I have wanted to be an epic fantasy author since around the age of nine. Now, for better or worse, I am one. These are the people who helped me get here, and whom I can never thank enough. My parents, who indulged my geek side, and took me on my first trip to Middle Earth. Greg McClenaghan, who introduced me to D&D and lent me the Dragonlance Chronicles—I wouldn’t be half the nerd I am today without him. Adam Brown, the self-proclaimed comedy genius and my first partner in literary crime. Paul Jessup, Natania Barron, Michelle Muenzler, Jacques Barcia, Jaym Gates, Harry Markov, Berit Ellingsen, and the rest of the Broken Circles writing group, who are a constant source of inspiration and amusement—everyone should be lucky enough to know people as good as them. Jeff and Ann Vandermeer, who introduced me to my agent. Howard Morhaim, the aforementioned agent, and quite possibly the only real wizard I have ever met. Will Hinton, my editor, who took a chance on me and this series, and whose advice and enthusiasm have been utterly invaluable. And finally, my wife, Tami, my muse, my first editor, my champion, and the princess in the tower who rescued me. Without her none of this would be possible.