Quotes by Shannon Hale

If it had been a color, it might have been green. If it had touched her ears, it might have sounded rhythmic, like the creak of a rocking chair or drone of a bee. If it had a scent, it might have been sweet and drowsy, like fresh pine on the fire.

Rin thought of the crossbow bolt. Of the whoosh and sting of wind and fire heat and the man who would have killed her. Of pushing in front of Enna. Of almost dying. Of home and Ma and being farther away than the lands in tales, and maybe never going home. Of standing by a strange tree in a faraway wood with girls who spoke the language of fire. Of a queen of Kel who wanted them dead.

...first thing is that I love you. And the second thing is that as much as I honor your former profession, I don’t think your geese care much for your betrothed and I hope they hadn’t any plans on sharing our bed.

I’m sorry, my lady,” said Geric, rubbing his arm. “But I failed to force an apology out of the offending goose.

He had a dashing smile. It nearly dashed right off his face.

Dont beat yourself up, said Charlotte. True love can be so easily mistaken for other things-friendship, humane concern, indigestion...

Briar stood, pushing up her sleeves. Its about to get all nonfiction in here.

Ani saw herself clearly in that moment, as a face in darkness gains sudden dimensions in a flash of lightning - a young girl, a silly thing, a lapdog, a broken mare.

The snow was too light to stay, the ground too warm to keep it. And the strange spring snow fell only in that golden moment of dawn, the turning of the page between night and day.

I think sometimes, being silent and watching, can change a person.

We were quiet, two tiny specks glued down by gravity, peering at a universe that didnt notice us back.

Sometimes it seems my identity’s a matter of opinion

Reading a book is like going on a great journey. You dont know whatll happen, but something is bound to change. And for me, that change has always been good.

I didnt raise you I be good and weak. I raised you to be powerful and happy.

Dont let the inconsequential fairy tales stand in your way! You do what makes you happy, no matter what.

The first building she reached appeared to be an old barn. Only one young guard stood before its bolted door, staring at her with wide eyes, holding up his sword in defense, She heated his sword and he dropped it, his expression barely changing, as if he had been expecting that. She held up her two swords to his throat, but they were two heavy, so she dropped one and held the other with both hands. Where are the two Bayern boys kept? The soldier shook his head. BURN HIM, prompted the fire. The excitement of burning was simmering in her, heating her up for more action.

All Ive ever wanted was to be near you.

I know I would crumble if I lost you.

The woman gestured to a seat and put on a patient face. An impatient sort of patient face, like an impatient face dressing up as a patient one for Halloween.

To be powerful, a kiss should make a journey, be its own story--begin with hesitation, move to realization, then melt into bliss.