Kingdoms of Death (The Sun Eater, #4)

by Christopher Ruocchio

“Where there is distinction, there is disparity. Where there is disparity, suffering. How shall suffering be overcome? By overcoming disparity. How shall disparity be overcome? By overcoming difference.”

“I am but a steward. I will not live to see my paradise made real, but I will die building it.”

to be truly free is to be like one who is adrift on a raft in the middle of the sea. One can sail anywhere, in any direction . . .”

That we are only what we are is ever our chiefest sin.”

“Be grateful we do not get what we deserve, dear boy. If we did, paradise would be empty, and this life would be even darker and more difficult than it is.” He studied me then a long time with

The world’s soft the way the ocean is. Ask any sailor what I mean. But even when it is at its most violent, Hadrian . . . focus on the beauty of it.

There is pain always, and ugliness, but the light and beauty of the world shine always above and beyond the powers of darkness to destroy.