Creatures of Charm and Hunger

by Molly Tanzer

  I was at a bit of a loss when it came to coming up with the dedication for this, the third and final book of the Diabolist’s Library trilogy of novels. For a long time I’d considered dedicating it to my anxiety, as it is a novel all about it, but I wasn’t sure that would set the correct tone. I also considered dedicating it to my cat, but he can’t read, and even if he could, he wouldn’t appreciate the gesture. When I said as much to my editor, he reminded me of my duty, suggesting I dedicate the book to everyone who has fought against the rise of fascism—so that is exactly what I have done. I just don’t know how to put that into a pithy remark for the front of the book, but the back will do just as well.

  As for the acknowledgments, as always I would like to thank my editor, John Joseph Adams; my agent, Cameron McClure; and my team at HMH, especially Jaime Levine. And, also as always, I will thank my mother, and I will thank my friends for their support and love, and my colleagues for their tolerance for me sliding into their DMs with questions about things like what guns people would carry during World War II.

  And while I didn’t dedicate this book to my cat, “the Toad,” I will indeed thank him here by name. While Smudge is a conglomeration of all the devilish felines I’ve met over the years, Smudge’s moods and antics are based most heavily upon careful observation of my own special boy. I’d say more, but he’s just jumped into my lap, after being very—or at least somewhat patient with how much time and attention I lavished on this project, rather than on him.

  About the Author

  © Max Campanella

  Molly Tanzer is the British Fantasy and Locus Award–nominated author of The Diabolist’s Library trilogy, as well as the indie hit a Vermilion. She resides in northern Colorado with her cat, the Toad.

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