King Kycyra Kura—deceased (killed when Illucia invaded)

Queen Seyfyer Kura—deceased (killed when Illucia invaded)

Crown Princess Elkona Kura—rumored to have survived assassination

Heavily influenced by the leaders of each Guild prior to Illucian invasion

Environment

Located east of the Ardrahan Sea

Vast golden grasslands and forested valleys

Four distinct seasons, tending toward dry and warm

Religion

The Jin believe art and religion are one; they worship creation of new, beautiful, and creative things

Economy

Divided into several guilds, such as artist, gem, hunter, agriculture

Large exporter of precious stones, jewelry, metal, wood, and glass, as well as seafood and grain

Culture

Extremely resilient, hardworking, people who are very good at dedicating themselves to something and mastering it

Trendell

Capital: Eselin

Ruled by:

King Calren Rebane

Queen Luhara Rebane

Crown Prince Seren Rebane

Prince Kuren Rebane

Princess Kashna Rebane

Environment

Located in the Southeast

Hot, dry, with golden hills and scattered woods

Religion

While the Trendellans have a vast array of myths, including many lost legends regarding the Sellas, religion plays little role in their day-to-day lives, with their focus on science and knowledge

Economy

Large exporter of wine, chocolate, and new technology, as well as rare spices, ingredients, and historical information

Culture

Very intelligent, wise, and learned

Peaceful, curious, kind

Acknowledgments

This book wouldn’t exist without the help of so many amazing people.

To my mom and dad, for all the love, support, and opportunities you’ve given me. Thank you for always believing in me.

To my Guillotine Queens: Alyssa Coleman, Sam Farkas, Jessica James, Tracy Badua, Jessica Cooper, Brittney Singleton, Kat Enright, Jenn Gruenke, Amy Stewart, and Ashley Northup. I couldn’t have made it through this process without all your wisdom, love, and beautiful stories inspiring me every day. Here’s to the beginning of the Guillotine Court—I know you’ll all be here soon.

Thank you to my amazing editor, Annie Berger, for all her hard work and dedication, and for answering my constant emails and questions. Her vision for The Storm Crow took this book to the next level.

My agent, Carrie Pestritto, is a superhero for walking me through so many rounds of edits and helping me through this entire process. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done.

Thanks to the entire Sourcebooks Fire team, Sabrina Baskey, Sarah Kasman, Cassie Gutman, Travis Hasenour, and everyone else who helped make The Storm Crow a reality. A special thank-you to Nicole Hower and Tran Nguyen for my beautiful cover. You captured the heart of my story with your work.

Kyra Nelson and Elizabeth Buege, your editing early on helped shape this story. And to Amber Duell and Alexandra Overy, all your constant feedback and support through multiple drafts has been so incredibly helpful. Thank you also to my many CPs and readers, and to all of the P2P ladies whose presence has been a constant anchor.