JeanzBookReadNReview: BLOG TOUR - BROKEN CITY SERIES BY D.D. CHANT

BROKEN CITY

BROKEN CITY BK1

TITLE – Broken City

SERIES – Broken City

AUTHOR – D.D. Chant

GENRE – Post Apocalyptic/Dystopia/Romance

PUBLICATION DATE – 2011

LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 97,187

PUBLISHER – Self Published

COVER ARTIST – Laura Tunstall

BLURB supplied by My Family's Heart Book Reviews

Tom is in the guard, this group are the only people that the tribal elders allow to leave the compound and Tom knows only too well that Deeta could never survive the harshness that exists outside. Then tragedy strikes and Deeta and her Sister Jan find themselves captured by a hostile tribe. Why does Tom know so much about these people? And why do they know so much about him? As this mystery draws to a climax, they discover that their friend Tom is not quite what he seems.....

BUY LINKS

AMAZON KINDLE

BUY MY BOOK PAPERBACK

BARNES & NOBLES NOOK

SMASHWORDS

TO BE READ LINKS

GOODREADS

SHELFARI

TRAILER YOUTUBE LINK

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zT9CeBVEKg&feature=player_embedded

SOUNDTRACK FOR BROKEN CITY

1. Gentian – Broken City

2. Skillet – Awake and Alive

3. Evanescence – Bring me to life

4. The All American Rejects – Can’t take it

5. Fireflight – Forever

6. Gentian – Without a Choice

7. Seven Cities – It’s You I’m Calling

8. Apocalyptica & Brent Smith – Not Strong Enough

9. A-ha - The Sun Always Shines On T.V.

MY REVIEW

ISBN: 978-1456774387

ASIN: B005GHMH8A

Title: Broken City

Author: D.D. Chant

Series: Broken City

Publisher: Self/Indie

Format's Available: Paperback, E-Book

Release Date: 7th February 2011

BLURB from Goodreads

Deeta Richards has never seen the outside world. Before she was born a banking crisis brought civilization to an end and now no one leaves the safety of the compounds unless they need to, but Deeta still dreams of seeing more than the building she was born in.
Tom is in the guard, this group are the only people that the tribal elders allow to leave the compound and Tom knows only too well that Deeta could never survive the harshness that exists outside. Then tragedy strikes and Deeta and her sister Jan find themselves captured by a hostile tribe. Why does Tom know so much about these people? And why do they know so much about him? As this mystery draws to a climax, they discover that their friend Tom is not quite what he seems...

INITIAL THOUGHTS

I was excited to be included on the blog tour for this series of books. Though I had heard of the Author I had yet to read a book by her. Most of you that drop by my blog will know that my favourite genre is Dystopian/Post Apocalyptic . . .so I had high hopes and equally high expectations of this book.

MY REVIEW

I purchased an e-copy of this book from amazon for under a £1! So of course I'm pleased it was a bargain, I just hope its a good read too. The cover literally shows a "Broken City" which is also the title of the book. So would the cover make me pick the book up from a book store shelf? I can honestly say this cover would pique my interest enough to pick the book up and the blurb would sell it to me completely!

So before I start to attempt to put my review on paper . . .I feel I should say that I find that reviews for books I love are harder to write as I want to tell you everything and rattle on for ages, so please bear with me.

So the setting of the book is in what is left of the broken down city after the banking crisis ~(so yes it's quite believable too) everything appears grey, shattered, splintered and broken including civilization. People now live in tribes, under their own rulers and rules. They scavenge for everything in surrounding empty buildings etc. In the tribe that Deetina Richards is part of is the Clark Tribe, named after one of the elders and the man who created their tribe. Deetina, or Deet as she is more often called has never been outside her building . . and she never will as she is not considered the "type" to be part of "the guard" The Guards job is to go "out" and scavenge, they generally get into skirmishes with rival tribes too. The other main tribes mentioned in this book are The Lewis's a violent tribe always wanting to take over other tribes with no considerations to lies lost. The Marshall's, the nearest tribe to The Clark's where everyone has to learn to fight. Then theirs the somewhat mysterious,yet feared and reviled Andak Tribe.

The novel concentrates mainly on the Clark Tribe and it's problems, relationships, rules and life. though it also has insights into the other tribes and the conspiracies within certain tribes as well as the problems within those tribes. It will become clearer as you read the book.

The main characters in the book are Deetina Richards and her family, Clare her older sister about to marry her sweetheart Phillip. Jan, who is Deet's younger sister and their parents. The other main "family" of the book is Uncle Jep, and Tom and the orphans that have been rescued by Tom across the years. Deet helps Uncle Jep and Tom out by cooking for them and by looking after the young children. In fact the children call sisters Deet & Jan, Aunty Deet annd Aunty Jan.

This book is really good at smaller stories/plots within the larger plot lines, such as the relationships between Nella and Jamie and Ralph.

We also meet the Andak tribe, and yes after reading some of the opinions of the characters of the tribe I was expecting the Andaks to be a really horrible barbaric tribe but you get to see another side of them in the book.

And of course we have a little romance peppered around in the book, such as Nella & Ralph, Jamie & Keya, and the hurried wedding of Clare & Phillip. . . .then there's the flirtatiousness of Ryder & Jan. I also love the deep relationship between tom & Deet and how it changes and evolves throughout the book.

I really enjoyed this book, I'd truly say it has something for everyone. I think the book also has a moral to teach in that just because people live differently or appear to live differently to yourself it doesn't make one way right and one way wrong. There's also a "don't believe everything you hear" message surrounding the Andaks. The book deals with a kind of racism within the tribes and leadership battles as well as everyday life issues of where the clothes will come from as the children grow etc.

So did I enjoy the book? I loved it. Would I recommend the book? Definitely, perfect for Post Apocalyptic/Dystopian fans. Will I be reading Bk 2? Well I have an e-arc of Bk2 sent to me by the Author and would have started reading last night had I not forgotten the code to unlock the book to read it! Also I have a couple of books to read for set dates but I will most certainly be reading Bk 2 very soon. Would I now read other books by D.D. Chant? Yes, through Broken City I have discovered another author whose writing I love. I really enjoyed Broken City and definitely want . . no need to know what happens next.

BROKEN TRUCE

BROKEN CITY BK2

TITLE – Broken Truce

SERIES – Broken City

AUTHOR – D.D. Chant

GENRE – Post Apocalyptic/Dystopia/Romance

PUBLICATION DATE – 2014

LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 94,403

PUBLISHER – Self Published

COVER ARTIST – Kate Lacey

BLURB supplied by My Family's Heart Book Reviews

Life isn’t turning out the way Deeta thought it would. With the Lewises defeated and peace between the tribes, she’d believed that the dark times were in the past.

However, troubles between the tribe continue and the Andak council has selected Tom as ambassador and chief spokesmen to the other tribes.

Deeta knows that there is still much resentment against the Andak, that Tom is in danger every time he leaves the safety of Andak city.

Struggling with her own her own complicated feelings against the tribe that she is now a part of, Deeta tries to ignore the changing attitudes growing within her.

Then Tom is betrayed and with the whole City thrown in to great danger, Deeta finds that reality can’t be ignored forever…

GOODREADS LINK

TRAILER TOUTUBE LINK - http://www.youtube.com/watchv=VacF69eeLj4&list=UUqOlxvwxkq1alBuI1sLlHPA&feature=share

SOUNDTRACK FOR BROKEN TRUCE

1. Seven Cities – This Time Won’t Come Again

2. Seven Cites – Crawl

3. David Guetta ft. Sia – Titainium

4. Keene – Somewhere Only We Know

5. Nickleback – Saving Me

6. Lee Mead – Paint it Black

7. Gentian – Finished

8. Jem – 24

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hi everyone!
My name is Dee Dee, I’m twenty six and I live in a beautiful part of Devon, England with my family. I have a younger sister, Amy who is a brilliant guitar player, some chickens, duck, geese, pheasants, a cat (that adopted us when we moved in!!!) and some Koi.

Broken City is actually my second novel. My first, as my Aunt so delicately put it, was crazy. In my defence I was only sixteen when I wrote it. On the plus side I learnt a lot (or so I hope) and two years later ‘Broken City’ was finished. Due to the support I have received from readers I have just finished the next book in the Broken City series, Broken Truce!

I have another book, ‘The Promise’, which is set in Saxon England is the beginning of a series. I’ve just begun to edit the next book and I’m really looking forward to releasing it.

My third series is called The Chronicles of Discord. The first book, 'Fracture', is set in the distant future and tells the story of Astra, a young woman with a very big secret.

I have just finished the second book in the series and it’s currently awaiting editing.
I really hope you enjoy reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.

I love reading and have a kindle: I read almost anything with adventure and romance in it! I also like to cook and wear impractical high heels!!! And as you might have noticed I have a horrible addiction to exclamation marks!!!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

What is your name, where were you born and where do you live now?

My name’s DeeDee, I was born in Nottingham and I now live in sunny Devon.

Did you always want to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?

Actually my first choice was to be a F1 racing driver…

When did you first consider yourself as a "writer"?

I’m still working on this. I’ve written seven novels and several short stories, but calling myself a writer still makes me feel unbearably pretentious!

Do you work another job as well as your writing work?

I have several other interests, the most exciting of which is that I’m in a band with my sister. We’re called Gentian and due to my sister’s tireless work we’ve been featured on radio stations all over the country.

What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarize it in less than 20 words what would you say?

Broken Truce, it’s the sequel to Broken City. If I had to summarize it I’d say:

Deeta and Tom face the Lewises a darker, action packed tale that pushes them to their limits.

Who is your publisher? or do you self-publish?

I self-publish, I love the freedom it gives you as an author and how close you are to readers. I’ve made a lot of new friends through my book and they’re very supportive and willing to help out whenever they can.

How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?

Broken City took me two years, but Broken Truce only took three and a half months. It depends on how much time I can devote to writing, or if real life keeps distracting me.

Which of your books were easier/harder to write than the others?

All have their own difficulties, but the historicals are harder because there are more rules to follow.

What can we expect from you in the future? ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?

I have three books coming out this year, the sequels to all three of my series:

Broken Truce (Broken City, 2#) Post Apocalyptic/Dystopia/Romance

The Vow (The Lady Quill Chronicles, 2#) Historical/Adventure/Romance

Severance (The Chronicles of Discord, 2#) Dystopia/Adventure/Romance

Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?

I have several new ideas for more series, but I’ve promised myself that I won’t start on them until I’ve finished the ones I’m currently working on.

What genre would you place your books into?

They’re all adventures with a bit of romance and mystery.

What made you decide to write that genre of book?

I wanted to try and write something I would want to read. I love a bit of romance, but I’m bored if that’s *all* the book is about. I like a bit of mystery and adventure chucked in as well.

Do you have a favourite out of the books you have written? If so why is it your favourite?

No!!! I can’t pick!!!

Do you have a favourite character from your books? and why are they your favourite?

This is like asking a mother to pick her favourite child! I love them all for different reasons… except Ladron: I really, really hate Ladron.

If you had to choose to be one of your characters in your book/books which would you be? and why?

Ohhh, this one is hard! I think each heroine has her own strengths.

I love Deeta’s naivety, the way she wants to believe that everyone is a good person.

I love Adele’s understanding nature, the way she tries to get on with everyone and see things from their point of view.

I love Astra’s tenacious strength when it comes to protecting her family, and how despite all she’s gone through, she isn’t bitter.

I love Jan’s sassy tongue and self assurance, the way she always manages to hold her own in a fight.

How long have you been writing?, and who or what inspired you to write?

I’ve always written short stories, but I started my first full length novel when I was 14. It was my Aunt’s idea, I’ve always loved reading and she said that she thought I would be able to write my own book if I tired. My first attempt, The Babel Code, was a sci-fi adventure with an alien hero. It was very disjointed, but I learnt a lot about putting a story together, even if I never published it. Most importantly it didn’t put me off!

Where do you get your book plot ideas from? What/Who is your inspiration?

It can be different and very random things. Broken City started as a dream I had. The Promise started when I was singing ‘Two Little Boys’ to my baby cousin. I suddenly wanted to write a story based on an incredibly strong friendship like that.

Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?

I write pretty much anywhere. Sometimes I find it easier if I’m sitting up to a table, or listening to music, but there are no set rules!

Do you have anybody read your books and give you reviews before you officially release them?ie. Your partner, children, friends, reviewers you know?

I do! There are only two or three people in the world who see my first draft, I have a network of beta readers and I’m VERY appreciative to them!

Do you gift books to readers to do reviews?

I do, some of my most die hard fans started out with a free copy!

Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?

I do… is that sad? It sounds a bit stalkerish, doesn’t it?

Would you ever ask a reviewer to change their review if it was not all positive about your book/books?

No, everyone has a right to their own opinion. The only thing I don’t like to see in reviews, any review of any book, is when it turns personal or nasty. I have nothing against someone saying they didn’t like my book, I realize that it’s unreasonable to expect everyone to love it.

How do you come up with the Title and Cover Designs for your book/books? Who designed the Cover of your books?

Normally I know about half way through the book what I’m going to call it and what sort of cover I’d like. My latest book cover was designed by Laycee designs, there is a link on my blog if anyone wants to check her work out. Her prices are very reasonable and she’s really nice to work with.

Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?

It depends, mostly I wait until I’m half way through the book. Sometimes I decide before, but it’s rare.

How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?

Does it sound crazy to say that the names have to ‘sound’ like the person I’m depicting?

I wanted something unusual and sweet for Deeta and something that sounded solid and dependable for Tom.

I spend a lot of time on baby name sites looking for unusual names that I like. In my saxon series I found a great site for saxon names, which was fantastic.

For Fracture I wanted names that would show the heavy Asian influence in the Una culture, but at the same time I wanted names it wouldn’t be too hard to pronounce.

Are character names and place names decided after their creation? or do you pick a character/place name and then invent them?

Character names come after I have a proper idea of ‘who’ the character is.

Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along?

I start with one word that I feel defines the character and then build around that. Characters do tend to morph over the course of a book and I find that even I’m surprised. For instance, it turns out that Leofric is afraid of heights; who knew? I certainly didn’t.

Do you basic plot/plan for your book, before you actually begin writing it out? Or do you let the writing flow and see where it takes the story?

I have a very basic outline, but I like to start writing and let my characters decide where the story is going.

How do you market/promote your books?

Mostly I rely on word of mouth, but I’m also very active on the internet.

Have you ever suffered from a "writer's block"? What did you do to get past the "block"?

I have. I just had to wait… and wait… and wait a little more.

What do you do to unwind and relax? Do you have a hobby?

Does eating brownies count as a hobby?

No?

Music then; me and my sister have a lot of fun messing about in our music room and writing new songs.

I also love watching Korean dramas, but waiting for the next upload can be really frustrating!

Have you ever based characters on people you know or based events on things that have happened to you?

The coke can scene in Broken City is based in real life. ;-P

I have to say I loved that scene too. It was so deserved lol!~Jeanz

Which format of book do you prefer, eBook, hardback, or paperback?

E-books!!! I have a kindle an I LOVE it!

Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is you favourite/worst book to movie transfer?

Sometimes I think they work. The last one I watched was The Host and I like the film much better than the book. In the film there was a real sense that Wanda loved Ian, in the book her feelings are much more wishy-washy. I felt that Ian was short changed in the book, but in the film I felt that he had Wanda’s undivided affection.

Did you have a favourite author as a child?

Enid Blyton

Do you have a treasured book from your childhood? If yes, what is it?

Freckles by Gean stratton-Porter. I spent the whole book wanting to give the hero a hug, he was just soooo adorable.

Do you have a favourite genre of book?

Anything with romance and adventure!!!

Are there any New Authors you are interested in for us to watch out for? and Why should we watch out for them?

I’ve read a few of David Wailing’s Auto series and I have to say they creep me out a bit! But at the same time a really enjoy them. Timeline is a good one to start with.

I also enjoyed S.G. Allen’s The Sooner, it’s a YA sic-fi with a lot of humor.

What do you think about book trailers?

I love them! My sister makes mine and writes a custom-made piece of music for each one.

What piece of advice would you give to a new writer?

Always be polite.

Always be open to criticism.

There is always more to learn.

Do you or would you ever use a pen name?

I do use a pen name. D.D. is my sister’s pet name for me and Chant is a family pseudonym. My great grandfather was too young to enlist, so he used the name Chant. So technically I *am* D.D. Chant, there is a connection.

Where can readers follow you?

Your Blog Details?

www.ddchant.blogspot.co.uk

Your Website?

www.buymybook.biz

Your Facebook Page?

www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002546605234

Your Goodreads Author Page?

www.goodreads.com/author/show/5200308.D_D_Chant

Your Twitter Details?

Username: DD_Chant

PLAYLIST

This is a list of music that DeeDee listened to whilst writing the