One of the hardest parts about writing a book is writing the opening lines. These lines can tell you so much about the characters and can set the tone for the entire story. Therefore, I have created a list of the opening lines of some of my favourite books. I hope that this post is helpful and will give you some interesting book recommendations.
Red Queen, Victoria Aveyard
I hate First Friday. It makes the village crowded, and now, in the heat of high summer, that’s the last thing anyone wants.
Checkmate, Malorie Blackman
The General watched as his Liberation Militia commanders took their places around the imposing mahogany dining table.
Salt to the Sea, Ruta Sepetys
Guilt is a hunter. My conscience mocked me, picking fights like a petulant child.
Between Shades of Grey, Ruta Septys
They took me in my nightgown. Thinking back, the signs were there -family photos burned in the fireplace, Mother sewing her best silver and jewelry into the lining of her coat late at night, and Papa not returning from work.
The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins
When I wake up, the other side of the bed is cold. My fingers stretch out seeking Prim’s warmth but finding only the rough canvas cover of the mattress. She must have had bad dreams and climbed in with our mother.
Divergent, Veronica Roth
I stare into my own eyes for a moment. Today is the day of the aptitude test that will show me which of the five factions I belong in. And tomorrow, at the Choosing Ceremony, I will decide on a faction; I will decide the rest of my life; I will decide to stay with my family or abandon them.
Rebel of the Sands, Alwyn Hamilton
They said the only folk who belonged in Deadshot after dark were the ones who were up to no good. I wasn’t up to no good. Then again I wasn’t exactly up to no bad, neither.
A Tudor Turk, Rehan Khan
The grey-haired galley slave collapsed against Will’s shoulder. The Mediterranean summer with its suffocating heat had certainly kept the Grim Reaper busy, Will thought. In the two years he had rowed below decks aboard the Al-Qamar, a Moroccan galleon whose name meant ‘the moon’, he’d seen many of the older slaves die from the heat, from exhaustion or in the cut and thrust of naval battle.
I am Malala, Malala Yousafzai
I come from a country that was created at midnight. When I almost died it was just after midday. One year ago I left my home for school and never returned.
The Diary of Anne Frank, Anne Frank
I hope I will be able to confide everything to you as I have never been able to confide in anyone, and I hope you will be a great source of comfort.
telling tales 