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Firstborn
Tiadone has been forced to live her entire life as a female accepted as male in her community in order to survive as a firstborn child. But when she needs to pass the rites of manhood, she finds the Creator may have use for her feminine traits after all.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published December 23, 2013
12 people are currently reading
1132 people want to read
About the author
Lorie Ann Grover
19 books73 followersLorie Ann Grover is an awarded YA novelist and board book author whose works include Kirkus Starred Review, Firstborn, and Parents Magazine Best Children's Book, Bedtime Kiss for Little Fish. She co-founded readergirlz and readertotz. Living with her husband in the foothills of Mt. Rainier, she writes, practices weapons tai chi, and watches hawks take flight.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
August 28, 2020
Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfer...
2.5/5 Stars
In a society where females are not wanted, Tiadone was declared male at birth. This means that she is given an amulet at birth that suppresses all feminine features. As Tiadone grows up, she struggles with her femininity and the feelings she develops for her childhood friend.
I was not the biggest fan of this book... For the most part, I was bored and didn't care about Tiadone or any of the other characters. The writing was weirdly paced and I didn't care for the style. The only redeeming factor was Mirko, a bird... which tells you a lot.
2.5/5 Stars
In a society where females are not wanted, Tiadone was declared male at birth. This means that she is given an amulet at birth that suppresses all feminine features. As Tiadone grows up, she struggles with her femininity and the feelings she develops for her childhood friend.
I was not the biggest fan of this book... For the most part, I was bored and didn't care about Tiadone or any of the other characters. The writing was weirdly paced and I didn't care for the style. The only redeeming factor was Mirko, a bird... which tells you a lot.
January 16, 2014
This book, you guys, had the potential to be brilliant. It tackled interesting subjects and discoursed, albeit in a very superficial manner, gender expressions and portrayals especially with regards to gender being a societal construct. It had feminist themes interwoven with issues of identity. But the execution of the novel left a lot to be desired. The characters are not likeable or individuated satisfactorily, the romance is lacking, the pace stilted and the writing, poor. There are not enough women in the novel. The one female who is free to express her femininity is immediately portrayed as easy because of her desire for the boy Tia herself likes. And there is one other “healer” lady who epitomizes all the clichés set out in Diana Wynne Jones’s A Tough Guide to Fantasyland. Tia herself rails against her father’s decision to declare her male thereby saving her life, desiring the female accoutrements that other women enjoy but not being able to due to the dark overlords who are never given faces – the colonizers, I mean.
Her twining with Mirko, a rapion, is interesting but I have seen too many of the same pairings which have been done significantly better so no, even Mirko didn’t save the book for me. The clunky use of language, the awkward segues and just the lack of character spoiled this book for me. I wasn’t convinced and I wasn’t willing to become the person the writer wanted me to be so I could enjoy the novel. You may enjoy the novel more than I did but perhaps it may be better for the potential reader to check it out of the library rather than buying it.
Her twining with Mirko, a rapion, is interesting but I have seen too many of the same pairings which have been done significantly better so no, even Mirko didn’t save the book for me. The clunky use of language, the awkward segues and just the lack of character spoiled this book for me. I wasn’t convinced and I wasn’t willing to become the person the writer wanted me to be so I could enjoy the novel. You may enjoy the novel more than I did but perhaps it may be better for the potential reader to check it out of the library rather than buying it.
January 3, 2014
2.5 stars
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Zonderkidz-Books and Netgalley.)
Tiadone is a girl who is forced to live as a boy. In a society where first born girls are left to die, Tiadone’s father declared her male, and a special amulet hides her femininity from the world.
Now grown, Tiadone must take her special bird and go off to defend her home, the way that all first-born males must.
How long can Tiadone hide that she is female? And will she never be able to fall in love and have children of her own?
This book was a bit of an acquired taste, and I didn’t really enjoy it all that much.
I felt quite sorry for Tiadone, it was so wrong that she had to pretend to be a boy all her life, especially when she realised that she was in love but couldn’t be with the person she was in love with because she was supposed to be a boy. I admired her strength, but I also thought she was right to tell her father that he should have taken her to live somewhere else rather than declaring her male.
The storyline in this was fairly straight forward. Tiadone had to overcome the challenges of pretending to be a boy, and also had to overcome the challenges of defending her home the way that all the males did.
I thought that this book was written in quite an interesting way, and there was adequate world building etc. I just didn’t really enjoy this one. The topic was a little strange, the world where Tiadone lived was a difficult world to live in, and the story just wasn’t really my cup of tea. I think that other people would enjoy this, but it just didn’t call out to me.
The ending was okay, and I liked how Tiadone managed to rescue someone important at the end. I did find parts of this book confusing, but I was happy that Tiadone felt that she had found her place.
Overall; a very different story about a girl who has to pretend to be a boy in the society in which she lives.
5 out of 10.
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Zonderkidz-Books and Netgalley.)
Tiadone is a girl who is forced to live as a boy. In a society where first born girls are left to die, Tiadone’s father declared her male, and a special amulet hides her femininity from the world.
Now grown, Tiadone must take her special bird and go off to defend her home, the way that all first-born males must.
How long can Tiadone hide that she is female? And will she never be able to fall in love and have children of her own?
This book was a bit of an acquired taste, and I didn’t really enjoy it all that much.
I felt quite sorry for Tiadone, it was so wrong that she had to pretend to be a boy all her life, especially when she realised that she was in love but couldn’t be with the person she was in love with because she was supposed to be a boy. I admired her strength, but I also thought she was right to tell her father that he should have taken her to live somewhere else rather than declaring her male.
The storyline in this was fairly straight forward. Tiadone had to overcome the challenges of pretending to be a boy, and also had to overcome the challenges of defending her home the way that all the males did.
I thought that this book was written in quite an interesting way, and there was adequate world building etc. I just didn’t really enjoy this one. The topic was a little strange, the world where Tiadone lived was a difficult world to live in, and the story just wasn’t really my cup of tea. I think that other people would enjoy this, but it just didn’t call out to me.
The ending was okay, and I liked how Tiadone managed to rescue someone important at the end. I did find parts of this book confusing, but I was happy that Tiadone felt that she had found her place.
Overall; a very different story about a girl who has to pretend to be a boy in the society in which she lives.
5 out of 10.
June 18, 2016
This book had so much wasted potential. It had too many missing pieces for me to even consider finishing it.
Upon first picking this up I was excited, the writing was great and it starts off on an interesting and horrific note. While continuing on this journey I noticed some gaping chasms in the story that could not be ignored. For a bunch of boys and one girl named as boy who are coming of age to join a type of army to defend borders I am baffled as to what they are going to do out there. Play tea party perhaps? They are never trained, it's never hinted that they are given training or will ever be trained, and yet, first line of defense. The people should feel so safe. But wait, they inhale some ritual smoke and take deep all this manliness. I am shitting you not.
The author uses a few vaugh scenarios like this with some vision she has of her mother. The reader can deduce that the mother has died by her absence and it is confirmed later on, but the smoke thing, I am still unsure what that was supposed to mean.
The world building in this was wasted on the whiny ass protagonist who is far too young for the story to even be plausible. I wish writers would stop trying to recapture their youth or relate to readers through age similarities. This could have easily been told in ten different ways and to better end.
We could have gone in a completely new direction if our lead would have saved the firstborn baby girl from the desert. If she was so horrified don't think but act.
The only truly intersting character in this was Mirko, the bird.
Upon first picking this up I was excited, the writing was great and it starts off on an interesting and horrific note. While continuing on this journey I noticed some gaping chasms in the story that could not be ignored. For a bunch of boys and one girl named as boy who are coming of age to join a type of army to defend borders I am baffled as to what they are going to do out there. Play tea party perhaps? They are never trained, it's never hinted that they are given training or will ever be trained, and yet, first line of defense. The people should feel so safe. But wait, they inhale some ritual smoke and take deep all this manliness. I am shitting you not.
The author uses a few vaugh scenarios like this with some vision she has of her mother. The reader can deduce that the mother has died by her absence and it is confirmed later on, but the smoke thing, I am still unsure what that was supposed to mean.
The world building in this was wasted on the whiny ass protagonist who is far too young for the story to even be plausible. I wish writers would stop trying to recapture their youth or relate to readers through age similarities. This could have easily been told in ten different ways and to better end.
We could have gone in a completely new direction if our lead would have saved the firstborn baby girl from the desert. If she was so horrified don't think but act.
The only truly intersting character in this was Mirko, the bird.
March 12, 2014
Tiadone, her parents' first child, is a girl, and according to the beliefs of the people who conquered them a few decades earlier, her life is forfeit. Her father declares her to be a male, though, and so she is raised as a boy, wearing a special amulet that will convey male power to her and allow her to perform as a boy, including serving their larger community as a patroller on the perimeter of their territory. She is sent with her friend Ratho, a boy who has known her her whole life, but for the first time, he is wary of her, partly because of the official gender confusion, partly because her rapion, a hunting bird all children raise from the egg stage, sings, which is something no one else's rapion does. The local priest hates her for what she stands for, and his allies in the patrol continue the hazing when she arrives. Gradually she wins back Ratho and at least gains the tolerance and respect of a few others, but in the course of their year on the mesa, she grows from a girl to a young woman, and must deal with those changes as well.
I wanted to like this a bit more - it reminded me of some of the best works of Ursula LeGuin (particularly the trilogy beginning with Voices), with a strong emphasis on the clash between two pre-technological cultures and how their beliefs shape the lives of individuals - but the story began to drag a bit towards the end, endings got tidied up, and what seemed like a large number of spelling errors lowered my disbelief.
I wanted to like this a bit more - it reminded me of some of the best works of Ursula LeGuin (particularly the trilogy beginning with Voices), with a strong emphasis on the clash between two pre-technological cultures and how their beliefs shape the lives of individuals - but the story began to drag a bit towards the end, endings got tidied up, and what seemed like a large number of spelling errors lowered my disbelief.
February 7, 2017
This was NOT for me. I had trouble following the plot most of the time. I found the characters boring. The writing was not easy to read because of the sentence structure and vocabulary. It was a strange concept and didn't work for me. Blah.
February 14, 2014
THANK YOU TO BLINK YA BOOKS BY ZONDERVAN FOR AN ADVANCED READER'S COPY OF THIS BOOK!
First of all, I was amazed at what this was about. I didn't know what to expect, but it looked really good. I haven't read a book that was this good in a long time. It was really very good and I was able to never put it down. I was up until late last night reading this book until I finished it. I was highly disappointed in finishing it because I want to read more.
There were a few mistakes, but that was expected as it was an ARC. Overall it was very well written, although it was fairly easy. I believe young tween/teen girls would enjoy this book as well as boys, although there are some parts that are VERY much girls only I would think.
It is one of the best books I have read in a long time and I believe that people will enjoy this book for a long time to come.
I gave this book five out of five stars because it was well written and I was able to put myself in Tiadone's shoes. It was very relatable and the energy was kept up throughout the book even though it wasn't particularly an adventure book.
Tiadone was born female, but because her people have been taken over by another people that don't believe in first born females, she was declared male from birth. As Tiadone struggles with who she is and how she should live her life, she gains a new friend, as well as an old one. Truths come out about who her people really are and what, not just who, she is.
I was really hoping that Ratho would have a bigger part in the book, as he was my favorite character. It didn't happen, but that is okay, because I think it worked out in the end.'
I believe that the author, Lorie Ann Grover, has left it open for a sequel, but don't start anything because I DEFINITELY do not know that for sure, AT ALL! It was a good ending as it was, but options are always open.
This book was beautifully written and I look forward to reading more from this author.
First of all, I was amazed at what this was about. I didn't know what to expect, but it looked really good. I haven't read a book that was this good in a long time. It was really very good and I was able to never put it down. I was up until late last night reading this book until I finished it. I was highly disappointed in finishing it because I want to read more.
There were a few mistakes, but that was expected as it was an ARC. Overall it was very well written, although it was fairly easy. I believe young tween/teen girls would enjoy this book as well as boys, although there are some parts that are VERY much girls only I would think.
It is one of the best books I have read in a long time and I believe that people will enjoy this book for a long time to come.
I gave this book five out of five stars because it was well written and I was able to put myself in Tiadone's shoes. It was very relatable and the energy was kept up throughout the book even though it wasn't particularly an adventure book.
Tiadone was born female, but because her people have been taken over by another people that don't believe in first born females, she was declared male from birth. As Tiadone struggles with who she is and how she should live her life, she gains a new friend, as well as an old one. Truths come out about who her people really are and what, not just who, she is.
I was really hoping that Ratho would have a bigger part in the book, as he was my favorite character. It didn't happen, but that is okay, because I think it worked out in the end.'
I believe that the author, Lorie Ann Grover, has left it open for a sequel, but don't start anything because I DEFINITELY do not know that for sure, AT ALL! It was a good ending as it was, but options are always open.
This book was beautifully written and I look forward to reading more from this author.
December 31, 2014
I did not think I would like this book, but it was there, and I had nothing else to read. Well, that and the cover looked pretty darn cool. What can I say? Sometimes books surprise me. Especially ones that make me think.
Tiadone is a declared male. That is, she was a first-born female that would have been brutally murdered had her father not declared her male. This has huge repercussions that reverberate throughout the rest of the book. Particularly, she struggles with her identity. The Maldronians has stifled her religion, culture and gender.
The book was crafted very well. I really enjoyed the flow of the book, perhaps because of the many short chapters. I like that the character was very human in her perception of her world and culture. She reacted to things based on the upbringing of her father mixed with the overbearing rulers of their society. I have to say I feel like there could be a LOT more to that ending. At first I wanted the book to exist by itself, but by the end i could only think "that's it?"
I truly hope that we will get a more in depth look at what happens after the end of this book. There is so much more to tell, even if she is not a Kitniss who causes the uprising of her entire people. There are too many loose ends, though that may be the point. To live briefly in her world and think of another world besides ours, then be severed from the story like a Rapion is severed from a R'tan at the end of their patrol.
Side note: I apologize if I spelled Maldronians incorrectly. I have already finished the book and given it to a friend by the time I write this review. I have no way of checking my spelling.
Tiadone is a declared male. That is, she was a first-born female that would have been brutally murdered had her father not declared her male. This has huge repercussions that reverberate throughout the rest of the book. Particularly, she struggles with her identity. The Maldronians has stifled her religion, culture and gender.
The book was crafted very well. I really enjoyed the flow of the book, perhaps because of the many short chapters. I like that the character was very human in her perception of her world and culture. She reacted to things based on the upbringing of her father mixed with the overbearing rulers of their society. I have to say I feel like there could be a LOT more to that ending. At first I wanted the book to exist by itself, but by the end i could only think "that's it?"
I truly hope that we will get a more in depth look at what happens after the end of this book. There is so much more to tell, even if she is not a Kitniss who causes the uprising of her entire people. There are too many loose ends, though that may be the point. To live briefly in her world and think of another world besides ours, then be severed from the story like a Rapion is severed from a R'tan at the end of their patrol.
Side note: I apologize if I spelled Maldronians incorrectly. I have already finished the book and given it to a friend by the time I write this review. I have no way of checking my spelling.
February 22, 2014
This is a very interesting story. It is about how if your first child is born male, he is fine, but if you are a female, you are left by the cliffs to die and be killed and eaten OR your parents have to declare you a male and raise you to be a male. As a female (who was declared male) while you grow you would have to suppress ALL feminine urges or you will be killed the moment they find out. This book follows Tiadone through about a year of her (his) life.
I was sorry to see it end and wish there would be another book to follow up on the ending. (I can't really say much more or it will ruin the ending but I would love to read more.
I was sorry to see it end and wish there would be another book to follow up on the ending. (I can't really say much more or it will ruin the ending but I would love to read more.
February 10, 2014
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. I saw parallels with other societies that place more importance on having male children. I can also see the religious parallels between the religion of the original R'tan people, and that of Judeo-Christian-Islamic faiths. The dreams written as poetry are great! I love that they don't rhyme (because they don't HAVE to! :) )! I would actually be more than happy to get my hands on a second book if this story were continued.
September 14, 2014
This is really a good read for young or old. A dystopian society, held by strong unorthodox beliefs, first born daughters are given up to the elements. Decreed undesirable by the priests, the only way to save them is to name them as boys. They are to live as male for the rest of their lives. This is the story of one such girl, who goes beyond what is designed for her.
I really hope there is a sequel to this book in the future.
I really hope there is a sequel to this book in the future.
June 12, 2017
I enjoy reading books that have "something different" but that keep me entertained.
This book is about a culture that has been taken over and has to submit to new demands and rules. One of these is that women are seemingly "less than" and the first born if it is female is killed. The father can mark her "undeclared" I guess this means she is no longer female, she carries the male responsibilities for the family. This is the story of an "undeclared" and the struggles she faces, (her religion, military service to an overpowering culture that made her undeclared, her female traits that come through, falling in love with her best friend, and what happens when another female enters her family).
This book is about a culture that has been taken over and has to submit to new demands and rules. One of these is that women are seemingly "less than" and the first born if it is female is killed. The father can mark her "undeclared" I guess this means she is no longer female, she carries the male responsibilities for the family. This is the story of an "undeclared" and the struggles she faces, (her religion, military service to an overpowering culture that made her undeclared, her female traits that come through, falling in love with her best friend, and what happens when another female enters her family).
March 7, 2014
*Thank you so much to Zondervan for sending me a copy through BookSneeze!*
Also posted on: http://ethpages.blogspot.com/2014/02/...
To be honest, I didn’t really like this book. The story just didn’t click with me, and I felt the writing and the character relationships were a bit awkward. I fully read a little over half the book and then skimmed the second half, so I may not be able to recall all the specific details, just my general feelings about it.
But let’s start with the good bits. :)
The world building was awesome. I believe this was a standalone (based on what I saw on Goodreads), but it had potential to be expanded into a series with just that world building alone. (With the plot- that’s a different matter.) Even if I wasn’t immersed into the story, I was completely immersed into the world. It was a terrible, terrible place, and being the first born girl in my family as well, I can’t imagine having to endure what Tiadone endured for so long. The author did a great job conveying the cruelty of this world.
…and that was all I could really think of at the moment.
The not-so good bits:
I didn’t really hate or like Tiadone; she was a very luke-warm character for me. There was the “THE ONE” aspect in this book, and she was a kick-butt kinda girl, but overall she was meh.
Like this book, I didn’t really click with her, despite her actually being a pretty interesting character. She was complex, and her inner struggle (between being a female physically/mentally and having to "be" a male) was really interesting; those parts were really well done. It actually added to the world building itself.
I think the reason for my luke-warm feelings toward an otherwise interesting character was because of the writing and the plot. The writing was awkward, and the way they all spoke sounded stilted to me. The lack luster plot (which I’ll get to later on) also really pulled me out of the story instead of in. It took me quite a while to finish this book, and like I said, I skimmed the second half of it. I wasn't immersed into this book, and so, I didn't really get to know to her. The only real problem I had with her character was her relationship with Ratho. I didn’t like how she was so attached to him, even when he coldly rejected her (I don't even fully understand why? That part was confusing).
Romance? What romance? For most of the book, until the last maybe third or so, it was (CONSTANT) one-sided pining from Tia, which got annoying after a while. Then there was a sorta insta-love at the end? (On Ratho's part)
The relationships between her and all the other characters were pretty awkward. It seemed like the majority of them were either good buddies or worst enemies (no in-between), and the banter and their interactions were awkward. Again, this was mainly due to the writing. (Are you tired of the word "awkward" yet? xD)
The plot, like I said before, was straightforward and a bit boring. It was generally just about Tia trying to adjust to her life while in the army (I think it was their version of the army? Like every male has to serve in the army as part of their initiation, or something like that). Maybe something happened here or there, but for the most part the middle was a little boring. The ending was when things started to get more interesting, but by then, I was so withdrawn from the book and story itself, that I didn't really care for it. I felt that ending would have impacted me a lot more (as well as a couple of other scenes) if I had been into the story more.
Verdict: Beautiful (I mean well-done, not as in physically beautiful lol) world building, interesting main character, but awkward writing and lackluster plot makes for a looooooooooong read.
Thanks for reading!
Also posted on: http://ethpages.blogspot.com/2014/02/...
To be honest, I didn’t really like this book. The story just didn’t click with me, and I felt the writing and the character relationships were a bit awkward. I fully read a little over half the book and then skimmed the second half, so I may not be able to recall all the specific details, just my general feelings about it.
But let’s start with the good bits. :)
The world building was awesome. I believe this was a standalone (based on what I saw on Goodreads), but it had potential to be expanded into a series with just that world building alone. (With the plot- that’s a different matter.) Even if I wasn’t immersed into the story, I was completely immersed into the world. It was a terrible, terrible place, and being the first born girl in my family as well, I can’t imagine having to endure what Tiadone endured for so long. The author did a great job conveying the cruelty of this world.
…and that was all I could really think of at the moment.
The not-so good bits:
I didn’t really hate or like Tiadone; she was a very luke-warm character for me. There was the “THE ONE” aspect in this book, and she was a kick-butt kinda girl, but overall she was meh.
Like this book, I didn’t really click with her, despite her actually being a pretty interesting character. She was complex, and her inner struggle (between being a female physically/mentally and having to "be" a male) was really interesting; those parts were really well done. It actually added to the world building itself.
I think the reason for my luke-warm feelings toward an otherwise interesting character was because of the writing and the plot. The writing was awkward, and the way they all spoke sounded stilted to me. The lack luster plot (which I’ll get to later on) also really pulled me out of the story instead of in. It took me quite a while to finish this book, and like I said, I skimmed the second half of it. I wasn't immersed into this book, and so, I didn't really get to know to her. The only real problem I had with her character was her relationship with Ratho. I didn’t like how she was so attached to him, even when he coldly rejected her (I don't even fully understand why? That part was confusing).
Romance? What romance? For most of the book, until the last maybe third or so, it was (CONSTANT) one-sided pining from Tia, which got annoying after a while. Then there was a sorta insta-love at the end? (On Ratho's part)
The relationships between her and all the other characters were pretty awkward. It seemed like the majority of them were either good buddies or worst enemies (no in-between), and the banter and their interactions were awkward. Again, this was mainly due to the writing. (Are you tired of the word "awkward" yet? xD)
The plot, like I said before, was straightforward and a bit boring. It was generally just about Tia trying to adjust to her life while in the army (I think it was their version of the army? Like every male has to serve in the army as part of their initiation, or something like that). Maybe something happened here or there, but for the most part the middle was a little boring. The ending was when things started to get more interesting, but by then, I was so withdrawn from the book and story itself, that I didn't really care for it. I felt that ending would have impacted me a lot more (as well as a couple of other scenes) if I had been into the story more.
Verdict: Beautiful (I mean well-done, not as in physically beautiful lol) world building, interesting main character, but awkward writing and lackluster plot makes for a looooooooooong read.
Thanks for reading!
May 13, 2014
A lot of people pick up books based on the cover appeal. Yes, I appreciate a beautiful cover as well, but I am really big on a synopsis. I remember coming across this book at the library. I was picking up my holds for the week, when a I saw this book amongst another library patrons holds. Yes - I am that person who checks to see what books other people read. And that's when I first came across FIRSTBORN. All I have to say that I was blown away by the synopsis. The premise was new and fresh and a book I really wanted to get my hands on.
Almost a couple days later, I received an invite to join the blog tour for the very same book! Kismet anyone?
Let me just say that this book had me crying on the very first two pages. There are not very many books that I may say that about. But after I dried away my tears, I was captivated by the beautiful writing style. Lorie Ann is an extremely lyrical writer who has developed such an intriguing story and frankly a story that holds true in certain parts of this world.
Our main character Tiadone, is born into a tribe which values Firstborn males. Their faith has them believe that the first born in blessed with the strength to carry on and protect not only the family but the entire tribe. If the firstborn is a female, then that is wasted. Therefore families have two options, either send their daughters away or declare them a male. Each child is also given an egg to watch and take care of. A beautiful bird will hatch that will stand with them as they mature. Each person becomes one with their bird and the birds are as integral to their tribe as firstborn males are. When Tiadone's egg is hatched, she is ecstatic and ready to meet her lifelong partner and friend, but just like her, the bird is not what it seems, as it opens its beak and a song comes out. These birds are meant to be silent and hers can sing. As Tiadone has reached maturity, will she be able to live up the roles and expectations of a declared male? Will she be able to control her femininity? Will her Rapion be accepted as be? So much happens in this book, that you have to check out yourself to truly find out how incredible it is.
You guys seriously this book is absolutely amazing. There is so much wrapped into it, that I can't even begin to do it justice. Its one of those books that no only will keep you absorbed with its beautiful story line and writing, but it also stays on your mind and is a book you want to discuss about even well after its over. Tiadone's quest to prove her self-worth but at the same time deal with the struggles of starting to feel like a woman is something we can all relate to. Not necessarily in the same dynamic. But this is a modern issue, with women wanting to be a good wife and mother, but also be successful in their careers and take care of their families. I loved the relationship between Tiadone and her Rapion. It was beautiful to read how Tiadone, protected him the same way as she wanted everyone to accept her as a declared male.
The action and training in this story was fun and addicting to read. And yes guys, there is some romance thrown in. Not too much, but enough to feel Tiadone's struggle once again. And that ending! YIKES.
Action, a beautiful personal struggle, a captivating, ORIGINAL story and a fantastic writing? This was a definite 5 star for me!
Almost a couple days later, I received an invite to join the blog tour for the very same book! Kismet anyone?
Let me just say that this book had me crying on the very first two pages. There are not very many books that I may say that about. But after I dried away my tears, I was captivated by the beautiful writing style. Lorie Ann is an extremely lyrical writer who has developed such an intriguing story and frankly a story that holds true in certain parts of this world.
Our main character Tiadone, is born into a tribe which values Firstborn males. Their faith has them believe that the first born in blessed with the strength to carry on and protect not only the family but the entire tribe. If the firstborn is a female, then that is wasted. Therefore families have two options, either send their daughters away or declare them a male. Each child is also given an egg to watch and take care of. A beautiful bird will hatch that will stand with them as they mature. Each person becomes one with their bird and the birds are as integral to their tribe as firstborn males are. When Tiadone's egg is hatched, she is ecstatic and ready to meet her lifelong partner and friend, but just like her, the bird is not what it seems, as it opens its beak and a song comes out. These birds are meant to be silent and hers can sing. As Tiadone has reached maturity, will she be able to live up the roles and expectations of a declared male? Will she be able to control her femininity? Will her Rapion be accepted as be? So much happens in this book, that you have to check out yourself to truly find out how incredible it is.
You guys seriously this book is absolutely amazing. There is so much wrapped into it, that I can't even begin to do it justice. Its one of those books that no only will keep you absorbed with its beautiful story line and writing, but it also stays on your mind and is a book you want to discuss about even well after its over. Tiadone's quest to prove her self-worth but at the same time deal with the struggles of starting to feel like a woman is something we can all relate to. Not necessarily in the same dynamic. But this is a modern issue, with women wanting to be a good wife and mother, but also be successful in their careers and take care of their families. I loved the relationship between Tiadone and her Rapion. It was beautiful to read how Tiadone, protected him the same way as she wanted everyone to accept her as a declared male.
The action and training in this story was fun and addicting to read. And yes guys, there is some romance thrown in. Not too much, but enough to feel Tiadone's struggle once again. And that ending! YIKES.
Action, a beautiful personal struggle, a captivating, ORIGINAL story and a fantastic writing? This was a definite 5 star for me!
February 10, 2014
When I first saw the cover of Firstborn, I was definitely intrigued about the story it held inside. A society where first born females have to live as males in order to be accepted? This sounded like a world where the main character, a first born female, was going to have to fight to survive.
From birth, Tiadone has been sworn to live the life of a male, diminishing her feminine qualities in order to grow up to serve her time at the perimeter. But when it comes time to leave home with her rapion Mirko, Tiadone has to live being the outcast in a group of men as they are already mistreated by the society they serve. Tiadone has to learn to survive as her femininity shows more and more, betraying her promise to live her life as a firstborn male.
This book started out….interesting. I loved the whole concept of Tiadone having to live as a male because that is the only way she could survive as a first born, but the entire society they lived in was not properly introduced at all. After finishing the story, I'm still confused about the rules, who the leaders were, and why the rules were the way they were. Also, from the summary, I was under the impression that Tiadone had to hide the fact that she was a girl, but everyone knew she was a girl who had to live as a boy, which made it even harder for her to live with everyone avoiding the only female among them. Then, the author made it seem like Tiadone was the first ever girl to declare being a male, as well as the only one at the current time. I thought there would have been more families declaring their first born daughters males instead of leaving them to die in the dessert so that they could have a first born male.
Once I got used to the story, though, I enjoyed Tiadone's fight to prove herself, as well as her fight to hide her feminine qualities and thoughts. When she starts noticing other boys as men and not her brothers, things definitely get interesting. Tiadone has so much to go through and finds just how difficult it is to ignore her femininity. I really loved the relationship between the people and their rapions (bird-like creatures). They carry the egg from birth and bond with the animal once it's born right before they have to go to the perimeter. The relationship between Tiadone and her rapion Mirko was very sweet and a true friendship. It seemed like the relationship many fantasy characters have with dragons, except this time they are birds who are linked to their inner emotions and souls.
Overall, I ended up thinking this book was a pretty good read. Nothing blew me away, but it still kept me engaged in Tiadone's life in such a restricted society. While I'm still confused with how their whole society actually worked, the entire concept was very interesting and kept me reading until the very end.
From birth, Tiadone has been sworn to live the life of a male, diminishing her feminine qualities in order to grow up to serve her time at the perimeter. But when it comes time to leave home with her rapion Mirko, Tiadone has to live being the outcast in a group of men as they are already mistreated by the society they serve. Tiadone has to learn to survive as her femininity shows more and more, betraying her promise to live her life as a firstborn male.
This book started out….interesting. I loved the whole concept of Tiadone having to live as a male because that is the only way she could survive as a first born, but the entire society they lived in was not properly introduced at all. After finishing the story, I'm still confused about the rules, who the leaders were, and why the rules were the way they were. Also, from the summary, I was under the impression that Tiadone had to hide the fact that she was a girl, but everyone knew she was a girl who had to live as a boy, which made it even harder for her to live with everyone avoiding the only female among them. Then, the author made it seem like Tiadone was the first ever girl to declare being a male, as well as the only one at the current time. I thought there would have been more families declaring their first born daughters males instead of leaving them to die in the dessert so that they could have a first born male.
Once I got used to the story, though, I enjoyed Tiadone's fight to prove herself, as well as her fight to hide her feminine qualities and thoughts. When she starts noticing other boys as men and not her brothers, things definitely get interesting. Tiadone has so much to go through and finds just how difficult it is to ignore her femininity. I really loved the relationship between the people and their rapions (bird-like creatures). They carry the egg from birth and bond with the animal once it's born right before they have to go to the perimeter. The relationship between Tiadone and her rapion Mirko was very sweet and a true friendship. It seemed like the relationship many fantasy characters have with dragons, except this time they are birds who are linked to their inner emotions and souls.
Overall, I ended up thinking this book was a pretty good read. Nothing blew me away, but it still kept me engaged in Tiadone's life in such a restricted society. While I'm still confused with how their whole society actually worked, the entire concept was very interesting and kept me reading until the very end.
December 19, 2014
The beginning and middle of this book were great, I enjoyed reading it. This book made me feel things, and I enjoy books that make me feel things.
My heart ached for Tiadone when she thought that Ratho didn't have feelings for her. And when he told her he did have feelings for her, and then had to leave.
I was scared for her when bad things happened, particularly when she was in the presence of the oppressing race.
I was overjoyed when Ratho admitted his feelings for Tiadone, and they had a few precious moments together before he had to leave. Did anyone else grin like an idiot and get all squirmy inside when he called her Tia? ... No? Oh, okay...
My favourite character was Ratho, but I also liked Tiadone, Mirko, and Thae.
But there were some parts at the end that just... I don't know. I didn't care for them.
For one thing, Tiadone's discovery of the Chamber of Verities. The scene itself is good, it's dramatic and suspenseful. And I get that it's important for her to have her belief in the Creator Spirit reaffirmed, but her discovery has no other purpose. Personally, I think it would have been nice if it had somehow helped to combat the oppression of her people.
I love the fact that she and Mirko get to spend the rest of their lives together, and that she saved her baby sister. I think it's great that she's leaving the oppression of her country and embracing her femininity. But the book ending without us knowing whether she and her sister and Mirko end up having a good life, it's disappointing. I want to know that they continue on to have a good life!
Also, it's great that Mirko was able to leave the blanket and the piece of javelin for Tiadone's father and Frana to find so they know that both she and her sister are okay, but what if they misinterpret the message, or don't see it? These type of things worry me. It's not rational, but I do.
And then there's Ratho.
He and Tiadone love each other, and have admitted it to the other person. But she doesn't leave him anything to tell him she's alright? I mean, I know that he'll probably find out from her father, but seriously. And Tiadone resigns herself to the fact that she'll probably never see Ratho again, and hopes he has a good life. As a closet hopeless romantic, that killed me. I was hoping (expecting, really) with all of my being that Mirko would return from one of his errands with Ratho, and the four of them would leave the country and have a great life, live happily ever after. I mean, Ratho doesn't have any ties to the cliff like Tiadone's father does, so I figured it would be okay for him to leave. But none of that happened, and it killed me. I finished the book several days ago, and it's still painful to think about.
So, to wrap things up, the beginning and middle were great, but the ending was disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2014
I want to thank Zondervan for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review. Receiving this book for free has in no way influenced my opinion or review.
Blurb from Goodreads:
Tiadone has been forced to live her entire life as a female accepted as male in her community in order to survive as a firstborn child. But when she needs to pass the rites of manhood, she finds the Creator may have use for her feminine traits after all.
Upon reading the blurb for this book, I thought it would be interesting. A girl who must disguise herself as a boy or she would be killed. I can only imagine the struggle that would ensue. Tiadone was born female, but she was claimed as male so that she could live (as firstborn females are put to death otherwise). We follow her as she takes the steps to become a productive member of society through specialized training with weapons and intermingling with the other boys turning to men. Except Tiadone must hide all her female traits to be accepted. And she never really feels truly accepted. Why would she? She's female and grows breasts and has her first bleed while training.
I have to say that the story was an interesting one, but really there's not much to it. You follow Tiadone through her required service, but nothing truly happens. She finds herself attracted to some of the boys around her, but knows she can't act on it for fear of being put to death and causing her family shame and imprisonment. I was rather bored for most of the book waiting for something to happen. It's quite repetitive in it's descriptions.
I really couldn't connect with any of the character, even the main one. She was quite flat and to be honest, I didn't really feel or see her change all that much (even thought the story drags you through her changes in her life). I did see her become stronger, but other than that, she spent much of the time confused. She has an interesting relationship with her bird, Mirko.
The book is well written with detailed descriptions of the landscape and characters. The world building is well done, although I do question some of the motives behind the people who have condemned Tiadones people to give up their firstborn girl. The chapters are rather short, so the book gives nice places to put it down and pick it back up easily. The book is very bound in gendercide as well as religious beliefs and how people are persecuted for them.
The ending was a bit disappointing for me. I like the Tiadone comes into herself, but there is so much left unsaid and undone, I feel like it needed a better wrap up for me. It was rather lackluster. For those who enjoy a dystopian type/fantasy read this might be up your ally but beware the very religious undertones.
Blurb from Goodreads:
Tiadone has been forced to live her entire life as a female accepted as male in her community in order to survive as a firstborn child. But when she needs to pass the rites of manhood, she finds the Creator may have use for her feminine traits after all.
Upon reading the blurb for this book, I thought it would be interesting. A girl who must disguise herself as a boy or she would be killed. I can only imagine the struggle that would ensue. Tiadone was born female, but she was claimed as male so that she could live (as firstborn females are put to death otherwise). We follow her as she takes the steps to become a productive member of society through specialized training with weapons and intermingling with the other boys turning to men. Except Tiadone must hide all her female traits to be accepted. And she never really feels truly accepted. Why would she? She's female and grows breasts and has her first bleed while training.
I have to say that the story was an interesting one, but really there's not much to it. You follow Tiadone through her required service, but nothing truly happens. She finds herself attracted to some of the boys around her, but knows she can't act on it for fear of being put to death and causing her family shame and imprisonment. I was rather bored for most of the book waiting for something to happen. It's quite repetitive in it's descriptions.
I really couldn't connect with any of the character, even the main one. She was quite flat and to be honest, I didn't really feel or see her change all that much (even thought the story drags you through her changes in her life). I did see her become stronger, but other than that, she spent much of the time confused. She has an interesting relationship with her bird, Mirko.
The book is well written with detailed descriptions of the landscape and characters. The world building is well done, although I do question some of the motives behind the people who have condemned Tiadones people to give up their firstborn girl. The chapters are rather short, so the book gives nice places to put it down and pick it back up easily. The book is very bound in gendercide as well as religious beliefs and how people are persecuted for them.
The ending was a bit disappointing for me. I like the Tiadone comes into herself, but there is so much left unsaid and undone, I feel like it needed a better wrap up for me. It was rather lackluster. For those who enjoy a dystopian type/fantasy read this might be up your ally but beware the very religious undertones.
February 25, 2014
FIRSTBORN: A Novel
By Lorie Ann Grover
Sometimes Fate Has a Different Plan...
Since before Tiadone's birth the R'tan have been beneath the Madronians and their oppression. Worship of the Creator Spirit and reading of the Oracles a punishable offense. And daughters who are the firstborn must be declared male or discarded.
Tiadone is the first declared male among the R'tan and future declarings will be determined by her success or failure. Can Tiadone deny her true centerself and survive, living the lie chosen for her by her father? Or will her true centerself betray her to the Madronians?
Tiadone has been raised with a belief in the Creator Spirit, but as she prepares for initiation and her year of service on the Perimeter she realizes that her body has not conformed to the declaration of being born male. And then there is Mirko, her twined rapion. Mirko doesn't fit into the accepted category anymore than does Tiadone. But how can Tiadone and Mirko deny who they are and still worship the Creator Spirit who bestowed life?
Firstborn is a discovery of self and a fight to prove one's worth. Who or what should decide the worth of a life? Should the worth of a person's life be determined by man-made rules and decrees? Or is worth found in the act of living, to simply be?
Firstborn is unlike any book I've ever read before. As I read it I wondered what would I do in a similar situation? Could I live a lie, pretend that I was something I was not? And what would my feelings be towards my parents for forcing this existence upon me mere minutes after my birth? Would I be able to hide my feelings when they threatened to expose me for who and what I truly was?
I found myself in total empathy with Tiadone as she faced the truth of her femininity and as she questioned her beliefs when she experienced losses. When Tiadone comes to a point where she must make a choice that will forever set her life on a path of no return, I understood the painful loss that would come no matter which she chose. This is a book that held my attention and I would love to have a sequel that continues Tiadone's story. Did her choice change anything for the R'tan and firstborn females?
I think this book would have an appeal to YA girls who like books that challenge their thinking and makes them think while at the same time entertains.
I was provided a copy of this book by BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.
By Lorie Ann Grover
Sometimes Fate Has a Different Plan...
Since before Tiadone's birth the R'tan have been beneath the Madronians and their oppression. Worship of the Creator Spirit and reading of the Oracles a punishable offense. And daughters who are the firstborn must be declared male or discarded.
Tiadone is the first declared male among the R'tan and future declarings will be determined by her success or failure. Can Tiadone deny her true centerself and survive, living the lie chosen for her by her father? Or will her true centerself betray her to the Madronians?
Tiadone has been raised with a belief in the Creator Spirit, but as she prepares for initiation and her year of service on the Perimeter she realizes that her body has not conformed to the declaration of being born male. And then there is Mirko, her twined rapion. Mirko doesn't fit into the accepted category anymore than does Tiadone. But how can Tiadone and Mirko deny who they are and still worship the Creator Spirit who bestowed life?
Firstborn is a discovery of self and a fight to prove one's worth. Who or what should decide the worth of a life? Should the worth of a person's life be determined by man-made rules and decrees? Or is worth found in the act of living, to simply be?
Firstborn is unlike any book I've ever read before. As I read it I wondered what would I do in a similar situation? Could I live a lie, pretend that I was something I was not? And what would my feelings be towards my parents for forcing this existence upon me mere minutes after my birth? Would I be able to hide my feelings when they threatened to expose me for who and what I truly was?
I found myself in total empathy with Tiadone as she faced the truth of her femininity and as she questioned her beliefs when she experienced losses. When Tiadone comes to a point where she must make a choice that will forever set her life on a path of no return, I understood the painful loss that would come no matter which she chose. This is a book that held my attention and I would love to have a sequel that continues Tiadone's story. Did her choice change anything for the R'tan and firstborn females?
I think this book would have an appeal to YA girls who like books that challenge their thinking and makes them think while at the same time entertains.
I was provided a copy of this book by BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.
February 23, 2014
An edgy release from Grover!
Wow. I'm still reeling from reading the final pages. This is not a book for the young and light of heart. Written in first person present tense (as so many are these days...), we get an intimate look into the life of Tiadone, a biological young woman, who has, from birth, been declared a young man in order to preserve her life. This is what drew me to the story after skimming the back cover copy. Pure intrigue.
The mastery of this story world is incredible. It felt almost tangible. However, there were a couple minor details left unexplained that I didn't work out until halfway through. I found it a minor drawback, albeit a distracting one. Other than that, I felt immersed in the story. I'm duly impressed.
Tiadone is a highly unusual character. As I mentioned earlier, she has been told for most of her life that she is a male, not female and that the amulet around her waist will suppress all feminine traits in her. Her gradual transformation over the course of the story is near perfection. Most YA books these days seem to be written in first person present tense, thus it's common. But, Firstborn is a classic case where this perspective is needed. It's fits the story better than first person past tense would. We're thrown in the moment and Grover wrote it exceedingly well.
I can't spend too much time on Ratho in this review, but I will say my affection for this particular hero goes back and forth. Once or twice, I felt like he acted out of character, but this is just my opinion. Firstborn pulls you in and wraps it's talons around your imagination, pun intended. I was loathe to ever put it down. I hope there is a sequel in the works, because I want to read more! It is worth mentioning that Grover offers a raw story, holding little back for this reason I recommend this book to girls fifteen and older.
Things to note for my younger readers... There are some gruesome violent scenes, and given we're in Tiadone's head we are given intimate details about her body, thus my recommendation to girls.
I received an ARC of this book from Blink in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!
Wow. I'm still reeling from reading the final pages. This is not a book for the young and light of heart. Written in first person present tense (as so many are these days...), we get an intimate look into the life of Tiadone, a biological young woman, who has, from birth, been declared a young man in order to preserve her life. This is what drew me to the story after skimming the back cover copy. Pure intrigue.
The mastery of this story world is incredible. It felt almost tangible. However, there were a couple minor details left unexplained that I didn't work out until halfway through. I found it a minor drawback, albeit a distracting one. Other than that, I felt immersed in the story. I'm duly impressed.
Tiadone is a highly unusual character. As I mentioned earlier, she has been told for most of her life that she is a male, not female and that the amulet around her waist will suppress all feminine traits in her. Her gradual transformation over the course of the story is near perfection. Most YA books these days seem to be written in first person present tense, thus it's common. But, Firstborn is a classic case where this perspective is needed. It's fits the story better than first person past tense would. We're thrown in the moment and Grover wrote it exceedingly well.
I can't spend too much time on Ratho in this review, but I will say my affection for this particular hero goes back and forth. Once or twice, I felt like he acted out of character, but this is just my opinion. Firstborn pulls you in and wraps it's talons around your imagination, pun intended. I was loathe to ever put it down. I hope there is a sequel in the works, because I want to read more! It is worth mentioning that Grover offers a raw story, holding little back for this reason I recommend this book to girls fifteen and older.
Things to note for my younger readers... There are some gruesome violent scenes, and given we're in Tiadone's head we are given intimate details about her body, thus my recommendation to girls.
I received an ARC of this book from Blink in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!
July 21, 2014
As a firstborn woman I was intrigued by the idea of this book from the get go, and I was not disappointed. I had a hard time putting the book down. A girl forced to live as a male member of her society but not of her own free will. Thanks to the Madronian's who have overtaken the R'tan, she is born into a world of oppression where her native religion and ideals can, if discovered, put the lash to one's back or depending on the offense, be punished by death. The Madronian's have even demanded that if the first born child is female, it must either be declared male or die in the desert. As Tiadone grows, she tries to find the balance between the Madronian ways with those of her ancestors, while struggling to understand why she is a male with feminine traits. She fights to battle the femininity within her as her body begins to change and she is faced with completing the rites of passage that any other male in her country would. Pressure is added by the fact that no other declared female has made it to even the first stage of the male rites. Tiadone really is a heroine for all firstborn women out there. And when you read that the author was inspired to write the book to bring light to what happens to firstborn females around the world, especially in countries like China, I think it drives the idea home. I could see myself reading this book again to relive her journey, and that's what brings us to the spoilers. I have not yet heard any mention of a sequel but there HAS to be one. When I put the book down, I was glad for Tia and all she had accomplished, but there were so many questions left unanswered. Do she and Vinti make it out of the desert? Do they find acceptance? What happens when Vinti's bird hatches? Does Ratho find love? Does Tia have any other visions now that her rapion is back by her side? Do Tia's dad and Frana (especially Frana) ever see the cloth and necklace left in the tree by Mirko? and most importantly, if there isn't a sequel, what was the point of everything that happened in that chamber? Grrrr so many questions?!? But so worth it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2014
'Firstborn' is an original young adult science fiction/dystopian novel that follows Tiadone - a firstborn female who was declared male at birth, allowing her to live. After being declared, Tiadone has had to live her entire life as a male, which include the initiation into adulthood and guarding the Perimeter of the land. Although Tiadone and the rest of her community believe that she's endowed with the strengths and traits of a male, her Creator god my have different plans for her after all.
I found this story to be incredibly unique and fascinating. I loved learning about Tiadone's society - their everyday lives, their history, beliefs, and everything else the author shared with us. Tiadone is a great main character. She's female, although everyone in her community - including her father and herself - sees her as a declared male. Firstborn children are not allowed to be female in this society, so when Tiadone was born her parents had two options: declare her as male or have her taken to her death on the Scree. I loved the aspect of the story that dealt with the birds - how the rapions twined with their master and where connected in a special bond. Mirko, Tiadone's bird, is just as unusual as she is in her culture - which makes a fitting match for the book. The writing was detailed and had lots of description, which made it easy for me to imagine myself alongside Tiadone throughout the book. I did find the writing to be somewhat choppy - it didn't seem to flow smoothly, which made it hard for me to fully immerse myself into the story. Some parts of the book were predictable, but not enough for me to stop reading. I liked the coming of age story of Tiadone along with the deeper topics of determination, strength, and believing in yourself that play a part in the plot. Overall, this was an original novel that fans of science fiction and dystopias will enjoy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I found this story to be incredibly unique and fascinating. I loved learning about Tiadone's society - their everyday lives, their history, beliefs, and everything else the author shared with us. Tiadone is a great main character. She's female, although everyone in her community - including her father and herself - sees her as a declared male. Firstborn children are not allowed to be female in this society, so when Tiadone was born her parents had two options: declare her as male or have her taken to her death on the Scree. I loved the aspect of the story that dealt with the birds - how the rapions twined with their master and where connected in a special bond. Mirko, Tiadone's bird, is just as unusual as she is in her culture - which makes a fitting match for the book. The writing was detailed and had lots of description, which made it easy for me to imagine myself alongside Tiadone throughout the book. I did find the writing to be somewhat choppy - it didn't seem to flow smoothly, which made it hard for me to fully immerse myself into the story. Some parts of the book were predictable, but not enough for me to stop reading. I liked the coming of age story of Tiadone along with the deeper topics of determination, strength, and believing in yourself that play a part in the plot. Overall, this was an original novel that fans of science fiction and dystopias will enjoy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2016
Firstborn, by Lorie Ann Grover is a young adult fiction novel. There is a dystopian element to it. This book tackles the issue of female genocide, which is still prevalent in countries around the world today. In the book's dystopian world, firstborn females are sacrificed as they are not as worthy as males. The protagonist, a firstborn daughter, has been raised as a male in an effort to save her life from her society's cruel tradition. As she reaches her teens, she wrestles with her feelings and self-identification, finding frustration in living a lie, being who she is not. Without giving away the plot and story, she comes to a decision between continuing to live her lie to protect her family and culture or proving to her society the true value of woman and of her own value as a person.
The author of this book has been very outspoken about the practice of female genocide. She used Firstborn as a way for teen readers to understand the need to speak out against this cultural tradition and to help inspire them in knowing that women are strong, and as valuable as men, regardless of what society may say.
Firstborn received a Kirkus Starred Review in 2014 and was nominated for the Kirkus Prize.
This book is well worth the read for fiction lovers, educators, and those who are looking for books with strong positive female characters and a feminist message.
The author of this book has been very outspoken about the practice of female genocide. She used Firstborn as a way for teen readers to understand the need to speak out against this cultural tradition and to help inspire them in knowing that women are strong, and as valuable as men, regardless of what society may say.
Firstborn received a Kirkus Starred Review in 2014 and was nominated for the Kirkus Prize.
This book is well worth the read for fiction lovers, educators, and those who are looking for books with strong positive female characters and a feminist message.
July 9, 2016
Firstborn is very different from a lot of YA novels that I've read with the writing and the topic it has given. Tiadone is born a female, but declared a male by her family so she may live and take care of her family as a young man. In this book it is believed that a female can not properly care for their family so they are tossed out onto the streets, left to die. When each male becomes of a certain age they are to care for a bird assigned to them. If things couldn't get worse for Tiadone now her bird is believed to be evil for it's gift of song. But none of this stops her Father from believeing in her. Tiadone struggles having any type of relationship with her best friend Ratho. Ratho also believes she is cursed with the bird of song. He begins to retreat from her while she still yearns for his friendship through out the book and their journey together. This book was likeable for me, but I did struggle with the writing style a bit. At times it was boring and it told more about what was happening rather than show it. I really liked Tiadone's character because no matter what tried to bring her down she just kept fighting to be accepted in her society. I also loved the ending and thought it was perfect for the book. The book itself was bittersweet, but the ending definitely made up for it.
May 21, 2014
I have seen this book a couple of times on different websites. I thought the cover was cool and the concept of the story intrigued me. I finally decided to check this book out and see what it really was all about. I have to say this book was way better then I thought it would be. I can not imagine growing up as a declared boy but actually being born a girl.
Tiadone was a good "boy". In fact, I thought she was better then some of the real boys. She was tougher. I loved Tiadone's companion, Mirko. The idea that every person has a bird that they share a bond with is cool. The world that Tiadone resides in is not one that I would want to live in, especially being a woman myself. While the back of the book hints at a possible romance between Tiadone and her best friend, Ratho, there was nothing that happened between the two. I am glad. It would have taken away from the story. The ending was a good one. I would like to see Tiadone again some day, if possible.
Tiadone was a good "boy". In fact, I thought she was better then some of the real boys. She was tougher. I loved Tiadone's companion, Mirko. The idea that every person has a bird that they share a bond with is cool. The world that Tiadone resides in is not one that I would want to live in, especially being a woman myself. While the back of the book hints at a possible romance between Tiadone and her best friend, Ratho, there was nothing that happened between the two. I am glad. It would have taken away from the story. The ending was a good one. I would like to see Tiadone again some day, if possible.
September 17, 2014
I really, really loved this book, but I can see why it has such a range of reviews. This book deals with transgender issues. Through a cultural mandate, the female main character was forced to grow up identified as a male. Everyone knows she was born female, so it's not one of those books where she's trying to hide it, instead she's trying to fill a gender role she was not birthed to. She does admirably, but then puberty strikes and despite her best efforts to fit in with her male peers, she runs into obstacles after obstacle. Despite the subject matter, it has nothing to do with homosexuality.
The culture created by the author is realistic and well written. Between the twining with the rampion (birds) and forcing a female child to be raised male, there is so much here that is rich and different.
The writing is stellar. The best handled first person present tense I have read. I love the world/culture the author created, and look forward to a sequel.
The culture created by the author is realistic and well written. Between the twining with the rampion (birds) and forcing a female child to be raised male, there is so much here that is rich and different.
The writing is stellar. The best handled first person present tense I have read. I love the world/culture the author created, and look forward to a sequel.
January 28, 2015
Okay, so I'll be honest, this wasn't at all what I thought it would be. I'd like to say it was so much better, but I think I'd be lying. And I don't say that in a mean way. I was fairly convinced that this book would be a dystopian type setting. Which it kind of was. But I almost feel like it wanted to be more of a reality type, not fairy tale I mean. I still enjoyed it. Some of Grover's details did throw me off a bit. I loved the interaction between Tia and Mirko. The bond was really kind of cool.
All in all, I'd give it a solid 3.75 stars. I might read her work should she choose to continue writing. That's all.
All in all, I'd give it a solid 3.75 stars. I might read her work should she choose to continue writing. That's all.
July 3, 2014
If there's girls dressing as boys involved, I'm probably going to like it. Firstborn is a unique look at what it would be like to be born a girl and immediately get labeled with the gender male. I thought the conflict between what she believes and what she knows is really interesting. And although "twining" created an almost telepathic connection between the humans and their birds, the birds never actually spoke words, which was refreshing. Although the Disney idealist in me hates the ending, it was definitely appropriate. All the same, I'd love to see a sequel.
February 2, 2014
this book "Firstborn" is one of the best books I have read in a very long time. It addresses a very delicate subject and has opened my eyes to a delicate subject of gendercide! The killing of firstborn girls. It follows a firstborn girl that is declared as a male in ordered to save her life! Her journey is intriguing, brave and is handled beautifully!
April 2, 2014
The idea and concept in this novel was surprising, but the story did not disappoint. I loved this book, it was always entertaining, and I could not put it down. I finished it in one sitting that was approximately two hours. I feel as though this book should not end here, and could be a series. I highly recommend this book.
January 16, 2015
o mg this book was so awesome that i didn't even want it to ends i fall in love with the book the fact that she have to leave her entire life as a declared male and that his father was lying to her and that she find out at the end she had a sister wish her fater through away and she goes back at the end to find her was awsome i love cant wait for a second one .
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