Firstborn, by M.J. Hastings, Stonefruit Studio, Sept. 1, 2026, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult, ages *16 and up)
One eldest daughter must fight for her survival in a world where birth order determines your fate in Firstborn, by M.J. Hastings.
The first children take up arms. The second children take up books. The third children are taken.
The Long Night is the final trial for Firstborn soldiers, and Bryn Ruelle must prove she can take a life―or face immediate exile. If she survives, she’ll graduate to defending the country’s borders against their magic-wielding neighbors. Bryn has never made a kill before tonight. By dawn, someone will be dead by her hands.
But when Bryn discovers a plot to kidnap the Lastborn, she must discern if the threat to her youngest sister is real, or merely a ruse to throw Bryn off her game. Her search for the truth forces her to work side-by-side with an alluring traitor-born enemy. As adrenaline and rage ignite a dangerous desire she refuses to name, Bryn must choose: her country, or her family? Her siblings, or herself? —Synopsis provided by Stonefruit Studio
Fristborn is a dark fantasy that features themes of autonomy, mythology, political deception, family, magic and romance.
The story is told through alternating viewpoints of Bryn and her siblings Asa and Wren, although the majority of the narration focuses on Bryn.
Bryn is every bit a soldier – at least on the outside. She’s been trained to follow orders and has the scars to prove it. But as detached as she may seem, Bryn does care for others, particularly her siblings, and she’ll do whatever it takes to make sure they’re safe. Bryn is well-developed with lots of complexities and growth across the novel. Supporting characters range from strong to pawn pieces. And despite being main players, Asa, and particularly Wren, are somewhat of a mystery.
Firstborn is a brutal story in a brutal land. And M.J. Hastings does a fine job with it. Both world-building and magical system feel authentic, and use of imagery is strong. The plot is engaging, and there are plenty of surprises along the way.
But…
And there’s a big but…
Firstborn is being marketed for a YA audience. Unfortunately, its content (explicit sex scene, lots of sexual inuendo, violence, dark themes) makes it more appropriate for older, mature readers (at least 17 or 18 years old).
It’s too bad, because Firstborn is an entertaining read. Hastings has crafted a book that has you asking for more (another book is in the works). It’s a great option for new adults who are looking for their next fantasy fix.
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