Acknowledgments

Dear Reader,

Meren and Reven’s story started with a single kernel of an idea. An obscure Grimm’s fairy tale about a man who shed his shadow, and when the shadow turned real, he took over the man’s life. I hope you fell in love with these characters and their story as much as I did (and continue to do). If you have a free second, please think about leaving a review. Also, I love to connect with my readers, so I hope you’ll drop by on any of my social media!

I thank God every single day for a life where I get to live my dream of being a writer, and I soak up every single step of this journey with joy and gratitude. Writing and publishing a book doesn’t happen without support and help from a host of incredible people.

To my fantastic, supportive readers (especially my Awesome Nerds Facebook fan group!): Thank you so much for loving to get lost in these worlds with me, for your kindness, your much-appreciated encouragement, and generally being amazing.

To my editor Heather Howland: Your support through almost twenty books now, but especially this one, has been nothing short of extraordinary. I thank my lucky stars every day for you. We also share a brain at this point, which helps. I am so very proud of what we have created together.

To my publisher Liz Pelletier: I wonder if you know how much I admire you? Your belief in my ability and this project has been what I could only dream of as an author until now. I only hope that I can repay your faith with a grateful heart (and success!).

To my Entangled Publishing family: To everyone who contributed valued feedback for the edits—Liz, Stacy, Maddy, Myshala, Lydia—you are amazing. To the art team, especially Elizabeth, who worked so hard to get the perfect look for the cover—I love it to pieces. To the production team—Curtis, copy editors, proofreaders, formatters—for rocking at what you do behind the scenes, you are so appreciated. To the PR/marketing and admin teams—Riki, Meredith, Heather R., Angela—thank you for hyping and helping in every way.

I know there are so many more who touched this book. Your support, your friendship, and your commitment to making incredible books have been career-altering. You are awesome, amazing people who are a blast to be around and who turn out the best books. Keep doing what you do and know that I appreciate each and every one of you!

To my agent, Evan Marshall: for guiding me through every twist and turn of a career and industry that changes quickly. Thank you!

To Alyson Noel: Thank you so much for reading a total stranger’s book and providing such a wonderful cover quote. I appreciate it so much!

To my friends Nicki, Avery, Kait, Courtney, and Michelle: You got to hear every little detail of this journey almost every day for two years. Thank you from the bottom of my heart (especially for not telling me to shut up).

To my support team of beta readers, critique partners, writing buddies, reviewers, and friends (especially to Nicki, Kait, Malia, Patrick, Judi, Stephanie, Nicole, and Dale, who gave terrific feedback on a very, very early version): Every single one of you is appreciated for everything you are. As always, a thousand thanks and hugs!

To my wonderful, brilliant, beautiful author friends and community: You are my people and you inspire me every day!

To Mom: for editing and reading every single book I’ve ever written, especially galley edits last-minute. (And telling me with each story that “this one” is her favorite.)

To Dad: for the love of sci-fi/fantasy, adventure, fierce protectiveness, and creative swear words, which all make it into my books.

To my fabulously loving and supportive parents, parents-in-law, siblings, siblings-in-law, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins: Thanks for the encouragement in so many ways big and small!

Finally, to my own swoon-worthy hero and to our beautiful kids: I don’t know how it’s possible, but I love you more every day.

All the love,

Abigail Owen