Book Beginnings #83

For Book Beginnings, Rose City Reader invites us to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires.

For Friday 56, Freda's Voice asks you to turn to Page 56 in your book or 56% on your e-reader and pick a sentence.

I am currently reading Witch Hunter by Virginia Boecker.

I stand at the edge of the crowded square, watching the executioners light the pyres. The two men, dressed for work in dark red cloaks and charred leather gloves, circle the narrow wooden platforms, their lit torches held high. At the top of each pyre, four witches and three wizards stand chained to a stake, bundles of wood heaped around their feet. They stare into the crowd, determined looks on their faces.

I love this beginning. I love how dark and ominous and horrifying it is. You're dropped straight into a world filled with fear and persecution and you know it from the off. It's almost voyeuristic.

I like the cover, it reminds me of the creepy dolls we make from what we find on woodland walks, which... Yeah, we do it to scare people and leave them sitting by the sides of paths, we're weird. So pretty creepy cover, I like it.

I'm quiet for a moment, enchanted by the idea of something stealing over you, settling into you, telling you, with absolute certainty, who you are and what you're meant to do.

This bit from 56% through the ebook has me excited. I really love this author's writing style and although I'm about 40% through myself I can't wait to get to this point, it's during a real time of change and realisation for the main character.

What are you reading this week?