Sincerest thanks to Nick Kyme for his patience and advice, to John French for much of the same, and to my test readers in the Ezekarion (Ead, Greg, Nikki and Marijan) for enduring those endless Ifs, Buts and Maybes.
Additional thanks go out to Rachel Harrison and the Black Library crew for their art direction (especially Rachel’s insightful feedback at a crossroads moment), and to my wife Katie for putting up with the stress of yet another late novel. Muchos gracias to Abigail Harvey for motivation, and Chris Wraight for his faith and support.
Thanks as well to Phil Kelly and Andy Hoare, whose frequent back-and-forths and easy availability have been infinitely helpful. I owe you both big over the last year for various reasons. Call on those favours any time, guys.
Lastly, obviously, thanks to the readers. You patient and kindly souls.
A portion of this book’s proceeds will go to Cancer Research UK, the SOS Children’s Villages charity to help orphans in Bangladesh, and Ellie’s Retreat: a charity in Northern Ireland for H-ABC research and the affected, bereaved families.