This book is dedicated to Genevieve Louise Nystul. More than any one other person, she was directly responsible for nurturing my love of reading and writing (not to mention music). During my grade school years, my brother and I were fortunate to be able to go home for lunch, where she would read "grown-up books" to us every day while we ate. I didn't realize it back then, but the books she chose comprised a veritable laundry list of science fiction and fantasy classics, including such series as Foundation, The Chronicles of Narnia, Dune, and The Lord of the Rings. Although I never actually planned to be a writer, looking back on those formative years, it is no surprise to me now that I find myself penning a novel.
I miss you, Mom. Thanks for everything.