by Elise Kova
KATIE—I hope you know that all the times we talk about story and prose helps me too, immensely. Thank you for reading, giving me your thoughts, and just being the best friend a woman could ask for.
DANIELLE—My dear friend and author sister, you’re incredible in every way and have been there for me from such an early point. Every moment I needed to vent, you were there.
MICHELLE—Thank you so much for helping me not only from a story and craft perspective, but also from a business perspective. My career and stories are forever changed by the insights you’ve given me.
SUSAN—I count my blessings constantly that I get to call you my friend, thank you for helping me personally and professionally time and again.
THE TOWER GUARD—I cannot thank every person in my street team enough. It’s because of each of you that I can bring my stories to life. It’s because of your help that they get out into the world. For all the ways you’ve supported me personally, and professionally, thank you. Please know that I see you and all you do and I am forever grateful.
MY ORIGINAL FICTIONPRESS READERS—I don’t know if any of you will see this… but if you’re someone who was there from the start, I’m so excited to finally share the “second part” to the story I began with you years ago. Thank you for believing in me then, so I could give you this now.
COUNTLESS OTHER AUTHORS, BLOGGERS, AND READERS—I may not call you out by name here (because I can be wretched at remembering names, and acknowledgements can only be so long). But know that I realize how blessed I am to grace your inboxes, your social media timelines, and your shelves. Just because you aren’t listed here doesn’t mean you aren’t important to me—doesn’t mean I don’t recognize the support you give me. Thank you for letting me be a part of this community.
Crystal Caged
My Readers — I want to start by acknowledging all of you. Without you, there would be no story, no books, and no world of Air Awakens. Some of you were with me from the start and have seen this world evolve and grow. Or, you may have just joined me with Vortex Chronicles. However long you’ve been reading my work, thank you. This book, this world, is truly for each and every one of you and it wouldn’t have happened without you with me every step of the way.
The Man — From late, sleepless nights, to early starts, you’re with me every step of the way. Without your support both professionally and personally I wouldn’t be where I am now. Thank you for all the hours you spent with me, talking through story ideas, listening to me as I struggled to find the best narrative path forward, and helping me with your insights. Thank you for pulling me off the kitchen floor when I was down, or pulling me away from my computer when I couldn’t take anymore. You are truly my muse and my light.
Rebecca — I asked you to push me, and you delivered. I will never be able to express appropriate gratitude for your patience and help throughout this series. This story evolved so much thanks to you. You challenged me to be better and work harder. I greatly appreciate everything you did to help make this story what it is.
Michelle — You are an incredible friend and colleague in this crazy author career. I appreciate your insights. I love your candor. And I am so inspired by you. Thank you for talking me out of the initial terrible ending I had for this series and pushing me to make something much, much better.(I hope you enjoyed what I decided on!)
Kate — Thank you for your help and support throughout this series. You came in at the eleventh hour and turned things around with a speed I didn’t think possible. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.
Danielle — You have seen every high and low, good day and bad with this series, and you stuck with me through all of it. I could not have asked for, or dreamed of, a better friend in the publishing world. Thank you for all your cheer-leading, insight, and support along the way.
The Noble Order of Female Fantasy Authors — Ladies, you have become a cornerstone of my day to day survival. You are each unique, incredibly talented, and profoundly supportive. Thank you so much for talking me through the good times and bad, for being there to sprint with, and for being the best friends one could hope for.
Mary and Sarah — I know this manuscript changed a lot from the one you beta read for me. Please know, in part, it was due to your feedback! Thank you for helping me make my work better. I really appreciated all of your insights.
Amanda — From arranging swaps, to general support, you are always there. I don’t know how you do it all AND remain such a beautiful soul, but here we are. Thank you for everything. I truly appreciate all you do for me both personally and professionally.
Lux — You’re such a lovely person; it has been my supreme delight to sprint with you throughout this series. I hope we can motivate and inspire each other for years to come. I am honored to call you friend.
Devin, Mia, and Veronica — Thank you all for your continued support of me, my work, and my career. Over the past year you have all helped look for ways for me to get my work out into the world. Hopefully, we can do the same with Vortex Chronicles and many more books in the years to come.
The Tower Guard — Last, but certainly not least… To all of my Tower Guard members, you are so essential for me to keep continuing on as an author. Knowing you are in my corner, having you all to laugh and cry with, has really made this career such a profound experience. Thank you for all you’ve done in helping me get my books out into the world. Here’s to the next one!