Many of you have come to know my curious style of writing to no plan and I must admit to setting out on each new novel’s journey with no story in mind, a lot of optimism but also a feeling of terror. This novel rounds off a dozen adult fantasy novels, so while I assure myself not to panic—because I’ve done it before and my strange writing approach seems to work for me—there is always anxiety that it may not work this time! And this fear has never been greater than it was for Wrath because I had absolutely no idea where this tale was headed and as it unfolded I was regularly surprised by events, and especially at who ultimately became the villain. It was great fun to write, discovering all the twists and turns of the story, and I do hope you enjoy it.

Much of the energy for this final volume came from readers around the world—urging me to hurry and give them book three. Thank you all for your loyalty and your incredible interest in the series. My thanks to the HarperCollins team, especially the often unheralded sales force who work so hard at the coalface, but special thanks to my editor on this series, Kate Nintzel in the U.S.; to her colleague Emma Coode in Britain who, together with her team, gave us the fabulous artwork for the covers; and, of course, to Stephanie Smith in Australia for her wonderful support, supervisory commitment to this and all my series, and her constant nurturing.

I cannot end my thanks without a nod to the fantasy booksellers of the world. I am getting to meet so many of you now through my travels and you are so similar, no matter which country you hail from. You are generous, committed to the genre, great readers and your brilliant handselling is often not factored into the success of fantasy globally.

As always, I’m grateful to my loving family and friends for their encouragement and to Pip Klimentou, Marianne D’Arrigo, Sonya Caddy, Margo Burns, Michelle King, Willa Michelmore and Angela Bonnin for the Friday lattes, as well as to Mandy Macky, Judy Downs, Steve Hubbard, Phil Reed and Tony Berry.

Thanks Will and Jack, for understanding why I need quiet time . . . oh, and by the way, the recycling has to go out, the dishwasher needs emptying and your rooms need tidying! xx

Ian—always last but never least. Love and thanks. Fx