Once again, I’m here with a list of people to thank! Writing a series can be a long and lonely process, and I’m very lucky to have an excellent group helping me out. Casey Blair got me started in YA and continues to provide me with stacks of recommended reading and gets me out of story jams. Liz Bourke and Iori Kusano once again took on the delicate task of sensitivity reading, and provided invaluable insight. Without Seth Fishman, my agent, this book would never have reached its audience, and the same goes for everyone at The Gernert Company: Jack Gernert, Will Roberts, Rebecca Gardner, and Ellen Goodson.
At Tor Teen, my editor, Ali Fisher, has performed wonders, and generously tolerated my occasionally complex schedule. My thanks also to the rest of the Tor crew: Desirae Friesen, Peter Lutjen, Kevin Sweeney, Ed Chapman, Kathleen Doherty, and of course the legendary Tom Doherty. And, as well, to the Macmillan sales team, the Tor Teen marketing team, and the digital marketing team. Richard Anderson has produced another of his spectacular covers, and I’m thrilled, as always, to get to put my name on it.
Last but not least, of course, my thanks to everyone who followed Isoka and Meroe on their adventure and came back for more. That’s why I’m here!