Books can be terrible snobs.
Nothing is hidden, nothing is ever lost, nothing is ever forgotten. That's always been part of my problem.
First rule of engineering; beware prototypes. Along with, avoid anything made by an engineer who doesn't have all his own fingers.
I always feel most alive when everything else is dying all around me
If you don't trust anyone, they can't let you down.
There are any number of magical creatures, mostly female, whose singing can bring about horror and death. Sirens, undines, banshees, Bananarama tribute bands...