The Strength of the Few by James Islington - 81

IN MY RECENT BOOKS, WHENEVER I come to this section, I always worry that it looks almost rote to simply retread old ground and thank the same people over and over again: in this case especially, I could copy and paste my acknowledgements from The Will of the Many , and they would be close to entirely accurate for this book as well. The more I write, though, the more I appreciate just how great a situation that is to be in—to have had a talented, reliable, and trusted group around me over the course of many years, who have so consistently and positively contributed to the experience, is an incredible advantage. So I hope that everyone below knows that even if their names appear “yet again,” repetition makes these acknowledgements more heartfelt, not less—because as always, through support both tangible and intangible, this book owes so much to them:

My agent, Paul Lucas, who always gives excellent advice and works tirelessly so that I can focus on the things I’m actually good at, rather than having to stumble through/fret over the business side of things.

My editor, Joe Monti, who continues to make sure these books arrive in their very best shape, and has been so supportive of and such a great advocate for this series.

My beta readers, including but not limited to—Sonja, Elisabeth, Chiara, Lowell, Nicki, and Jordan. After spending years writing a single book, it can be incredibly hard to step back and see what’s working and what’s not in a story. Those earliest impressions and feedback really, really make a difference.

The entire team at Saga, and Simon & Schuster, as well as the one at Text Publishing in Australia, who have shown such tremendous enthusiasm for, and faith in, this series.

Jaime Jones, for his incredible artwork on our new covers.

Euan Morton, for his amazing narration work, and the folks at Audible for producing such excellent audiobook versions of my stories.

My assistant, Elisabeth, for so effectively filling a whole raft of roles, which in turn allows me to spend my time writing rather than worrying about everything else.

My kids, whose imaginations easily outstrip my own, for bringing me both a perspective and a joy that my books would be so much the poorer without.

And finally my wonderful wife, Sonja, who not only puts up with me, but once again is the only person I trust to read the very worst versions of my work, and identify the earliest, roughest edges that need sanding away. She is, and always will be, such a vital part of this process.