How to Hook Readers with an Unforgettable First Chapter

Melinda Grounds
Feb 4
3 min read

The first chapter of your novel is the handshake, the promise, the spark that ignites your reader’s curiosity. In epic fantasy and romantasy, where immersive worlds and intricate plots reign supreme, your opening needs to captivate from the very first line. But how do you ensure readers are spellbound and desperate for more? Here’s how to craft an unforgettable first chapter.

1. Start with a Moment of Intrigue or Action

Readers don’t need a history lesson or an exhaustive world overview right away. They need a reason to care. The best openings drop them into a moment that stirs curiosity—whether it's a battle, a secret meeting, a daring escape, or an emotional revelation.

Instead of:

"The kingdom of Eldoria had stood for a thousand years, ruled by the bloodline of King Alistair…"

Try:

"The blade pressed against her throat, cold as the promise she had just broken."

See the difference? The second line raises immediate questions. Who is she? What promise did she break? Who holds the blade? That intrigue keeps readers turning pages.

2. Ground the Reader in a Vivid Setting

Fantasy thrives on atmosphere. Your world should feel rich and tangible, but you don’t need pages of description to achieve this. Instead, weave setting details into the action and character’s senses.

Example:

"Rain slicked the cobblestones as Medora slipped through the alley, the scent of damp earth and rotting wood thick in the air. She tightened her grip on the dagger hidden in her sleeve—just in case."

This tells us where she is, what it feels like, and subtly hints at danger—all without stalling the narrative.

3. Introduce Your Protagonist with Purpose

Readers don’t need a full character biography in the first chapter, but they do need to connect with your protagonist. Show us who they are through action and emotion. Are they cunning? Desperate? Wounded? Give us a glimpse of their goal or internal conflict.

Example:

"Lorian had three breaths before the guards reached him. One to decide. One to act. One to pray."

This establishes tension and urgency while giving insight into Lorian’s mindset—he’s out of time and must make a choice.

4. Raise a Compelling Question

The best openings make readers need to know what happens next. Create a sense of mystery or urgency by hinting at something bigger beneath the surface.

Example:

"The letter arrived at dawn, sealed with the royal crest. By nightfall, she would be dead."

This makes us ask: What’s in the letter? Why will she die? Who sent it? Questions like these hook the reader instantly.

Establish the Tone and Stakes

Is your book dark and brooding? Lush and romantic? Fast-paced and action-packed? The first chapter sets expectations, so make sure the tone aligns with the story to come.

For romantasy, introducing the love interest or hinting at a compelling romantic dynamic early can be powerful. Maybe your protagonist meets someone under tense or unexpected circumstances, or an old enemy resurfaces with a smirk and a dangerous proposition.

Example:

"She had spent years trying to forget him. And now here he stood, a sword in one hand and a marriage decree in the other."

Now the reader needs to know: Why did she try to forget him? Why is he back? And why in all the hells is there a marriage decree involved?

Cut the Fluff

One of the biggest mistakes writers make in the first chapter is over-explaining. Trust your reader to piece things together. If something doesn’t serve the tension, intrigue, or emotional hook—trim it.