Acknowledgments

In the book, powerful things happened when the stars aligned, and I think that metaphor applies to everything that happened for this book to come into being. From my colleague, Wendi, putting me in touch with my editor, Jen, to Jen’s enthusiasm for my writing that resulted in this novel. Jen is the definition of a dream editor. Their belief in this project started when it was nothing more than an idea a few sentences long, and carried through to the very end. I couldn’t have asked for a stronger advocate or a more supportive editor who cared about my characters and world as much as I did, and understood my vision as we worked on bringing out the best in this manuscript. I’m so proud of the work we did together.

I am supremely grateful to those who took to the manuscript enthusiastically as well, including my agent, Rebecca Podos. Signing with Becca was the culmination of one of my biggest dreams coming true. I am thankful to have Becca’s guidance and support.

I give thanks for the support of my friends and family, because those close to me are always the ones I celebrate any good news with first. Thank you, Ayanna and Mai Mai, for lending me a hand (see what I did there?) and bringing those notes to life. And thank you Terrell for visualizing the Cillari Stone map in a way I never could.

To my most stalwart supporter, my daughter Avirae, thank you for being a fantastic little human who doesn’t make it hard for me to find time to write, and provides helpful suggestions like “make sure you use the word ‘fart’ in your book.” (Not this time, Avi, but maybe in the next book.)

For every achievement in my life I will always give thanks to my mother, Juliet, whose support I could write volumes about. It is bittersweet to finally accomplish the things I told her I wanted and for her to be with me only in spirit now. I can’t help but envy Penn just a little bit because she had the power to walk through time and bring her mother back.

This book, and all I do before we meet again will forever be in thanks to you, Ma.