You could also begin with a character's thoughts or feelings right before the war. Say, 'John sat in the trench, his heart pounding with fear and anticipation, knowing that the war was about to start any moment.' Another way is to start with a statement about the cause of the war. Like, 'The long - standing territorial dispute between the two nations finally erupted into war.'
One way could be to start with a vivid description of the battlefield. For example, 'The ground was a desolate mess of mud and craters, as if the earth itself had been crying out in pain. This was where the war began for me...'
Beginning with a mysterious character can be effective too. 'There was a man in a long, black coat who always seemed to be lurking in the shadows. No one knew his name or where he came from. His eyes were cold and empty, and whenever he passed by, an icy chill filled the air.'
Start with a character in distress. Maybe a young wizard has lost his powers due to a dark curse. His struggle to regain his powers can be the starting point. It allows the readers to feel empathy for the character right away and be interested in seeing how he overcomes his problem.
Begin with a memory from your training days before going to the warfront. 'I remember the first day of boot camp. The sergeant's yelling and the strict discipline were a shock to me, but little did I know it was just the start of a much harsher experience in the coming war.'
One way is to start with a vivid description of a setting. For example, 'The old, creaky house stood alone at the end of the overgrown lane, its windows like empty eyes staring into the thick forest that surrounded it.' This immediately draws the reader into the world you're creating.
One way is to start with an eerie setting. For example, describe a desolate old house on a stormy night. The howling wind and the creaking of the old wooden boards can immediately set a spooky mood.
One great way is to start with a vivid description. For example, 'The sun was a blazing ball of fire in the sky, casting long, menacing shadows across the desolate landscape.' This immediately sets the scene and draws the reader in.
One way is to start with an interesting dialogue. For example, '"You can't be serious!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with disbelief.' This immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them wonder what's going on. Another way is to begin with a vivid description of a setting, like 'The old, creaky house stood at the end of the overgrown lane, its windows like dark, empty eyes.' A third way could be starting with a character in an unusual situation, such as 'He woke up in a field he didn't recognize, surrounded by strange, glowing plants.'