Quotes from Darren Shan

All the power in the universe means nothing if you can't be with the one you love.

Did you make this clear when you were seeking election? Mr. Crepsley asked. Kurda shifted uncomfortably. Well, no, but that's politics. Sometimes you have to hold things back. I didn't lie about it. If anyone had asked me for my views on the Stone, I'd have told them. They just... didn't... ask, he finished lamely. Politics ! Mr. Crepsley huffed. It is a sad day for vampires when our Princes voluntarily ensnare themselves in the despicable webs of politics.

Though I'm tempted by the call of the sea, I resist. It can't claim me. In a way I'm stronger than the waves and I feel good about that.

It's useless, I groaned, sinking to the floor. It'd take months to get ready for this. I don't have a hope in hell. Of course you do! Vanez roared. Squatting beside me, he poked me in the ribs. Feel that? he asked, jabbing a sharp finger into the soft flesh of my belly. Ow! I slapped his hand away. Quit it! It's sharp? he asked, jabbing me again. It hurts? Yes! He grunted, jabbed me one more time, then stood. Imagine how much sharper the stakes in the Hall of Death are, he said.

Vampires can run at an extra-fast speed, a magic kind of running, where they slip through space like eels through a net. They call it "flitting.")

I was silenced by a bone-shattering roar. Turning, I saw a huge, dark bear lurching over the top of a snow-drift. It landed heavily, shook its snout, snarled, fixed its gaze on me — then lunged, teeth flashing, claws exposed, hell-bent on tearing me apart!

Vanez led me to the Hall of Khledon Lurt to get something to eat. The vampires there applauded when they saw me and crowded around to tell me how well I'd done. I made light of it and acted humble, but inside I felt like a hero.

thing I was sure the Little People could never do. In a creaky, slow, mechanical tone — he spoke. "Name . . . not Lefty. Name . . . Harkat . . . Harkat Mulds." And his lips spread into a jagged gash, which was as close to a smile as he could come.

It's like trying to hold on to a buttered pole, I grumbled. That's why you must grip harder. But it hurts. I'll cut my hands to shreds if I — Which would you rather? Vanez interrupted. Bloody hands or a stalagmite through your heart? That's a stupid question, I groaned.

Kirk always stood up for the underdog

They washed up on some far-off bank, where their bodies were devoured by animals and birds of prey. He chuckled when I turned pale. Not a pretty way to go, is it? It is as good as any, Seba disagreed. When I die, this is how I want to be disposed of. Dead bodies are an essential part of the natural food chain. Feeding flesh to fires is a waste.

Everyone in the Hall knows what's really happening, but as long as it looks as if everything is in order, nobody will object.

Maybe I should end it all before I regress.

I'm sure I could crack open my skull and scoop out enough of my brain to put myself out of my misery. It would be a gruesome way to die, but wouldn't it be better than shuffling around as a lost, tormented soul for the rest of my wretched years?

Get it? Foul. Not one of my subtler jokes, but it'll do.

If they decide... to kill you, will you... let them? I won't be able to stop them, I answered. But will you... go quietly? I'm not sure, I sighed. If they'd taken me right after the fight, I'd have gone without a murmur — I was pumped up with adrenaline and wasn't scared of dying. Now that I've calmed down, I'm dreading it. I hope I'll go with my head held high, but I'm afraid I'll cry and beg for mercy.

Lengths of gut are wound around both his arms, long strands of intestines, glistening and dripping. Along his legs several ears have been pinned to the fabric of his trousers.

Indecision is the source of chaos

You're young, Darren, Kurda said. It's crazy to throw your life away. Leave Vampire Mountain. Make a fresh start. You're experienced enough to survive on your own. You don't need Larten to look after you anymore. Lots of vampires lead their own lives, having nothing to do with the rest of us. Be your own person. Don't let the foolish pride of others cloud your judgment.

Humans are animals, too," he told me. "If a vampire kills a human, then yes, he is evil. But one who just takes a little blood to fill his rumbling belly … where is the harm in that?

They look happy, sated, full. They pay no attention to me. Like junkies after a fix. Spaced out. In a world of their own. A world of murder, cannibalism and sweet, sweet brains.

Madam Octa —

Some of the tension seeped out of the air when the doors closed behind us.

Some things in this world should be unacceptable no matter what. Sometimes you shouldn't allow people to grey your vision, to make you stop seeing an atrocity in simple black and white terms.