The First (2019) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Virtually non-existent, consistent with a middle-grade animal fantasy. There are minor mentions of affection or platonic bonds between characters, but no romantic or sexual content. Characters like Byx, Tobble, and Khara share deep loyalty and physical closeness as they travel, such as huddling for warmth, but these are purely survival-based and familial. The narrative focuses entirely on the quest for the dairne's hidden colony and the prevention of total war in Nedarra. Even the human characters display no…

Moderate fantasy violence includes skirmishes, the use of swords and elemental powers, and threats of extinction. Characters face physical danger from soldiers and predatory creatures, with some descriptions of injuries and the aftermath of battles. Byx and her friends encounter fierce predators and the Murdano’s oppressive forces, leading to scenes of pursuit and direct combat. There are descriptions of soldiers being knocked unconscious and animals using claws or teeth in self-defense. The stakes often involve…

This book includes mild strong language content. Examples include: Use of mild exclamatory language during a moment of high tension. The vocabulary is generally sophisticated for the genre, but remains clean and age-appropriate for middle-grade readers. Most of the 'language' consists of world-specific insults or exclamations like 'By the Saints' or 'Heavens.' There are no instances of profanity that would be considered severe or vulgar in a modern context. Parents can use the page timeline to preview the specific…

None. There is no use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco by the primary characters. The story stays rooted in the natural world and the fantastical elements of Nedarra without incorporating any human-like substance use or references. Even at social gatherings or political meetings with the Murdano's court, the focus remains on food and strategy rather than intoxication. The magical abilities of characters like the dairnes are inherent traits, not derived from potions or external chemical substances. This maintains a…

Heavy focus on the ethics of war, the tragedy of species extinction, and the burden of leadership. The book also deals with displacement, the importance of truth-telling, and forming 'found families' across different species. Byx grapples with her identity as an Endling while discovering that her species may have survived in a hidden colony. The plot highlights the corruption of the Murdano and how power can be used to manipulate or erase entire populations. Ultimately, the story emphasizes courage, the necessity…