Book of the Month: Chronicles of Araxx - The Beginning by Kellie Steele

[Big Book Theory]

Fellow Readers,

Thank you so much for the recommendation to read this story.

It looks like an interesting read, set in London, From the blurb, it seems Lee has been kept prisoner by werewolves. She manages to escape when the house where she was held prisoner burns down and then she meets Bree, a homeless girl. However, something about Lee could bring about the end of the world.

To find out whether the world comes to an end or not, we'll have to read the story.

I am looking forward to this read, and I hope you do too.

I've figured out some questions to help with any discussions:

> What was unique about the setting of the book and how did it enhance or take away from the story?

> What specific themes did the author emphasize throughout the novel?

> What do you think he or she is trying to get across to the reader?

> Do the characters seem real and believable? Can you relate to their predicaments? To what extent do they remind you of yourself or someone you know?

> How do characters change or evolve throughout the course of the story? What events trigger such changes?

> In what ways do the events in the books reveal evidence of the author's world view?

> Did certain parts of the book make you uncomfortable? If so, why did you feel that way? Did this lead to a new understanding or awareness of some aspect of your life you might not have thought about before?

> Did you like the book? If you have read any of the author's other books, how does this compare?

Happy Reading x

[Jan]

I quite enjoyed this book, nothing made me uncomfortable within the story itself it was the actual reading that got me frustrated by the errors that kept croping up. The actual plot was great and I was saddened by the begining where she is held prisoner I thought it was quite moving there, I felt for Lee at this time
I liked that the other world so to speak is right under the nose of the everyday person and that we are blind to them
It lacked in some real emotions which I believe will come as this auther progresses with her work and her own life's experiences. I have read others works by this author and I think she has a great talent though she needs to take more time before releasing her work to minimise any risk of bad feedback

[InkAndWhiskers]

Looks interesting. Started last night.

[Big Book Theory]

The Anime feel of the story made it unique for me. I am sure there are other books out there, but this is the first time I've read one.

The book had a Supernatural theme set in London. Kellie paints a pretty picture :)

I think, mostly, the author tried to bring across her love for Anime and then there are themes of homelessness throughout the book.

Lee was believable to me. I could not relate to her situation, but I could relate to her feelings and at times I did feel sad for her - especially the two times she saw the autumn leave in mid-Spring. Could that be Bree?

Lee starts off as being a prisoner, but then she grows stronger and stronger - not just by sheer magic as it happens in some books but through sheer determination and focus - by actually training free running.

I think the author has great empathy with homeless people and she does not mind being pick-pocketed lol

I did like this story. I have read a previous book by Kellie - White Ghost, but I enjoyed this story far more than I enjoyed that one (now that I think about it, it might not be reflected as such in my star-rating, which i suppose I should fix at one point or another).

I enjoyed this story, and will quite happily read Book 2.

[Cathy]

Finished reading Kellie's book today and really enjoyed it. When Annaleah flipped the bird at her captors it made me shout out YES! It was very emotional after, as she felt a sense overload. I don't want to say too much here or give away plot lines. Suffice it to say it was good to watch her come into her own and gain strength and confidence. I honestly think she would be an inspiration to anyone young or old who has been or is in an abusive situation because you work through it with her. Kellie's world building is always excellent and she knows how to bring in characters the reader can't help but want to know more about. Excited to read the next book in this series.

[Christie]

I really enjoyed this book and I did feel the characters were real and believable. I personally could not relate to the life situations that Lee found herself in, but the excellent writing drew me in and made me feel so strongly for her. At first I just felt sorry for her, but as time went by I was proud of her too. She showed a lot of strength and a never give up attitude, along with a willingness to determine her own destiny, rather than just accepting what was being thrown at her. I have read the authors other series of books and feel that she is a talented author and I will look forward to reading more from her.

[Rose]

I very much enjoyed this book! Here are my thoughts on the discussion questions:

> What was unique about the setting of the book and how did it enhance or take away from the story?
I thought it was unique to have a fantasy of this nature set in the future. I feel like these are usually set in the past or another world entirely, because sometimes techy elements take a story to sci-fi. It surprised me a little at the beginning of the story, but once I adjusted to it, it flowed very well. The technology used added a lot to the story, balancing the magical elements.

> What specific themes did the author emphasize throughout the novel? 
Themes of being young and trying to find your own way. Lee did this, as did Jay and Adz. Also, trying to find friendships and avoid isolation.

> Do the characters seem real and believable? Can you relate to their predicaments? To what extent do they remind you of yourself or someone you know?
Not a lot of people can relate to being held prisoner and chased by werewolves, but I certainly can relate to finding new friends, learning new skills, and not understanding other people around me like they might as well be supernatural beings. And having a “wait, I can do what?” moments like I might be something supernatural as well. I’m sure others can relate to the loss Lee suffers, and how she reacts, a feeling of deep sadness, but also a strong drive to do something.

> How do characters change or evolve throughout the course of the story? What events trigger such changes?
The thing that sticks out most in my mind is Bree’s death. This was the moment the danger became very real to Lee, even though before she was afraid of being taken and held captive again. She gained a sense of purpose after this, and determination to never be as helpless again. This is when she really started to develop, being completely on her own, and learning new skills.

> In what ways do the events in the books reveal evidence of the author's world view?
Well, I don’t think the stealing thing means much, it was just necessary for the story, but it could mean she thinks this is acceptable under desperate circumstances. The technology in it might mean she either thinks this will happen in the future, or hopes it will, and thinks about things like that.

> Did certain parts of the book make you uncomfortable? If so, why did you feel that way? Did this lead to a new understanding or awareness of some aspect of your life you might not have thought about before?
It definitely made me uncomfortable when Jacob grabbed her on the subway and kissed her. I was actually yelling “Kick him in the balls!!” out loud while reading. But this was clearly supposed to make me uncomfortable, so no, it didn’t lead to any new awareness about my personal life.

> Did you like the book? If you have read any of the author's other books, how does this compare? 
I very much enjoyed this book, as I love YA fantasy and magic. However, I do get a little put off when I hear a book involves vampires and werewolves (Twilight kind of ruined those for me). So, this book took me by surprise, because I really liked how the supernatural elements were handled. I have read “White Ghost,” and I liked it, but I liked this one a lot more. This had a lot more action throughout, and I can tell this author is growing and improving with every book!

Oh, I have another question for people! Predictions for the rest of the series? Personally, I’m wondering if Bree is really gone, or if she was turned into a vampire.

[Jan]

I thought that it would be interesting to see if they reunite

[Grace]

I didn't expect to be up all night turning pages but I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the story and couldn't seem to put it down until I found out what happened.