It was as if the entire city had gone dead.
-- Lilly (Prologue paragraph 3)

Importance: This is Lilly's sense as she runs from danger in her own home. This gives the reader a sense of the setting, as Lilly perceives it, and the danger that lurks outside her door.

Lines of Vigor,' Joel said. 'Duelists shoot them at each other. That's the point; it's how you breach the circle.
-- Joel (Chapter 1 paragraph 16)

Importance: This is a statement Joel makes to fellow students that both introduces his enthusiasm for Rithmatists and explains to the reader the basic purpose of a Rithmatist's profession.

Honestly. Who reviewed after the final exam?
-- Joel (Chapter 3 paragraph 7)

Importance: This quote shows Joel's exasperation and boredom in his math class. Joel has an advanced understanding of math that causes him some trouble in this novel.

We are warriors. It's been years since most of you held the circle in Nebrask, but I was there just a few months...
-- Nalizar (Chapter 5 paragraph 4)