SPOILERS AHEAD

Chapters Read: 11-15

Man, these chapters are just incredible. They're seriously making me feel some type of way. Unreal.

These re-reads have been excellent. First the 'Inheritance Cycle' and now 'Cirque Du Freak'. I'll read the prequel series as well, 'The Saga of Larten Crepsley', as I read 'Murtagh' the stand alone book that took place after 'The Inheritance Cycle'. Then I'll be re-reading 'Harry Potter' and then at that point who knows, I'll dive into other books. I have a history book, another old favorite and then I'll just branch out. Maybe read some classic, who knows I'll cross that bridge later. I'm just having fun. No real plan. But for now this experience of re-reading my favorites has been really intense.

'Cirque Du Freak' will always have a special place in my heart. I grew up watching a lot of horror movies with my mom and so, I was drawn to the spooky vibe this series brings. I think I may like this series more than Harry Potter honestly. We'll see though, I definitely could have recency bias. But there's no doubt I simply love these books.

Right now, the action is ramping up. It's a wild experience because the book itself is getting so good and also, I'm getting a million flashbacks from when I first read these. It's like a time glitch, a memory glitch. I'm remembering moments of life I didn't realize I still had memories of. They connect to times before then, times between then and now, and frankly it's making me think of where I'm going as well.

It's a jarring, completely undefinable series of emotions. Very very intense, it's actually kind of hard to read at times I'm so overwhelmed. I've made so many ridiculous mistakes in my life, I remember those when I read this. I also remember the good times, even if those are a bit more rare.

These books frankly make me feel ok, and they also remind me I still want to strive for better in life. The literal lessons in this book remind me of that and well, I guess the word to describe what I'm feeling is just, inspired. Like a humbling sort of inspiration though.

My life has been confusing throughout my whole time on this earth and well, life feels kind of normal, and fun when I'm in a good book. These books, these three series in particular, more than most.

Right now in these chapters, I know the series is about to reach a massive, massive turning point. The series will never be the same. It's entering a completely new phase. The author, Darren Shan, is LOCKED IN.

Larten Crepsley is getting his truest main character moment of the series. I've said this series does a striking job at making other characters have main character energy. Darren, obviously, but Kurda/Harkat is a big one too. Even Steve to an extent. Vancha as well. Mr. Crepsley's main character energy/moments have been there, but much more rare. He's been in more of that consistent, leadership role more often than having legit main character moments. That role is vital and special of course. Another epic main character moment for Mr. Crepsley, just off the top of my head, probably took place at the end of book three, in 'Tunnels of Blood'. Frankly, many of Mr. Crepsley's moments like that took place in that first trilogy, when Darren was younger. Ever since he's been steady but, Darren has been through a lot, growing and whatnot so Mr. Crepsley's direct involvement has not been as apparent as often. It's been spread evenly I'd say.

But these chapters have been, and are about to be nuts. It's been a slick lead up for Mr. Crepsley's moment here. I feel like ever since he really realized the extent of Steve's madness, his wisdom has shined more than other characters.

Now Mr. Crepsley approaches the Lord of the Vampaneze all alone. Literally on a stage, in front of everyone. In this moment, I remember that first trilogy a lot, and everything in between of course. What's trippy is, simply mathematically, as I obviously read this series in order, deep memories come back from when I very first initially read this series. Unfortunately, I imagine Steve is probably very excited for a much different, sinister reason. The man he's hated for pretty much half of his living life, is within arm's reach.

But yeah. I know I skimmed over a lot of details and went straight into vague, sentimental ramblings. But man, feelings of all kinds are just flooding through me.

Basically, to make a long story short, after Mr. Crepsley, Darren, and Harkat escape the mob and police, they're basically simply confronting the vampaneze once again in the tunnels. And now it's come to this, Mr. Crepsley has reached an elevated platform, and is going to make his attempt at killing the Lord of the Vampaneze. The red candled chandeliers the pit of fire and spikes, is just wicked.

I know the ultimate end result, but I'm still not ready, and I imagine that there's some details I forgot.

This is gonna be painful, ugh. I kinda thought this ending wouldn't bother me as much emotionally in this re-read, as I'm of course older now but, I think that's miles off from the truth.

Last stretch coming....