Tally wondered if you could talk somebody out of their brain damage.

Perhaps Clankers and Darwinists would always be at war, if only in their hearts.

There was a species of middle pretty who smiled at everything: happy smile, disappointed smile, you're-in-trouble smile.

I expect that you must receive top marks at school, young lady." Madeleine smiled as she stirred her tea. "There are always rewards for those who state the obvious frequently and with conviction.

The world rests upon a turtle, which itself stands on the back of an elephant!” Alek tried not to laugh. “Then what does the elephant stand on, madam?” “Don’t try to be clever, young man.” She narrowed her eyes. “It’s elephants all the way down!

The flowers were so beautiful, so delicate and unthreatening, but they choked everything around them.

That was the whole point of being special: You existed to make sure everyone else behaved, but that didn't mean YOU had to.