A sequel is a difficult task for any writer, but it is thanks to the support of so many people that The Weeping Tide faced nothing but smooth sailing.

To my editor, Kate Prosswimmer: without your feedback, Barclay would never have found his sea legs. Thank you for the amount of effort you put into what you do—it always shows, and it is always tremendously appreciated.

To my agent, Whitney Ross: thank you for your insight, your patience, and your dedication. I am so lucky to have you as a first mate.

To the entire McElderry team, including Nicole Fiorica, Justin Chanda, Karen Wojtyla, Bridget Madsen, Caitlin Sweeny, Nicole Russo, Cassie Malmo, Jenny Lu, Alissa Nigro, Anna Jarzab, Kate Bouchard, and Nadia Almahadi: I couldn’t have asked for a better crew!

Thank you to Petur Antonsson for illustrating another stunning cover, and to Sonia Chaghatzbanian and Karyn Lee for the book’s incredible design, inside and out.

To Christine Lynn Herman: I’ve run out of creative ways to thank you in these acknowledgments, but you will always retain a dedicated paragraph in every book I write.

Thank you to my early readers, Axie Oh and Amanda Haas—after an extremely messy first draft, both of your advice helped me to correct my course. Thank you to Claribel Ortega and Lauren Magaziner, whose enthusiasm and guidance have meant so much to me, a newcomer to the delightful world of middle grade. Thank you to fellow critique group members Janella Angeles, Katy Rose Pool, Kat Cho, Mara Fitzgerald, Alex Castellanos, Meg Kohlmann, Erin Bay, Ashley Burdin, Maddy Colis, Akshaya Raman, Melody Simpson, and Tara Sim. Thank you to Zoe Sivak, the cleverest of best friends.

Thank you to Mairead Fitzgerald-Mumford. Without your Irish language expertise, the names of the Beasts of the Sea would have fallen abysmally short of their inspiration.

Thank you to my fiancé, who will be my husband by the time this book is published.

Thank you to Jelly Bean, my spunky orange tabby, who has always been my inspiration for Mitzi.

To my readers: I cannot tell you how many times your kind messages have brought a smile to my face. From the beginning, writing this series meant venturing into uncharted waters, but it is thanks to you that it has been the most wonderful of adventures, and I’m so excited for everything we still have in store.

An Excerpt From A Traveler’s Log of Dangerous Beasts, Vol. 2

AN EXCERPT FROM

A TRAVELER’S LOG OF DANGEROUS BEASTS, VOL. 2

BY CONLEY MURDOCK

BRUTOPODS

Wilderland: the Sea

Class: Prime

These crustaceans are known for their powerful claws and violent attitudes. What many don’t know about them is that they continue growing their entire lives, even in adulthood. I once met one twice my own height, and sixteen years later, I’m still shell-shocked!

CALADRIUS

Wilderland: the Mountains, the Woods, the Jungle

Class: Mythic