Boldness in battle is nothing out of the way... but to face down fear in cold blood is rare in any man.

Overall, the library held a hushed exultation, as though the cherished volumes were all singing soundlessly within their covers.

Character, I think, is the single most important thing in fiction. You might read a book once for its interesting plot—but not twice.

I gave you justice, it said, as I was taught it. And I gave you mercy , too, so far as I could. While I could not spare you pain and humiliation, I make you a gift of my own pains and humiliations, that yours might be easier to bear.

He reached forward then took me in his arms, held me close for a moment, the breath of snow and ashes cold around us. Then he kissed me, released me, and I took a deep breath of cold air, harsh with the scent of burning.

Lying on the floor, with the carved panels of the ceiling flickering dimly above, I found myself thinking that I had always heretofore assumed that the tendency of eigh­teenth-century ladies to swoon was due to tight stays; now I rather thought it might be due to the idiocy of eighteenth-century men.

You dinna need to understand me, Sassenach," he said quietly. "So long as you love me.