ARWZ :: Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Discussion Forums

Violanthe · Webmaster Joined: 24 Jul 2003 Posts: 5903

How does this opener strike you?

The Sun was rising. Icy winds gusted, and a thick mist clinging to the ocean began to disperse. Spectral seagulls wheeled above an island shoreline, its contours emerging from the haze.

The prow of a ship cut through the fog. It was triple-masted and armour-clad, and bore no insignia. Two companion vessels ploughed in its wake, smaller but equally well armed. The decks of all three were crammed with men, pressed to the rails.

If you've never read this book, or had no clue where the opener comes from, then how does it strike you? If you had only this opener to go on, would you read more? Does it grab you and spur you to read on? Or does it leave you unenthusiastic?

If you read the book it came from, did you remember right away or did you have to look it up? What made it so memorable - or not so memorable?

If you are interested to read on, then do a search on the opening line and tell us what it is.
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Violet "Violanthe" Kane
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ARWZ.com: A Magazine of Alternative Reality Fiction

Golophin · Moderator Joined: 29 Mar 2006 Posts: 238

The Diamond Isle by Stan Nicholls.

I liked the sound of this and checked it out - the fact that its a ebook puts me off though. Maybe i am just too much of a traditionalist or a snob.

Violanthe · Webmaster Joined: 24 Jul 2003 Posts: 5903

Ebooks are really tough to read. We don't accept them for review at ARWZ for that very reason.
_________________
Violet "Violanthe" Kane
[email protected]
ARWZ.com: A Magazine of Alternative Reality Fiction