Those Beyond the Wall (The Space Between Worlds #2)

by Micaiah Johnson

Bitterness and resignation are close and tempting cousins. Anger with a target is Rage, and Rage is sister to Hope alone. We rage because we do believe things can be better, by fire if necessary.

Science fiction is an expression born from dissatisfaction with where the world is versus where the world could be. The same is true for protest.

Rage is a beacon calling out to others. It is as much a communal invitation as any bonfire. Come join me, Rage says, at this spark that is lit by the distance between what the world is, and what we could make it.

If you read this novel, which is like but also very unlike my own experience, and feel that fiery undercurrent, please know it for the call it is. The night is long and dark, Rage says, but I will keep us warm.

i did not come to preach of peace

for that’s not the hunted’s duty.

Sometimes when you want to fix something too bad, you break it.

It’s in that stilted desperation that I finally understand: He’s trying to protect me.

I remind myself that wanting to shift someone else’s boundaries is a burden and a threat, not a gift or a compliment.

find someone to clear his scent out of my head.