The Deceivers

Thank you, reader, for taking this wild ride with me. Ever since I first heard the myth of Valhalla—where Odin, god of gods, sends his Valkyries to collect the souls of fallen soldiers to fight in the final battle of Ragnarok—I have wanted to write this story. Of course, I didn’t know Brynhildr would be a con artist, or Valhalla would be an exclusive private school where the director sends his students out to gather secrets, not souls, but that’s how it all shook out. Welcome to my brain. I hope you’ve enjoyed your visit.

This book has been a big change for me, and I couldn’t have done any of it without a team of really supportive people guiding me, cheering for me, and working diligently behind the scenes.

Joanna, if you hadn’t believed I was capable of writing something new and different, Brynn and Caleb would not exist. Thank you for pushing me, for helping me find my voice, and for the countless other things you do, both as my agent and my friend.

Mel, seven books in and you keep making me better (how dare you). Thanks for pushing me, and warning me when it’s time to start coping with baked goods (aka preparing for an edit letter). Mostly, thanks for taking the time to know me well enough to say exactly what I need to hear to pull my stories together.

My Tor Teen Team (say that ten times fast!) is incredible. Alexis, thank you for everything you do to support me and my books. You’re the best publicist ever. Zohra, you have been such a huge help during this process. Seth, my covers always rock. And of course, my publisher Kathleen—if not for you, my dreams would still be locked in my laptop. I am so grateful for you all.

My friends are the absolute best. Katie, I don’t know what I’d do without you. Sara, you are a rare and wonderful friend. Mindee, thanks for keeping my head on straight. Deanna, I depend on you more than you know. Lindsay, you will always be my sister. Thank you to Jaime and Erin and Meg and Kass and all the book friends, librarians, teachers, and booksellers—your support will never be forgotten. And of course, all my jazzerfriends—my books, and my mental health, depend on you.

My family is my rock. My mom and dad taught me to believe in the power of stories, and fed me lots of omusubi as a kid, and for both I am eternally grateful. Steve, Elizabeth, Lindsay, and Lisa, you are the best cheerleaders. And last but not least, Jason and Ren—the good things in life are so much better because I get to share them with you. I love you both.