First books in a series have a special kind of magic—they introduce new worlds, unforgettable characters, and thrilling adventures that leave me eager for more. When a story hooks me right away, I can’t resist diving into the next installment to see where the journey leads. Here are some of my very favorite “first’s”!
When I first read Divergent, I was completely swept up in the dystopian world Veronica Roth created. The idea of society being divided into factions based on virtues fascinated me, and I couldn’t help but wonder where I’d belong. Tris, the main character, pulled me in with her courage and inner struggle as she navigated the dangers of being Divergent. Her journey of self-discovery, paired with the intense initiation trials and her growing bond with Four, kept me hooked from start to finish. The action was fast-paced, and the twists had me constantly on edge. While some elements of the story felt predictable, the themes of identity, choice, and bravery hit home for me. It’s an exciting, thought-provoking read that left me eager to dive into the rest of the series.
A Wrinkle in Time was an unforgettable read. From the very start, I was hooked by Meg Murry’s quest to find her missing father. The mix of science fiction and fantasy made for a unique and thought-provoking adventure. I loved the quirky and mysterious Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which, and their role in guiding Meg through the unknown. The book explores deep themes of love, self-acceptance, and the battle between light and darkness, all wrapped in a fast-paced and imaginative journey. It’s a timeless story that really made me think and reflect long after finishing it. I couldn’t wait to start the next one, A Wind in the Door.
Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice, completely captivated me with its dark, spooky atmosphere and complex characters. Louis de Pointe du Lac’s 200-year tale of immortality, told to a curious young reporter, drew me in from the very first page. Louis’s moral struggles and uneasy companionship with the manipulative Lestat were fascinating to follow. The addition of Claudia, their “vampire daughter,” added a heartbreaking layer to the story, as her mind matured but her body remained trapped in childhood. The relationships between these characters were deeply emotional, filled with tension, betrayal, and loss. Anne Rice’s vivid descriptions of 18th-century Louisiana, Parisian theaters, and eerie vampire encounters created a hauntingly beautiful backdrop. The story’s themes of immortality, morality, and loneliness lingered with me long after I finished. It’s a beautifully written and thought-provoking book that left me both haunted and eager to read more of Rice’s Vampire Chronicles.