The Brides of High Hill (The Singing Hills Cycle, #5)

by Nghi Vo

“What good’s the blessing of a cleric who sneaks pork whenever no one’s looking?” “Almost as good as that of one who doesn’t, I’m told,”

It could be respect, I suppose, but fear’s heavier and this feels like fear.

He looked like he would prove an indulgent husband, giving her the best of everything off his plate, but Chih also saw that he would insist. Even if Nhung did not care for the finest morsels, she would be forced to eat them,

“I am meant to be married tomorrow.” “Not if we’re clever. Not if we’re lucky,”

“How nice it is that I have never really wanted to be comforting.

“Aren’t stories what got you into this mess?” “And stories got us out of it,” Almost Brilliant said crisply. “And they will help the survivors understand it, and they will warn others and comfort those who could not be warned in time.”