First Lines Fridays is a weekly feature for book lovers hosted by Wandering Words. What if instead of judging a book by its cover, its author or its prestige, we judged it by its opening lines?
- Pick a book off your shelf (it could be your current read or on your TBR) and open to the first page
- Copy the first few lines, but don’t give anything else about the book away just yet – you need to hook the reader first
- Finally… reveal the book!
First Lines:
Brandon McCay is going to die.
That’s what he thinks as he stumbles, gasping and bleeding, through the forest. But he’s determined-that’s what’s important. He’s got grit and willpower, and no way will he let a reality show be the thing that kills him.
Do you recognize the lines?
Hint: It’s a new YA novel that comes out in August.
The First Lines Friday Book Is:
Title: Cut Off
Author: Adrianne Finlay
Page Length: 384
Publication Date: Aug. 11, 2020
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Synopsis: Warcross meets Lost in this haunting young adult sci-fi thriller in which teens compete to survive in the wilderness for one million dollars on a new virtual reality show. When something goes horribly wrong and the contestants realize no one is coming to save them, they must question their very reality—and how much of the game is really for show.
Each contestant has their own reasons—and their own secrets—for joining the new virtual reality show CUT/OFF that places a group of teenagers alone in the wilderness. It’s a simple premise: whoever lasts the longest without “tapping out” wins a cash prize. Not only that, new software creates a totally unprecedented television experience, allowing viewers to touch, see, and live everything along with the contestants. But what happens when “tapping out” doesn’t work and no one comes to save you? What happens when the whole world seemingly disappears while you’re stranded in the wild? Four teenagers must confront their greatest fears, their deepest secrets, and one another when they discover they are truly cut off from reality. Sci-fi, mystery, and romance converge in this high-stakes, fast-paced read that will leave you guessing to the very last moment.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, including Amazon, and I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through my links.
LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
I was luck to receive an ARC of Cut Off, and I enjoyed it! It’s a cool and unique YA dystopia that I definitely recommend.
Have you read or do you want to read Cut Off? What first lines do you love? Comment below!
I absolutely LOVE reading these! I haven’t heard of this before but I really love the first line.
I feel the same way. I was hooked from the start. It’s such an interesting story. 🙂
So glad you enjoyed it!! I am definitely intrigued with this one!
I read it in a day. It went in a different direction than I expected, but I really enjoyed it!
Wow, that first line sure is captivating! It promises a helluva adventure! 😛
That’s for sure! 🙂
Why does this review make me wanna immediately pick this book up and start reading? Amazing review! 🙂
Thanks! 🙂