The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms (Inheritance Trilogy, #1)

by N.K. Jemisin

They would keep what they had stolen, because making them give it back was too messy.

“Darr claimed the Atir Plateau in that war,” Gemd said quietly. “You know we want it back.” I knew, and I knew that was a stupid, stupid reason to start a war. The people who lived on the Atir didn’t even speak the Mencheyev tongue anymore. None of this made any sense, and that was enough to make my temper rise.

“You are what your creators and experiences have made you, like every other being in this universe. Accept that and be done; I tire of your whining.”

tears would have made him feel weak. Men have always been fragile that way.