177 Quotes by Jennifer A. Nielsen

We all smiled, but not that much, and frowned but rarely cried. Nobody could succeed here, but most people around me seemed to be okay with that . It meant they wouldn't fail either.I didn't want to be like them. And at the same time, I was beginning to forget how to be different, how to be my own self. It was the feeling of being swallowed up, and I hated it.

Nobody gives you respect in this life. You must take it, you must earn it, and then you must hold it sacred, because no matter how hard respect is to attain, it can be lost in an instant.

I need a sword first," I said. "People here keep taking mine.

The last thing I needed was rational thought.

I follow my orders without question, as a good soldier would. You ask the same from your soldiers.''No, I ask them to be good people. That way if they follow my orders, I will know I am doing the right thing.

I'm still a king. My title isn't determined by my crown; it's in my blood.

You made the right choice," Roden whispered. "Though you did choose his name rather quickly."He has a skinny neck. He'd have died faster." (Jaron)"That's why you chose me? Because it'll take me longer to die?""Yes, Roden, that's exactly why.""Enough bickering!" (Vargan)

Kippenger suppressed a grin -- I could've sworn he did. Without looking at anyone, he said, "Jargon wrote, 'You'll get nothing from me, ever, you dog-breath, rotted corpse of a king.'"Vargas flowered at me. In return, I smiled and looked around the room, rather proud of myself for that.

I am commanded by the king of Avenia to give you one last order and so I shall. Hear me now and always. Be loyal to the thing you know is right. Never bend to weakness, never yield to a false crown. Right will always triumph in the end, and you will want to be on that side when it does.