It's an engrossing look at the way the flow of information shapes history-as well as a rare glimpse into the soul of the hardcore geek

It was so much easier to be angry. Being angry made him feel strong, even though-- and this contradiction did nothing to diminish his anger-- he was angry only because his position was so weak.

The problem with growing up is that once you're grown up, the people who aren't grown up aren't fun anymore.

More than fantasy or even science fiction, Ray Bradbury wrote horror, and like so many great horror writers he was himself utterly without fear, of anything. He wasn't afraid of looking uncool - he wasn't scared to openly love innocence, or to be optimistic, or to write sentimentally when he felt that way.

You didn’t get the quest you wanted, you got the one you could do.

I have no doubt there are magician psychopaths, and magician serial killers. I doubt Brakebills admissions is very good at screening for those.

Stop looking for the next secret door that is going to lead you to your real life. Stop waiting. This is it: there's nothing else.