Wool by Hugh Howey

The children were playing while Holston climbed to his death; he could hear them squealing as only happy children do.

Juxtaposition. Happy children and death. Another odd thing about this line is that a man is climbing to his death and not, as is usually common, falling to his death.

The opening starts to drag though, as this man ever so slowly climbs the stairs, with plenty of description of the railing, and of his boots among other things. Finally, we get back story and by this point I'm ready to climb up those stairs and push Holston off myself, if the author doesn't feel bothered.

Nevertheless, the opening line is effective.

First thing said:

"Well, look who's up early."

Verdict: Pass

Sincerely,
Theodore Moracht