[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

The Secret Life of Copernicus H. Stringfellow: Surreptitious Superhero by Lorin K. Barber

Hello to all,

                       a new week is starting so it's time for a new book to be introduced to you. To change a bit from the steampunk - which genre you could perhaps have another review really soon- today you get a YA book from a new author for me Lorin K. Barber and his book: " The Secret Life of Copernicus H. Stringfellow : Surreptitious Superhero", a long title but very appropriate. 

Enjoy!,

Publisher: Sweetwater Books

Publication: 2012

ISBN:  1599559293

Genre: YA
Violence: mild
Language: normal
sex: none
Public: 15+

Source: A copy in exchange for an honest review

Short description from goodread :

 Copernicus H. Stringfellow, a.k.a. Nick, is not your run-of-the-mill genius. His mind is so powerful it can stop a speeding automobile or stem internal bleeding. As Nick goes about quietly doing good, he discovers that his powers are greatly enhanced by the nutrients present in Twinkies. Follow Nick on his amazing adventures in this humorous and exciting action-packed book for all ages.

My opinion:

          Mostly it was an enjoyable story. I don’t know why but at first I was expecting Copernicus to be a way younger, a teenager instead of an adult. He is an original character really intelligent, a true genius but also a young man who has some difficulties to fit in the normal world. He is really kind and wants to make good, to set things right but his language and lack of social skills make things harder for him sometimes. He isn’t arrogant at all, quite humble even, and manages to have hundreds of friends but at times when in a normal conversation his intellect makes him stand out because he doesn’t comprehend the innuendo, the allusions and go straight for the facts. It can be funny for others but not sure it’s the same for him.

He needs some adaptation at the emotional levels to better comprehend other people but every genius are lacking in it or so it seems. A lot of his reactions are still similar to those of a child, the way he gets back to some characters in a no aggressive way but more like a joke, how he does something just he feels like it and it is one of the reasons why he doesn’t see the problems growing at the hospital for example.

The writing style is showing some promises while not at his peak. The space of the story is a bit too unequal for my taste some chapters are only one page, other several. Then for example the plane’s part of the story was really too slow in comparison of the rest. Yes the confusion needed to be shown but after a paragraph or two all the analytical- or lack of it – vision of his situation got a bit boring and a younger reader could loose interest.

The twinkies are important ok but sometimes I would have love more synonyms, descriptions for it.

One thing also that really bothered me was how the author thought and included the abduction part.  The story is about Copernicus yes and all the other characters are less developed but I like to find a closure. While the big story and book have it, the author seems to have forgotten those little girls. We know what happened to the first one or more exactly that she is found we read all details for the fourth one, more essential to the general story I agree, but nothing for the other two. We don’t know if they are alive or not, what happened to them, we don’t know the reason behind those kidnapping and for me there should have been something about it even if the author wanted to target a younger audience there was a way to put it into words no matter what  Lorin Barber decided as their fate.

Now like I said the book in itself has an ending, a closure and one really interesting by the way. The moral of the book to help others, do good is well explained even if Copernicus does use his powers not exactly when and how he should in a lot of occasions preferring to ask forgiveness later.

A good read even for younger readers but in that case it could be better as a school assignment for example so they could speak about it and share they thoughts because some important topics are introduced in the story like domestic abuse, murder, harassment, child abuse etc so it would better if there was a group discussion for example to help smooth things and not just let the younger ones alone after their reading.

Score:  3,5 /5

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

You can find more informations about the author Lorin Barber on his Blog

 

 

 

 

Redemption ( The Penton Legacy 1) by Susannah Sandlin - english version

Hello to all,

                   It's with a great pleasure that i introduce you today to Redemption, first book of the series Penton Legacy by Susannah Sandlin. This very friendly author accepted to send me a copy so i could review this and i can't tell you how happy i'm. I absolutely adored it and i'm so happy to share it with you.

I wanted at first to do a review in French and English but i loved this book so much that i wrote a long post already without the second langague so in the end you get it but in two post instead of one so if you wish to check the french version of this review Click Here.

Now, if you loves this review go to check the author's website, there is a blog tour going on and you could win a copy as well as learning a lot about the series.

Now without waiting here come Redemption by Susannah Sandlin.

Publisher: Montlake Romance

Publication: 2012

ISBN: 1612183549

Genre: paranormal romance
Violence: strong
Langage: normal
sex: mild
Public: 18+

Source: book received in exchange for an honest review

Short description from goodread :

 For vampire Aidan Murphy, life has never been so desperate. The vaccine used to treat a global pandemic has rendered human blood deadly to his kind, leaving them on the brink of starvation and civil war. In tiny Penton, Alabama, Aidan establishes a peaceful community of vampires and unvaccinated human donors. He dares to hope they can survive ? until his estranged brother descends upon Penton and begins killing the humans. Determined to save his town, Aidan kidnaps an unsuspecting human doctor?and finds himself falling in love for the first time in nearly four centuries.

Dr. Krystal Harris thought she was coming to Penton for a job interview, but Aidan Murphy has other plans. Infuriated by his high-handed scheme to imprison her in the small town, Krys can?t ignore the attraction between them. But is it love? Or does her dangerous, charismatic captor want only to bend her to his will?

My opinion:

          After reading some excerpts since I follow the author, I had to read this book and I’m not disappointed at all. Susannah Sandlin exceeded my expectations I mean apart from the story the book in itself  is a real treasure, paper of high quality and all a real splendour that will be cherished. For the books’ Lovers, that’s something that deserves recognition.

Now about the story, I really enjoyed the originality of the concept. In the paranormal romance genre actually there  some similar big lines that a lot of authors follow and it’s not bad at all but the originality of one or another are a great bonus. Susannah Sandlin do gave us a new universe, in this one human beings are not rare and vampires are quite normal  yes they are stronger than us, heal faster, have mental abilities but  no special powers from being vampires. The ones who have some magical, mystical powers had them as human as well like with the “young” Hannah.  If you were a normal, common human you will be a common vampire as well.

These vampires are in fact an endangered species and I found that idea really interesting to start with.  Like often they have to keep their existence a secret, it hasn’t been a difficulty for them until now because of a  big pandemic  a lot of humans died and to survived they created a vaccine that unknown to them is deadly to vampires and make their blood poisonous. A great protection against vampires? Yes, but also a higher risk for the few who aren’t vaccinated , the starving vampires are more dangerous than never and a black market at all start to appears when they are fighting over a small quantity of people.

For me, it was really important since that explains better the personality and actions of the characters. Aidan was a farmer and in a way still is. He knows he has to take care of the humans because he needs them to survive and a human needs to be respected  not  breed like animals thus he creates a sort of family where everyone need the others. The humans need the protection and help, the vampires their blood and for some their presence. All are linked together. Aidan is really protective and also strict, he checks each person, vampire or human, who wishes to join the community and he does it himself.  Kidnapping Krys is something that goes against what he believes and in the same time it’s the only way to protect the group; for Aidan that’s really difficult but he is ready to face her wrath, to loose his reputation if that’s’ helps the majority. Disturbing? Sure, but how often are we confronted to such a choice and it’s not easy, at least he wants to do right.

For Krystal , her kidnapping is in fact quite positive.  For a long time, she is fleeing the memory of her father who abused her and wants her back. She has fought for her life and her dream of becoming doctor and in the same time she never took the time to heal herself. She has panic attack, nightmares and her abduction helps her to put things in perspective and to discover what she really wishes to be and to have. I loved how she could be practical when she give Aidan advices and still be so vulnerable.

The romance is moving, the way they both have to accept the past and closes those relationships that forbid them to advance and how they are learning about themselves in the eyes of their soulmates, so romantic.  I would just have loved if she didn’t had to make the choice or at least not so soon.

The intrigue is well constructed too, we are learning that the tribunal isn’t as neutral as it says and Aidan’s idea is making a lot of envious. He wanted to be independent before but now he really now he must be very careful when choosing who can be trusted. His brother was just a pawn and the threat is bigger that they expected.

The others characters are fascinating too, Hannah, the child vampire with magical powers, I felt sad for Lucy and her choices and I absolutely loved Mirren.  He is an old vampire and before his life in Penton he was the executioner for the Tribunal. However, he isn’t a killing machine without mind, and he started to be hurt but the kills he had to make when he wasn’t sure he could trust the tribunal. He even preferred to die than to be their tool. We don’t learn yet what made him doubt the tribunal but we know that’s when he wanted to die that he met Aidan. He is one of his trusted lieutenants but he doesn’t want to be more. He is strong and very intelligent but really afraid of the responsibilities. I’m really happy that the second book will be about him.

Really, it’s a great book and even if I wasn’t well I couldn’t put it down. I would recommend it to the lover of paranormal romance and to those who like to see our dear vampires struggle with their humanity^^

The second book Absolution should be out in October 2012 and I can’t wait for it!

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

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

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

Score:  5/5

Challenges:

This book enter in the Romance and Me Challenge