Writing these books together has been, in all honesty, among the greatest and most rewarding adventures of our lives. While it’s difficult to say good-bye to Zed, Brock, Liza, and all the rest, we are immensely grateful to have had the opportunity to spend so much time with them. Over the course of three books, these characters grew and changed in ways that surprised and delighted us. We hope they live on in your hearts (and perhaps a tabletop RPG session or two).

We remain so appreciative of the family, friends, and publishing professionals who have lent us their guidance, expertise, and encouragement along the way. But we want to save our final thank-you for our readers—especially those readers who have reached out to ask us questions about our world, share their fan art, or tell us they’ve been inspired to write stories with their friends. There is no greater joy for us than to know that our geeky obsessions are shared geeky obsessions.

We’re nerds, and proud of it. Many of the kids we’ve met at school visits have proudly identified as nerds, too. There’s magic—real magic—in taking pride in who you are. And the world needs more magic in it.

There were times when we weren’t so proud. When it honestly felt like our communities, schools, even our country hated us. What we needed most desperately in those moments was to know that there were places we’d be welcome. (There were, and there are for you, too.)

So this is for the outcasts and the misfits. For those who find solace in books. For those who believe in magic. For those who are different.

We see you. We’re with you.

Welcome to the guild.