Acknowledgments

You know where you are with a publisher who drags you off to the Porterhouse pub in London’s Maiden Lane for a six hour editorial meeting—and waits with good grace while you go though the script page by page. So heads up to Darren Nash, lapsed Australian, Orbit UK editorial director and good friend…

And a big tip of the hat to Orbit supremo Tim Holman, who filled me with food and alcohol when I flew out to New York—running a temperature and fever—to pitch him The Fallen Blade. Having asked me to pass the one page synopsis to Devi Pillai, senior editor and Orbit US’s self-styled Eye of Sauron, he waited while she read it. Devi nodded significantly and that was it. We were in business on both sides of the Atlantic.

To my agent Mic Cheetham for doing the real work that made this happen. Joanna Kramer for keeping me sane during the copyedit process. Darren Nash and Devi Pillai again for thoughtful and occasionally stern editorial notes (that’s you, Devi).

As always the ex-lunchtime collective of, variously, Paul McAuley, Kim Newman, China Miéville, Chris Fowler, Barry Forshaw, Nick Harkaway, Pat Cadigan, for drinks, food, bitching sessions, general chat and sanity. If there was any justice, Rob Holdstock would still be on that list (and he is in spirit).

My son Jamie, who might have buggered off half way round the world but still calls regularly for all that he’s rubbish at answering emails. Hearing from you always makes my day.

And finally, Sam Baker. Seventeen years married. More than twenty years together. Pretty good for what was meant to be a quick drink. Thank you.