But if one measures themselves against greatness, they’ll always be upset at themselves for not matching it, because few do. But!”—they held up a pristine nail and winked at Teor—“middling art? Art that has strong qualities while still not
...more
“You're cold."
"Listen, Mister Damn-the-Torpedoes—"
"No. It was a compliment. Cold, ethical people save more lives than hotheads." He forced himself to look halfway relaxed. It didn't really work. Like it or not, he had an edge showing; he didn't think of himself as harmless, not at the moment, and it was visible somehow. "It’s a trait I’ve tried to cultivate myself, especially," a split second of distress, not quite a wince, "in the last three years. Can’t say I’m all that good at it.”
― A Normil Day
"Listen, Mister Damn-the-Torpedoes—"
"No. It was a compliment. Cold, ethical people save more lives than hotheads." He forced himself to look halfway relaxed. It didn't really work. Like it or not, he had an edge showing; he didn't think of himself as harmless, not at the moment, and it was visible somehow. "It’s a trait I’ve tried to cultivate myself, especially," a split second of distress, not quite a wince, "in the last three years. Can’t say I’m all that good at it.”
― A Normil Day
“Madness had always been inevitable, but she could be tactical about the ways and means. Lady Vago had made the most of her insanity. Ysoldette could do the same.”
―
―
“Catalin Matía would smile whenever someone described great music as divine. To him, that was nonsense. Great music is all about weakness, uncertainty, mortality—what does Heaven know of these? In the same way, there is nothing transcendent about a violin. It is maple, spruce, ebony, an ounce or so of hide glue, some brushes of varnish. Perhaps this why the violin fits the human soul fit so perfectly—only such a simple, mortal object can hold its fragility and turn it into a prayer.”
― Light From Uncommon Stars
― Light From Uncommon Stars
“You think a king
worth more than other men?
Xau did not,
despite my efforts
to correct his misconception.”
― The Sign of the Dragon
worth more than other men?
Xau did not,
despite my efforts
to correct his misconception.”
― The Sign of the Dragon
“Ysoldette looked at the holy woman looming over her, and wondered at the miracle of a snap judgment that no one could find fault in. It wasn’t the first time it had inspired this in her, but her communion with Lady Vago had deepened her awe of such a blessing. All those nights spent lying awake, the hours poring over records of past rulings, the long, heated conversations with her husband. Is this real justice, is this true mercy? How tender are these graces? The questions had never become easier to answer over time, and Lord Vago’s murder had robbed all joy from this impossible pursuit. But even that had not been enough to persuade the baroness to give up the chase. Neither had her own death.”
―
―
Ash’s 2025 Year in Books
Take a look at Ash’s Year in Books, including some fun facts about their reading.
More friends…
Favorite Genres
Polls voted on by Ash
Lists liked by Ash



































