A review by nickfourtimes
Second Quest by David Hellman, Tevis Thompson

4.0

1) "Expedition 16:
The half-key I found is so beautiful. But it's silent now, just like all my other treasures. I know so many hands have held it before mine. For a moment today, I could almost see them all. It's strange, an entire world in such a small thing.
The last girl to hold it disappeared too quickly this time. Why was she so frightened? What was she like before? I bet she dreamed of far-off places too. I bet she searched for hidden passages everywhere. I bet she was just dying to tell someone her secrets.
I can't help but wonder about every girl I see. Could they look inside things too? Was it enough? Or did they feel this constant hunger?"

2) "'First, you all know of the one we call the Pig Thief. But what do you know of him?'
'He was *uglier* than a pig!'
'He was jealous of our *power*!'
'His hair was like *fire*!'
'He took the *vessel* away! He *stole* her from us!'
'I heard he was a poet. A great soul, full of sorrow.'"

3) "I dreamed an old dream last night. Did this sometimes happen to you?
It's one where I'm at the edge, alone.
I lean over to see what's underneath the island and lose my balance.
But I don't fall.
I crawl right over the edge, and the whold world... is upside down."