Eona - Alison Goodman [216]
Kygo straightened, his hand tightening around mine. “Rise,” he ordered the bowing men. “Balance has been restored to the heavens and earth, but we have work ahead of us to restore order to the empire.”
Balance in the heavens. Could I still see the dragons? On a deep breath I sought the pathways of my mind-sight, shifting into the familiar streaming colors and swirling Hua of the energy world. High above us, the Circle of Twelve was complete, all the dragons in their celestial domains. As if she recognized my presence, the new Mirror Dragon turned her huge crimson head toward me. I felt her curious spirit brush against mine, and within it was the soft cinnamon joy of a remembered bond.
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Author’s Note
The Empire of the Celestial Dragons is not a real country or culture. It is a fantasy world that was at first inspired by the history and cultures of China and Japan, but rapidly became a land of imagination with no claim to historical or cultural authenticity. Nevertheless, I did research many aspects of ancient and modern cultures, which I used as a springboard to create the empire and the dragons. If you are interested in the research road I traveled, I have detailed some of my favorite findings and listed some of the books I used on my Web site at www.alisongoodman.com.au.
Acknowledgments
My sincere thanks to:
The fabulous four: my husband, Ron; my best friend and writing soul sister, Karen McKenzie; and Charmaine and Doug Goodman, my parents.
My wonderful agent, Jill Grinberg, and her associates.
The brilliant team at Penguin: Sharyn November, editorial director/senior editor extraordinaire; Tony Sahara, senior art director, who drew and designed both the beautiful Eona hardcover and Eon paperback cover; Jim Hoover, associate art director, who designed the very stylish interior; Janet Pascal, keen-eyed executive production editor; Abigail Powers, production editor; Gerard Mancini, associate publisher; Kim Wiley Luna, associate managing editor; Laurence Tucci, production director; and Andrea Crimi, assistant production manager.
The Young and Jackson’s Writing Group: Karen, Judy, Jane, Steven, Christine, Janet, Paul, and Glynis.
The madcap and ever supportive Clan Destine group.
Antoni Jach and the Masterclass, and in particular Dr. Leah Kaminsky for her medical expertise.
Simon Higgins for his sword training, battle and weaponry knowledge, and unfailing support.
Morgan Grant Buchanan for his tai chi expertise.
Pam Horsey, for waiting to read, and for her warm friendship and enthusiasm.
And of course, the sweet hound from hell, Xander.
In addition to Eon and Eona, ALISON GOODMAN is also the author of the acclaimed Singing the Dogstar Blues, which received the Aurealis Award and was named an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, and the adult crime thriller Killing the Rabbit.
Alison lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, Ron, and their Machiavellian Jack Russell terrier, Xander. She was a D. J. O’Hearn Memorial Fellow at Melbourne University, holds a Master of Arts, and has taught creative writing at the postgraduate level.
Visit her Web site at www.alisongoodman.com.au.
Books by
ALISON GOODMAN
Singing the Dogstar Blues
Killing the Rabbit
Eon
Eona