I’d like to thank the friends and associates who helped make it what it is. I owe Ed Stackler a debt of gratitude for sharpening my vision and my writing, and introducing me to the world of publishing; he is a talented and truly generous man. Matt Bialer, my agent, who believed in the manuscript and whose suggestions vastly improved it. Mark Tavani, my editor, whose enthusiasm for Rift surprised and delighted me. For believing in my lifelong dream, for polishing my rough patches, for enduring the emotional storm that accompanies the compulsion to write fiction, for her love and compassion and understanding, I graciously thank Elaine La Fontaine. My mom, who early on encouraged me to read, and my dad, who instilled in me the work ethic and persistence to see this through to the end. My sister, Chanda, for her love and encouragement, and my brother, Brandon, for his straightforward support. Eric Romero, for the per diem; you always knew it was for me. Abbie Peraza, whose intelligence and razor-sharp insight helped my writing (and, consequently, me) find another level.
