I would have lived in peace. But my enemies brought me war.
-- Darrow (Prologue paragraph 1)

Importance: This is the opening line of the novel. This line suggests that Darrow would have been happy living a peaceful existence if something had not happened to change that. The reader must wonder what might have changed things for him.

My existence is vibration, the echo of my own breath, and heat so thick and noxious it feels like I'm swaddled in a heavy quilt of hot piss.
-- Darrow (Chapter 1 paragraph 5)

Importance: This quote shows the reader how uncomfortable the environment in which Darrow works really is. This goes to Darrow's physical condition and his ability to tolerate high degrees of pain and discomfort later in the novel.

But Eo doesn't let me boil in it. She doesn't let my knuckles turn white as I clench my fists in fury.
-- Darrow (Chapter 4 paragraph 3)

Importance: This quote shows how well Eo knows her husband, allowing the reader...