I honestly think that the beginning of the War of the Worlds is the best prose I've yet encountered. It is just so gripping, cold, and hostile; it manages to set the tone to the absolute perfect pitch. Honestly, I was surprised to find prose of such caliber in a sci-fi book. Truely an unexpected surprise.
An astounding book all-in-all, but I still believe the beginning to be the most exceptional portion.
Does anyone else agree?