The Islands of the Blessed Quotes

“I'd guess that you have some purpose to fulfill and that is why you were saved. But don't get a swelled head over it. A cabbage has a purpose when someone needs to make soup.”
― Nancy Farmer, The Islands of the Blessed

“Gods, if they're neglected, tend to fall asleep, but they never really go away.”
― Nancy Farmer, The Islands of the Blessed

“I remembered what Olaf always said: You must never give up, even if you're falling off a cliff. You never know what might happen on the way down.”
― Nancy Farmer, The Islands of the Blessed

“If you don't fix wrongs in time, they'll never go away!”
― Nancy Farmer, The Islands of the Blessed

“He made stew that not only tasted wonderful , but smelled good enough to raise the dead.”
― Nancy Farmer, The Islands of the Blessed

“Thorgil isn't a male , though you'd have to look twice to prove it”
― Nancy Farmer, The Islands of the Blessed

“Thorgil's going to the School of Bards?" Jack said...
"I'm not even sure what a school is," said Thorgil.
"Neither am I," admitted Jack... "Come on, Jill. We can get through this.”
― Nancy Farmer, The Islands of the Blessed

“It is our fate," Thorgil said. "In the spring look for us again, or if you don't find us, we'll meet in Valhalla." She looked away. Jack knew she had no real hope, or desire, now to go to Valhalla.
...
"Jack leaned over and took her hand. "You are Jill Allyson's Daughter," he said, using the name Thorgil's dead mother had given her at birth. "You are not meant for Ragnarok.”
― Nancy Farmer, The Islands of the Blessed

“You carry the blood of the horse lords," the Bard said... "Your mother must have been a descendant of King Hengist, who was said to take the form of a horse when he went into battle."
...
"So I could be royal," said the shield maiden.
"Or part horse," Jack added. She danced the stallion sideways, making him jump out of the way.”
― Nancy Farmer, The Islands of the Blessed

“Schlaup nodded to show that he understood. "Trolls burn villages too," he said.
"It's a favourite pastime with bullies all over the world," said the Bard.”
― Nancy Farmer, The Islands of the Blessed

“When you tasted dragon's blood, you became part dragon. That's why you can understand the languages of the air... Don't expect to sprout wings anytime soon. You've been given a useful skill, and through the sacrifices of your hand, I suspect you've gained even more. You might even turn into a healer."
Jack hooted with laughter before he could stop himself.
...
"I've seen how the horses come to you and follow your every command. I heard how you lifted that crow from the mud and breathed hope into his wings."
"What crow? Nobody saw me. I didn't do it," cried Thorgil.”
― Nancy Farmer, The Islands of the Blessed