So many people helped me complete this story. More than I could possibly list. But this, at least, is a start …

First and foremost, I’d like to thank Trent Kaniuga for bringing Aram’s art to life in this book. Not to mention the work of Charnas, Sprocket, and others.

At Blizzard, I’d like to thank the since-departed James Waugh, who’s gone on to far, far better things in a galaxy far, far away. In addition, thanks to Sean Copeland, Cate Gary, Brianne M Loftis, Justin Parker, Byron Parnell, Robert Simpson, Justin Thavirat, and Jeffrey Wong. Special props to Chelsea Monroe-Cassel for her Dragonbreath Chili recipe, which can be found in World of Warcraft: The Official Cookbook.

At Scholastic, my thanks go out once again to Samantha Schutz and to my new editor, Adam Staffaroni, who always has my back. Thanks also to Gayley Avery, Rick DeMonico, Lindsey Johnson, Danielle Klimashowsky, Susan Lee, Charisse Meloto, Monica Palenzuela, Maria Passalacqua, and Lizette Serrano. For producing the audiobook version of the previous novel, I’d like to thank Melissa Reilly Ellard, our wonderful narrator Ramón de Ocampo, and the folks at Deyan Audio.

At the Gotham Group: Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Julie Kane-Ritsch, Peter McHugh, Julie Nelson, Joey Villareal, Tony Gil, Heather Horn, Matt Schichtman, and Hannah Shtein.

It’s also become a bit of a tradition for me to thank the folks at my day job for putting up with certain … distractions. And, boy, did I have a lot of day jobs this time out. At Shimmer and Shine, Andrew Blanchette, Farnaz Esanaashari, Dustin Ferrer, Rich Fogel, Michelle Lamoreaux, Robert Lamoreaux, Dave Palmer, and Cisco Paredes. On Mecha-Nation, Victor Cook, Greg Guler, Chris Hamilton, and Fred Schaefer. At Young Justice, Sam Aides, Brent Anthony, Jay Bastian, Christopher Berkeley, Phil Bourassa, Jonathan Callan, Mae Catt, Marlene Corpuz, Peter David, Nicole Dubuc, Joshua Hale Fialkov, Rich Fogel, Auriane Gamelin, Paul Giacoppo, Tiffany Grant, Julie Haro, Vinton Heuck, Kevin Hopps, Brian Jones, Curtis Koller, Leanne Moreau, Bobbie Page, Francisco Paredes, Tom Pugsley, Sam Register, Andrew Robinson, Jamie Thomason, Michael Vogel, Mel Zwyer, and especially my producing partner, Brandon Vietti. Thanks also to my Rain of the Ghosts AudioPlay producing partner, Curtis Koller.

Last but not least, I’d like to thank my entire family for their support. My in-laws, Zelda & Jordan Goodman, and Danielle & Brad Strong. My nieces and nephews, Julia, Jacob, Lilah, Casey, and Dash. My siblings, Jon & Dana Weisman, and Robyn & Gwin Spencer-Weisman. My cousin Brindell Gottlieb. My parents, Sheila & Wally Weisman. My wife, Beth, and my amazing (and very grown-up) kids, Erin and Benny. I love you all.