Smoke & Summons (Numina #1)

First, I must thank my editor, Jason, and my agent, Marlene. Not just for handling all the boring businessy stuff, but for pushing me to write something bigger. The idea for this series came after a somewhat stressful phone call that encouraged me to expand my horizons (and ultimately take ideas from five other projects and mash them together into one trilogy). The end result is something I’m thrilled to share with the world, so thank you, thank you.

Being a mom, I could never get my words down without help. I want to thank my husband and my assistants, Cerena and Amanda, for making sure I got the time to plunk out my words and for being sounding boards and readers for me. And thank you to my two little ones, who still love me even when I spend the mornings hunkered down in our orange-painted basement.

Thank you so much to my alpha readers, who helped me get my hot messes in line: Caitlyn, Laura, L.T., Rebecca, and Kim. And a huge thank-you to my beta readers, who read my novel in a week so I could meet my deadlines: Whitney, Rachel, Tricia, and Leah. Thank you also to Joseph, who knows a lot more about guns than I do.

I must, of course, thank my developmental editor, Angela, and the 47North team who edited, proofed, and formatted this book. Though unbeknownst to some, commas, leading, and kerning are crucial aspects of every novel.

And, as always, my utmost gratitude to God, who watches over me and mine and keeps my mind sharp. He has had His hand in all my achievements, big and small.





ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Born in Salt Lake City, Charlie N. Holmberg was raised a Trekkie alongside three sisters who also have boy names. She is a proud BYU alumna, plays the ukulele, owns too many pairs of glasses, and finally adopted a dog. Her fantasy Paper Magician Series, which includes The Paper Magician, The Glass Magician, and The Master Magician, has been optioned by the Walt Disney Company. Her stand-alone novel, Followed by Frost, was nominated for a 2016 RITA Award for Best Young Adult Romance. She currently lives with her family in Utah. Visit her at www.charlienholmberg.com.