Blood of the Firstborn

The Firstborn Chronicles #1

by Georgia Parry

The Veil has sealed the mortal realm from Elantis for centuries. Now it is failing, spilling an Infection that turns men into monsters and threatens to consume the world.

Elowen alone can see the sickness before it takes root - a gift that makes her both feared and indispensable to the survival of her people. But when she is delivered to the Veil as a sacrifice, she is brought into Elantis, where danger waits in deception and shadow.

There, she is saved by the Lord of Flame, whose fire blazes as fiercely as his secrets. In his arms, Elowen finds protection and the spark of a love that could remake her fate. But she discovers that she is heir to a god-blooded lineage, and the monster within the Veil will stop at nothing to claim her power.

As realms falter and loyalties fracture, Elowen must decide whether her heart will burn for love - or bleed for destiny.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance

622 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 13, 2025

Reviews

[Kalen Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew me away! It truly is like if ACOTAR and the walking dead had a love child lol. So many interesting characters, and the magic in this world was so unique. I had such a fun time with this book and ate it up so fast. Seriously couldn’t put it down. Highly highly suggest for any fantasy romance lovers!

[Ella Shoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

„Beauty is earned through suffering. That is the law of our world - of all the worlds.“

Wow this was phenomenal for a debut romantasy novel and it is quiet palpable that Georgia put her whole heart into it.

The description of ACOTAR meets The Walking Dead could not be more fitting. The storyline picked up 100 pages in and developed utterly fascinating. The magic system was somehow unique but also used some parts of magic systems from other fantasy worlds. However, I absolutely cherished that we learned more and more about the magic as well as the history of the world during the progression of the storyline and there have also been some jaw dropping revelations. Beyond that, the writing was immaculate and it did not feel like a debut novel at all.

Unfortunately, I did not fell in love with our FMC and MMC, especially not as a pair. I secretly shipped the FMC with a side character who was rather quiet and therefore more mysterious. I truly hope that we get to see more of him in the next book. I also did not agree with certain decisions and acts by the MMC, which made me slightly angry at him in the end.

However, the cliff hanger at the end provides a spectacular set-up for the next book, which makes me absolutely excited for it.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was sooo close to a 5 star read! The story and pacing are great, the banter is amazing! However, a few things the MMC did later in the book made me drop it down to 4. Looking forward to book 2!

[Elesia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast-paced, bingeable fantasy that kept me hooked from the start. The banter was chef’s kiss!!!It was sharp, witty, and genuinely fun, which made the character dynamics one of the biggest highlights for me.

I especially enjoyed Elowen as the female main character! She felt capable, compelling, and easy to root for, with just the right balance of strength and personality, I love a sassy FMC! The story moves quickly without dragging, making it a great pick if you’re in the mood for something exciting and entertaining.

Overall, Blood of the Firstborn delivered solid action, great banter, and a strong FMC. A really enjoyable read and an easy four stars from me.

[Samantha Greig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood of the Firstborn is officially on my top 10 list for most enjoyed fantasy books I’ve read to date. This was so well done. The world building and magic concept, the lore and history of this world and the character connections were thought out and planned so perfectly. The entire time I was reading this I kept saying to myself that this book needed to be on shelves immediately. I honestly can’t wait to recommend this to everyone I know looking for their next fantasy read because I’m so obsessed with this story and these characters. Book 2 needs to be in my hands immediately.

Thank you so much Georgia for sending me a copy of Blood of the Firstborn in exchange for an honest review. I have fallen hard for your book❤️❤️

[Carrie Miller-Kistner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Very descriptive writing that pulls you into the book. Full of twist and turns. I love a good book that makes you go back a chapter and read it again because there was a hidden meaning in a characters words. I can’t wait for the next book

[Marie-France · Rating 5 out of 5]

breathtaking

This is my new favourite series !! I love it so much and the way it’s written and the plot twist and everything is just perfect!!

[Ashley Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great but i wanted to MfC to stand up for herself more. They treated her like shit and she took it. Hopefully she becomes more badass in book 2

[Melissa Jenine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one. The fae world was beautifully written and easy to get lost in, and the atmosphere pulled me in right away. The spice was just right and blended perfectly with the story and tension between the characters. And believe me ladies there was tension!!

Definitely a book I’d recommend for fantasy romance readers. I already can’t wait for the next one. 🖤📖

P.s I made character art for the FMC and MMC if you want a sneak peak! @m3l_reads

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this blew me out of the water. The rollercoaster ride that was the last half of this book is unmatched. If you’re looking for your next big Romantasy this it. The next book has just been bumped up to my most anticipated of 2026 because I need it like I need air.

[Arina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book absolutely blew my mind! A 6⭐️ masterpiece!

I could not put it down for a second!!! It gets you hooked from the very first chapter. The plot twists, the world-building. Absolutely amazing!

We have magic, different Courts, Fae, slow burn, looots of tension, amazing FMC, aaaaand the MMC is blond and he has BLUE eyes, oh my god.

I’d recommend it to anyone in a heartbeat. Might be as well one of the best books I’ve read in the past couple of years! I cannot wait for Book 2, and so excited to see Elowen’s story unfold!

[Shauni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood of the Firstborn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Slow Burn. Secret Heritage. Forced Proximity.

I didn’t go into this book with any expectations, I’m usually just here for the vibes! But this story surprised me in all the best ways. The magic system was intriguing and left open enough to build into book 2. The characters were written with depth and realistic traits. The writing itself was some of the better descriptive works I’ve enjoyed reading.

The FMC at times can be predictable, however the twist and turns that occur in this book allow for this to be her character trait comfortably without it becoming too repetitive or predictable. The MMC overall had me kicking my feet through the slow burn of the storyline. And honestly towards the start of the book I completely incorrectly guessed the MMC and boy am I glad I was wrong!!

I did not see the cliffhanger coming, even as the writing started hinting at it I was still wrong with my guesses. I am looking forward to book 2 and will definitely keep an eye on the author because of her writing style!!

[MEL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really did give you that ACOTAR feel but with a little darker twist! Story plot was intriguing and very mysterious which I loved! The FMC and MMC were great but there is a side mystery MC that I would love to read more about as well👀
Ending left off with so much unanswered questions!! I definitely can’t wait to read the 2nd book👏

[Shaylene · Rating 4 out of 5]

The moment that I started this, I was thinking that I might've just found a hidden gem. The first few pages immersed me but it was just like that, with a snap that I felt like this world brought me in fully.

I went into this pretty blind (like 95% or so), and it made this feel all the more better. I was practically vibrating with anticipation as I flipped through the pages wanting to devour the words. Wondering how this book hasn't been discovered yet.

I actually only saw this through a brief ad on social media (hence the 95% blind read), not on booktok itself. I'm kind of happy that this is untouched by booktok but also hopeful that it will be in the future. I don't want all the noise to touch it and bring with it negativity of too much hype just yet. Since for now, this feels like a hidden gem in the rough.

It's interesting because my discovery of Fourth Wing came before the explosive trajectory of its fame. I read that one when there were maybe only 100k reviews on Goodreads and it wasn't yet traditionally published. So maybe this one could have a similar trend.

If I had to compare this to another romantasy, I would say ACOTAR. There's a faerie/human dynamic going on with the FMC Elowen and the faerie world. She discovers the different courts in a world unfamiliar to her. However, this felt shiny and new veering away from other romantasy comparisons.

For one thing, this almost felt apocalyptic at the start. Elowen deals with a spreading infection in her world that makes the humans zombie-like. She has some stranger power that helps her see the infection and prevent the spread. Which leads to her being cast out to the faerie world beyond the barrier of the realm.

I've become more patient with FMCs who don't show a lot of courage or badassery in the beginning. Elowen wasn't a badass and I was fine with it. I think it was because she dealt with some gruesome and grisly things without breaking out into an emotional meltdown. She showed her bravery through those things even if by the end of this book, I did question some of her decisions.

I didn't see much development from Elowen throughout this one. She doesn't suddenly go all stabby on someone but that was okay. She has a spine in other areas, not backing down from the MMC, Aedric. It was just that there were decisions she made regarding him that I didn't totally agree with. I found myself grimacing, sucking air through my teeth with the bad decisions that Elowen made.

I have a few choice words for the Aedric even if I agreed with him about Elowen's naive decisions. At first, as the book slowly introduced Aedric and his dynamic with Elowen, I was loving the delicious tension between them. It felt like a slow caress of a slow burn that would have the most heated results. But that seemed to fade away by the end.

Without giving away too much, I couldn't totally get behind the romance for this. Aedric was not my idea of a book boyfriend. He had some great banter with Elowen that made me smile mischievously but I was kind of disappointed that all the build up hollowed out in the end. Though I had a feeling that the romance would get better with the next book.

My one big critique for this was the lore. I was wondering what the villain's big endgame was. It didn't feel like it was explained clearly revealing the full breadth of what the villain was trying to accomplish. I was thinking more would be revealed in due time with more story still to flesh out.

This was so close to being a 5 stars for me. It was the end that snuffed out my excitement a bit. Elowen acted on her naivety and Aedric wasn't a great MMC. Even though they both had their faults, I was still intrigued where this would lead in a sequel. So if this book does gain the popularity it deserves, I would be looking forward to getting more people to discover what this world is all about.

[Katelyn Scheffler · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Blood of the Firstborn by Georgia Parry completely swept me away.

This is the kind of fantasy romance that reminds you why you fell in love with the genre in the first place. The world-building is rich, layered, and cinematic — every realm, power, and political tension feels intentional and alive, like there are centuries of history breathing beneath the surface. Nothing feels flat or decorative; the magic system, the lore, and the stakes all intertwine in a way that makes the story feel epic in scale but still deeply personal.

The character development is where this book truly shines. The protagonist is not just someone the story happens to — she grows, struggles, questions, and earns her strength. Watching her step into the truth of who she is feels emotional and empowering rather than convenient. And the romantic lead? Intense, complex, and layered with vulnerability beneath the power — the chemistry builds with tension, trust, and meaningful connection, not just attraction.

Every relationship, alliance, and betrayal carries weight. The emotional arcs hit just as hard as the action scenes, and the balance between danger, romance, and character growth is beautifully handled.

This story delivers:
✨ immersive high fantasy
✨ slow-burn, emotionally charged romance
✨ powerful character arcs
✨ deep lore and rising stakes

Blood of the Firstborn isn’t just a story you read — it’s one you fall into. Absolutely unforgettable, and I will be thinking about these characters and this world for a long time.

Fantasy romance readers, don’t sleep on this one! 10/10 Highly recommend! This book got me out of an almost 2 month long reading slump! Thank heavens🤩🌹

[Casey Bainter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book FLOORED me. Absolutely floored me, from the very first page. It’s ACOTAR meets The Walking Dead: political fae court intrigue and terrifying undead “infected” seamlessly woven together. When the first page starts with a frozen village’s “dead shed,” you best buckle up.

The writing is crisp, clean and compelling, with vivid descriptions and imagery alongside some of the best, most clever banter I’ve read in a while. Georgia’s word choices are impeccable, and a certain High Lord had me laughing out loud more times than I can count. The unmitigated SASS is just *chef’s kiss.*

And the TWISTS. My blood pressure was redlining, y’all There are so many familiar elements in this story, but right away I could tell that we were NOT in Kansas anymore. All the tropes I thought I knew and could predict, kept getting twisted and turned on their heads. I was on my toes for this entire roller coaster, and it was an exhilarating ride.

I especially loved the descriptions of the physicality of having magic - what it FEELS like to have power coursing through one’s body - absolutely captivating.

I had to start covering the pages with my hand to stop my eyes from jumping ahead - something I haven’t felt the compulsion to do since Throne of Glass. It is THAT GOOD. I cannot *believe* more people are not talking about this book yet, and I mean to make it everyone’s problem. RUN.

[Sisters of fantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐.25

Okay, if someone tells you a book is ACOTAR x The Walking Dead… you either run or you dive in. I dove straight in.

Blood of the Firstborn by Georgia Parry starts with a frozen village and a literal undead shed in chapter 1. Immediate vibes: dark, bleak, unsettling

The mortal lands actually gave me Anathema energy, oppressive atmosphere, fear everywhere, and this constant sense that something is deeply wrong.

There’s a Veil separating the mortal world from Elantis, it’s failing, and an infection is turning people into monsters. Elowen, our FMC, can see the sickness before it takes hold… which makes her feared, used, and eventually sacrificed.

She ends up in Elantis where it turns into political fae court intrigue, secret alliances, an ancient history that still needs to be uncovered, and a very unique magic system that feels completely its own.

There’s a Lord of Flame: hot, powerful, absolutely untrustworthy and another dark, broody MMC that I am already emotionally attached to. Book two? I’m ready. Why choose? Possibly. Redemption arc? Questionable.

The slow burn is painful, the yearning is brutal, and I loved the FMC’s love / hate dynamic with the MMC because I wanted to strangle this man right along with her.

If you like Anathema, ACOTAR-style courts, undead horror, and morally grey chaos, this needs to be on your TBR. Immediately.

[Sav Reads Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

While people say it’s ACOTAR x Walking Dead, it’s also SO MUCH MORE!

If you liked the horror elements from Anthema by Kerri Lake, you’d like the horror in this as well, as it does not
shy away from demonic like entities.

The world building is unique, and while I think people hear “court of thorns” and think ACOTAR, this book has world building of its own, and stands apart from that series.

My precious FMC Elowen 🥹 cannot wait to see what she grows into in book 2. She’s done some serious growing in this book and I feel like the other characters don’t give her enough credit (which isn’t a writing flaw as it’s intentional).

There’s a certain MMC that everyone is rooting for (and while I love him) I also love a broody darker MMC who I’m hoping to see more of in book two 👀

Also…dramatic reveals that actually I did not see coming at all

Without giving this away read if you’re into:

- Enemies to lovers to?
- chosen one
- powerful FMC
- witty MMC
- possible love triangle? (This could be wishful thinking don’t hate me if it doesn’t happen okay?)
- DRAMATIC REVEALS

[Ryann Cohen · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you miss the vibes of SJM’s ACOTAR, this book is for you! The world building was a major part of this book, but as the first in a series that is to be expected. Imagine the majesty of the courts of Prythian but with a deadly rot and zombies running rampant, a shroud of mystery and confusion, and tension that has you kicking your feet. The writing style in this book is very descriptive and immersive, but at times it did feel over-described and I was skipping over some unnecessary details (mostly in the first 50%). Once passing the midway point, the pacing of the book really picked up which made it more enjoyable for me. I didn’t connect to the FMC and found her pretty annoying, but I really liked most of the other characters in the book which made up for it. Excited to see how this story develops in the next one!

[Laura CoffeeCakeandCauldrons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgia Parry reached out and asked if I could read her debut novel and I am *so* glad she did.

As soon as I saw that this novel was described as ACOTAR x The Walking Dead, I was super intrigued and I’m glad to report that it didn’t disappoint!

I love how descriptive the world building is, and how fast paced the story was from the beginning. The romance was romancing but was it romancing because I have QUESTIONS 👀

Blood of the Firstborn definitely delivered on vibes, romantasy, and intrigue. It was one of those books that had me staying up well past my bedtime because I just wanted to read one more chapter 😍

I cannot wait for book 2 🥳

[Macenzie M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much FUN! I was hooked from the very first line of the very first page. The author is an artist, painting beautiful murals of what she wants you to see through the main characters eyes! There were a lot of unique aspects about this book (won’t share due to spoilers) but they had me in shock! Also, the dialogue was extremely well written, not cringey at all! I highly recommend you add this book to your TBR!

[Emilee Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice🌶️
Tropes
🔥 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Fated mates
⚔️ Acotar x walking dead
🩸 Found family
✨ Twists, turns, & betrayals
🥀 High stakes and action
🗡️ Bada*s FMC
🏴 Touch her and d!e
❤️‍🔥 Slow burn
💫 All the tension and yearning

Oh man oh man oh man!!! If you have not heard of this book, read it or added it to your tbr PLEASE do it right now! Now please!! This book is nonstop twists and turns! The world building and character building in this book was IMPECCABLE. It’s dark, it’s addictive and it’s impossible to put down! Think acotar and walking dead had a baby…this is that baby and then some!!! Aedric…sir…you have me butterflies🤭 Elowen is such a cool character and I cannot wait to see how she develops as the series goes on! Amazing!! 10/10😍😍

[Cassidy Stenerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do yourself a favour and read this book - right now! Don’t just add to your TBR and forget about it. I have no idea how this book isn’t more popular, I am in love. Addicting. The FMC was relatable without being annoying (sorry that’s the best way I can describe some of the FMC lately)

✨slow burn
✨epic fantasy worldbuilding
✨morally complex characters
✨high stakes magical adventure

5 star read from me, I devoured this book over the holidays.

[Krystal - nerdy_book_lover_1987 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was one hell of a ride. I wasn't sure who the love interest was there for a bit. Mind you I went into this book completely blind. The world and magic system was interesting and kept me wanting to know more. I liked the blend of humans and magical creatures. Learning so much about Elowen and what she was and finding out how she was connected to the other side of the Veil was interesting and enjoyable. I loved that the author described the setting so beautifully. There was plenty of things going on to keep you wanting more. The tension and slow burn between Elowen and Aedric was so good. I was all here for it. It definitely took a long time to get there but was so worth the wait. And that ending! Excuse me? Need the next book asap! Definitely recommend picking this one up.

[Smut S Sisters]

If you are looking for a new series to start that has HEAVY ACOTAR vibes with a mix of Flesh & Fire by JLA, then this is the series for you. The world building is super immersive. I have a few ideas on where this series is going, but I’ll keep my theories to myself to avoid any spoilers.

Read this for:
-romantasy
-fae x human
-(true)enemies to lovers
-morally grey mcs
-slow burn w/ spice
-fated mates
-one horse
-captor(ish) romance
-‘mine’

[Dominique · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book- it really was an ACOTAR x Walking Dead book 😅. I enjoyed reading it and the worldbuilding, but I do hope to see a even more elements that are unique to this world vs “oh this reminds me of xyz”. The writing style of the author was right up my alley. Overall would still recommend!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is…WOW! This story had me gripped! I was on the edge of my seat, constantly guessing what was going to happen next. The tension and angst…the slow burn…it was perfection. I finished within two days as I could not physically put it down! I cannot wait to continue this series. Go read now!

[Ashey Louras · Rating 5 out of 5]

addicting

This book surprised me and I’m glad I gave it a chance regardless of the few reviews. The story was everything I ever wanted in a fantasy😭😭 so mad I have to wait for book 2 but cannot wait!!!

[Katie READS📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was AMAZING!!! It’s ACOTAR meets the Walking Dead. Fated mates, found family, betrayal, enemies to lovers, high stakes, I couldn’t ask for more!! Loved every single page! If you like high fantasy and amazing world building, this is for you! Perfection!

[Amélie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutly loved it. The plot, the banter, the love story, everything is right. It got some tears, some laugh and some feet giggling out of me. And then the cliffhanger?! I hope we can be back in Elantis soon!