Acknowledgments
Hex Breaker tells the story of a perilous quest to achieve what seems impossible. The journey that I went on to bring this tale from a simple idea to the paper (or pixelated) reality you see was no walk in the park, either. Rayna was pursued by dark magic and the undead, but the demons that fought to keep this story from seeing the light of day took forms like doubt, inadequacy, and perfectionism. Just like Rayna, I did not slay these demons alone. I'd like to take a moment to thank a few members of my pack that made this book possible.
First, to my editor, Tamara Shoemaker. You are the Gandalf to my Frodo, taking a little newbie author like me under your wing, making me feel like I was good enough, and giving me all the guidance I needed to conquer this quest. You are the Dumbledore to my Harry Potter, always there with wisdom (and a joke or seven) to keep me going. I am so lucky to have you as an editor, and even luckier to have you as a friend. Thank you.
Next, to the other writers of the Shenandoah Valley Writers group who helped in innumerable ways large and small. Whether it was providing feedback and encouragement, or simply laughing over coffee and cinnamon rolls, you ladies are always there, keeping me sane. Joining SVW is the best decision I ever made for my writing. Thanks for making that true.
To those that helped in the physical production of this book, you have given me a gift I will cherish for a lifetime. Thank you, Emily June Street, for the phenomenal interior design and formatting. Huge thanks to my brother-in-law, Timothy Curry, for the gorgeous cover, and to my sister, Elyse Bromser-Kloeden, for the lovely map. I am so fortunate to count such talented and generous artists among my family.
To my mom, Leah, thank you for raising me to love books and stories. The world would be a brighter place if everyone were fortunate enough to have a librarian for a parent. To my dad, Marty, thank you for introducing me to J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Lloyd Alexander (the list goes on) and for passing your creativity onto me. I can't wait to read your published works someday soon, too.
To Lorenzo Lee Bean, my partner and anchor to reality. There are not many people who will spend hours discussing the intricacies of a magic system or whether or not a character is going to survive, but somehow I got lucky. Thank you for your endless, unconditional support. I love you.
To all the nonhumans who helped without even knowing, thank you Stella, Moriarty, Sunlight, Kody, and more for enriching my life and inspiring me.
Finally, to Krista Regan and Michael Carter. How many people in their early twenties can say they have had the same best friends for eighteen years? How lucky I am to have not only met you, but also to have kept you in my life for all these years. This story began in handwritten notebooks excitedly read in the back of the bus. It could have ended there, but thanks in large part to your enthusiasm and support, it survived, evolved, and became more than I'd ever imagined. You are my best friends, the family I chose, and some of the brightest and most compassionate people I will ever know. Thank you.
About the Author
Taryn is a lover of nature and all things furry and feathered. As a graduate student in Anthrozoology with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Biology, she is dedicating her life to understanding and protecting animals, both human and nonhuman. This zeal for the outdoors combined with a lifelong love affair with fantasy and horror stories led her to create the YA dark fantasy series, The Fenearen Chronicles. The second installment, Twice Blessed, is due out in 2018.
Taryn lives in Richmond, Virginia with her Prima donna cat, Stella, and personal piano player/boyfriend, Lorenzo Lee Bean.
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Wild Winds Press
Copyright 2017 © Taryn Bromser-Kloeden
All rights reserved
No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. This is a work of fiction.
Cover design by Tim Curry and Elyse Bromser-Kloeden
Book design by Emily June Street at Luminous Creatures Press
Map design by Elyse Bromser-Kloeden
Author photograph by Asa Orrin-Brown
Wolf Face Image Andrei Ivashenko for 123rf.com
Hex Breaker (The Fenearen Chronicles Book 1) Page 48