From there, I had a lot of stuff to figure out. It’s a real magic trick, bringing a story into the world. Making it appear out of thin air. Out of nothing. But in the words of Redondo the Magnificent, “There is magic to be found in figuring things out.” The trick is making people think I do it all by myself. I’m a lot like a magician standing onstage, taking a bow after the show’s over. That’s me when this book comes out. The truth is, there’s an army of people working behind the scenes to support that illusion, and it’s my privilege to thank everyone who helps bring my imagination to life here in this pages.
First, I want to thank you, the reader, for picking this book up. Making sure these stories are worthy of your time and attention is something I think about every single day, so I hope you had fun with this one. With any luck, I managed to surprise you with a few twists and keep you coming back for more. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading.
I want to thank my agent, Danielle Chiotti, who was on board with the idea for Order of the Majestic from the very beginning. Through all my false starts, writing, rewriting, and delays, she had faith in this story and in me. Her guidance and support was invaluable. I’m so grateful for her and everyone at Upstart Crow Literary.
My editor, Liesa Abrams, is another person I am extremely lucky to be working with. Some people see possibilities others can’t see, and Liesa is one of them. Always asking thought-provoking questions and sharing challenging ideas, Liesa has a gift for knowing exactly what a story needs. She is a joy to collaborate with, and her input makes everything I write better.
On that same note, Samira Iravani was instrumental in helping me craft this story. Her contributions and insights are greatly appreciated. I want to thank art director Karin Paprocki and artist Owen Richardson for their work on this book’s stunning cover. I owe a great debt to them, publisher Mara Anastas, production editor Rebecca Vitkus, copy editor Penina Lopez, proofreader Stacey Sakal, and everyone at Simon & Schuster/Aladdin.
Finally, none of my books would be complete without a special thank-you to my family. My mom and dad, who always encouraged my imagination growing up, but also taught me to work hard and find a way to make things happen in the real world. My children, who, in addition to giving me ideas for books, are the best things I ever had a hand in creating. Saving the best for last, thank you to my amazing wife, Rebecca, whose love and support brings magic into my world every day. I can’t imagine life without it, or her.
Thank you all for being there for me and for making this book possible.
About the Author
Author photograph by Twain Newhart
MATT MYKLUSCH is the author of the Jack Blank Adventure series and other books for children (including grown-up children like himself). He lives in New Jersey with his wife, Rebecca; his boys, Jack and Dean; assorted pets; and other forms of magic. Find him online at MattMyklusch.com.
Aladdin
Simon & Schuster, New York
Visit us at simonandschuster.com/kids
Authors.SimonandSchuster.com/Matt-Myklusch
This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
An imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division
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www.SimonandSchuster.com
First Aladdin hardcover edition May 2019
Text copyright © 2019 by Matt Myklusch
Jacket illustration copyright © 2019 by Owen Richardson
All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.
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Jacket designed by Karin Paprocki
Interior designed by Mike Rosamilia
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Myklusch, Matt, author.
Title: Order of the Majestic / by Matt Myklusch.
Description: First Aladdin hardcover edition. | New York : Aladdin, 2019. | Series: Order of the Majestic ; 1 | Summary: Thirteen-year-old daydreamer Joey Kopecky discovers magic as he is caught in an epic battle between two powerful, ancient orders in an alternate New York City.
Identifiers: LCCN 2018043315 (print) | LCCN 2018050425 (eBook) | ISBN 9781534424876 (hardcover) | ISBN 9781534424890 (eBook)
Subjects: | CYAC: Magic—Fiction. | Adventure and adventurers—Fiction. | BISAC: JUVENILE FICTION / Action & Adventure / General. | JUVENILE FICTION / Fantasy & Magic. | JUVENILE FICTION / Social Issues / Friendship.
Classification: LCC PZ7.M994 (eBook) | LCC PZ7.M994 Ord 2019 (print) | DDC [Fic]—dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018043315
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