[early reviews]River Road (Sentinels of New Orleans 2) by Suzanne Johnson

Hello to all!

            It's with a great pleasure that i will share with you my review of  "River Road" second book of the Sentinels of New Orleans series by Suzanne Johnson. I nearly could not do it because i should have received an arc but the postal service didn't do it's job - one of the bad news of this month- fortunately Suzanne kindly gave me an ebook copy so i could give you my opinion before the official release of the book.

Why do i wanted to give you this review before the release date? Two main reasons. First, like it told you already here so a few days left, the author is sharing with you a short story about Rene Delachaise one character important in River Road, this novella Chenoire can be read here so if you haven't read Chenoire yet  please go to read it. Even if you haven't never read Royal Street ( my review) you can enjoy it without problem, don't hesitate and give it a try.

Second reason: Suzanne Johnson is really a generous author and for once she needs us andi wanted to help too. Let me explain. The area in which River Road takes place called " Plaquemines Parish" - and all that coast too- suffered recently from a oil pollution, that added to all the tempests and hurricanes before makes a lot for the envrirronment and inhabitants. Suzanne has generously decided to give a percentage of her royalties on this book "River Road" to a special fund that was created to helps those communities. By pre ordering and buying this book you will help too. A small gesture but all put together could be a great helps so please think about it this book really deserves it.

Now Let's enjoy a excellent book

Publisher: Tor Books

Publication: 2012

ISBN:  0765327805

Genre: urban fantasy, romance
Violence: strong
Language: normal
sex: really mild
Public: 16+

Source: arc (ebook) in exchange for an honest opinion

Short description from goodreads :

 Hurricane Katrina is long gone, but the preternatural storm rages on in New Orleans. New species from the Beyond moved into Louisiana after the hurricane destroyed the borders between worlds, and it falls to wizard sentinel Drusilla Jaco and her partner, Alex Warin, to keep the preternaturals peaceful and the humans unaware. But a war is brewing between two clans of Cajun merpeople in Plaquemines Parish, and down in the swamp, DJ learns, there’s more stirring than angry mermen and the threat of a were-gator.

Wizards are dying, and something—or someone—from the Beyond is poisoning the waters of the mighty Mississippi, threatening the humans who live and work along the river. DJ and Alex must figure out what unearthly source is contaminating the water and who—or what—is killing the wizards. Is it a malcontented merman, the naughty nymph, or some other critter altogether? After all, DJ’s undead suitor, the pirate Jean Lafitte, knows his way around a body or two.

It’s anything but smooth sailing on the bayou as the Sentinels of New Orleans series continues.

My opinion:

          Fabulous! Above all my expectations; I’m used to Suzanne‘s writing style and so far she never disappointed me so I couldn’t wait to read this book. However book 1 “Royal Street” was really well written with a great story and I though book 2 was going to be playing in the same league: a really good book. Big Mistake, ”River Road” is even better a “must have” for any urban fantasy fan.

This story takes place 3 years after the events of “Royal Street”, DJ is still the Sentinel of New Orleans with Alex as a partner since the elders don’t trust her enough to handle the job yet. Their relationship has calmed down a bit and now they do trust each other and don’t regret their assignment.

We discover a more responsible DJ, not as impulsive as before. She has learned from her mistakes, or is sometimes still trying, and does her best. Still wound by the lost of Gerry, DJ is still afraid to loose someone else or to see someone dear to her being hurt or leaving her. It’s the reason she tries her best to stay professional with Alex and when she knows she is doing something that could endanger his position she prefers to let him know afterwards.

She is also more attentive to the “reality” around her and can put the elders and their system in question, discreetly of course – Who wouldn’t want to hit Hoffman?-. She is using her own talents and gifts when it’s needed; she has accepted her difference and heritage. She still has her pet – or little master ^^- Sebastian, so funny little thing and I understand her feeling when he makes his stink eyes…mine acts more friendly but also part Siamese and I know those eyes too well *brrr*

Now, as for her heart, it’s more complicated. No matter how much she denies it she is attracted by Alex, she thinks she has that in control until he decides to act more no matter the competition. Because the competition is there first there is Jake, after being mad at her and disappearing for 3 years, he still wants her and he doesn’t fear to tell her, show her and ask for a date. . Then there is Jean Lafitte, immortal historical undead, cunning and sexy, who flirts with her since day one. Not sure if he is that sincere but he doesn’t leave her indifferent.  For a girl who was mostly alone, it’s a bit too much at the same time^^.

I must admit I really enjoy Jean Lafitte. He is fun, intelligent and he knows what he wants –perhaps not concerning DJ- his honour is important and he is really determined. You should not underestimate him. I love it’s relation with our favourite wizard even if Alex is also really interesting with her.

In this book, Alex tries to make his feeling known and with someone as DJ that’s not an easy task. He goes all alpha and protective on her. Possessive even, when it comes to Jake and Jean, but he is able to see past that for the good of the investigation and DJ’s safety. He was so fun this time,I can’t tell you why but you could be laughing to tears at some passage of this book^^.

The story in itself is excellent; we have action, suspense and humour all perfectly dosed with a touch of romance to keep our heart beating and a small dose of drama to keep us on toes.  The investigation here was original and captivating. Suzanne managed to surprise me with several twists and I wasn’t expecting the ending at all.  (Though I have high suspicions about Rand…) The humour was welcome and didn’t clash with the seriousness of the investigation at all…I laughed so much with this book (Sebastian high on magic , the family dinner so dreaded)that in the end I was nearly crying all the time from laughing or emotion ( some descriptions of “post Katrina” are emotionally charged, DJ’s thought on Gerry and Jake) it’s so well written that you can’t stay unmoved.

Added bonus, we got to meet new creatures: mermen (not new you if you have read “Chenoire”, so ^^ jump on it while it’s still available), Rene is really a interesting character and I hope we will see more of him. Nymphs (you will love their “human” job) and finally we met one elf, a proclaimed one, an elder really important and not friendly at all. So we can expect a lot of adventure and action in the future. (Jean was so protective and loyal hum ^^ he is winning good points^^)

I really enjoyed the description of the wetlands area and the old New Orleans, we can feel the love Suzanne Johnson has for the region and it’s communicative, it really made me want to learn more about it. She is slowly becoming a major author of the urban fantasy with this book.

To recommend wholeheartedly to all fan of urban fantasy and to everyone who wants a really good book to enjoy.  So if you haven’t started the series yet don’t hesitate. You can find my review of book 1 here.

Don’t forget that if you preorder/order this book  “ River Road” a small percentage will go to a funds to help the region suffering from oil pollution, a good deed  we can do even as simple human being. A great gift for Christmas or New Year eve (it’s on my list anyway^^ I Want the Us and Uk edition)

 Score:  5/5

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

 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

Challenges:

This book enter in the Romance and Me Challenge