A book that bores me to tears is a book that neglects character building and quality of prose.

Mercy was more frightening than murder, because it was harder, and Randa didn't deserve it. And even though she wanted what the voice wanted, she didn't think she had the courage for it.

His last thought was that it hadn't been stupidity that had allowed his son to enchant him so easily with words. It had been love.

Well, none of it would ever end if she was too afraid for it to begin.

When Brocker arrived he took her hands and held them to his face and cried into them.

The kingdoms' people were at the mercy of the natures of those who rose to be their rulers. It was a gamble, and the current generation did not make for a winning hand.

And she would protect him as fiercely, if it were ever his need- if a fight ever became too much for him or if he needed shelter, or food, or a fire in the rain. Or anything she could provide. She would protect him from anything.