Samar El > Recent Status Updates

The more I read about Jacks dumb choices makes me not feel so bad.

He can’t let go of his pride and admit he’s scared? He is literally addicted to starring outside every moment to check on the bear post.

He’s seen and heard things that can’t be explained and completely ruins his chance of leaving because he was so lost in conversation with Gus…

So everyone was experiencing something spooky while there? Algie was happy to leave with Gus just to get away no doubt, and since then two never talked with Jack, they didn’t know he was also uneasy about the darkness.

Jack. You stupid boy. Now you’re alone. In a void essentially. I can’t feel bad for you when you technically could leave…

Yet, I see myself in you. I’m also very rational and literal…

Anyways. Hope you survive the next few weeks Jack.

I knew he’d love one of the doggos. The youngest Isaak , smart boy.

But now Jake has seen this crooked figure at least twice, and now the sun is gone… scaryyy

Okay…this book is getting creepy. They really foreshadowed the “floor creaks loudly when someone outside is walking” part.

Gus and Algie seem okay for now. Jack hates Algie cause he’s taking up space and smells. Jack is okay with Gus because Gus kinda understands him.

Jack is just a loner, he may not be a dog lover, but he’s gonna rely on those pups to keep him sane.

So Mr Eriksson told Jack that Gruhuken is “bad luck” and was literally not going to take the boys there. Although he was vague, I wonder how he knows it’s bad luck. Has he been there himself?

Boring journey. I find it interesting how Jack constantly needs to correct his words around Gus I think it was because they grew up differently.

Wonder how else we’ll see that contrast on this expedition.

“I’m not afraid of what’s in store for us at Gruhuken.”

This is very much the plot of a family moving into a new house that was a witches hideout 200 years ago. Except Jack has been WARNED about what’s in store at Gruhuken.

Granted, hes broke. He can’t complain…

Jack noticing the Seal in the picture and describing how he’s finally seeing it…deserves a bit of praise because it’s kinda creepy because “Looking at me.” Is setting the tone for later.

Her friends asking why she’s leaving to live somewhere else she’s never even seen and questioning if she’s fallen in love with Venice was interesting.

We got to see her settle her affairs before moving away. Kind of bored right now to be honest. But, I don’t know what else there is to explain for a hook of this plot.

She visits Venice for work. He saw her a year before and just couldn’t forget her. His tactic to call the bar to talk to her was kinda cute. He’s just a goofball who drops everything and freaks out when you’re sick.

I feel I’m too young to be reading this but it kinda gives me hope… whatever happens in life, go to Venice and find a Blueberry-Eyed Stranger.

I’m way more than 70% through this book but that’s neither here or there.

I forgot to mention how much of a badass Circe has become. Seeing her grow not only from being with her abusive family but from when she first arrived on the island.

Penelope and Telemachus arrived at Aiaia and…. Odysseus is dead. That grand, witty and mighty Odysseus got pricked by a tail and went down. It’s obviously more than that but considering he’s been a horrible king, husband and father…I don’t feel bad.

Poor Telegonus though, when he got back to the island he’s just a ball of tears. Made me so sad he’s just a baby compared to everyone.

Circe and Telegonus. Witch mother, demigod son, hunted by Athena for reasons unknown and known…

Reading these mother and son moments got me feeling a range of emotions. Circe hasn’t had a moments rest because he’s a mortal baby. Telegonus is an annoying baby.

Athena threatens to kill him, offering Circe a favour from the goddess herself yet Circe stands by her baby. Respect.

Circe got into a habit of just turning any traveler to her island into pigs. Fair enough, considering how their demeanour changes straight away learning she’s alone.

I love the way Madeline writes the storyline, including moments that are relevant and forcing me to read carefully.

Odysseus left his mark with Circe, I liked what they did for eachother and how Madeline wrote their time together.

Damn this chapter hurt.
Her lioness died, as did I reading that passage.
Aiaia is now a recreation island for disobedient daughters….
Men took advantage of Circes hospitality and is most definitely the reason why she likes to turn any men into pigs.

What a ride.

Whenever Circe talks with her siblings, I’m always so confused on the attitude and emotions being conveyed. Not because of the writing, just the way immoral beings talk to one another like nothing matters.

Grateful for Hermes being the gossip for Circe, yet we see how she doesn’t feel connected to him, how his hands are too clean and unscarred. She really does have a type, mortals.

I really couldn’t put that book down. Circe is only ever interested in either Mortals or Olympian Gods, and she gets them.

Leaving her island, facing Scylla and her sister, showing off her new transformed self. Pun intended. Circe, the way that you’re approaching life, before the lecture from your sister, is admirable.

Recognising mortals as people and rejecting their praise to you. Respect.

Yessss Circe, you’re growing into the Witch your brother has been waiting for. I like the way Madeline Miller describes how Circe came to her powers. The trial and error, the learning and feeling for what speaks to her.

Hermes’ and Circe are together for a bit? Not bad, happy Circe is getting some while she’s in Exile. Also, a pet lion is so fun.

Circe, you’re naive, weak minded and a little stupid for confessing. However, I see why you confessed, I see why you changed that buffoon into a god, I see why you can’t stand up for yourself.

I’m ready for your training arc on that island you’re banished to. Turn you into that strong witch I know you can be.

I’m proud of myself for being able to understand the timeline of Circes story with the events of other titans and gods around.

Going into this fully blind to the pre Odysseus moments of Circe. I’m enjoying her heartbreaking upbringing, scared to read on because I know she’s been betrayed and loved before.

Happily ever after. Of course. I love love. Now, the part I was most excited for. The family dinner!

Early update for the night:
I have been wrong about my predictions at least three times so far. I’m going to stop trying and just enjoy the ride.

I kinda want Eurus to wish for himself and his brothers to get back on the council and bring their wives, while also turning them all immortal so they can live happily ever forever after. Not a prediction! Just hopeful thinking

That trial, took the air out of me, damn. I knew straight away that damn beast bull thing was gonna make an appearance at the most convenient time. But obviously he wins the trial! I am however interested to see if Min had changed Eurus mind on his revenge plan…

That cave scene… move Min it’s my turn to try that disco stick. Or, Bop It… Whatever game she was playing I need it now.

Early update because I have to rant:

MIN YOU BITCH! “Your entire 𝑒𝓍𝒾𝓈𝓉𝑒𝓃𝒸𝑒 offends me!” WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT TO HIM?? YOU PROBABLY SOUNDED AND LOOKED JUST LIKE THIS FATHER RIGHT THERE!

I seriously had to put the book down because that was so rude. So rude Min.

Ughh harsh words were exchanged between Min and Eurus, I blue tabbed so many of those moments because damn ya’ll are mean.

Demi is not giving “betrayer in the last chapter” vibes anymore. She made soup.

My theory: Prince Bailor is going to enter the City of Gods with his “creature” who is actually Eurus’ father. That’s why he was kept in Ammara a wasteland so he wouldn’t escape.

I truly do love the formula for these books, it’s the same all the time but I enjoy the ride.

Min having a friend like Demi is dangerous but I’m guessing Demi did just only break Eurus’ heart.

Min, I just know you’re gonna get your home back. With a loving husband who’s going to join you. Eurus can say all he wants about his “weak” brothers but we all have eyes.

Min stop trying to go back to that godforsaken woman! Listen to your captor when he says she doesn’t care about you!! Life of a victim, unfortunately.

“I think your voice is nice.” YES EAST WIND YOU LOVER BOY. Made my heart flutter when he said her stutter didn’t bother him. As much as he hates having a mortal around, he is actually patient with her.

I felt bad for Lady Clarisse but only got a moment, I’m not sure why but I gamble she’ll get a redemption moment.

Min is the representation of girls like me who stutter unfortunately. I wonder if it’s just a nervous part of her, since Ive only read her being harassed by Clarrisse or if she just stutters all the time. Regardless, I welcome it.

Very excited to get back into this! I thoroughly enjoyed the first two of this series, not so much The South Wind because of the characters but just a glimpse over the first page has me excited to finish it off.