It’s hard for me to believe that, with Pillar of Ash, the Hall of Smoke world has come to a close. It’s been something of an unexpected journey—from the original short story that was Hall of Smoke to a quartet of novels. I never imagined I’d first be published with a Norse-inspired fantasy series! But I love that this is the path my author journey has taken, and I’m grateful for everyone who helped me, every step of the way.
My wonderful agent Naomi Davis, thank you for believing in Hall of Smoke and my work, for guiding me and for fighting for me. Thank you to George Sandison and Elora Hartway, my genius editors. I probably sound like a broken record, but without you two my books would be a shadow of what they are today. Thank you.
Thank you so much to Katharine Carroll, Kabriya Coghlan and the entire Titan team for getting my books into the sights and hands of readers across the world. A huge thank you also to Julia Lloyd for designing the covers for all my books, including this beautiful final face for Pillar of Ash—it’s so perfect.
To all my writer friends, those who listen to my woes and slog their way through my early drafts, who help me brainstorm and cheer me on, thank you. May we tackle many more challenges, celebrate many more victories, and write many, many more books together. A special thanks Kritika H Rao, for your unending emotional support during the writing and editing of Pillar of Ash and what was one of the most tumultuous and difficult seasons of my personal life.
To my friends, my parents and brother, my husband, my grandparents and extended family, thank you for your tireless support and excitement!
An immense thank you to the reviewers, bloggers and creators who have supported this series and my work as a whole. You are absolute heroes, and please know that your work is seen and appreciated, and truly makes a difference.
Finally, thank you so much to all my readers, especially YOU, reading these words right now—you who have stuck with this series from beginning to end, who saw young and desperate Hessa through to her final, indomitable form, who have followed the generations of the Hall of Smoke world and filled my inbox with excitement about each cover reveal and publication day. Thank you! From here, I hope you’ll continue to journey with me to many more new worlds, with new characters and new adventures.