The Tower

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Writing a novel is a lonely process, particularly when you are grappling with the end of the world. For shining much needed light down into the dark of the first draft mines I would like to thank my agent Alice Saunders, who inspires, encourages and constantly nags me to exercise more; Peta Nightingale, who turns the first draft into something altogether more second draft; and George Lucas at Inkwell Management who keeps the Sanctus flags fluttering in America.

At HarperCollins I am luckier than any writer deserves to be in having the legends that are Julia Wisdom in the UK and David Highfill in the U.S. nudging, cajoling and supporting me throughout the lengthy process of turning an idea into a book. Loud applause must also be reserved for their sterling teams of editorial staff, designers, marketers and sales folk. Particular thanks must also go to the long-suffering Emad Akhtar in the UK for his patience and professionalism in the face of the tightest of deadlines. I also owe a huge debt to everyone at ILA who continues to spread the Sanctus story to the four corners of the globe.

As ever, final thanks must go to my inspirational children, Roxy, Stan and baby Betsy Bean, as well as my wife, Kathryn, for all the love, support — and for doing all the nights when I needed to work. I love you all, though — obviously — in slightly different ways.

Simon Toyne

Brighton

February 2013