Slowly at first, but then faster and faster, the Draíolon—both Light and Dark—dropped to their knees, staring up at the High King of all Lachalonia.
But Ceren didn’t look at Lorcan as she was forced to her knees. Instead, she stared at the beautiful swan, still regal and lovely, despite her dark bindings and the bloody hole in her breast.
“This isn’t the end,” Quinlen murmured beside her. “Somehow, we’ll get her back. No matter what it takes.”
“No matter what,” Ceren echoed as she looked at what was left of her dearest friend, her kingdom’s greatest hope, and wept.
THIS BOOK HAD A RATHER INTERESTING ROAD, STARTING YEARS ago when I was playing the suite from Swan Lake, by Tchaikovsky, on the piano, and realized I really wanted to figure out how to do a retelling of some sort. I’ve always loved this ballet and this music, but when I tried to come up with an idea of how to turn it into a story that felt like my own, nothing clicked. I tried three times over the years, but ultimately kept abandoning the partially completed projects because they weren’t quite right. Until, finally, in the summer of 2015, Eric C. said the right thing at the right time, and voilà! Inspiration struck and Dark Breaks the Dawn finally had the right world, the right characters, and the right plotline to come together at last. So my first thank-you is to him, though he may not even realize what a huge impact his comment had.
Thank you always to my incredible agent, Josh Adams, and the whole team at Adams Lit—especially Tracey and Sam—for always being there for me and for not only believing in my work, but making my dreams a reality. That’s some pretty good lemonade with fresh mint!
And of course, so much gratitude to the incomparable Lisa Sandell, editor extraordinaire and dear friend. I’m so grateful we get to work together on another project! And the entire team at Scholastic—you are amazing. I love whenever I get to see you all because it truly is a family, and one I am profoundly grateful to be a part of. Thanks especially to my publicist, Brooke Shearouse, for all her hard work on my behalf. Also a huge debt of gratitude to Elizabeth Parisi for creating the most stunningly beautiful, perfect cover for this book—I may have cried happy tears when I saw it for the first time. And to everyone in marketing, publicity, sales, design, production, copyediting, and all the many departments and jobs that go into creating a book and then sending it out into the world—THANK YOU!
Thank you to Kathryn Purdie for always being there for me, no matter what, rain or shine. I don’t know how I’d get through this crazy life without you.
Thank you to Lynne Matson for reading an early sample of this story, and for all your enthusiasm for it—that meant the world to me during a time when I desperately needed it! And thank you to Anne Blankman for reading the early sample AND the finished manuscript, both on short notice. Your feedback is always spot-on! I’m so glad to have such a wonderful agency sister!
Thank you, as always, to my sister Elisse, who is always willing to read for me, and who always helps me figure out how to extract myself from the holes I dig myself into—with my writing, of course. I’d never dig myself a hole in real life (HA!). And thank you to Kerstin for your unflagging support and excitement, and for the occasional DDP or Dole Whip drink. You are so generous and giving, I’m blessed to have you in my life! And thank you to Lauren for always crushing on the boys I write about and for your support as well! I love your reactions to my books. And to Kaitlyn, for being so proud of me and never hesitating to tell me. I truly appreciate it.
A special thank you to Sarah Maas, for being so excited (just from a tweet!) about this book, and for not only wanting to read it, but for your timely and spot-on suggestions, and all your support and friendship in many ways. It means the world to me!
I have met so many incredible people throughout my career (am I allowed to call it that yet?) and would be remiss not to mention those who may not have impacted this book specifically, but have been there for me in so many ways in the last couple of years—talking me off ledges and away from cliffs, commiserating with me, celebrating with me, talking and emailing and chatting and all forms of communicating with me … the list could go on and on. Erin Bowman, Susan Dennard, Alex Bracken, Jen Nielsen, James Dashner, Jeff Savage, Jennifer Jenkins, Frank Cole, Ilima Todd, Emily R. King, Erin Summerill, Rosalyn Eves, Ann Cannon, Ally Condie, Martha Brockenbrough, Amy Finnegan, Natalie Whipple, Jennifer Niven, Amie Cousins, Jay Kristoff, and many more. I know I’m probably forgetting some important people, but please know I appreciate you ALL for your friendship, support, and kindnesses to me.
Thank you to the many bloggers, librarians, booksellers, and teachers (especially Jenn Kelly—the world needs more teachers like you!) who have done so much to help spread the word about my books. I wouldn’t be here without you all, and for that I am forever grateful! A special thank you to Whitney, Margaret, and everyone at The King’s English for all your support and enthusiasm for my books. I might be biased, but I think The King’s English is one of the best independent bookstores in the world.
As always, my books would never come to fruition without amazing music to help inspire me. Thank you to the musicians whose art makes it possible for me to create mine. For this book, that especially includes Jaymes Young, OneRepublic, Craig Armstrong, John Paesano, Bear McCreary, Rachel Portman, Jason Walker, Beth Crowley, Mychael and Jeff Danna, and many more.
Thank you to my in-laws, Robert and Marilyn, for always being willing to help out and for your support. And thank you to Brenda and Ray, as well!
To my parents … I did most of my edits on this book in a hospital room, praying that my dad was going to survive after a twenty-five-foot fall, and then watching and helping him to recover when he did survive. I also witnessed my mom shouldering burdens that would have crushed any normal person, and doing it with grace and strength. You taught me to work hard and dream big, and I have to thank you for those lessons, both in word and in deed now as I watch you endure this trial together. Just think—by the time you read this in my published book, it will all be behind us!
To my sweet children—I love you more than words can express. As wonderful as this whole “being published” thing is, nothing compares to the best “job” in the world: being your mommy. I adore you four with all my heart.
To Trav, the one who I am blessed to be Bound to forever. I would never have come this far without you. Thank you for EVERYTHING. If I ever succeed at writing beautiful love stories in any of my books, it’s only because I’m living one every day with you. (So cheesy, but true!)
And finally, to the readers. Thank you for continuing to go on this wonderful journey with me. Your excitement and passion for my books and stories is what make it all worth it. Thank you, all!