First Impressions

This week's competition, in which you have to identify a book from its opening sentence, is from a macabre novel of teenage fantasy:

"I had been making the rounds of the Sacrifice Poles the day we heard my brother had escaped."

The winner receives a £25 Blackwell's voucher and the closing date is February 12.

Entries, including postal address, should be sent to

First Impressions
The THES
Admiral House, 66-68 East Smithfield
London E1W 1BX

faxed to 020 7782 3300
or emailed to theschat@thes.co.uk

The winner of last week's competition, who correctly identified Lord Beaverbrook's The Abdication of King Edward VIII , is Christopher Wood of London.

THES (TSL Education Ltd) and its associated companies may from time to time wish to process, or disclose your data to approved third-party companies, in order to monitor our service and send you future promotions. If you do not wish us to do this, please notify us by writing 'No promotions' on your entry.