What is most important in a good book?

Saoirse posed that question at her blog. Click here to take her one question poll at the bottom of the page

For me I chose tension as the most important part of a novel. What I need when I read a novel is to first be engaged by the writer's voice. That is the main thing that will drag me in and keep me in a story. I honestly think that is why editors and readers alike know if a story works for them after one page of a novel, sometimes after only one line even. If the voice doesn't speak to you it is like trying to wade through cement to read it.

Once the writer has me hooked, as they say, I need a reason to stay in the game. I need to know the stakes, the goal, the conflict on every page after that. I don't want to lose the thrill and wonder "When does this story get good again? When does something happen?"

I get invested because of the tension.

If you have time take the poll
and let me know what answer you picked.