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The First Girl Child (The Chronicles of Saylok) Paperback – August 20, 2019

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 9,821 ratings

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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.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

“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

About the Author

Amy Harmon is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and New York Times bestselling author. Her books have been published in eighteen languages―truly a dream come true for a little country girl from Utah. Amy has written fourteen novels, including the USA Today bestsellers Making Faces and Running Barefoot and the Amazon #1 bestseller From Sand and Ash. She is also the author of What the Wind Knows; the New York Times bestseller A Different Blue; and The Bird and the Sword, a Goodreads Best Book of 2016 nominee. For more information, visit Amy at www.authoramyharmon.com.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ 47North (August 20, 2019)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 400 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1542007968
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1542007962
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 9,821 ratings

About the author

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Amy Harmon
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Amy Harmon is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and New York Times bestselling author. Her books have been translated into thirty languages around the world. Amy has written nineteen novels in multiple genres, including the bestsellers, WHAT THE WIND KNOWS and WHERE THE LOST WANDER. Her fantasy novel, THE BIRD AND THE SWORD was a Goodreads Best Book finalist. FROM SAND AND ASH was named the 2016 Whitney Award winner for Book of the Year. For more, follow Amy at www.authoramyharmon.com

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
9,821 global ratings
5 Stars!
5 Stars
5 Stars!
Amy Harmon // The First Girl Child // Amy Harmon"This is not a world where a man or woman gets much choice in their happiness. We are born into war and each day is a battle."Why? Why do such good books have to end? Can't make books that never end? That's my reaction after this book.In addition to this comment 😱!This is not the first book I read of Amy Harmon. For me, she is my favorite writer in English literature. Dead to meet her. And tell her that. "I love you, thank you very much."These are the words that are enough to say thank you for a perfect book! ❤️Don't dig too far this time in descriptions. Because I have no words to describe my feeling. Because I haven't yet digested this book.Comforting with this, that Amy said she was going to continue the next books on other characters that I was so curious about! 🤭🔥Bayr was born with the powers and abilities not like the others children. His first hunt was at the age of 7. It is said that he is blessed with the blessing of God Odin, and his son Thor. His powers are destined for greatness.His mother died at birth. And in her final moments before her soul rises, she appeals to her brother Dagmar to take care about the child and raise him wisely. (Because the prophecy says no more girls will be born in the country).Because this kid needs to be saved. And Dagmar takes him under his wing.My details are so small. This is just the beginning of the story. There are other elements to read in the book to understand what this is about.This is not a book of licks and love like YA. this is different. And that's why I connect with this writer. Because she knows how to convey it in a different, different way.Dagmar brings Bayr to the guard tower.Dagmar's name is there and fulfills his mission of being part of the State Guard. Dagmar's dream came true.The whole world that Amy has built magic, dragons. The plot is so beautiful that brings us back to a period of magic and magic. Not on an exaggerated level. But, gently plot. A world that is all good, but also has the dark side.When Dagmar realizes the abilities and prophecies that Bayer always spoke about. He is ready to lead him to the next level of his life."She has no color in her skin or her hair, my lord. She is white like the snow ... like a spirit. Even her eyes are pale."Alba, a beautiful girl. Raised by the king and queen. A character so intriguing. We are going through a maturation process with her. She is a very good character. She’s very different from female characters I’ve read lately.When Bayr finds himself in the palace after the rumor has been born of a new princess. He is intrigued. He sees her for the first time at the age of 7. And he feels that something is connected between them. The right to which it is intended. Keep it up. Keep her safe from evil enemies. And that is what he becomes after the king decides so.In the country, in front of you is a king. Lies and profanity.Wars, and evil on his part. I hated him so much.I wanted to go in and tell them to kill him! 🤩Bayr, and Alba spend most of their time together. He is her guardian. It was designed and born for her.Every second and every second every moment of its development is there.But what they don't know is. Both are the king's threat. Both of them the king wants to kill. Because in one second, they take it off the throne. Will they absorb it? Or will evil and scavenging take over the entire state? By a king who is all murder and blood."I've only ever wh-whised for one thing.""Tell me.""To be here. Near you. That's all."Bayr and Alba’s story is so pure.We get special elements about Norse mythology. In my book, there were two great love stories. Dagmar and Ghost (Ghost) are so named because of her snow white hair. And the story of Bayer and Elba's adventure.In summary, such a beautiful story. Round figures.The plot is so well written. Get more knowledge about the mythology. A book that just read it and blend in with any words that are worth magic. This is how I felt in every sentence of this book. magic.An extraordinary love story. The book is written in a third person which, to me, terribly contributes to the plot because it is both historical and easier to understand the book and details.Another Amy Harmon Moffat. For me, she did. And didn't let me down as a reader.warmly recommended! ❤️
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2019
Amy Harmon // The First Girl Child // Amy Harmon

"This is not a world where a man or woman gets much choice in their happiness. We are born into war and each day is a battle."

Why? Why do such good books have to end? Can't make books that never end? That's my reaction after this book.
In addition to this comment 😱!
This is not the first book I read of Amy Harmon. For me, she is my favorite writer in English literature. Dead to meet her. And tell her that. "I love you, thank you very much."
These are the words that are enough to say thank you for a perfect book! ❤️
Don't dig too far this time in descriptions. Because I have no words to describe my feeling. Because I haven't yet digested this book.
Comforting with this, that Amy said she was going to continue the next books on other characters that I was so curious about! 🤭🔥

Bayr was born with the powers and abilities not like the others children. His first hunt was at the age of 7. It is said that he is blessed with the blessing of God Odin, and his son Thor. His powers are destined for greatness.
His mother died at birth. And in her final moments before her soul rises, she appeals to her brother Dagmar to take care about the child and raise him wisely. (Because the prophecy says no more girls will be born in the country).
Because this kid needs to be saved. And Dagmar takes him under his wing.

My details are so small. This is just the beginning of the story. There are other elements to read in the book to understand what this is about.
This is not a book of licks and love like YA. this is different. And that's why I connect with this writer. Because she knows how to convey it in a different, different way.

Dagmar brings Bayr to the guard tower.
Dagmar's name is there and fulfills his mission of being part of the State Guard. Dagmar's dream came true.

The whole world that Amy has built magic, dragons. The plot is so beautiful that brings us back to a period of magic and magic. Not on an exaggerated level. But, gently plot. A world that is all good, but also has the dark side.

When Dagmar realizes the abilities and prophecies that Bayer always spoke about. He is ready to lead him to the next level of his life.

"She has no color in her skin or her hair, my lord. She is white like the snow ... like a spirit. Even her eyes are pale."

Alba, a beautiful girl. Raised by the king and queen. A character so intriguing. We are going through a maturation process with her. She is a very good character. She’s very different from female characters I’ve read lately.

When Bayr finds himself in the palace after the rumor has been born of a new princess. He is intrigued. He sees her for the first time at the age of 7. And he feels that something is connected between them. The right to which it is intended. Keep it up. Keep her safe from evil enemies. And that is what he becomes after the king decides so.

In the country, in front of you is a king. Lies and profanity.
Wars, and evil on his part. I hated him so much.
I wanted to go in and tell them to kill him! 🤩

Bayr, and Alba spend most of their time together. He is her guardian. It was designed and born for her.
Every second and every second every moment of its development is there.

But what they don't know is. Both are the king's threat. Both of them the king wants to kill. Because in one second, they take it off the throne. Will they absorb it? Or will evil and scavenging take over the entire state? By a king who is all murder and blood.

"I've only ever wh-whised for one thing."
"Tell me."
"To be here. Near you. That's all."

Bayr and Alba’s story is so pure.
We get special elements about Norse mythology. In my book, there were two great love stories. Dagmar and Ghost (Ghost) are so named because of her snow white hair. And the story of Bayer and Elba's adventure.

In summary, such a beautiful story. Round figures.
The plot is so well written. Get more knowledge about the mythology. A book that just read it and blend in with any words that are worth magic. This is how I felt in every sentence of this book. magic.
An extraordinary love story. The book is written in a third person which, to me, terribly contributes to the plot because it is both historical and easier to understand the book and details.
Another Amy Harmon Moffat. For me, she did. And didn't let me down as a reader.

warmly recommended! ❤️
Customer image
5.0 out of 5 stars 5 Stars!
Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2019
Amy Harmon // The First Girl Child // Amy Harmon

"This is not a world where a man or woman gets much choice in their happiness. We are born into war and each day is a battle."

Why? Why do such good books have to end? Can't make books that never end? That's my reaction after this book.
In addition to this comment 😱!
This is not the first book I read of Amy Harmon. For me, she is my favorite writer in English literature. Dead to meet her. And tell her that. "I love you, thank you very much."
These are the words that are enough to say thank you for a perfect book! ❤️
Don't dig too far this time in descriptions. Because I have no words to describe my feeling. Because I haven't yet digested this book.
Comforting with this, that Amy said she was going to continue the next books on other characters that I was so curious about! 🤭🔥

Bayr was born with the powers and abilities not like the others children. His first hunt was at the age of 7. It is said that he is blessed with the blessing of God Odin, and his son Thor. His powers are destined for greatness.
His mother died at birth. And in her final moments before her soul rises, she appeals to her brother Dagmar to take care about the child and raise him wisely. (Because the prophecy says no more girls will be born in the country).
Because this kid needs to be saved. And Dagmar takes him under his wing.

My details are so small. This is just the beginning of the story. There are other elements to read in the book to understand what this is about.
This is not a book of licks and love like YA. this is different. And that's why I connect with this writer. Because she knows how to convey it in a different, different way.

Dagmar brings Bayr to the guard tower.
Dagmar's name is there and fulfills his mission of being part of the State Guard. Dagmar's dream came true.

The whole world that Amy has built magic, dragons. The plot is so beautiful that brings us back to a period of magic and magic. Not on an exaggerated level. But, gently plot. A world that is all good, but also has the dark side.

When Dagmar realizes the abilities and prophecies that Bayer always spoke about. He is ready to lead him to the next level of his life.

"She has no color in her skin or her hair, my lord. She is white like the snow ... like a spirit. Even her eyes are pale."

Alba, a beautiful girl. Raised by the king and queen. A character so intriguing. We are going through a maturation process with her. She is a very good character. She’s very different from female characters I’ve read lately.

When Bayr finds himself in the palace after the rumor has been born of a new princess. He is intrigued. He sees her for the first time at the age of 7. And he feels that something is connected between them. The right to which it is intended. Keep it up. Keep her safe from evil enemies. And that is what he becomes after the king decides so.

In the country, in front of you is a king. Lies and profanity.
Wars, and evil on his part. I hated him so much.
I wanted to go in and tell them to kill him! 🤩

Bayr, and Alba spend most of their time together. He is her guardian. It was designed and born for her.
Every second and every second every moment of its development is there.

But what they don't know is. Both are the king's threat. Both of them the king wants to kill. Because in one second, they take it off the throne. Will they absorb it? Or will evil and scavenging take over the entire state? By a king who is all murder and blood.

"I've only ever wh-whised for one thing."
"Tell me."
"To be here. Near you. That's all."

Bayr and Alba’s story is so pure.
We get special elements about Norse mythology. In my book, there were two great love stories. Dagmar and Ghost (Ghost) are so named because of her snow white hair. And the story of Bayer and Elba's adventure.

In summary, such a beautiful story. Round figures.
The plot is so well written. Get more knowledge about the mythology. A book that just read it and blend in with any words that are worth magic. This is how I felt in every sentence of this book. magic.
An extraordinary love story. The book is written in a third person which, to me, terribly contributes to the plot because it is both historical and easier to understand the book and details.
Another Amy Harmon Moffat. For me, she did. And didn't let me down as a reader.

warmly recommended! ❤️
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15 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2024
This was a great book. It was just a teeny bit hard to keep the characters where they stood, but love won.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2019
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!
12 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2024
What woman doesn’t love a story full of strong, smart, good, independent women? And some great yet humble men to admire them and work with them, and yes, some to fall in love with them.

The world-building is strong enough to let you lose yourself in its way of life. And the evil men who have far too much power to be good for the world, well, we find those in pretty much every world we can imagine.

While the good triumph, it is at a great cost, which is too much like the world we all live in. (Sigh…)

Another great book from Amy Harmon. Every genre she writes, she excels in. That’s a real gift.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2024
A unique story that sucked me in. I Wish there were more stories like this one these days! Thank you Amy.

Top reviews from other countries

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars fantastic
Reviewed in Canada on June 28, 2023
Wow! What a fantastic read. Your characters come to life. You bring such heart and emotion to the page. Love your writing. Beautiful!
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Very well written
Reviewed in France on May 28, 2020
Some books I can breeze through very quickly because the storylines and the turn of phrases are ones I've seen again and again. This book though, had me carefully read every word and appreciate the story.
Very well done worldbuilding and storytelling.
RIZWAN KHALID K
5.0 out of 5 stars I loved it.....
Reviewed in India on April 7, 2020
I like it, it's a great book, I like the how the love and relationships goes through in the whole story, I loved it.
Selma
5.0 out of 5 stars Masterfully crafted novel with excellent world building, engaging plot & intriguing characters
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 4, 2019
The First Girl Child by Amy Harmon is an epic and mesmerizing tale about love and loss, destiny and duty, sacrifice and redemption. It left me completely spellbound and in pure awe of this author's incredible and out of this world talent. This historical fantasy novel is a mythical and mystical masterpiece of contemporary literature and belongs on every reader's bookshelf. It is without a doubt my most favorite book of 2019! Amy Harmon always manages to paint vivid and vibrant pictures inside of my head with her lyric, poignant and captivating writing. I don't marely read her stories. No, I experience them with every single fiber of my being. I was captivated by this story from the first page and couldn't put it down until I've reached the end with tears in my eyes.

The First Girl Child is a masterfully crafted novel with excellent world building, an engaging plot, great dialogue and intriguing and well-developed characters. I love that Amy has mixed her wast knowledge about Norse mythology with her own ideas that arised from her creative imagination. I found the magical power and significance behind the runes very fascinating and how they could be used for good and evil equally and were therefore kept a secret. The fictional land of Saylok was devided among six different clans who answered to one king. I appreciated that the author took her time to explain to us readers how they were formed and what set them apart from each other.

Desdemona, scorned and abandoned by the man she once loved, cursed the land with her dying breath while delivering her son Bayr: from this day on, there will be no more daughters in Saylok. Bayr, who is raised by his uncle Dagmar among the keepers of the Temple Hill, is gifted with unparalleled strength but also a gentle heart and protective nature. His one purpose in life is to guard Alba, the first girl child born in nearly two decades and the long awaited salvation. But with time their bond and feelings will start to grow making his task more difficult and challenging. In order to defend their land and finally break the curse they will have to go against the corrupt king who built his throne on murder and lies...

Bayr of Saylok was such an amazing hero. He was honorable, loyal, kind, honest and caring. A fierce young man who protected the people he loved. Although blessed with great strength Bayr never showed any superiority or arrogance. He was admired and feared but many people didn't let him forget that he is a bastard son unclaimed by a clan. I adored the way he took care of Alba. She was so very precious and important to him and he loved her with all of his innocent heart.

Alba was a wonderful heroine. She was smart, outspoken and strong-willed with a gentle nature. Alba was curious with a thirst for knowledge and she had a good hand for animals like her mother. She felt safe in Bayr's presence from the moment she was placed in his strong arms as a little baby. He was her friend, her protector and in the end also her lover. Her heart has only ever loved Bayr. I was rooting hard for these two knowing that the king would never allow a union between them.

There were several secondary characters who have completely captured my heart, especially Bayr's uncle. Dagmar is the most kind, selfless and compassionate person you can imagine. He is a wise and responsible keeper. His love for his nephew was deep and sincere. He was his pride and joy and Dagmar raised him to become the man he was always meant to be - Saylok's savior. I admired Ghost so much for the huge sacrifice she made and for her courage and persistence. Some people might have been frightened by her unusual appearance but those with a pure heart and soul like Dagmar, Bayr and Alba only saw exceptional beauty when they looked at her.

There are not enough words of praise to do this outstanding book the justice it deserves. I can only strongly encourage you to read it. There is so much wisdom and knowledge in this author's words, so much power and beauty. I can only applaud Amy Harmon on such an achievement. I sincerely hope that there are going to be more stories set in Saylok in the future! *6 stars!!!*
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Sejla
5.0 out of 5 stars My top favorite read of 2019
Reviewed in Germany on November 4, 2019
How to put perfection into words? It's seems like an impossible task. But I will try my absolute best to do justice to the epic masterpiece The First Girl Child was. From the moment I saw the beautiful cover and read the intriguing blurb I was spell-bound. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book and read it. After all, Amy Harmon is one of my most favorite authors ever. Her talent is out of this world! Whatever she writes turns into pure gold. Her ability to create unique worlds and characters is unmatched. I love all of her books, but especially her fantasy ones, because every time I read them I lose myself in her stories. She pays a lot of attention to detail, which makes it easy to see all these places and people clear in my head like they are real. This is how I felt while reading The First Girl Child. From the first until the last page this book was pure magic. I simply couldn't put it down. It was mind blowing, heartbreaking and absolutely beautiful. A story to remember for years, maybe even a lifetime.

It all started with a curse from the beautiful, betrayed and rarely loved Desdemona who died after giving birth to her son Bayr: "From this day forward, there will be no daughters in Saylok."

As bastard of the power hungry chieftain Banruud of Berne, Bayr is raised by his uncle Dagmar, among the Keepers at Temple Hill. Soon he's known as the Temple Boy who's gifted with inhuman strength that seems unmatched. But he’s also blessed with a huge heart that beats with one purpose only: to protect precious Alba, the first girl child born in nearly two decades and the salvation for their country.

Now the fate of whole Saylok lies with Alba and Bayr, her protector, whose bond grows deeper with every day, much to the King's displeasure.

There is only one way to save their land from the Northmen, as well as the evil King who built his throne on lies, murder, and betrayal. They need to break the curse, no matter the cost.

I can't and won't give away more from the plot, because you need to experience this story on your own. There's a lot of going on. Your head will spin and your heart will race. But most of all, you will feel! It's impossible to read this book without crying. Sometimes you will cry when things get sad and other times you will cry moved by the sheer beauty of this story!

Bayr, Alba, Dagmar and Ghost will steal your heart. I can't emphasize enough how Amy Harmon doesn't only create the perfect main protagonists, she also writes the best second characters! How could you not fall in love with courageous, good-natured hero Bayr or the compassionate and sweet heroine Alba? They were such loveable, unique characters who shared a special bond that was undeniable! I loved watching their friendship bloom into love.

Don't let me started with Dagmar and Ghost. I loved them both with every piece of my heart and soul! Especially kind-hearted Dagmar who loved his nephew beyond words and treated him like his own son. Gah, I could go on and on swooning about this book and characters for days.

Now I'm suffering the worst kind of book hangover ever! I feel like no matter which book I pick up next could never compare to the brilliance of this one. But this is how I always feel after an Amy Harmon book. Letting her stories and characters go is impossible. Because they always leave a uneraseable mark on my soul.

I'm giving this epic masterpiece 6 well deserved stars and proclaim it as my top favorite read of 2019.
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