I want to thank my mom, whom I lost while writing this book, and everyone who helped me navigate the fraught waters of my grief. I’m especially grateful to my partner, my dad, my sister, my aunt, and my two cats, Edisto and Elijah (who actually really hated this book, as evidenced by their trying to stomp on the delete key multiple times while I was writing it).
Jenny Bent, thank you for being the best advocate I could ever ask for, and for making the harrowing experience that is publishing easier and less scary. Jessica Wade, thank you so much for helping me shape this story into what I always hoped it could be. I feel so lucky to have you as my editor. Gabbie Pachon, I’m so grateful for all of the hard work you do. I owe a huge thank-you to my amazing publicists, Stephanie Felty and Yazmine Hassan. I also want to thank Jessica Mangicaro and Hillary Tacuri for helping me launch this story into the world. Thank you, Katie Anderson, for creating such a stunning cover; seeing your designs is one of my favorite parts of the publishing process. To the rest of the team at Ace/Berkley: Thank you all so, so much. Three books in and I’m still so honored that I get to publish with you. I also want to thank my UK editor, Simon Taylor, and the entire team at Transworld for getting this book into the hands of readers across the pond. And to all of the other publishers who’ve put my books on shelves around the world: thank you.
Lastly, thank you to my readers. You’ve handed me my dreams by supporting my work. I’m immensely grateful to you all.