Breaking Sky(95)

and

Trent “Frost” Reedy

This book would not have been possible without my ever-supporting literary agent, Sarah “Wingbuilder” Davies, and my keen-eyed editor, Aubrey “Sherlock” Poole. A special thank-you to Leah Hultenschmidt for inviting me into the Sourcebooks family.

My fascination with the military sustained me during my toughest school years, and this story came straight from that struggle for direction. For that reason, an André the Giant–sized thank-you goes to Alissa (McFerren) Arnold for sleepovers, inside jokes, and innumerable viewings of Top Gun. Also, a blushing thank-you to the real Tristan, whose name proved too perfect to fictionalize.

I would not be a writer without the love, respect, and support of my parents, family, and friends. And most importantly (*!), I would not have had the courage for this story without the guidance of my RIO, Amy Rose “Aurora” Capetta.

Aim high. Fly, fight, win.

Love & cheers,

Cori “Sparks” McCarthy



About the Author


Cori McCarthy was born in Guam, a military brat. She studied poetry and screenwriting before earning an MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Kirkus called her debut YA novel, The Color of Rain, “[an] elegantly written and emotionally cathartic page-turner.” Cori aspires to fly in a fighter, but until then, she sticks with roller coasters and skydiving. Find out more at www.CoriMcCarthy.com.