“It occurred to me then that I was the opposite of my father. Because I was very, very good at destroying things.”

“Sometimes it is foolish to articulate an ambition too early--exposing it prematurely to the laughter and skepticism of the world can destroy it before it is even properly born. But sometimes the opposite occurs, and the very act of mentioning a thing makes it suddenly seem possible, even plausible.”

“My father was a very great man. I will never forget the last thing he ever said to me. Nor will I ever repeat it.”

“I do this real moron thing, and it's called thinking. And apparently I'm not a very good American because I like to form my own opinions.”

“My heart is very much alive and in your hands. Do your best not to destroy it.You are very lucky it isn't it my hands... The only thing I know to do with hearts is incinerate them!Ouch!”

“The throne rumbled. A wave of gale-force anger slammed into me. WHO DARES-The voice stopped abruptly, The anger retreated, which was a good thing, because just those two words had almost blasted my mind to shreds. Percy. My fathers voice was still angry but more controlled. What-exactly-are you doing on my throne?"I'm sorry, Father," I said. "I needed to get your attention."This was a very dangerous thing to do. Even for you. If I hadn't looked before I blasted, you would now be a puddle of seawater.”