The First Girl Child Book Summary - The First Girl Child Book explained in key points

The First Girl Child summary

Brief summary

The First Girl Child by Amy Harmon is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the story of a cursed kingdom and a girl named Bayr, who is destined to break the curse. With elements of magic, romance, and adventure, this book is sure to keep you hooked until the very end.

Give Feedback
Table of Contents

    The First Girl Child
    Summary of key ideas

    The Curse and the Prophecy

    In The First Girl Child by Amy Harmon, we are introduced to a world where the birth of a girl child is considered a curse. The story begins with the birth of a girl, the first in many years, in the kingdom of Saylok. The king, desperate for a male heir, orders the child to be killed. However, the child is saved by a group of loyalists and hidden away in a remote temple.

    The girl, named Alba, grows up in the temple under the care of Dagmar, a wise woman who teaches her the ancient ways of healing and magic. Alba's existence is kept a secret from the world, as the king continues to rule with an iron fist, blaming the lack of male heirs on a curse placed on the kingdom by a vengeful woman.

    The Bastard Son and His Promise

    Meanwhile, we are introduced to Bayr, a giant of a man with inhuman strength, who is the son of a powerful chieftain. Bayr is born on the same day as Alba and is marked by the same curse. His mother, knowing the fate that awaits her son, makes him promise to protect the first girl child born in Saylok. Bayr's mother dies, and he is taken in by a group of warrior monks who raise him in the temple.

    Bayr grows up alongside Alba, and the two form a deep bond. He is fiercely protective of her, and she, in turn, admires his strength and loyalty. As they grow older, they become aware of the curse that hangs over their heads and the role they are destined to play in breaking it.

    The King's Deception and the Power Struggle

    As the story progresses, we learn more about the king's deception and the lengths he has gone to maintain his power. He has manipulated the curse to his advantage, using it as an excuse to eliminate any potential threats to his rule. He has also waged war against the neighboring clans, seeking to expand his territory and secure his legacy.

    Bayr and Alba, along with a group of loyalists, begin to plan a rebellion against the king. They are joined by a diverse cast of characters, each with their own reasons for wanting to see the king dethroned. As they prepare for battle, they must also confront their own personal demons and the sacrifices they are willing to make for the greater good.

    The Final Battle and the Breaking of the Curse

    The climax of The First Girl Child sees the rebels facing off against the king's forces in a dramatic battle. Bayr, with his superhuman strength, proves to be a formidable opponent, but it is Alba's knowledge of ancient magic that ultimately turns the tide. In a dramatic showdown, Alba uses her powers to break the curse, freeing the kingdom from its grip.

    With the curse broken, the rebels emerge victorious, and the king is overthrown. Bayr and Alba, now free from the burden of their destinies, look towards a future where they can live without fear of the past. The story ends with a sense of hope and the promise of a new beginning for the kingdom of Saylok.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is The First Girl Child about?

    The First Girl Child by Amy Harmon is a captivating fantasy novel that tells the story of a cursed kingdom where no girls are born. When a powerful curse is placed on the land, a devoted warrior named Bayr and a resilient girl named Alba must work together to break the curse and save their people. Filled with magic, adventure, and a touch of romance, this book will keep you turning the pages until the very end.

    The First Girl Child Review

    The First Girl Child (2019) by Amy Harmon is a captivating fantasy novel set in a Viking-inspired world. Here are three reasons why this book is worth reading:

    • The book combines mythology, magic, and romance, creating a rich and immersive world that captivates readers from start to finish.
    • Intriguing characters and complex relationships make the story emotionally engaging, allowing readers to form deep connections with the protagonists.
    • With its unique blend of adventure, mystery, and folklore, the book keeps readers on the edge of their seats, ensuring that there's never a dull moment.

    Who should read The First Girl Child?

    • Readers who enjoy fantasy novels with strong world-building and unique magic systems
    • Those interested in stories with themes of love, sacrifice, and overcoming adversity
    • People who appreciate well-developed characters and deep emotional connections within a plot

    About the Author

    Amy Harmon is a renowned author known for her captivating storytelling and richly developed characters. With a talent for weaving together historical fiction, romance, and fantasy, Harmon has created a diverse range of novels that have resonated with readers around the world. Some of her notable works include Making Faces, The Law of Moses, and From Sand and Ash. Harmon's ability to explore complex themes and evoke deep emotions through her writing has solidified her place as a beloved author in the literary world.

    Categories with The First Girl Child

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    People also liked these summaries

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    38 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Get started

    The First Girl Child FAQs 

    What is the main message of The First Girl Child?

    The main message of The First Girl Child is about the power of love and sacrifice in the face of destiny.

    How long does it take to read The First Girl Child?

    The reading time for The First Girl Child varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is The First Girl Child a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The First Girl Child is a captivating book that explores themes of love, loyalty, and destiny. It is definitely worth the read.

    Who is the author of The First Girl Child?

    The author of The First Girl Child is Amy Harmon.

    What to read after The First Girl Child?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The First Girl Child, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
    • The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
    • A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
    • Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
    • The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
    • The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
    • The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
    • Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
    • Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
    • The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda