Fantasy novel first lines draw readers in multiple ways. They can start with a description of a unique setting that is full of magic, such as 'The city of crystal spires rose out of the enchanted lake, its beauty both alluring and dangerous...' which makes the reader want to explore this place. They can also introduce a conflict early on. For example, 'The war between the elves and the dwarves had been raging for centuries, and she was about to get caught in the middle...' This creates tension and makes the reader want to see how the character will deal with it. And sometimes, they can start with a statement that challenges the normal world view, like 'Magic was not just a myth, but a living, breathing force that could destroy or create...' which makes the reader question what they know and keep reading to find out more.
They draw readers in through setting an otherworldly mood. A line like 'The sky was a swirling mass of purple and green, a sign that something was amiss in the magical world...' gives a vivid and unusual setting. First lines also often start with a hint of adventure. For example, 'With a map in hand and a heart full of courage, he set out to find the lost city...' This makes the reader eager to follow the character's journey. Moreover, they can create a sense of mystery, like 'The old book, bound in leather and inscribed with runes, held secrets that could change the world...' and readers love to uncover such secrets.
They often create mystery. Like 'The door was locked, but I knew what was inside.' It makes you wonder what's behind the door. Simple as that. It gives you a question that needs answering, so you keep reading.
They create intrigue. For example, if the first line is 'She found a letter in the attic, addressed to a stranger but filled with words of love.', it makes the reader wonder who the letter is from and who the stranger is. This mystery draws the reader in.
Well, first lines can introduce a mystery. For example, in 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald, 'In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since.' This makes the reader wonder what that advice was and what kind of experiences the narrator has had because of it. It hooks the reader by making them want to find out more about the narrator and their story.
Some first lines use a strong statement. In '1984' with 'It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.' The abnormal time - the clocks striking thirteen - grabs the reader's attention. It makes them want to explore this strange world where normal rules seem to be broken.
They create intrigue. For instance, the first line of '1984' by George Orwell 'It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.' The abnormal 'clocks were striking thirteen' makes readers want to know more about this strange world.
They engage readers by creating mystery. For example, a line like 'A screaming comes across the sky.' makes readers wonder what's going on. Also, they can set the mood. Lines from dystopian novels often set a gloomy or strange mood right from the start. And some introduce a character in an interesting way like 'Call me Ishmael.'
By creating mystery. For example, an opening line like 'The old book smelled of secrets long forgotten.' makes readers wonder what those secrets are. They'll keep reading to find out.
They create mystery. For example, like the first line in 'The Hunger Games'. A cold bed makes you wonder what happened, and this mystery makes you keep reading to find out. Simple as that.
They create mystery. For example, a line like 'In a dark, forgotten corner of the old house, something stirred.' makes the reader wonder what that something is. It's simple yet effective in making the reader want to know more.
They create mystery. For example, like in the first line of 'The Great Gatsby' - 'In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since.' It makes you wonder what that advice was and why it has stayed with the narrator for so long.