One of the great rewards of this quest has been the friendship of other authors, to whom I am indebted emotionally, and probably financially. Maya, Kiran, Lisa, Robin, Mark, Nick, Steve, David, Natasha, Perdita, Emma, Ross and Patrice – thank you for all the cuddles and corkscrews along the way. It’s joyful being the comedy sidekick to your authorial adventures – please don’t kill me off in the third act.

Now I’ve got one final shot at this: my editor, Rachel Leyshon. Leyshy – I’ve compared you variously to a waxing strip, knickers and grouting, yet you don’t seem to fully comprehend the scope of my thanks . . . How’s about I compare you to an incredible woman who is not only the most extraordinarily incisive editor, but a beloved friend and one of the most wonderful and valued people in my orbit?

Nah, that’s not it either. I’ll keep working on it . . .

Finally, this series has spanned a lot of twists and turns in my real, 3D life and I end it, in every sense, in a very different place from where it began. The Lego bricks that are my family have re-formed into a new shape over these four books, but the love that holds them together is stronger than ever. To Ian and my beautiful babies, you have my love, support and ferocious friendship for as long as it is needed. Just bring me a cuppa first – you know what I’m like in the morning . . . This book is dedicated to my son, who – a baby when I first wrote this idea down – has weirdly morphed into a character so very like the hero of these books! But never in my wildest imagination could I have created a soul as brilliant as yours, my beautiful boy. Go be the hero of your story. I love you so very much.

And so I take my leave of you, my wonderful readers. The GodsSquad has got to be the greatest readership in the world and I love and thank you for coming with me on this journey. I hope we meet again, in this, or another, world – wishing you joy and luck on your adventures.

Love, and other things that don’t fit in a suitcase,

Maz

xxx