Reign of Shadows (Reign of Shadows, #1)(70)

An eerie quiet surrounded me. I moved quickly, frantically, covering a wide area, distaste coating my mouth as I patted the surrounding ground for remains of Fowler. As I suspected, they took him. They had all gone back below with their quarry. He could still be alive—for a little while anyway.

I continued crawling, hurrying until I found where the ground was the softest. Not even ground anymore, but more like a pool of mud. This was where so many of the dwellers had emerged.

I flexed my hand around the hilt of my dagger, sucked in the deepest breath my lungs could hold, and dove headfirst.

Into the abyss.



ACKNOWLEDGMENTS


Beginning a new book—a new series—is always nerve-racking. It’s like a first date. You’re excited and nervous and have no idea at all if it’s going to live up to all the hype in your mind. Such is the angst of writing. From that first kernel of an idea to typing “The End,” it’s a roller coaster of emotions. Thank you to my family and friends for hanging on (as always) as I take that ride.

The world of Reign of Shadows would never have happened without a long-ago conversation with my agent in which I shared a crazy-pants premise that would become this book. Thanks, Maura, for being so succinct and ardent in your instructions to “just do it . . . go write that book.” Also, thank you to Jennifer Klonsky and HarperTeen, who so quickly jumped onboard; and to my editor, Emilia Rhodes, for pushing me to go deeper and encouraged grossness (yes, I’m looking at you, bat fever)! Your enthusiasm and attention to detail helped me bring this book the final stretch home. Gina Rizzo, you do wonders for my ego and your support goes above and beyond. Thank you to all my writer friends who supported and plotted with me throughout Reign of Shadows (hoping I don’t leave anyone out!!): Sarah MacLean, Carrie Ryan, Tera Lynn Childs, Shana Galen, Jennifer Armentrout, and Victoria Scott (Tori, where would I be without the scary-as-hell pictures of the star-nosed mole you sent me?).

And to my dear readers, I hope you enjoyed Luna and Fowler. I can’t wait for you to see what happens next!




ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Photo credit Country Park Portraits SOPHIE JORDAN grew up on a pecan farm in the Texas hill country, where she wove fantasies of dragons, warriors, and princesses. A former high school English teacher, she’s also the New York Times bestselling author of Avon historical romances and the Firelight series. She now lives in Houston with her family. When she’s not writing, she spends her time overloading on caffeine (lattes and Diet cherry Coke preferred), talking plotlines with anyone who will listen (including her kids), and cramming her DVR with true-crime and reality-TV shows. You can visit her online at www.sophiejordan.net.

Discover great authors, exclusive offers, and more at hc.com.