ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

It’s been a long time coming, but it appears we’ve reached the end… at least, of this particular chapter.

Even though the author’s name is on the cover, every book is the work of more than just one person. Yes, it turns out that authors do not design their own covers, edit their own words, or lovingly print out each copy on their home inkjet. Who knew! So, allow me to extend my gratitude to the many key people involved in this book’s production.

The folks at Angry Robot have been very supportive of this series since the earliest days, for which they have my deep appreciation: Eleanor Teasdale, Gemma Creffield, Simon Spanton, and Desola Coker all did their utmost with this book to help be the best it could be. Robin Triggs ably took over editorial duties, making sure that everything made sense, and copyeditor Andrew Hook had the unenviable task of adding all the words I occasionally forget to include. Karen Smith designed a (literally) kicking cover.

Almost a decade ago, my agent Joshua Bilmes took a chance on my first book starring Simon Kovalic and Eli Brody, and he has always been enthusiastic about their subsequent adventures. Thanks to him and the rest of the JABberwocky crew, especially James Farner, Susan Velazquez, and Valentina Sainato.

Even more so than some of my previous books, I owe a lot to my veteran beta reading crew on this one. Antony Johnston, Jason Snell, and Brian Lyngaas all offered insightful comments to help improve the story. As usual, in matters of science and physics, I turned to Gene Gordon, who pointed out the many ways that somebody crawling across a very, very fast train could go wrong. It should go without saying that any remaining errors all rest on my own shoulders, to which I can only say “Creative license!”

The world of the writer is a solitary one, so I continue to appreciate the online communities that keep me feeling connected (especially in the increasingly fractured social media environment). My pals at Relay FM, The Incomparable, the Fancy Cats, and all the listeners and readers at Clockwise, Six Colors, and The Rebound always make me feel at home. Special thanks to my many writer friends who put up with me and offered steadfast encouragement on those days where griping and handwringing gets the best of me: Helene Wecker, Adam Rakunas, Eric Scott Fischl, Auston Habershaw, and Zac Topping.

My parents, Harold Moren and Sally Beecher, have been my biggest cheerleaders throughout all the ups and downs of life; love to you both. And my extended Beecher/Kane/Moren clan are the best street team any writer could ask for.

Last, but very far from least, my wife Kat is the absolute best. I have literally no idea what I would do without her unflagging support. She pulls no punches in her critiques of my writing, and these books (and even these acknowledgements!) would not even be half as good without her input. This is also the first book I wrote since our son was born, and seeing his goofy grin every day was often all the moral support I needed. I love you both more than anything.