Dark Blade was a long time in the making. Some of that was down to me and some of it wasn’t, but the fact that it exists at all is thanks to a group of people who have believed in me throughout my writing career, even when I’d lost my own faith.

Thanks to everyone at Bloomsbury Children’s for their hard work on Dark Blade, but in particular: Rebecca McNally for that initial encouragement; Callum Kenny for his enthusiasm and for being not just a flipping great editor, but for ‘getting it’; Fliss Stevens for spotting my errors and stopping me from looking like a fool; Ian Lamb, Emily Moran and the marketing team. And thank you to all the other wonderful people working behind the scenes who helped make the majik happen.

I also have to thank my agent, Catherine Pellegrino, who has been with me through thick and thin, good times and bad. You picked me out of the slush pile and have been a great source of encouragement when I need an ear to bend or someone to moan to.

Thank you also to the ridiculously talented Francesca Baerald, who turned my inept scribble into the fabulous map of Strom and its surrounding kingdoms. And ZhiHui Su for devising and creating such a wonderful cover.

Finally I’d like to thank my family for everything they have had to put up with. Zoe, Hope and Kyran – I love you, and this book is as much yours as it is mine. x

About the Author

Steve Feasey lives in Hertfordshire with his wife and children. He says he didn’t learn much at school, but he was always a voracious reader. He started writing fiction in his thirties, inspired by his own favourite writers: Stephen King, Elmore Leonard and Charles Dickens. His first book, Changeling, was shortlisted for the Waterstones Prize and became a successful series. He is also the author of the acclaimed Mutant City series. This is his first novel set in the world of Stromgard.

@stevefeasey

HAVE YOU READ

Fifty years ago the world was almost destroyed by a chemical war. Now the world is divided into the mutants and the pure.

Thirteen years ago a covert government facility was shut down and its residents killed. The secrets it held died with them. But five extraordinary kids survived …

AND DON’T MISS

Everything changed when Rush discovered that he wasn’t the only mutant with incredible powers. Now he and his friends have a deadly mission that means more than their own survival.

Together they’re the ultimate weapon – but someone will stop at nothing to break them up.