Beside me, Red smiles. Is this your peace? he asks me through our link.

I open my heart and let the light in. It is better, I answer.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Skyhunter and Steelstriker are dark books, written in dark times: during the throes of a horrific American presidency and during a pandemic that devastated the entire world. My stories are always a snapshot of who I was and what was happening around me, so in many ways, this duology are the most difficult books I’ve ever written and of which I’m proudest. I could not have done it without a crew of wonderful people at my side.

My deepest gratitude to my editors, Jen Besser and Kate Meltzer. Kate, you are such a brilliant, kind, and wise soul, and I’m so lucky to work with you. Jen, I could write a thousand acknowledgments and never thank you enough. You are one of the best people I’ve ever known. What a gift it is to be your author and your friend. To Luisa Beguiristaín, I am eternally grateful for your sharp eye and kind words. To Anne Heausler, what can I say? All these years together, and every book with you is a delight. Thank you.

To Kristin Nelson, agent extraordinaire and steadfast captain of our ship, I could never do this without you. Thank you and the entire NLA team for keeping me inspired and sticking by me through these difficult years. To the wonderful Jenny Meyer: Thank you so much to you and your team for supporting me internationally.

To the incredible Macmillan Children’s team: Allison Verost, Kristin Dulaney, Molly B. Ellis, Kelsey Marrujo, Mariel Dawson, Kathryn Little, Katie Quinn, Teresa Ferraiolo, Melissa Zar, and Cynthia Lliguichuzhca. Thank you all so much for your warmth, support, and guidance— especially through this time. I can’t even imagine the challenges happening behind the scenes, but you all kept the engine running and our books going and our readers prioritized. No small feat in any year—but certainly not in 2020 and 2021! You are warriors.

Aurora Parlagreco and Novans V. Adikresna: Steelstriker takes my breath away every time I look at it. I’m so grateful to have your talent grace this cover. Deepest thank-you to Beth Clark and Rodica Prato for the gorgeous map and insert, and for bringing the world to life.

Thank you so much to every single one of my international publishers for having faith in my books and taking a chance on me. I cannot exaggerate what it means to me to work with you all. A special thank-you to Leo Teti and your team: Although I am so sad we didn’t get to meet last year, I hope we get to in the future. Wishing you all well.

To my friends—I’m more grateful than ever to have you all in my life. Thank you for existing and for being yourselves. To my husband, Primo, and our little one: If there must be a pandemic, I am thankful to spend it with you both. I love you more than words can say.