Some book births are more difficult than others. This particular project had many skilled midwives to help it along the way. First, thanks to my agent, Christopher Schelling, who suggested we say yes to readers asking for more Heir Chronicles. Then my wise editor, Abby Ranger, helped me rein in the story, define my characters, and articulate the stakes and the through-line. And, yes, Abby, I did cut back on the throw-up.

My current editor, Lisa Yoskowitz, adopted my orphaned baby when Abby moved on to new challenges. Lisa propelled the project forward, never hesitating nor flagging in her enthusiasm. I appreciate her hard work on this under trying circumstances.

Thank you to book designer Tyler Nevins and illustrator Larry Rostant, who’ve partnered to produce an incredible cover. Now if the book can only keep the promise the cover makes. Kudos to the publicity team at Hyperion: Lizzy Mason, Holly Nagel, Dina Sherman, Andrew Sansone, and Lloyd Ellman, who are working hard to assure my novel gets a warm welcome.

It is an increasingly rare blessing to be able to publish eight books with the same publisher. Many thanks to Hyperion for their outstanding support over the years.

Thank you to my writing companions and early readers, as always, though there aren’t as many early readers as usual due to just-in-time writing: thanks to Marsha McGregor, whose kindness and wisdom calms the waves; to Pam Daum, who is a Renaissance woman with multiple artistic facets; to readers who are game for the long read—YAckers Jody Feldman, Debby Garfinkle, Mary Beth Miller, Martha Peaslee Levine, and Kate Tuthill.

And, as always, thanks to Eric, Keith, and Rod—I couldn’t do it without you! And a warm, warm welcome to Jess!