If Warcross was the easy child, Wildcard was the one who always managed to end up in the principal’s office. I stayed up many a late night and predawn morning to wrestle this story into shape. It turned into a book I’m deeply proud of, but I could never have done it without the help of an entire team of brilliant people.
Kristin Nelson is always the first person I think of for all my books, but particularly so for Wildcard and Warcross. I will never forget how enthusiastic and encouraging you were for these books from day one, and given how close Emika’s story is to both my heart and my interests, I’ll forever be grateful to you. Thank you for believing.
To my incredible editors, the inimitable Kate Meltzer, Jen Besser, and Jen Klonsky—thank you so much for your wisdom and your brilliant feedback, for pulling me through this book’s murky waters, and for being such a joy to work with. Anne Heausler, I truly don’t know what I’d do without your sharp eye and guiding hand. I dedicate the yacht scene to you!
As ever, Putnam Children’s, Puffin, and Penguin Young Readers, you all are a dream team come true. Theresa and Wes, thank you for Wildcard’s absolutely stunning cover; Marisa Russell, Shanta Newlin, Erin Berger, Andrea Cruise, Dana Leydig, Summer Ogata, Felicity Vallence, and Venessa Carson—I’m endlessly grateful for everything you do!
Kassie, I can’t thank you enough for being at my side and championing this series from the start. I’m so lucky to be able to work with you.
To Tahereh Mafi, one of my favorite people in the world: you were the first to read Wildcard, and you gave me encouragement exactly when I needed it. To Sabaa Tahir and to our diabolical pedicure of story woes, where you helped me figure out Zero’s entire arc! I will forever associate nail salons with your brilliance. To Amie Kaufman: every time I need a shoulder to lean on, you are always there. And, of course, to Leigh Bardugo, fiercest of her name, who inspired Jax’s silver hair and witch-black lipstick. Zero would hack any system for you.
To Primo, story partner and best husband, who has always been the first eyes on this series and who knows more about it than anyone else. To my family and friends, for all your love and support.
Finally, to my readers. You all inspire me daily. Do great things and challenge the world.
About the Author
Marie Lu is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Young Elites series, as well as the blockbuster bestselling Legend series. She graduated from the University of Southern California and jumped into the video game industry as an artist. Now a full-time writer, she spends her spare time reading, drawing, playing games, and getting stuck in traffic. She lives in Los Angeles with her illustrator/author husband, Primo Gallanosa, and their dogs.