The wind picked up strongly, and it was cold even in the January Gulf weather. Many of the others went inside for shelter. The blond man did not stir. He simply gazed into the sky as the boat motored on.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
It took four years, over a thousand query letters, three major rewrites at the behest of critics, and a last-minute break to find an agent and publisher for this, my first novel. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to those who made it all possible. After numerous agents either passed without comment (or return mail!), or shrank from the controversial subject matter, my thanks go to Sara and Stephen Camilli for their belief in the story and skillful representation in an increasingly topsy-turvy publishing world. My sincerest appreciation goes to my editor, Dan Mayer, of Seventh Street Books for his time and energies in bringing the novel to press in its best form with Prometheus Books. A similar “thank you” to Julia DeGraf for her work in copyediting the manuscript. To my family, especially my wife, Nina, my daughters, father, and mother — thanks for taking the time to read and comment on what certainly must have seemed a strange and doomed endeavor on my part. And finally, to all who contributed your time, thoughts, and support — you know who you are, and you have my deepest gratitude.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Born in the Midwest, Erec Stebbins has pursued diverse interests over the course of his life, including science, music, drama, and writing. He received a degree in physics from Oberlin College in 1992, and a PhD in biochemistry from Cornell University in 1999. Alongside his scientific interests, he is a maker and player of the Native American — style flute, and he has continued to pursue writing for his love of dramatic storytelling. The Ragnarök Conspiracy is a novel that took root in him after he witnessed the destruction of September 11, 2001, from his Manhattan apartment. He currently lives and works in New York City as a scientist and professor in biomedical research.