There a dozens of books out there that I completely adore, but not all of them have me hooked from the first line. I think a successful first sentence needs to convey something about the setting, main character, or the plot. If it can also pique the reader’s interest and make them ask questions, even better. Here are some first lines that I really enjoyed.
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
“On the second Sabbat of Twelfthmoon, in the city of Weep, a girl fell from the sky.”
What kind of city is called Weep? And why is a girl falling from the sky? Is this a common occurrence?
Avery by Charlotte McConaghy
“The people of Kaya die in pairs.”
Whoa. Hardcore. The love stories must all be tragedies. I’m so in.
To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
“I have a heart for every year I’ve been alive.”
Really? And where did you procure these hearts from Lira?
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
“This is a story about a man named Eddie and it begins at the end, with Eddie dying in the sun.”
There’s just something so poignant about this, and I want to know what led Eddie, whoever he is, to this point.
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
“Blue Sargent had forgotten how many times she’d been told that she would kill her true love.”
Okay, so firstly, what kind of name is Blue? Also, why are you going to kill your true love, and who keeps telling you this? Where did they get this information? Is it credible?
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
“Joost had two problems: the moon and his moustache.”
How could the moon possibly be a problem? Why don’t you just shave your moustache?
Renegades by Marissa Meyer
“We were all villains in the beginning.”
Wow. That’s a big statement. Who were these villains? Are you still a villain?
Scythe by Neal Schusterman
“We must, by law, keep a record of the innocents we kill.”
Why on earth is it a legal requirement to note who you murder?
Let’s Chat!
What are some of your favourite first lines? Do you think the first sentence can make or break a book? Let me know in the comments below!
Black Goddess Reviews 
Oh wow – great post!! I’ve never really paid attention to the first lines of books but I will now.
Also that first line of Six of Crows was so great (not to mention the story seems so interesting) that I’ve added it to my TBR list!
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Great Post! I can usually tell if I will like a book with the first line.
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Thank you! 😊 I think the first line is usually a pretty good indicator of whether or not I’ll like a book.
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