75 quotes
“Whats o’clock?”
It wants a quarter to twelve,
And to-morrow’s doomsday.
On Stranger Tides (1987)
Say that again after you’ve been in the same spot and acted differently, old buddy. Maybe then I’ll be ashamed.
The Anubis Gates (1983)
Bradshaw sighed and swallowed, feeling the volatile coldness in his throat and trying to remember what tequila tasted like. Pepper and turpentine, as far as he could recall.
Expiration Date (1995)
It wasn’t fair, but fairness was something you had to go get; it wasn’t delivered like the mail.
Last Call (1992)
How, he wondered forlornly, and when, did I become indistinguishable from the bad guys?
Earthquake Weather (1997)
Love isn’t in the category of normal things. Not any worthwhile kind of love, anyway.
Down and Out in Purgatory: The Collected Stories of Tim Powers (2017)
An angel, maybe, Cochran thought, but one with a harpoon rather than a harp.
Earthquake Weather (1997)
He thought about crossing his fingers, but clasped her hand instead.
Last Call (1992)
By the dim yellow glow of the overhead bulb, Lepidopt stared at the bomb and the time machine, and he tried to imagine what might go wrong.
Three Days to Never (2006)
The landlord crossed himself when they checked in, but an English ten-pound note for a week’s lodging overcame whatever superstitious misgivings the man may have had.
The Stress of Her Regard (1989)
Gabriel scowled through his glasses. Why were ghosts such imbeciles? Who could be blamed for striving, at any cost, to avoid forever the decay-of-self that death was?
Hide Me Among the Graves (2012)
I’m really willing to try to believe you’re not crazy, but you gotta help me a little, you know?
Last Call (1992)
“Nolo contendere spelled backward is reincarnation.”
“Uh—no it’s not.”
“Yes it is. I heard it on the radio.”
Down and Out in Purgatory: The Collected Stories of Tim Powers (2017)
It always upset me to consider how thoroughly even the keenest-edged minds are at the mercy of hormones and such biological baggage. We are all indeed windowless gonads, as Leibniz nearly said.
Down and Out in Purgatory: The Collected Stories of Tim Powers (2017)
“There’s something you should know about me.”
“What’s that?”
“I don’t know, but you should know it.”
Down and Out in Purgatory: The Collected Stories of Tim Powers (2017)
“I think we’re dead.”
“Maybe.” Vickery shook his head. “Would that make a difference?”
Alternate Routes (2018)
Which perspective is true? he thought. Which do I want to be true?
Declare (2001)
I’ve learned that having a lot of money is more fun than not having a lot of money, and that once you’ve got it, it tends to grow all by itself, like a fire.
The Anubis Gates (1983)
“She chose to reject me!”
That wasn’t a choice, lad—that was an empty gun saying click.”
Hide Me Among the Graves (2012)
When the story was finished, Orcrist shook his head wonderingly.
“The Fates must have something planned for you, Frank.”
“I hope it’s something quiet.”
The Skies Discrowned (1976)