Frenchman Street (The Sentinel of New Orleans book 6) by Suzanne Johnson

Hello to all,

 it's by a sunny sunday that i have the great pleasure to announce you that  yes the final book of the Sentinel of New Orleans arc is out!!
There isn't a thing i hate more than having a series unfinished so we can be really grateful that the author decided to publish it to offer us a little closure ...yes we waited but it was more than worth it as the series get the story of the same quality or one even better as it dserves it.

So i won't be much longer but first a little note: if you haven't started the series yet or if you are missing some books just keep you eyes on the author blog some great opportunities will blossom extra soon. ( check that here)

Now...the story, happy reading!!

Publisher: Suzanne Johnson

Publication: 2018

Genre: urban fantasy, paranormal, shifters, romance, fae
Violence: strong
Language: normal
sex: none
Public: 16+

Description from goodreads :

 The uneasy truce between the preternatural species of New Orleans has shattered, with wizards and elves, shifters and vampires—not to mention the historical undead—struggling for ultimate control of the city, including the humans who still think they’re atop the food chain.

They aren’t, however—and the Summer Prince of Faerie wants them to know it.

Stuck in the middle? One unemployed wizard sentinel. For DJ Jaco, war makes for strange bedfellows as she finally embraces her wizard-elven heritage and strikes a deal with the devil so she and her ragtag band of allies can return to defend her hometown. After all, when the undead French pirate Jean Lafitte is working in the mayor’s tourism department, things could go horribly wrong.

War is coming to New Orleans just in time for Mardi Gras, with the elves and wizards lined up on opposite sides, the shifters with a new leader, the vampires promising loyalty to the highest bidder, and the soul of the Crescent City resting on the outcome of the civil war going on in Faerie between the rival princes of summer and winter.

Mardi Gras Day is approaching fast, the faeries have infiltrated almost every parade, and the line between friends and enemies grows thin as DJ tries to stave off open warfare on the St. Charles Avenue parade route.

Laissez les bons temps rouler…but be careful, or the good times might roll too close for comfort. 

My opinion:

          Fabulous, a rollercoaster for emotions as once the story picks up there isn't a slow moment left there will be tears, there will be touching moment, there will be some humorous one and some very angsty ones. We are immersed in an adventure that doesn't allow us a reprieve we must know what will happen and we better not get interrupted for nothing ^^;;

We sure waited to get  the end of Dj adventures in this arc  but it was so, so well worth it... a real page turner with old characters we meet again with pleasure  like some fae hunters ( love faulkner) new one  like Gruff a so cute and funny corgi but so much more and i don't want to spoil too much . But get some tissues near you will need them and the little Corgi isn't the only one who will win you over i'm sure like Pen who can make you swoon or laugh depending on his menu.

Really this was a great read, we get to see how the events impacted the characters and how some got more mature and some not. There are twists to keep us on edge and this story couldn't be a better way to end this arc ( because yes i certainly hope to see more of the gang but rest assured there isn't a cliffhanger or questions unanswered ( at least not any that can't wait a full novella^^)

So yes it's better to have read the series to enjoy this one fully  and i can't recommend you this series strong enough but that being said it should be possible to read this one like that as we get enough info about the background to understand most of what happen but you if have teh opportunity to start by book 1 don't hesitate it just get better and better.

Score:  5/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and i voluntary reviewed this book

Dark Secrets: A paranormal Noir Anthology with Rachel Caine, Suzanne Johnson , Mina Khan and others ( early review)

Hello to all

I'm really happy to share with you  my opinion on an anthology which will be released soon " Dark Secrets"  which include a favourite author of mine but also new favourite ( some i  had read and just got even more fan of, some completely new)and new authors to me.... A wonderful group of women, very talented and generous as well because if you pre order the book now, before the release on the 29th, you can get it for 99cent only if you are in the USA.

Six stories for that price that's a great offer. But even better, they thought about those of us who love print books more and it will be released in print in the future as well.

I have opted to read the stories in order of the anthology and not jump directly to those of the authors i knew beforehand and i think i was a good way to go about it as I didn't get any specific expectations but was open to anything. I really recommend you this book if you love dark paranormal of if you want to try any of these authors, you have nothing to loose so don't hesitate.

I will give you my opinion, short as not to spoil too much, novella by novella so the post will be longer than usual  but first a little words about each of them.

 happy reading!

Publication: 2015

Genre: paranormal romance, noir, fantasy
Violence: mild to strong
Language: normal to strong
sex: strong
Public: 18+

Source: ebook received in exchange for an honest review

Short description from goodreads :

 Six award-winning authors bring you this spellbinding collection of stories about dark desires, mysterious worlds, and danger that lurks in the shadows of the night. Where nothing is black and white; where things might not be as they seem; where magic and mayhem rule.

MARION, MISSING by Rachel Caine

Valentine is a detective with two major problems: he's been offered a kidnapping case that will probably get him killed, and his partner won't let him turn it down. He owes her that much … since his partner's a ghost, and he blames himself for her death. A dark, haunting noir mystery of love, hate and loss.

FEMME FATALE by Cynthia Eden

PI Mick Swayne has seen it all—his clients have included liars, thieves, and even killers. He thinks he can handle anything and anyone. Then she walks into his office. Savannah Moreau is beautiful, seductive, and…a vampire? The gorgeous vamp hires Mick to help her track down a killer who is hunting in Chicago, but as Mick slips deeper into Savannah’s paranormal world, he wonders if he can really trust his new client…

DANCE WITH THE DEVIL by Megan Hart

When the devil starts the music, you'd better get ready to dance.
Kathleen Murphy has sold her soul to the devil. Fame, fortune, success...everything she's ever dreamed of is hers, and all she has to do is the devil's bidding. When love comes knocking, the last thing in the world she wants to do is involve Jake in her twisted world, but the devil's started up the jukebox and Kathleen has no choice but to learn the steps

THE CONSORT by Suzanne Johnson

Faulkner Hearne, the captain of the ruthless Fae Hunters, finds his duty at odds with his heart when he’s ordered to capture the consort of Faerie’s cruel Prince of Summer when she flees across the veil into modern New Orleans. Can Faulk turn Liandra over to a certain death at the hands of the prince, or will he risk a war with Faerie in order to save her?
An all-new novella set in the Sentinels of New Orleans multiverse.

HEART’S BLOOD by Jeffe Kennedy, a Twelve Kingdoms novella

A dark fairytale retelling of a princess robbed of rank, husband and even her name.
Nix is nothing. The Princess Natilde—her former waiting woman—attacked her on the journey to wed Prince Cavan, stripping her of everything and taking her place. With no serving skills, Nix becomes a goose girl. Perhaps if Nix keeps her promise never to reveal who she really is, Natilde won’t carry out her vile threats. Prince Cavan entered his arranged marriage determined to have a congenial, if not loving relationship with his future queen—for the sake of both their kingdoms. But, his wife repels him more each day and he finds himself absurdly drawn to the lovely Nix.

THE DJINN IN THE MIRROR by Mina Khan, a Djinn World novella

A paranormal Cinderella story with a young witch as the heroine and a wicked, sexy djinn instead of a fairy godmother.

Dahlia, the step-daughter of a power hungry wizard, promises to free a djinn trapped in a mirror if he rescues her from impending death. But Ashmael the djinn has his own agenda: to trick & seduce his way to freedom. The only problem is he ends up falling for Dahlia. Can he win his freedom and save the girl?

My opinion:

          Marion, Missing by Rachel Caine

It was well written and heartbreaking .... i don’t see how you could remain unmoved by this story Rachel Caine really did well but  for me it was too sad. So far she is the author i have the less affinities with so i’m not surprised  if i don’t connect too much with it.

The story speaks about racism too and in a such a way that you are not really sure of what time it... of course you have element showing it’s the past but it done in sucha way that you really can imagine it still done now in some place of the word and that’s probably what makes it unsettling. It’s not my favourite short stories but mostly because ofthe topic and ending and how it left me. I must  precise that this was REALLY wonderfully written.

Femme Fatale by Cynthia Eden

This was a novelty for me as i didn’t read this author before even if i do have at least one of her book in my TBR pile. In this short story about vampire and PI i really liked to be surprised as the author manages to maintain the doubt until the end.

 It was well built and Mick is an inetresting Heroe, i liked how he wanted to stay honorable and all.

So very good reading time.

Dance with the Devil by Megan Hart

Another new author to me and new series of course. The good point is that you can absolutely read this without prior knowledge. If you are one of those who don’t like to read about demons and angel you should probably  pass this one but if you have an open mind this is an interesting story.

 I don’t think i would follow up this series though but as a try it was good

The Consort by Suzanne Johnson

I LOVE IT!!! Suzanne Johnson never disappointed me but this is simply fabulous, even if you have never heard of her series you can follow this easily and it just leave you wanting for more.

You have the action, humour some suspense and romance... just perfect I really liked Liandra, she is only half fae but she is strong willed and intelligent and couregous. Faulk... i just want to read more of him and his team it’s a wonderful treat that works wonderfully aside from the main series but i do hope we will see more of the characters we met here either in other shorts or in the main series but i want more^^

Heat’s Blood by Jeffe Kennedy , a Twelve Kingdoms novella

Oki this is my last liked in the anthology... it’s not bad written or anything, quite the opposite even but it’s not my cup of tea at all... i don’t like cruelty towards animals ( fae or not) or  unjustified violence.... If only the vilains got what he/ she deserved but i didn’t feel as it was the case.

 Some how i would have wanted the fae‘s wrath to apply judgement or something... i’m definitively not ready for the series after reading this, like i said it’s not bad written simply it’s not for me at this time. I reassure you it has an happy ending but i ‘m still upset days after reading it so better if i put it aside for a time

The Djinn in the Mirror by Mina Khan, a Djinn World novella

I loved this one as well. I had read and loved other works by this author  but nothing about her stories with Djinn and now i really want to read those ( part of me want to see a certain revenge well deserved)

 This novella is a little difficult to tell you about without spoiler but if you are new to her Djinn universe like i am don’t fear you will be swept by the story really easily!  It’s engaging, mysterious and so well written.

 There is romance, action, tension and a lot more

You will love Ash and Dalhia story i’m sure if you love magic, witches, djinn and want a good romance.

Score:  4/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review. Source: an ecopy received in excahnge of an honest review

Challenge:

You can pre order this book on amazon Here

Pirate’s Alley (Sentinels of New Orleans 4) by Suzanne Johnson

Hello to all,

                       If there is one author i don't want to miss any release because i'm never disappointed  that's Suzanne Johnson.  If you follow this blog since the beginning you saw  how my love for her writing only grew with each new titles as i kept being surprised...

After a long, really too long, wait due to publishers, book 4 in the Sentinels of New Orleans will be released next week and since i was lucky to get an early copy i can already share my opinion if this book with you. Despites all that's happening here, i did want to share my review with you before the release so that you could still pre order it as it's important for authors. So if you are interested in this series, if you want to read it after reading what i have to tell about it don't hesitate and buy it before tuesday!

If you haven't started the series yet, you really missing something but thankfully Suzanne is hosting a giveaway to win one of the first 3 books so please go tell her a big thank you while you participate and good luck!

Happy Reading!!!

Publisher: Tor Books

Publication: 2015

ISBN:  0765376970

Genre: urban fantasy,suspense
Violence: mild
Language: normal
sex: none ( allusion)
Public: 16+

Source: arc

Short description from goodreads :

 Wizard sentinel DJ Jaco thought she had gotten used to the chaos of her life in post-Katrina New Orleans, but a new threat is looming, one that will test every relationship she holds dear.

Caught in the middle of a rising struggle between the major powers in the supernatural world—the Wizards, Elves, Vampires and the Fae—DJ finds her loyalties torn and her mettle tested in matters both professional and personal.

Her relationship with enforcer Alex Warin is shaky, her non-husband, Quince Randolph, is growing more powerful, and her best friend, Eugenie, has a bombshell that could blow everything to Elfheim and back. And that's before the French pirate, Jean Lafitte, newly revived from his latest "death," returns to New Orleans with vengeance on his mind. DJ's assignment? Keep the sexy leader of the historical undead out of trouble. Good luck with that.

Duty clashes with love, loyalty with deception, and friendship with responsibility as DJ navigates passion and politics in the murky waters of a New Orleans caught in the grips of a brutal winter that might have nothing to do with Mother Nature.


War could be brewing, and DJ will be forced to take a stand. But choosing sides won't be that easy.

My opinion:

          Oh my I can’t tell you how much I loved this book; really the wait has been more than worth it. Suzanne Johnson manages to surprise us each time and in several ways while making us more than a simple reader caught in a fascinating story.

I’m still in hyper mode after my reading but I will try to explain why I’m so enthusiastic about this new instalment.

This story starts just a few weeks after the events in “Elysian Fields”… so while it could be still possible to jump into the universes starting with this book… I would not recommend it. With book 2 or even 3 it would not have mattered as much I think.  Yes the author gives us small reminders of what happened but to really catch all the subtle threats and implications it would be really better to start at the beginning so if you have the opportunity to do so I can only recommend you to start with book 1 and see the magic at work.

So like I said this is set a few weeks after DJ got injured and bonded to Rand….she is trying to adjust and all things considered she is doing quite well with all what happened. However peace never last long in New Orleans and soon our Sentinel has to face new challenge. The supernatural creatures being fed up with the power the wizards keep for themselves decided to call for a council of their own……and of course when it comes to power those hungry for it won’t give up easily.

First there are the matter of what happened (trying for no spoiler here^^) and justice must be given…yes safe that the definition if justice can differ. Jean Lafitte for example put trust and loyalty in high regards…so if you stab him in the back… vengeance won’t be he can forget….our Jean is not really forgiving and he has the time on his side.

Knowing that DJ’s Boss orders her to shadow him and prevent any incident from happening.

That’s only the beginning and one of the few things we could sure know Jean.

However more forces are at work and new elements over the past plot start appearing and the divers sections ( fae, vampires, shifters, historical undead, wizards, shifters etc) each react in their own way…. This can only lead to one thing: war if nothing is done to prevent it.

Dj has many friends or allies that are not wizard and she is one of the few capable to think more globally which can’t be said for her boyfriend Alex… as a enforcer he is a strict follower of the rules all is either black or white…all what DJ isn’t and that causes some tensions. I got quite angry with Alex at several moments but mostly he stays the same as he always was so far.

DJ has greatly matured…and more important she is starting to really see what she wants…now that she is forced to make some really important choice she is staying true to herself and I absolutely loved that.

Suzanne manages via the alliances, treacheries etc to give us a deeper insight of characters we have come to love or hate and really it it was done in a master’s way making us take side along with Dj ( perhaps not always the same as her either). We learn about past enemies and discover new ones.. the villains getting harder to identify sometimes and at other simply such that we want them to find their demise soon and in a very painful way ( hear me Rand…I did not like you and it’s getting worse). Also as we get a better understanding of the characters and their motivation we can see how it was never a real love triangle( I don’t see how some saw a quadrangle even^^;;), the romance get a little step back in profit of the action but Dj gets some clarity too making the romance one we want to see more of while at the same time we don’t really need it ( too caught into the story to mind).

I loved to discover the faes and while I’m not sure where I stand for some of them yet this made the book even more passionate, some characters are only cited for now but we find ourselves already wanting for more. The suspense is perfectly distilled and the action constant so I could not stop reading until the last page.

 Really this book was a fantastic read and I can’t wait for book 5 ( please no more than a year this time!) really it was fabulous and the ending while I won’t classify it as a cliffhanger really make us which for more soon.

If you love urban fantasy this is really a series you must read.

Score:  5/5

Disclaimer: Source: a copy in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

 If you want this book you can buy it on  amazon or on  Bookdepository 

You can find more informations on the series and Suzanne on her Blog

and you have the opportunity to participate in her contest to win book 1 ( or 2 or 3)in her monthly giveaway in april so don't hesitate to give it a try!

Elysian Fields ( sentinels of New Orleans 3) de Suzanne Johnson paraît aujourd'hui aux USA!! ( avis+ annonce)

Coucou tout le monde!!

Normalement, lorsque j’écris un avis bilingue Français/Anglais je les met en ligne le même jour, or, vous avez pu cette fois constater que la version anglais a été postée bien avant.

La raison en était bien simple pour les résidents des Etats-Unis, le tome 1 était en promotion dans sa version digitale et comme une seule vente peut faire la différence entre une série qui se poursuit et un contrat non renouvelé je tenais à le leur rappeler…. En Europe nous ne disposions pas de cette promotion dès lors je préférais vous parler de ce livre le jour de sa sortie.

Pour une fois je ne vais pas non plus faire une traduction exacte mais simplement vous transmettre mon avis tel quel car vous devez découvrir ce livre et  méritez plus qu’une simple traduction et  le fond lui-même reste identique : j’ai adoré ce livre !!

Oh et avant que je n’oublie une annonce qui vous fera plaisir, si vous avez lu et aimé les deux premiers volumes de la séries et êtes fan de Jean Lafitte comme moi, sachez que vous pouvez lire une histoire courte "Jackson Square" le mettant en scène, celle-ci est disponible gratuitement sur le site de l’auteur ici et ce uniquement durant ce mois d’Août après quoi seule la version payante sera disponible.

De plus, le blog tour organisé à l'occasion de la parution d'Elysian Fields est en cours avec de nombreux prix mais également de fabuleuse mini histoire alors n'hésitez pas à le suivre, tous les stops seront mis en ligne ici

Alors sans plus attendre voici « Elysian Fields » troisième tome de la série de Suzanne Johnson intitulée «  les Sentinelles de la Nouvelle Orléans », série que je rêverai de voir publier en France un jour.

Quatrième de couverture - Traduction personelle-:

Un tueur en série mort-vivant en veut à la vie de DJ dans cet époustouflant troisième opus des sentinelles de La nouvelle Orléans  par Suzanne Johnson?

Le conflit entre les Mers a été résolu mais la vie dans la Louisiane du Sud a encore bien plus de revirements que le boueux Mississipi.

Les habitants de la Nouvelle Orléans sont victimes d’un tueur imitant les crimes de 1918 attribués au tueur en série connu sous le surnom de L’homme à  la Hache de la Nouvelle Orléans, « Axeman ».  Grâce à un tuyau du Pirate non-mort, jean Lafitte, DJ Jaco sait que ces attaques ne sont pas le fruit du hasard- un nécromancien non identifié a réanimé le véritable « Axeman » et son ultime cible n’est autre qu’une certaine enchanteresse blonde. C'est-à-dire : DJ.

Affronter un tueur en série non-mort alors que les ennuis ne font que s’accumuler autour d’elle n’est pas chose facile. La nature de loup garou de Jake Warin ne fait qu’empirer, son voisin énigmatique Quince Randolph agit de manière encore plus étrange que d’habitude, Les anciens insistent pour qu’elle suivent des leçons sur la magie elfique avec le sorcier le plus ennuyant du monde et son partenaire Alex Warin devient plus qu’un coéquipier.

Sous compter les grandes intrigues prenant place dans le monde préternaturel. 

Soudain,  emménager dans le Beyond en tant que compagne de Jean Lafitte pourrait bien être la meilleure option pour DJ.

Avis:

          Un  formidable tome mais qui marque un tournant pour cette série. Jusqu’à présent, Les «Sentinelles de la nouvelle Orléans » était une série d’urban fantasy mais avec de forts accents d’humour et de romance qui en faisait une lecture agréable, pleine d’action et d’humour … désormais il s’agit d’une série d’urban fantasy pure. Certain il y a toujours de l’humour et de la romance mais ceux-ci ne sont plus prédominants et ne se mettent plus qu’au service du récit dans son ensemble. « Elysian Fields» apparaît dès lors plus sombre et violent que les livres précédents «  Royal Street » & «  River Road »

Cette évolution pourrait déstabiliser un peu au départ ceux qui s’attendait à une histoire dans le même ton que précédemment mais une fois la surprise passée on découvre tout le talent de l’auteur qui parvient une fois encore à se surpasser et à maintenir une histoire d’une toute grande qualité.

Un autre détail important à préciser : ce tome peut être lu indépendamment des autres. Suzanne Johnson fait effectivement des rappels d’événements passés et des bases de son univers de sorte que le lecteur qui commencerait la série par ce tome sans aucune connaissance préalable puisse se plonger dans le récit sans difficulté. Ce tome est en fait le début d’un nouvel arc dans la série (et donc  les livres suivants devront impérativement être lu dans l’ordre).  Bon cela étant dit, je vous conseille quand même fortement de lire « Royal Street » et « River Road » avant non seulement ils sont excellents mais vous en apprécierez d’autant plus l’évolution des personnages.

J’ai, par exemple, vraiment apprécié de voir comment DJ était capable de remettre son attitude en question vis-à-vis de Jake cela montre une certaine maturité. L’évolution de la relation entre DJ et Alex est loin d’être simple mais les premiers pas sont faits et c’est effectivement le plus difficile. Jean Lafitte est toujours aussi magnifique et il peut autant être sérieux et déterminés  lorsque les circonstances l’exigent que drôle et amusant. Rand est toujours aussi mystérieux et bien qu’il soit temporairement un allié ses motivations restent assez troubles et je ne peux que vouloir en savoir plus.

Suzanne Johnson a vraiment réussit  à créer un récit captivant jusqu’à la dernière page et les revirements et retournements de situations sont nombreux mais toujours adaptés et bien placés… je n’ai pas pu deviner les motivations ou l’identité du «  commanditaire » . la tension a été maintenue tout le long avec par-ci par là de légère touches de romance ou d’humour pour  permettre au lecteur de respirer. En effet, au vu de l’enquête menée, sur un tueur en série, les actes violents et les scènes macabres sont bien présents et vu le talents de l’auteur pour les descriptions on est heureux qu’elle ne soit pas entrée dans les détails^^ l’ambiance est parfaitement ressentie telle quelle.

Elysian Fields nous introduit enfin plus dans l’univers des elfes de ce monde et on le regretterait presque tant ils sont manipulateurs, violents et assoiffés de pouvoirs. On apprend leurs systèmes de pouvoir, les différents clans et leurs pouvoirs respectifs. D’autre part on découvre les vampires qui n’était que cité jusqu’à présents. Les luttes entre les différents groupes de créatures surnaturelles deviennent plus claires ainsi que les luttes a l’intérieure même des divers groupes. Ce qui promets bien des ennuis pour DJ qui aura d’autant plus besoin de ses alliés.

En effet, son équipe s’agrandit, René l’homme sirène, n’hésite pas à se joindre à eux lorsque de la bagarre est dans l’air  mais Ken Hachette, le détective à la criminelle, 100% humain se voit enfin annoncer la vérité «  nous ne sommes pas seuls dans l’univers » ^^, d’abord déboussolé il s’adapte assez bien puisque cela explique les choses étranges auxquelles il a été confronté. Les nouveaux venus sont donc bien accueillis d’autant plus lors que Jake est occupé à réglé ses propres problèmes, qu’Alex est en pleine crise de doutes puisque tout ne peut pas être parfaitement fait dans les règles et que des raccourcis sont nécessaires, quant à Jean, toujours loyal il est là et bien là mais il a aussi son empire à gérer en Baratia.

En résumé si vous voulez une histoire pleine d’actions, suspense, mystères avec un touche d’humour et de romances, je vous recommande pleinement « Elysian Fields » et la série «  Les sentinelles de la Nouvelle Orléans »

Score:  4,5/5

Disclaimer: Toutes les opinions exprimées ici sont les miennes, il s’agit de d’un avis honnête et personnel. Aucune compensation n’a été fournie en échange de ce dernier.

Vous pouvez dès à présent acheter ce livre sur  amazon ou sur  Bookdepository -US edition- ( Uk edition )

Plus d’informations sur la série ou son auteur :Suzanne sur son Blog

                

[early review] Elysian Fields (Sentinels of New Orleans 3) by Suzanne Johnson

Hello to all,

                  Today i've decided it was time to share with you my opinion of the future new release in one of my favourite series "The Sentinels of New Orleans". Normally you know i post both an english version and a french one of my review and it will be done but the french one will have to wait a little since i really wanted to post this today.

Why the hurry? Simply for 2 reasons... oki 3. One: i absolutely love this series and i have been waiting for Elysian Fields for too long already....but more importantly this will give me the opportunity to share some infos with you that you would love to know if you didn't already... first for a few more hours you can get the digital version of Royal Street ( book 1) for less than 3dollars! so if you prefer digital book  don't hesitate and hurry time is slipping fast.

Then if you have read Royal Street and River Road, if you love our dear privateer Jean Lafitte, you must know he has his own novella "Jackson Square" this one will be sold later this year but you have te opportunity to read it already, for FREE, on Suzanne's official website so don't hesitate, it's really a fun reads.

Publisher:  Tor Books

Publication: 2013

ISBN:  0765333198

Genre: urban fantasy
Violence: strong
Language: normal
sex: mild
Public: 18+

Source: arc receive in exchange for an honest review
 

Short description from goodreads :

 An undead serial killer comes for DJ in this thrilling third installment of Suzanne Johnson’s Sentinels of New Orleans series

The mer feud has been settled, but life in South Louisiana still has more twists and turns than the muddy Mississippi.

New Orleanians are under attack from a copycat killer mimicking the crimes of a 1918 serial murderer known as the Axeman of New Orleans. Thanks to a tip from the undead pirate Jean Lafitte, DJ Jaco knows the attacks aren’t random—an unknown necromancer has resurrected the original Axeman of New Orleans, and his ultimate target is a certain blonde wizard. Namely, DJ.

Combatting an undead serial killer as troubles pile up around her isn’t easy. Jake Warin’s loup-garou nature is spiraling downward, enigmatic neighbor Quince Randolph is acting weirder than ever, the Elders are insisting on lessons in elven magic from the world’s most annoying wizard, and former partner Alex Warin just turned up on DJ’s to-do list. Not to mention big maneuvers are afoot in the halls of preternatural power.


Suddenly, moving to the Beyond as Jean Lafitte’s pirate wench could be DJ’s best option.

My opinion:

          Elysian Fields has been on my list of books to get as soon as i learned its title and I was more than happy to receive an Arc  to review but strange things are…actually writing said review has been more difficult that I expected…now I did love the book don’t misunderstand me but it’s quite different from the precedents and thus finding my words to make it justice took time.

To start with one important detail, the author wrote Elysian Fields so he could work as a stand alone… objectively that’s true, Suzanne makes enough references to past events so you are not lost if you are just discovering this series… now that being said I think thing you should read “Royal Street” and “River Road” first. Why? Because they are really great books to start with but also because it gives you a thorough understanding of the characters. Yes the author makes allusions about the events and their impacts yes you understand the story but when you have read the two precedents books you understand the story AND the characters, you have lived the events with them and thus our judgement can be different that what it would be if you start by “Elysian Fields”.

For example in DJ case, she finally makes a decision regarding her heart we get the why, the when and the how, we get also positioning in the timeline, we learn for how long they know each others but by having read book 1 and 2 and took I really feel how a big step she is making, what she is risking and thus how she has matured. I’m not sure I would have arrived at the same conclusion if I hadn’t.

Also and that’s capital if the book is excellent, Suzanne having managed to improve once again, it marks a turning point in the series. The atmosphere is darker, the humour is still there however the investigation is predominant and the romance is now really building without all the hesitations than before: we know the main couple, we have a wild card to ( grr Rand*GRRRRR*) , but it’s a slow building and it will take more books…. In a sense Elysian fields definitively positions The Sentinels of New Orleans in the urban fantasy genre while the precedent books were more a mix of urban fantasy and paranormal romance, now the action, main storyline are highlighted while the romance is more secondary, an element in the whole plot.

This story focuses on a murder serial, really gruesome murders and DJ once again find herself to be a target and having to survive while attempting to overcome other problems. She knows she can count on some allies like the merman Rene and the privateer Jean Lafitte both more than happy to help, in exchange of some favour of course. However hers partners Alex and Jake are quite busy or in turmoil…add to that the human: cops Ken Hachette who finally learned of the preternatural existences but has no experience dealing with them and her best friend Eugenie who ignore all and whose boyfriend is behaving suspiciously threatening the only female friendship DJ has…. Since he first appeared Randolph aka Rand has switched on all my alarms and I must confess I dislike him even more now!! Nevertheless I must admit I’m still don’t know what to think about him.. on a part I don’t forgive his actions… on the other side I suspect him and I don’t trust him even if I appreciate his help… I can‘t discern his motivations, all his grey about him and it‘s frustrating as well as exhilarating.

 I greatly enjoyed the story and for the first time in this universe we really meet some vampires, not that friendly, looking quite organised, and the elves… divided in several factions they are far from beautiful, fragile and kind creature… ( forget Legolas or Galadriel) no they are conniving, power hungry, vicious and DANGEROUS…we already had a glimpse of if with Mace in River Road but now we see that he wasn’t the exception to the rule quite the opposite. It’s hard to love them and in a sense I understand why Charlie has chosen DJ has his Master…she is so different and since he kind of has its own mind he would prefer kindness….( or self preservation^^). I was instructing to see the exchange between the different factions, between elves, but even more between wizards, vampires and elves…

The plot is really well done and I had doubts on the culprits until the end, which was even more surprising. I’m happy to said the ending is giving us some closure even if it still has some track open when you turn the last page you are happy not feeling like you are missing something even if you do want more. There is a reason for this ending…until a few weeks ago it was unknown if the publisher was going to want more books so Suzanne made it so it was possible but the readers wasn’t completely left hanging. Fortunately, we learned that at least book 4 and 5 were going to see the light and that’s wonderful news for the fans!!

If you love urban fantasy, not too dark, with romance touch and Humour, you love having a mix of creature from vampires, shifters to mermen and historical undeads, a excellent intrigue then Elysian fields is right your alley but like I already wrote I would still recommend you to read book 1 and 2 before (lighter, funnier but setting the universe swimmingly. (but you can’t wait it can be as stand alone yes)

Score:  4,5/5

Disclaimer: Source: a copy in exchange for a honest review, no other compensation was received.

Elysian Fields will be released on the 13th August 2013

If you want this book you can buy it on  amazon or on  Bookdepository -US edition- ( Uk edition )

You can find more informations on the series and Suzanne on her Blog

Challenge:

 

Sentinels of New Orleans: News, new release and free read!

Hello to all,

                   Today is really good one for all the fans of the urban fantasy series written by the talented Suzanne Johnson and I have a lot to share with you as you know “Sentinels of New Orleans” is one of my favourite series.

So first for those who haven’t had the opportunity to discover  it yet, the first book “ Royal Street” is currently in promotion on amazon ( for those buying from the US at least) -edit: i've just learned on Suzanne's blog that Barnes & Noble, Kobe, apple istores and ebooks.com have also aligned their price on the promotion - so don’t hesitate and give it a try. Suzanne Johnson is really a master at vivid descriptions.

 You can see my review here  or you can buy it on  amazon or on  Bookdepository

UK edition

US edition

Then because Suzanne get better with each book you can’t miss River Road . This second book takes place years after Katrina hurricane and the story is captivating and filled with action and humour as you can see in my review here.

Why do I tell you this today? River Road is just released in paperback today!! The editor/publisher decided to do a print hardback release end of 2012 but if like me you want to see the books on your selves matching you need this paperback edition.

 You can buy it on  amazon or on  Bookdepository -US edition- ( Uk edition )

US edition

UK edition

Want more?

 You can now see the cover for the US edition but also for the UK edition (I do want to add this one on my shelves as soon as possible!! So gorgeous! I love the color effects).

Elysian Field will be released on the 13^th August…don’t hesitate to pre order it!

UK edition

US edition

Elysian Field will be released on the 13^th August…don’t hesitate to pre order it!

 If you want this book you can buy it on  amazon or on  Bookdepository

( i will add the link for the Uk edition as soon as it's available)

And because Suzanne is so kind as not to make us wait in vain so long….she is offering us a free read!

 Each day of this week we get a new chapter of the novella featuring Jean Lafitte (you can’t resist him) titled Jackson Square.  Don’t miss it! It takes place after River Road but even if you haven’t read the series you can discover Suzanne’s writing style to make you want more.

 You can find the free read here or here

Now if you miss this opportunity for one reason or another don’t despair,  the novella will be later available on amazon for a little price AND because Suzanne knows how to make things even better… you will get bonus in that edition!!  ( i will add the link when it comes online)

 Now what are you waiting for? Don’t you have some shopping to do? Pre order to place or novella to read?

Which cover in this series is your favourite?

Christmas in Dogtown by Suzanne Johnson

Hello to all,

                  After the ephemeral first snow,  i'm already in the Christmas spirit, i want magic, feelings and happiness so i will share with you my first review of this month. For several challenges i've entered, the topic of this month is Holidays books and holidays romances, i haven't read a lot of them yet so it will be a discovery and my main focus for now. Today i will share with you my opinion on a small enovella, written by an author you know now that i absolutely adore: Suzanne Johnson.

Happy Reading!

Publisher: Story Vault

Publication: 2012

ISBN:  0373277210

Genre: paranormal romance, Christmas,
Violence: none
Language: normal
sex: none
Public: 16+

Source: received in exchange for an honest opinion

Short description from goodreads :

 A woman who spent years escaping her rural past learns that Dogtown, Louisiana, hides more family secrets than just the recipe for boudin blanc.

Resa Madere’s on the verge of losing it all. The boyfriend’s gone. The job’s history. Her beloved house is on the brink of foreclosure. She’ll do anything to save it--even spend a long Christmas holiday working in St. James Parish, Louisiana, helping her uncle run the family meat business. But the community of Dogtown, which has been home for seven generations of the Madere and Caillou families, has deep roots and deeper secrets. For Resa, going home is one thing. Getting out might not be so easy

My opinion:

          Magical! Such a loving, touching well written novella. It’s really perfect to read it around Christmas but it’s not a necessity to enjoy the universe and atmosphere. I was emotionally drawn to Resa and her wish for freedom and independence and in the same time it’s not really what she is wishing for.

At first, we discover a young woman who isn’t happy with her life, and whose perspectives aren’t good either socially or financially but she is also loyal to her family.  When her uncle asks for her help because he is ill, she accept to go back to a place she tried so strongly to leave. Dogtown is for her synonym of failure.

Worse as soon as she arrives, her family is speaking of the boy, now become man, they always hoped she would marry.  After hearing it so often even as a child, Resa can’t accept to imagine Chan as a potential mate. It’s not possible.

However, when tradition and family are at stake she must face a choice and decide what is really important for her.

I’m not that fond of imposed traditions, obligations and I can see why Resa is fed up with the simple evocation of the boy she grew up with. For her, it’s a friend nothing more simply because as a child she did not try to find something more and then they parted ways. Now she is even fighting the idea of giving him a chance because she is afraid of what others will think, the pressure is so high that she is forgetting her own desire. This novella is not about fated marriage but about acceptance and trust and first love. Her family is ready to stop the tradition, loose their ancestral advantages if means to save Resa’ s happiness, Chan is ready to keep secret everything to let her free to make her choice and for me those actions speak volume of the love they have for her. Sometimes or even often we are searching for something that has been under our nose all along. For tradition to keep living you must accept them, embrace them and it’s something that can’t be done under pressure or obligation

It’s really a beautifully written short story, set in an area the author loves and knows so well that it transpires between the words. A magical story about love and faith that made my eyes filled with tears of emotion.

Score:  5/5

Source: a copy in exchange for an honest review, no other compensation was received.

Challenges:

This book enter in the Romance and Me Challenge