This week's Attention Grabber opening paragraph comes from Shadowmagic by John Lenahan. This book was recommended to me by the brilliant Carol from Windsor Waterstones, and I am so glad she pointed me towards it. If you like comedy fantasy and you have not yet discovered this book then it is well worth your time. The opening paragraph gives a great taste of what is to come as this original and funny unfolds.
'How come you never told me I had an aunt?' That was the first thing I said. I know, my first question should have been, 'Are you alright, Dad?' He didn't look alright. The light was awful, but I could see blood on the side of his face. I'm amazed I didn't say 'What is that smell?' because it sure stank in there. I'm not talking about a whiffy locker room smell, but the kind of stench that can make it possible to see your breakfast a second time around. Or most obviously I guess I should have asked, 'Where are we?' or, 'Why are we chained to a wall?' But instead, the first question I asked when I regained consciousness was about genealogy.
'Well, Conor,' Dad croaked, not even looking at me, 'the first time you met her, she tried to kill you.'
She had, too.
