Sweep of the Blade Quotes

“He who is feared by my enemy is my shield.”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“the Law of Bronwyn had proven true again and again, so often that it was simply accepted. “Once a species is introduced to interstellar spaceflight, it will advance technologically but not socially”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“Children leave,” Ilemina told her. “It is the greatest tragedy of motherhood that if you have done everything right, if you have raised them in confidence and independence, they will pick up and leave you. It is as it’s meant to be.”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“That’s what marriage was, at the core—the exclusive right to spend as much time with someone you loved as they were willing to give.”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“Vampire worldview, condensed into three sentences: If it’s not food or a pet, kill it, because it might be poisonous.”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“Adapt or die,” Helen said. “It’s impossible to stop change,” Maud said. “It’s the nature of life. Those who refuse to adapt will eventually die out. But before they do, they will get nasty. They might even hate you.”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“When I first saw you, it was like being thrown from a shuttle before it touched the ground. I fell and when I landed, I felt it in every cell of my body. You disturbed me. You took away my inner peace…”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“Friendships built on lies never lasted.”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“Maud sighed. “Because some people have rigid minds. They like everything to be clearly labeled. They have a box for everyone they meet. A box for vampires, a box for lees, a box for humans. When someone doesn’t fit into their boxes, they panic.”

“But why?”

“I don’t exactly know, my flower. I think it’s because they lack confidence. They think they figured out the rules of their world and when something falls outside those rules, it scares them.”

“So, I’m scary?”

“To those people? Yes. If the rules they made up don’t apply anymore, they don’t know how to act, and it makes them feel like their survival is in doubt. Instead of adapting to a new situation and coming up with a new set of rules, some of them will fight to the death trying to keep the world the way it was. Do you remember when we lived in Fort Kur? What was written above the door?”

“Adapt or die,” Helen said.

“It’s impossible to stop change,” Maud said. “It’s the nature of life. Those who refuse to adapt will eventually die out. But before they do, they will get nasty. They might even hate you.”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“It’s truly rare to find a man who enjoys the sound of his own voice as much as you do.”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“You are an idiot. I abandoned my sister and a perfectly good inn and traveled halfway across the galaxy for an idiot.”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“The only way to have constant access to Arland was to marry him. That’s what marriage was, at the core—the exclusive right to spend as much time with someone you loved as they were willing to give.”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“And that was exactly the welcome she’d expected. “It’s refreshing, Lady Karat.” “What?” “Your honesty. I’d prepared myself for murmured insults behind my back and ugly glances. I thought perhaps it would take your House a couple of days to build up enough outrage to throw their derision in my face, but you laid it all out in my first hour on the planet. Why, I haven’t even had a chance to wash my face after the journey. Truly, you’re a credit to your bloodline.” Lady Karat’s dark eyes sparked. In that moment, she looked remarkably like her father. “Did you just call me a poor host and insult my family?” Maud gave her a narrow smile. “Well, clearly.” “And now you call me stupid.” “No. Only slow-witted. Are you going to do something about it, or can I start unpacking?” Lady Karat stared at her for a long moment and grinned. “My father was right. I do like you.”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“That idiot couldn’t find his way out of a boot with floodlights and scout support. Trust me, victory is not in his future.”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“Then the scary old knight came and told me that if I challenged the boy, there would be ripper cushions.” “Repercussions.”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“And he said I wasn’t good enough to be his enemy. And I said, ‘I’ll punch you so hard, you’ll swallow your teeth, worm.’” Maud hid a groan. “Where did you hear that?” “Lord Arland.”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“Arland raised his eyebrows. “I’ve survived countless attempts at manipulation before. I appear to be too dense for it. However, I am open to being seduced.” “Will you take this seriously?”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“Here she was serving cosmic cookies and wine to a queen of enlightened predators and the head of a clan of ruthless assassins. Nothing much at stake except an interstellar alliance. Whee!”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“Gerard Demille wasn’t her biological parent, but he was the only father she ever knew.”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“Every cell in her ached, as if her whole body had been through such a long and grueling punishment that it simply gave up and now wallowed in self-pity and pain.”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“Matilda Rose, daughter of Gerard, daughter of Helen, Lady and Heir of Demille, Maven of House Krahr.” The hallway ended, and they strode into the banquet hall. The entirety of the room was watching them. “Maud the Red, the Sariv, the Learned One.” They were approaching the table where Onda and Seveline sat. Both women were staring daggers at her. “Kill count of sixty and eight.” A muscle in Seveline’s face jerked. That’s right, precious. I’m coming for you.”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“On the recording, Maud dodged the swings of Kirlin’s blade and thrust herself against the woman. Kirlin’s arm came up, then the recording shook and rocked as Maud reeled away after taking the blow. Kirlin raised her sword, about to charge. A small dot of crimson flared on her neck. It blinked and Kirlin’s throat exploded in a gush of gore, taking the head with it. “Mining charge.” Maud smiled.”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“No apologies necessary, my lord. It was time well spent. I was fortunate enough to experience the hospitality of House Krahr first-hand.” He waited. “Nothing to add, Lord Marshal?” “A wise man knows when to shut up,” he said. “I have a mother and a female cousin. I know that tone of voice. Anything I say now will be wrong. I will humbly wait to be banished or forgiven.” “Humbly?” “Yes.”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“My Lord Marshal.” “My Lady Maud?” “I’m not your wife. I’m not even your betrothed.” “Where would you like me to put you?” “Not here.” “I don’t know a room suitable to a woman I asked to marry me and who replied with ‘maybe.”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“Hate is a very powerful tool. Don’t waste it. People who don’t like you because of what you are may change their minds when they get to know you. But some people will hate you because of who you are. If they were honest with themselves, they would admit that they don’t like you because something about you makes them feel inferior. They might think you’re a better fighter, or you’re smarter, or prettier, or you’re taking up attention they think should be going to them. Those people are truly dangerous. If they get a chance, they will hurt you and those you love. Save your hate for those people. Never hurt them first, but if they hurt you or your friends, you must hurt them back harder. Do you understand?”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“Yes, yes. Stalk all you want. There was no way he would be discussing any kind of fraternization in front of his mother and stepfather. She’d outmaneuvered him. For some odd reason, it made her feel ridiculously accomplished.”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“All Maud had was an ability to read people and an innate understanding of violence and its degrees and uses. Within seconds of meeting an opponent, she knew exactly how to provoke or calm them and how much force she would have to use to stop, cripple, or kill them. Person or animal, Maud could take its measure and push them to the desired result. That’s what made her so good at navigating vampire politics.”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“Arland had abandoned her the first chance he got. What did you expect? Did you expect he would come and take you by the hand and lead you to a seat at the host table? Yes. The answer was yes. Maud didn’t expect it, but she wanted it. Stupid.”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“Helen looked at her from the floor, her big green eyes huge on her face. “He started it.” And she finished it. “You weren’t wrong,” Maud said. “But you weren’t wise.”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade

“Would you prefer some other woman takes these quarters?” There was no point in lying. “No.” “Very well, then.” “This will make things harder,” she said. “Are you unfit for the challenge?” She glared at him.”
― Ilona Andrews, Sweep of the Blade