New dragon riders are always fun to meet.
As writers, we hear all the time that we’ve got to hook readers in just the first few pages or else. We’ve got to hook agents in the first few pages or else.
Whether you’re looking to get published or just hoping to hook your reader, first impressions are vital. Compelling opening scenes are the key to catching an agent or editor’s attention, and are crucial for keeping your reader engaged.
JEFF GERKE, THE FIRST FIFTY PAGES
Well then, let’s study those first few pages in other people’s stories, shall we?
Today I snagged from the New Release shelf:
As a born and bred fantasy lover who’s raised a girl obsessed with the Wings of Fire series, I had to grab Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing from the library’s new release shelf.
Dragon stories are always in demand, whether it’s for the sheer escapist adventure or the exploration of the bond between a human protagonist and their dragon, or anything in between. Now the first pages of Fourth Wing provide no dragons, but they do provide an introduction to the brutal world our protagonist Violet must live in. As a twenty-year-old in their militaristic kingdom, she must join a service like all other twenty-year-olds; the difference here is that the scribe training she had under her father has been tossed aside by her mother, one of the highest generals of the kingdom. Violet must be a dragon rider, or die trying.
The concept itself is neat and definitely had me engaged from the outset. I only wish the opening pages were more than a bickering match between Violet’s mother and sister, who also serves the army as a dragon rider. The argument feels like it’s there solely to give readers a bunch of establishing information of the story and its stakes for Violet; while the information is certainly useful, it does cause the argument to drag out far more than it needed to. Still, the premise here is very promising, and for those who enjoyed tales like Christopher Paolini’s Eragon or Naomi Novik’s His Majesty’s Dragon, Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing will be a perfect addition to your book hoard.
No matter what the season brings, keep reading!
Read on, share on, and write on, my friends!
Jean Lee's World 
The world needs more dragons. 😉
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I’m still believe that Puff the Magic Dragon is real. Can’t get enough dragons. As a teenager, every Saturday morning I would walk down to the town library to read books. Would sit reading next to the indoor pond with fish…. Mostly climbing books but also a Viking picture book telling the story of a dragon (kinda like the Japanese Godzilla stories), the pictures of the dragon were so good. So wish I could find that book now. Anyways another one saying we need more dragons. xxxxxxx
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I think we all need more dragons in our lives, be they in stories or in our imaginations, Friend. Hope you are well! xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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I thoroughly enjoyed this one – though I take your point, Jean:)). Lovely to reconnect once more as I’m now definitely on the road to recovery after a truly horrible time with long covid. I hope you and yours are all keeping well.
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YES!!!!! It is soooooo heavenly awesome to hear from you, SJ! I’m still struggling to stick around and stay and make this all work, but at least I can be here and find these moments. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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I know what you mean… Everything has pretty much fallen in a big old heap since I got sick. But now I’m feeling well enough to cope with all the marketing stuff:)).
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Huzzah to you feeling better! And I am hoping you’ve been able to do more with your kiddos and grands, too–you mean so much to them, I know it! xxxxxxxxxx
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Ah – thank you, Jean:)).
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