...alone is such a nebulous state when one is queen.

— Rae Carson

Come is in constant attendance. Though no one will take Anjali’s place, Come is the most efficient maid I’ve ever had. I tell her so, frequently, and it gives me such a twist of pleasure to watch her react to praise from someone she despises. The Scripture Santa calls it “the fire of kindness.

— Rae Carson

Every place there's people, there's badness.

— Rae Carson

From the mouths of the innocents flows truth.

— Rae Carson

His gaze drops to my lips. "I shouldn't do this--""You really should." And I close the distance between us.

— Rae Carson

His Majesty, may he live forever and prosper greatly... His Majesty, may sun finches warble sweet melodies in his ear... His Majesty, may orchids bloom in the wake of his passing... His Majesty, may minstrels compose epics at the sound of his glorious name... His Majesty, may his magnificent sword shatter the breasts of his enemies...

— Rae Carson

Honor from death,” I snap, “is a myth. Invented by the war torn to make sense of the horrific. If we die, it will be so that others may live. Truly honorable death, the only honorable death, is one that enables life.

— Rae Carson

I dreamed about this as a kid, that I would write - and people would read - a whole series of books. I feel accomplished, giddy, and tired. Mostly, though, I feel thankful. A trilogy is a huge investment on the part of author, publisher, and reader, and I'm grateful that so many people were willing to invest along with me.

— Rae Carson

I loved and lost and survived.

— Rae Carson

In the same way that the best lies have an element of truth, maybe evil is made all the more powerful when it is accompanied by the startling presence of grace.

— Rae Carson