly pulls you in to a sweet knight and lady tale with a difference. Kept me engaged.

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Awesome

Great story and performance. Loved the characters and the world building. I strongly recommend this book!

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Fantastic storytelling!

I did not want this one to end! I descriptions and development of the characters made a vivid impression in my mind. Any the masterful job of narration enhanced the entire experience!!
I'll be looking for more books from Amy Harmon.

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Riveting book

I lost some sleep listening to this book. I love the characters and the story line. I’m waiting for my next credit to buy book two. I am not a writer so my review is based on how I feel about a book when it ends. I love series and I will definitely be buying the rest of the series!

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New Spin On Norse Mythology

Beautifully written, engaging, and full of character development, THE FIRST GIRL CHILD is a book that took me by surprise. Its concept caught my attention, but it was the execution that had me truly enjoying the book.

The story follows two prophesized children--a princess and her protector--who grow up together in a kingdom plagued with a curse that causes only sons to be born. The story isn't filled with action and is more about the connection that the characters have with each other. It's a story about family bonds, love, and sacrifice. All of which are beautiful.

Bayr and Alba are great together, a strong silent protector and his adventurous princess have a deep connection that spans years and pushes their romance to the brink. Other characters like Dagmar, Ghost, and the Keepers brought emotional weight to the story as Dagmar and Ghost deal with the weight of their secrets, while the Keepers must continue to act as a pillar of faith and guidance.

The world-building is easy to understand as it relies on Norse gods and remains light on magic. Though this is a slower fantasy book, the pacing felt right and the prose was both easy and elegant. All of these factors make THE FIRST GIRL CHILD an underrated fantasy with a slow burn romance and empathetic characters you want to cheer for.

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