Firstborn (Deluxe Edition) (Firstborn)

Review Quotes:
"Every eldest daughter will see a part of herself in this fierce, unstoppable heroine." -- Claudia Gray, New York Times bestselling author of A Thousand Pieces of You

Review Quotes:
"An exhilarating ride from beginning to end, M.J. Hasting's epic romantasy has it all: heart-pounding stakes, a lush, lethal fantasy world, and a swoon-worthy romance. I couldn't put the book down." -- Ann Liang, New York Times bestselling author of A Song to Drown Rivers

Review Quotes:
"Dark, propulsive, and unflinchingly sharp. Firstborn is a harrowing, deeply thoughtful fantasy that understands the allure--and the danger--of absolute loyalty. Hastings delivers a world that feels terrifyingly plausible. Truly a stunning examination of how nations manufacture enemies and heroes in equal measure." -- Aiden Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of Cemetery Boys

Review Quotes:
"Gripping and powerful! Firstborn is packed with action, riveting romance, and twists that made me gasp. M.J. Hastings has woven a tapestry of sharp-witted, complex characters who must confront the ties that bind them together--in war, in family, in love." -- Julia Riew, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Tiger

Review Quotes:
"With its gripping pace, layered themes, and emotionally resonant character arcs, this establishes itself as a powerful and memorable entry into the dystopian fantasy genre... Highly recommended for readers looking for their next fantasy fix." -- School Library Journal, STARRED review

Publisher Marketing:

DELUXE EDITION--a stunning hardcover featuring stenciled edges, two full-color custom maps, and a foil cover!

In this epic dystopian romantasy, one eldest daughter must fight for her survival in a world where birth order determines your fate--and defiance comes at a deadly cost.

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?

A crossover fantasy perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and Fourth Wing.

Praise for Firstborn:

"I couldn't put the book down." --Ann Liang, New York Times bestselling author of A Song to Drown Rivers

"Dark, propulsive, and unflinchingly sharp." --Aiden Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of Cemetery Boys

"[A] fierce, unstoppable heroine." --Claudia Gray, New York Times bestselling author of A Thousand Pieces of You

"A riveting romance and twists that made me gasp." --Julia Riew, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Tiger

Review Citations:

• School Library Journal 06/01/2026 pg. 96 (EAN 9781464244513, Hardcover) - *Starred Review

Contributor Bio:Hastings, M J

M.J. HASTINGS is the oldest (and bossiest) of five sisters, which explains how she grew up to become an attorney, one who refused to have the imagination beaten out of her. She graduated from law school with honors and went on to serve as a federal law clerk and practice complex civil litigation. Her greatest education, however, was her childhood in rural Kentucky, which left an indelible mark on her life and her writing. M.J. lives in Louisville with her family. FIRSTBORN is her debut novel.