SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

Chapters Read: 13-19

Oh my. I really love this series so much it actually sort of hurts. A massive variety of feelings hit me at the same time. Old feelings, new feelings, contemplative feelings. All while just enjoying the story. I don't even feel super reminiscent necessarily. At times I do. But the series also brings back painful memories unfortunately, that's just life. Also, while it is a re-read, enough time has passed since the last time I read this that, it really does feel like a new read. I know that may not make sense but it's true. It's like meeting an old close friend. Again, that probably sounds weird but oh well.

Darren and Evra track Mr. Crepsley and of course Mr. Crepsley is not up to any evil activities, he's actually attempting to save someone from a vampaneze! We officially learn about vampaneze!! Pretty epic lore for sure.

Mr. Crepsley wants to save the man Darren and Evra have been watching him track because the city they're in is his home city where he was born! This man was being targeted by a vampaneze! This is pretty cool of Mr. Crepsley as often times it seems as if vampires leave their human life in the past. The fact that this is Christmas time in the story also makes me happy for Mr. Crepsley. Even though Mr. Crepsley has no interest in Christmas at his very old age, I think a small part of him is glad to be able to be in his home city and try to do some good. This detail was definitely not something I considered when read this years ago. Mr. Crepsley's perspective is something I look at very differently especially since he has his own four book prequel. I don't think I've read this series since I read his prequel series.

Mr. Crepsley tells Darren a lot about the vampaneze, but one of the more intriguing moments was when Mr. Crepsley expresses that he does not believe the vampaneze are truly evil despite their different beliefs and lifestyles. This was an interesting but ultimately wise take by Mr. Crepsley. This notion can be said for a lot of life when you consider different people's cultures and whatnot. Cool moment for sure.

Murlough's arrival as a twisted, evil vampaneze was wicked cool, for a villain of course. His description of red/purple skin, hair, nails, eyes etc with his all white suit was just super eerie and creepy. Later when he speaks, his manner of speaking is really one of a kind. He's consistent but also not consistent. Repetitive but also a bit unpredictable. Mad through and through.

My memory failed me and I thought that Debbie gets captured by Murlough, when really it's Evra that is captured!

All of these wild events happening in the days prior to Christmas just adds an interesting layer to all of this. Literal dates are brought up as early as December 22nd. Again, if my memory is correct, I don't believe that Christmas is even brought up again ever in this series. But I've been wrong plenty of times and we have nine books to see if this is the case!

At the end of chapter 19, Darren has a nice Christmas Eve dinner with Debbie and her parents. It's super chill, funny, and wholesome. I'm really glad Darren gets a nice memory with Debbie. If my memory is correct this may have been their last time together, for many years and I don't believe anything is ever the same between them. It's also good that Darren gets to experience a relatively normal Christmas before his life continues down it's wild path... I wonder when any of us have a last normal anything. Life doesn't usually go how we expect it.

Darren also seemingly has a plan to save Evra! Let's see how it goes. Final Tunnels of Blood entry next! I'm having a great time!