Acknowledgments

The unexamined life is not worth living.

—Socrates

This book took so much out of me, but it gave me even more. When I think of the mark I want this series to leave on readers, I hope that falling in love with murderous assassins and rooting for the girl with a heart of darkness sparks a determined resistance to villainizing those who are different from us. Also, I hope we are able to see one another’s created humanity before anything else. But most of all, I hope this story ignites the courage to look inside ourselves, deeply and critically; to know what we believe and why we believe it—and to hold the powers that be to the same standard.

I hope this book was as wild a ride for you as it was for me. I tried really hard to make this story even more satisfying than the first. Unveiling Red as Nore is one of my favorite-ever twists. Before I went on tour for book one, I’d planned for Yagrin to die in the final battle. But after hearing how much readers loved him, I rewrote his ending. The story is better for it. Writing can be such an isolated process. Thank you for being a part of my storytelling!

Bringing this book into the world wouldn’t have been possible without an army of support. My biggest thank-you is always to God for this gift of words. And to my husband, who has let publishing upend his entire life (ha ha!) and only complains minimally. Thank you, my love. And to my three children, who are so sweet to share me so generously with the world. Being your momma is my favorite job.

To Jodi, who I’m convinced is my literary fairy godmother, thank you for always going to bat for me. Your advocacy and support are unparalleled.

And to my publishing team: Ruta, your fierce support brought this series to where it is; you are a dream to work with. Thank you for all you do: the long nights, the detailed emails, indulging my wildest ideas, spur-of-the-moment Zooms, and believing in me, draft after draft. <3 Simone, thank you for always being willing to jump in to help! To Jen L. and Jen K., thank you both for being Team Jess. I hope to make you both very proud! To Alex, Felicity, Shannon, and James, whose brilliance knows no bounds, you rocked the socks off this one, too. Endless love to each of you. To design extraordinaires Tracy and Theresa, whose patience must be limitless, these books wouldn’t be where they are without the exceptional work you put in. Thank you, Virginia, for the gorgeous map, and Elena, for the beautiful cover. Thank you, Kaitlin, Jaleesa, Shanta, and the rest of publicity. Thank you, Sales and Marketing, for all the time you put in despite your very full plates. I am beyond thankful to each and every person who worked double time, into the wee hours of the night, on their off days, to get this book out. There will never be enough thank-yous, Team Penguin. I am floored by the attention you give. Thank you for the full team embrace.

And to my dearest friends. Thank you, Emily, for literally holding me up through every draft, and through life! None of this author stuff would be happening without you in my ear daily. To Bailey B., your morning grins made every revising day brighter. And to the incomparable Sabaa Tahir, for being the literary sister I never knew I needed. For the constant calls, way too many cookies, flowers, tears—so many tears. And the way you love me so graciously. To my author buddies: Jessica O., Jessica F., Ayana G., Ally G., Sarah M., Ronni D., Nic, Dhonielle, Victoria A., Stephanie G., Ali H., Adalyn G., Rachel G., Shelby M., Jordan G., and others, who are always just a message away to encourage me or listen to me rant. To Del, Lisa, and Andonnia for letting me harass you with questions. To Sandra and Sara Kate, who love this series with a passion—you keep me going! To my sisters from other misses, Denean B. and Diarra F., thank you both for picking up my bags and carrying them alongside me. Dawna, your constant support of my work means the world to me. To my grandpa, Mom, Paigey, my cousins, Aunt Jackie, Tom, Beth, Andrea G., and the entire Bennett clan, who keep me fed without notice; my sweet Destiny, Erin H., and Courtney B. (not L., ha!); Laura Sue for her Photoshop genius at the drop of a hat; and the many others who pour into me so that I can pour out—I couldn’t do any of this without you.

The biggest and warmest thank-you goes to you, reader. I could not tell stories without your support. Thank you for every purchase, library checkout, social media post, like, comment, or share. It might seem small, but it is not. I am thrilled that you’ve come back to this world, eager for more! I hope I get to meet many of you in person. Hearing what these characters have meant to you is the real gift in all of this. Writing for you has been an unbelievable joy!

Stay tuned, there’s more.

Until then, keep your hair coiffed and your dagger sharp.