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:
I had no reason to fear the dead. At least, not the long-dead.
Do you recognize the lines?
Hint: It’s the fourth novella in a fantasy series.
Still not sure? Here’s another hint:
It’s written by Nancy O’Toole.
The First Lines Friday book is:
The Starlight Blade
About the Book:
Title: the Starlight Blade
Author: Nancy O’Toole
Series: The Twin Kingdoms #4
Publication Date: Feb. 2, 2022
Publisher: Midnight Tide Publishing
Synopsis:
The Warrior Princess
Viola Verdis would do anything to protect her family. But what can she can do against The Mage King—an ancient enemy who hides in the shadows and uses others as pawns? With the royal family scattered for their own protection, it falls to Viola to protect her father, King Valient. But The Mage King’s latest weapon has plenty of tricks up her sleeve.
An Assassin in Disguise
Rue regrets joining The Mage King in his quest to sacrifice the royal family. And now, his magic burns in her chest, tying her to his will. By day, she disguises herself as a kitchen maid, masked by her cloak of many furs. By night, she plans King Valient’s demise, armed with the weapons of her late mother, Kelvia’s most notorious assassin. Only one person stands in her way, the king’s ever-present and infuriatingly beautiful daughter, Viola. Viola draws Rue in like no one has ever done before. But following her heart is impossible when she knows what she must do.
Spill royal blood, or die.
Have you read The Starlight Blade? What do you think of the first lines? Comment below!
The lines are great! It has me very curious about the rest of the book.
Haven’t read the book but those first lines made me very curious about it. Mmmmm! Thanks for sharing!!
You’re so welcome! 🙂
Ooh, these lines have definitely piqued my interest! Great pick 😃
Thanks, Dini! I really enjoyed this one