and swollen belly, the movement of the baby easily visible beneath her skin.
“AAAAAH!” Shaniah screamed.
“It is time,” the woman said. “This baby will be born tonight.”
Michael P. Spradlin
Blood Riders
Acknowledgments
I’ve often said before it takes a village to raise a book. Sometimes it’s an entire city. Blood Riders wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of so many friends and colleagues. I thank my editor, Emily Krump, for suggesting, listening, and collaborating, and helping me bring a world to life in ways I couldn’t have imagined. And the book is so much better for her efforts. Thanks to my agent, Steven Chudney. Having me as a client is an endless game of whack-a-mole, yet he always manages to keep me on task.
I thank my friends and colleagues at HarperCollins, especially Mike Brennan, Carla Parker, Mark Hillesheim, Rachel Brenner, Jeff Rogart, Dale Smith, Liate Stehlik, Adrienne DiPietro, Kristine Macrides, Pam Spengler-Jaffee, Donna Waitkus, Michael Morris, and my sales reps buddies in the field. Space prevents me from listing all of you, but know that I’ll never forget your efforts on my behalf. You are the best in the business.
A special shout out to Tom Egner for giving me a cover far better than anything I could have dreamed of. You’ve been a friend for more than twenty years, and your talent has never ceased to amaze me.
And, of course, my family, without whom none of this is possible. For my daughter, Rachel, my son, Mick, and my daughter-in-law, Jessica, who find new ways to inspire me every single day. For my mom and sisters, who keep me on my toes. And my eternal love and thanks to my wife of thirty years, Kelly. Every time I have stood before the abyss, you have been there to pull me back. My heart is big enough for all of you. Come on in.
