The first line of a story, we’re told, must hook the reader. Implied is that the reader will not buy the book if the first line isn’t great. These entries are from Amazon, my personal library, or other online booksellers. Are you hooked by these first lines from histories you don’t know? Do you want to read more of these alternate histories?
“As the London Divisions of the glorious troops of the Fatherland march proudly past the gauleiter’s podium, they salute the Thousand Year Reich!” the announcer intoned pompously.
The Children’s War by J.N. Stroyar
August 2014
I am a good girl. It is my most defining feature. And that’s the truth.
The Big Lie by Julie Mayhew
The squalid little alley smelled of piss despite the February cold.
The Enemy Within by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
It started when David came in from the lawn absolutely furious.
Farthing: A Story of a World that Could Have Been (Small Change Book 1)
by Jo Walton
Prologue:
You already know the story of the American Revolution, and the birth of the American monarchy.
American Royals by Katharine McGee
“Get below decks!” Colm Bohannon shouted.
Angels & Patriots: Book One by Salina B Baker
Clarification
There are no affiliate links in this post. I don’t make a cent off of the books listed on this page. I usually pull these quotes at random. They are here for your enjoyment. And to entice you to buy more books.
If you enjoy these alternate histories, you might enjoy my series, The Fellowship Dystopia.
Do You Want to Read More?
Did you enjoy these first lines from histories you don’t know? Check out previous First Line Fridays. You’ll put another enormous smile on my face if you tell me in the comments below— Which ones spoke to you? Did you buy it?