A big thank you to Chris Myles (another Chris) and Mark Muralla, the geniuses who designed and maintain my website. My gratitude is everlasting. And to Sandra and Andrew Marsh, the geniuses who helped me create “canary,” the fictional power nootropic described in this book. (As a writer, it’s a good idea to surround oneself with geniuses.) Thanks, also, to the staff at the Elora Brewing Company in beautiful downtown Elora, who were happy for me to use their fine establishment as an office every Friday afternoon, and who served me great beer while I worked. (It’s a tough job, it really is!) And it was while “working” at the Elora Brewing Company that I met Tera Gillen, who was full of energy, curiosity, and life, and who let me use her name for one of my characters. (Tera would go on to appear in Season 9 of Big Brother Canada, and would prove herself to be as strong and ruthless as her namesake.)

Endless thanks to my friend and agent, Howard Morhaim, whose support is so valuable to me. Howard always tells me what I need to hear, even when it isn’t what I want to hear. It really is a tough job, and I appreciate him so much.

Huge applause and a standing ovation for the team at William Morrow, and everybody at HarperCollins, with the spotlight focused on Nate Lanman, Brittani Hilles, Andie Schoenfeld, and Ryan Shepherd. The best team in publishing! Which sets the stage for the biggest thank-you of all, this to my brilliant editor, Jennifer Brehl. Her belief in me, her professionalism and support, inspire me to reach deeper and work harder. This is our second book together, and I’m still pinching myself.

My deepest appreciation to the friends, family, and readers who have supported me over the years. You’re all wonderful. And finally, all the love in the world to my wife, Emily, and our two fantastic children, Lily and Charlie. It sometimes feels like I exist in the branches of a huge, beautiful tree, strong even in the most demanding of storms, and with life and color all around. It’s a good place to be.

About the Author

RIO YOUERS is the critically acclaimed author of Lola on Fire, Westlake Soul, and Halcyon. His 2017 thriller, The Forgotten Girl, was a finalist for the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Crime Novel. He is the writer of Sleeping Beauties, a comic book series based on the bestselling novel by Stephen King and Owen King. Rio lives in Ontario, Canada, with his wife and their two children.

Discover great authors, exclusive offers, and more at hc.com.

Also by Rio Youers

• Lola on Fire
• Halcyon
• The Forgotten Girl

About the Publisher

Australia

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