Poison's Kiss (Poison's Kiss #1)(72)
Another nod to Indian mythology in Poison’s Kiss is Garuda, a giant birdlike creature (sometimes depicted as half bird, half human) who appears in both Hinduism and Buddhism. Garuda in these myths is always male, but I’ve taken creative license and made my Garuda female.
The other members of the Raksaka (as well as the concept of the Raksaka itself) are my own invention.
Sundari’s belief system differs from those found in India as well. Although reincarnation is a central tenet of Hinduism, and the concept of rebirth is found in Buddhism, the characters in Poison’s Kiss believe in a limit of ten lives, a notion that isn’t found in either religion.
My goal in Poison’s Kiss was to create a unique world, with its own history and culture, while paying homage to the origins of the visha kanya myth. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading it as much as I loved writing it.
It’s a strange thing to work with words all day and then suddenly be unable to locate the right ones and put them in the correct order for something as important as saying “thank you.”
But I’m told that an acknowledgments page filled with nothing but kisses and hearts isn’t going to cut it, so words it is.
This book would not have been possible without a whole host of amazing people. First, to my brilliant agent, Kathleen Rushall, for believing in this story right from the beginning and for being not only a great advocate but also a great friend.
A million thanks go to my exceptional editor, Caroline Abbey, for asking all the right questions and for being such an enthusiastic champion of this book. I can’t wait to work with you again on the next one!
I’m so grateful to the entire team at Random House: Nicole de las Heras and Martha Rago, for the gorgeous cover design; Barbara Bakowski and the copyediting team.
My heartfelt thanks to my mom, Sharon Berrett, who saved everything I ever wrote, convinced it was brilliant (even when it wasn’t), and who laughs at my jokes even when they aren’t funny (and occasionally when they aren’t jokes). Thank you for filling my childhood with books and my life with laughter.
I’m indebted to my dad, Dan Berrett, for encouraging me to take out my teenage angst on the page instead of in real life. (“Feel free to name the villain Dan Vader,” you told me once when I was in a particularly bad mood.) And then, in the years that followed, for always asking how the writing was coming along. You never forgot where I was going, and you always had faith I’d eventually get there. I hope it’s not too disappointing that you get to be a hero instead of a villain.
To Britnee Landerman, who read this story in less than twenty-four hours and then texted at 3:00 a.m. to gush. You have no idea how much that meant to me. You may claim to be the World’s Okayest Sister, but we both know it doesn’t get any better than you.
To Cameron Berrett, who read my writing (in the form of letters) every single week for two years and who almost always wrote back. Thank you for teaching me not to take myself too seriously.
To Derek Berrett, who shares my love of all things reading and writing and who will have his own name on a book cover one day. Marinda only knew how to love Mani so much because of how much I love you.
To Don and Ginny Shields, my wonderful parents-in-law, for all your love and support over the years and for raising such a fantastic son. And thanks also go to Steve and Christy Shields, for making sure their brother grew up with a high tolerance for teasing and excellent taste in movies. (Where there’s a whip, there’s a way.)
To Stephen Beck, who taught me to use strong verbs, colorful nouns, and crisp prose. I’m still taking your writing advice all these years later.
My deepest appreciation to all my fellow writer friends (you know who you are) who have offered encouragement and advice along the way.
Others who read this book (in whole or in part) at various stages and offered valuable feedback and encouragement: Elizabeth Briggs, Krista Van Dolzer, Caroline Richmond, David Landerman, Keaton Landerman, Kaiser Landerman, Danica Landerman and Jill Shields.
Everlasting hugs and kisses to my children, Ben, Jacob and Isabella, for your love, your enthusiasm and your endless supply of great ideas. You are the kind of people I would choose as friends if I weren’t lucky enough to call you family. It is the great privilege of my life to be your mom.
And finally, most important, to Justin, my best friend and the love of my life, for your unwavering faith and support. You are my partner in crime, my sounding board and my safe harbor. This book is just as much yours as it is mine. (Well, it’s a little more mine, but you get the idea….)