A knife is only as good as the one who wields it.

Maybe probably ain’t all that comforting a word when it’s maybe yer not dying.

I am Todd Hewitt, I think to myself with my eyes closed. I am twelve years and twelve months old. I live in Prentisstown on New World. I will be a man in one month’s time exactly.

Belief is half of all healing. Belief in the cure, belief in the future that awaits.

"Stories don't always have happy endings." This stopped him. Because they didn't, did they? That's one thing the monster had definitely taught him. Stories were wild, wild animals and went off in directions you couldn't expect.

As to how you'll help me," he says. "Well, we have met the Answer, have we not?" He turns back to look at us, his eyes glinting. "It's time for them to meet the Ask.

It is a true story, the monster said. Many things that are true feel like a cheat.