His eyes reflected the light from the hall; behind him, beyond the void, the stars burned in enduring points; far beyond them, a telescope could have seen the maelstrom of the link, and a million more stars beyond that; and this tiny station spinning around a tiny jeweled planet like the fulcrum of the universe. “I do,”

Kiem said. “You’ll see.”

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Some of you have already read a version of this story. To those of you who have encouraged or worked on it: I can’t say thank you enough.

But while they’ve given me a whole page for this, special thanks go to: Those who read the first drafts, particularly the very kind people who left comments on early snippets or on AO3, or recommended it on Tumblr, Twitter, blogs, or to a friend. You are all part of the reason it got here. Thank you so much.

Emily Tesh, who beta’d the heck out of this over years from the first conversation to the final edits, you’re the best.

Tamara Kawar, my agent, who was an early champion of Kiem and Jainan’s story, and whose endless enthusiasm, kindness, and keen eye for edits has made this book what it is.

Ali Fisher, editor extraordinaire, for immeasurable improvements to the story as a whole and for gentle editorial hints such as “have you considered putting all the many world-building things you’ve just told me about … in the actual book?”

A. K. Larkwood, Sophia Kalman, Ariella Bouskila, Megan, and Maz for continuing encouragement, jokes, and good opinions. I don’t know how I managed to join a writers’ group made up of these unfailingly smart and funny people but I’m extremely glad it exists. Thank you also to the other authors who kindly took time to read the manuscript and offer advice, and to the Serpents for world-building help and early comments.

My family, who have supported my writing over the years, championed the book, and fed me at Christmas when I was having an editing crisis. Particularly to Mum’s heroic efforts in reading it twice!

The team at Tor with especial thanks to those who have put so much work into the book: Kristin Temple, Caro Perny, Renata Sweeney, Becky Yeager, Natassja Haught, Megan Kiddoo, Steven Bucsok, Greg Collins, Eileen Lawrence, Sarah Reidy, Lucille Rettino, Devi Pillai. Also to Magdiel Lopez and Katie Klimowicz, artist and designer of the US cover. And at Orbit UK: Jenni

Hill, Nadia Saward, Nazia Khatun, Madeleine Hall, Joanna Kramer, and Anna Jackson.

And finally and most to Eleanor. I love you, and you were right. It did need more dinosaurs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Everina  Maxwell is the author of Winter’s Orbit. She lives and works in Yorkshire, where she collects books and kills houseplants.

Visit her Online at everinamaxwell.com, or sign up for email updates here.

Twitter: @Av_stories

Tumblr: Avoliot

Instagram: @everina_maxwell

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