One of my fondest memories growing up was visiting the local library every week with my appa. I would come out the doors with books stacked up to my chin, grin on, my fingers itching to explore the pages as soon as I got home. We couldn’t afford to buy books then—my immigrant parents were already working three jobs each just to put food on the table—but our weekly trips to the library made me feel like the wealthiest girl in the world. All those worlds, all those lives, all that magic, right there at my fingertips…

Three decades later, not much has changed as far as my thirst for books go. Words are still everything. Except at some point, I realized something was missing. In all the books I read and treasured as a child, I never saw myself. The message was clear: People like me didn’t belong in books—and nobody wanted to read our stories.

The thought festered, making me increasingly frustrated. But why not? I asked myself. We have so much to share with the world! So, I woke up one day and decided I was going to be part of the change. I would write the books younger-me would have wanted to read. And now here you are, reading my book. Whoa! Yay! Is this a dream? (Please don’t wake me if it is….)

Books aren’t written by merely one person, though, despite what the name on the cover might suggest. They are intricate patchworks made by many talented, passionate, and generous people. I am proud to say that The Last Fallen Star is no exception.

First and foremost, I have to give a huge shout-out to my agent and secret long-lost doppelgänger, Carrie Pestritto. Thank you for being my biggest advocate. You believed in my words even before I did, and for that I will eternally be grateful.

My deepest gratitude to my editors, Hannah Allaman, Stephanie Lurie, and Rick Riordan. Hannah, the day you shared your vision for my book, I swear the clouds parted and a rainbow appeared in the sky. Steph, having you to guide me to the finish line was like having my own Haetae by my side. You are both #braingoals and I am in awe of you. Rick, I’m still pinching myself that I get to be part of your RRP family. As Emmett would say, holy shirtballs—what an incredible honor! Thank you to all three of you for taking a chance on me.

To my publisher, Emily Meehan; Guy Cunningham and his copyediting staff; creative director Joann Hill; cover artist Vivienne To; Marybeth Tregarthen and her production group; Seale Ballenger, and the marketing, publicity, and sales teams; and all those who worked tirelessly in the background: Thank you so much for helping me bring Riley and the gifted clans to the world. Maybe we should summon Mago Halmi and ask her to create a seventh Disney clan?