I sometimes think when we find love we pretend it away, or ignore it, or tell ourselves we’re imagining it. Because it is the most painful kind of hope there is.

— Rae Carson

It's the easiest thing in the world to get to California-you just aim yourself west and start walking.

— Rae Carson

I want to feel the victory of being desired by someone I once found desirable.

— Rae Carson

I was a Social Science major in college, with an emphasis in secondary education. I took as many courses on the American colonial era and westward expansion as I could. This turned out to be wonderful preparation for writing fantasy novels.

— Rae Carson

I won't lie to you. There is always a cost. All I can guarantee is that it will be the right thing."" It's insane," he says, but without vehemence." It's faith," I say.

— Rae Carson

Later, when we've found this mysterious ship of Hector's and are safely away, when I have time to rest and worry and a quiet corner to hide in, I will coldly remember that being a queen means being strategic. And I will imagine sending off the man I love to marry my sister. I'll rehearse it in my head, maybe. Get used to the feeling.

— Rae Carson

Men. And their no-good, fool-headed proposals.

— Rae Carson

Men can be relentless," she agrees, "when they think a woman belongs to them.

— Rae Carson

One thing I have learned from many years of watching my father is that some people, the best ones, are motivated more by the chance to prove themselves than by a command to serve. It is the work itself that calls them onward, especially if they believe they are the only ones who can do it.

— Rae Carson

Peace is such hard work. Harder than war. It takes way more effort to forgive than to kill.

— Rae Carson