**Elle Casey Fan Club** discussion
This topic is about
Kahayatle
The "Apocalypsis" Series
>
Let The "Buddy Read" Begin
date
newest »
newest »
1. I thought it was interesting. The only reason I bought this book because it was free on Amazon, and then I fell in love. That being said, I really didn't think much about the title until after reading the book...2. At first I thought Bryn was going to be like ever other lead in an apocalyptic book. They were going to go out be fearless, fight the bad guys, and not have any flaws. It was refreshing for Bryn to have real life characteristics and just such an amazing personality. It might have taken me one or two chapters to warm to her, but at the end I just thought she was amazing.
3. I think they had such a strong bond. To me they seemed like that family you wanted to be. Her dad seemed like a lot of fun, but also worked hard in preparing her for what to come. I think he should have given her more comforts, like shampoo, for example. Even though it may not be practical you need some normality when the world is crashing down on you. I think he should have also helped her plan for what she was going to do. I'm not going to go into detail because I don't want to spoil, but I think he thought a lot about supplies and little about location, or what was going to happen. I probably would have tried to make the last few weeks a little normal. I would try and write letters that she could read in her journey so she would never feel alone. I would also just try and make sure she knows I love her and that she's strong and she can make a difference in a tumbling world.
Well, I'm not sure if you wanted our thoughts or answers so I just wrote them down away. I'm so glad this group is up! AHHH ELLE CASEY. :)
-E.A.C.
Mod
1. I love post-apocalyptic fiction, so that was what lead me eventually to this book through and amazon.com Kindle book search. The reviews were so unanimously positive, that I though the small price was more than worth the risk. I am not sure that I expected the story I got at all, I expected a total collapse of society, scarce resources, all of the normal issues, but I didn't expect such a human story, and one peopled by only one age demographic, which is a really brilliant twist on Elle's part.
2. I liked Bryn almost instantly, which is rare for me, as most characters seem to take their time to declare themselves. Bryn was very real, she wasn't all sunshine and happiness, she was angry about what was going to happen in her near future, and she was frustrated, she felt cheated. I also really found her point of view to be refreshing, she wasn't concerned about the little things that normally populate the minds of teenage girls [make-up, boys, clothes, popularity], she wanted to be with her father and wanted her life to just continue the way historically, the life of any child would.
3. I loved Bryn's relationship with her father from the start, I think he was hard on her in the ways he knew he had to be, and more gentle in ways he knew he could afford to be. I can't imagine being a parent preparing your child for a life without you in it. I imagine any parent with a terminal illness feels the same way, they want to give all the right advice, they want to share as much of themselves as they can, they want to set up a safety net for the future. But that's the part that makes the story so interesting. No one, not even the parents, could foresee the future, what would happen after they were all gone and there was nothing and no-one left in charge.
I think this is where you really see Elle's genius. Could Bryn's father have done more? Maybe, we don't really get a clear idea of how things were breaking down in the world. We don't know, for instance, if supermarket shelves were getting bare for months and months ahead of time... I can only imagine they were. We don't know when it all started, and when the last parents were gone, so we don't know when farm to market chains broke down, companies closed production, banks ran out of money, or if money even had value anymore.
I think E.A.C. brings up a great idea, letters would have meant a lot to Bryn as she found herself alone. I also wonder myself about setting up a store of materials in say a storage locker somewhere else in the state, you know, one of those caged locked places full of concrete and steel doors, locked with huge padlocks. There could have been a ATV and fuel in there, more food and water, medical supplies, clothing and other trade-worthy goods. I also wonder why there was no networking between community groups, extended families, neighbors, classmates, etc. Maybe there was, or will be, and we just haven't met with it in this set of books, but it seems like so many were left so isolated and vulnerable, mainly because no one saw things breaking down to the degree they did as quickly as they must have, or in the area where Bryn is at least.
This is the most difficult question I think as we look at the first part of Kahayatle (Apocalypsis Book 1). What could the adults have done, if anything, to prevent the awful events that followed their absence. Was it merely a timing issue, or did they feel like they needed to let society re-boot itself in the hands of the remaining, and hope that they could find a way to make life better for everyone left behind.
I wonder what other people along for the "Buddy Read" will have to say about all of our suggestions. I really found that reading only one other persons comments was really mind-blowing, things I never would have even thought of, and I wrote the first three questions myself. WOW! Can't wait to read more!
Kahayatle
I just wanted to respond to Lisa! I was also wondering the same thing. If everyone knew the adults were going to die wouldn't the government have prepared the smartest, and most responsible high school students to take over? Wouldn't the 'kids' try and start learning a trade job from their parents so they could take over when everyone else died? Since I am younger I find it improbable people around my age would start killing each other. We're smart enough to figure out a way to continue living. I know I would probably have moved with my brother somewhere remote where we could both hunt, not turn to killing my neighbors.
I don't know what the adults could have done differently without knowing the information Lisa mentions in her post. I think the government SHOULD have done something, but who knows how quickly order deteriorated. Maybe there's a bunch of "super kids" hiding in a (Wool style) bunker near DC, waiting for the worst of it to die down.EAC brings up an interesting point about the behavior of the kids left behind (killing, fighting, cannibalism) It definitely doesn't portray humanity in a very positive way, but I do believe those things could happen. There are always going to be bullies and people that hunger for power. There would also be those that joined remote and peaceful communities, but they'd probably still have to fight off invaders of some sort.
Mod
1. The book was free, loved the description so I started the book. I was never so happy that I did. Soon as book 1 was done. I ordered book 2 and so on. Can't wait for HAVEN!!!
2. I liked Bryn. At first she so reminded me of my kids teenagers. I mean all the adults are going to die, she knows this but still she is like this is not going to effect me. Doesn't take her long to realize that things were going to effect her in a BIG way.
3. I love her Dad. I think he did the best he could under the circumstances. I do agree seems he could have found more soap and such. But we don't really know how everything went down on the outside. I'm sure he did all he could.
Now I have a question. Does anybody else think that he might still be ALIVE? I mean he drove away so she wouldn't have to see him die. But... Elle? :)
I didn't answer the original questions... Ooops :-)1. My first impression of the title of Book 1 was "How the heck do you even say that?" I still call Book 1 Apocalypsis instead of Kahayatle.
2. I also liked Bryn from the start. She reminded me of a darker, tougher Jayne and I love Jayne.
3. I liked that her Dad prepared her at all. Obviously, many of the kids didn't even have that. We didn't really get to know him much, so I can't say whether I liked or disliked him as a character. His actions proved that he loved his daughter and I'm sure he tried to protect/prepare her as best he could.
1.What was/is your first impression of the title of the book, "Apocalypsis"?I read Wrecked and War of the Fae before Apocalypsis. I talked myself into reading it and to have an open mind. I thought, "there is no way that Elle can hope from genre to genre and do it well." OK...so I was wrong! I read Apocalypsis reluctantly but was intrigued with the idea!
2. What was/is your first impression of the lead character of Bryn, did you like her at first, or did you take a while to warm to her?
I loved Bryn immediately. That's the thing about Elle, she sucks me in with her lead characters immediately. I love that Bryn isn't afraid to admit her flaws but doesn't sway on her decisions either. She's a strong character with a giant heart.
3. What was/is your impression of the relationship Bryn has with her father? Do you think he prepared her well for what was coming, do you think he could have done more? If you were Bryn's parent, would you have done anything differently in the face of the coming disaster?
I think her father prepared her remarkably well. The only thing that I thought of that he could have done differently is to make sure she had friends, cousins, someone to support each other. I thought about the children in my own family and actually felt pretty confident that my kids would be taken care of because there are so many cousins that look at each other like siblings.
But we don't know all the circumstances, how quickly the adults were dying. We know that he had time to train her really well though. Hmmm??? Amazing dad to think of the things he did though rather than being sucked into a panic or depression, like I assume many of the adults would.
1. What was/is your first impression of the title of the book, "Apocalypsis"?I love the name Kahayatle, it is very African sounding, so it works for me :)
2. What was/is your first impression of the lead character of Bryn, did you like her at first, or did you take a while to warm to her?
I liked Bryn from the start, I think I wanted to protect her, even though she is a little spitfire and can certainly look after herself.
3. What was/is your impression of the relationship Bryn has with her father? Do you think he prepared her well for what was coming, do you think he could have done more? If you were Bryn's parent, would you have done anything differently in the face of the coming disaster?
I think she had a good relationship with her father and he certainly loved her and did as much as he could. It must have been difficult for him, but I would certainly have done things differently. I don't think I would have been able to leave my daughter on her own in such desperate times. I would have moved the earth to find another teenager or two, or three to move in together. Leaving her to go off and die on his own - that was difficult and probably took a lot of courage, but again, I couldn't leave my child alone like that.
I would also have made sure there was plenty of soap, shampoo, toothpaste and loo paper :) Typical male to forget a thing like that lol.
Mod
Well I am a little late to the party and I got my daughter to read Apocalypsis for the buddy read...but she is behind.I was a war of the Fae/wrecked reader and was a little unsure of this series, but since I loved Elle's writing, I thought I would try it. I fell in love with it from the beginning.
I think it may have taken me one or two chapters to warm up to Bryn maybe only because I was digesting the circumstances around her. I loved how tough and strong she is but so vulnerable and sweet on the inside.
I think her Dad did what he thought was the best to help her survive but I do think he overlooked some of the girl side of things. I don't doubt that he loved her and did what he thought would be the best to help her.
I did wonder how fast people started dying off and why the government didn't set up preparations or why the farm chains, warehouses, stores broke down pretty quickly. But as soon as supply and demand become an issue even with adults, personalities start breaking down. Just look at the crazy Christmas riots that seem to happen more and more.
I do think some of it comes from the arrogance of adults that "we will find a cure and we will put a think tank of genius in a shelter and they will survive" mentality plays into some of that break down. I really think the adults never really believed that none of them would survive. I ,also, think that a lot of parents believed that they needed to shelter and protect their children while the government fixed the problem. How many people have lost their family histories and skills that their ancestors grew up learning how to do...sewing, cooking, growing food etc. How many teenagers who understand how to operate some of the most complicated electronics, know how to prepare a meal from scratch.
I do agree with Rosemary...about setting up family members or other teenagers to be together...My kid's are close to their cousins so I definitely would have tried to have them together or I really liked the idea of a locked stockpile area. It definitely sounds like man to forget about shampoo etc
My first impression was Zombies. .. And I hear crap all the time about the zombie apocalypse...And that is the reason I read elles apocalypse books after all her others. And yes.... I was STUPID!! I thought Bryn was awsome from the start. I love a good I dont take S#! T from any one attitude. And hells yes her dad did a good job pr preparing her!! She is like Rambo mixed with a little Jet Lei !!
I thought zombies too but was enjoyable surprised
Hey, what up with all the zombie haters? I love me some zombies! Although, I have to admit, I was tiring of every apocolyptic book being based on zombies. One of the things I love about Elle's books is that they are so unpredictable, and that she is so creative with the story lines. And it goes without saying that the characters she writes come to life on the page.
Mod
Good authors will always come to light if they really contribute something new and unique. The ones that are just in for the money will never survive.
Just my 2 cents.
- Kets
I wasn't hating on zombies.(I told you my boys have prepared religiously for that)...just expected them and was pleasantly surprised it wasn't a zombie apocalypsis. i do see it about trends too....one of the reasons I haven't read the vampire series is just because I was so overloaded on vamps.
Amen on the vamp overload! I guess my addiction to"The Walking Dead" had me a little sensitive on the zombie issue, lol!
My first thought about the title? There she goes making up words again!
Elle's characters always grab me right from the start. They are so real and so charming, perhaps a teeny bit flawed, but aren't we all? They are ready to face the world head-on regardless of what life throws at them.
I think Bryn's dad did everything he could to prepare her, his deep love for her is clear through his actions, I especially loved the neighbor thing.
Elle's characters always grab me right from the start. They are so real and so charming, perhaps a teeny bit flawed, but aren't we all? They are ready to face the world head-on regardless of what life throws at them.
I think Bryn's dad did everything he could to prepare her, his deep love for her is clear through his actions, I especially loved the neighbor thing.
1.What was/is your first impression of the title of the book, "Apocalypsis"?I started reading this book because my mom told me to join her buddy reads and I liked War of the Fae. When reading the title I figured it should deal with zombie and was pleasantly surprised to find out it didn't.
2. What was/is your first impression of the lead character of Bryn, did you like her at first, or did you take a while to warm to her?
Unlike with Jane in War of the Fae, It took me awhile to warm up to Bryn and I don't know why that is. I like that she is a strong female character and can kick butt when she needs to but, still has a sweet side.
3. What was/is your impression of the relationship Bryn has with her father? Do you think he prepared her well for what was coming, do you think he could have done more? If you were Bryn's parent, would you have done anything differently in the face of the coming disaster?
I think her father prepared her remarkably well.
1. What was/is your first impression of the title of the book, "Apocalypsis"? - At first I couldn't pronounce it LoL . I didn't buy this one right away. It for some reason didn't catch my eye. After I read A few of Elle's other books I thought how could I not like this one too. So I gave in and am glad.
2. What was/is your first impression of the lead character of Bryn, did you like her at first, or did you take a while to warm to her?
- I liked Bryn right away. I had never hear of Krav Maga before so that was interesting.
3. What was/is your impression of the relationship Bryn has with her father? Do you think he prepared her well for what was coming, do you think he could have done more? If you were Bryn's parent, would you have done anything differently in the face of the coming disaster?
- I think she was well prepared. She new a bunch of survival skills plus the skills to protect herself which was obviously important.
Eac wrote: "I just wanted to respond to Lisa! I was also wondering the same thing. If everyone knew the adults were going to die wouldn't the government have prepared the smartest, and most responsible high sc..."
Eac: Seeing that Congress can't get its collective head out of its butt long enough to pass critical spending legislation, I can't imagine that they would have been very effective in passing useful legislation. and even if they had, can you picture kids listening to a government-appointed "boss" in these scary times? Can you picture your high school quarterback taking orders from Peter? I think there would be some (hopefully many) kids who would choose the path you and your brother would take but what about kids who have no clue how to hunt? What about kids who were usually hanging around street corners or playing soccer all the time? I think eventually some strong, charismatic kid(s) would emerge and hopefully they'd be good, moral kids, but maybe they wouldn't be. History has demonstrated that repeatedly. Thanks for making me think about this!
Eac: Seeing that Congress can't get its collective head out of its butt long enough to pass critical spending legislation, I can't imagine that they would have been very effective in passing useful legislation. and even if they had, can you picture kids listening to a government-appointed "boss" in these scary times? Can you picture your high school quarterback taking orders from Peter? I think there would be some (hopefully many) kids who would choose the path you and your brother would take but what about kids who have no clue how to hunt? What about kids who were usually hanging around street corners or playing soccer all the time? I think eventually some strong, charismatic kid(s) would emerge and hopefully they'd be good, moral kids, but maybe they wouldn't be. History has demonstrated that repeatedly. Thanks for making me think about this!
**Elle Casey Fan Club**
Books mentioned in this topic
Kahayatle (other topics)Kahayatle (other topics)
1. What was/is your first impression of the title of the book, "Apocalypsis"?
2. What was/is your first impression of the lead character of Bryn, did you like her at first, or did you take a while to warm to her?
3. What was/is your impression of the relationship Bryn has with her father? Do you think he prepared her well for what was coming, do you think he could have done more? If you were Bryn's parent, would you have done anything differently in the face of the coming disaster?
Have fun thinking and talking about these questions, I will have more for you soon. If you have questions to add, you can do so in this thread or in a new thread, just make sure you warn about spoilers and remember that we are still in the very first chapters of the first book in the Apocalypsis series, 'Kahayatle'. Enjoy!