by Suzanne Johnson
Series: Sentinels of New Orleans #3
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
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. Combating 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.
Elysian Fields is the third book in the Sentinels of New Orleans series by Suzanne Johnson and I was beyond excited to get me hands on this little book. Johnson has created an action-packed, hot series with characters I simply cannot get enough of. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series and I devoured it! Three word review: Amazing-tastic, action-packed, romantic.
Three weeks have passed since the last book and poor DJ is still trying to heal from her injuries but does she get to sit back and relax? Of course not! New Orleans has a serial killer on their hands who is acting eerily similar to the serial killer from 1918 known as the “Axeman”. Thanks to smexy pirate Jean Lafitte, we know the killer is the original “Axeman” and is being controlled by a necromancer. The Elders have decided DJ needs lessons in eleven magic, Jake is having trouble controlling his loup-garou and her neighbor and best friend’s boyfriend is behaving weirdly. Mix in Alex Warin and DJ’s life is about to get a little crazy. The tale that unfolded in Elysian Fields had me flipping the pages and gasping for air.
DJ is a kick-ass heroine who sucks it up and doesn’t whine. She takes chances that make me a little crazy but she lifts her chin cocks her eyebrow and stands by them. She has a code she lives by and you cannot help but respect her as a part of you thinks; if this was me you’d find me under my bed hiding! Jake Warin is really struggling, and from the beginning I have liked this smexy were, but his actions and how he handles them have me disappointed. Jean Lafitte is adorable, loyal, and despite ulterior motives I would want him on my side any day. Quince Randolph, the neighbor, has a strong presence in this tale and he is a player, a politician and I wanted to ring his little neck. Alex Warin has been my favorite of all of DJ’s possible love interests and he remains so. He is charming, loyal and totally kick-ass. Johnson introduces vampires, and oh our sweet-heart of a Merman is back *swoons* and the elves are involved making this tale completely enthralling.
New Orleans is such a great setting for Elysian Fields and Johnson brings it life from the streets to the Beyond. This could be read as a standalone as each book focuses on one case but you would lose out on the overall arc and it is one I am enjoying. We continue to see growth in both the characters and their relationships. I am anxious to see what potential DJ hasn’t tapped into as the hints continue. I loved learning about the hierarchy of the elves, the vampires and how the supernatural and wizard world is structured. We get some romance and it looks like DJ makes a choice although it’s not without complications. The pacing is absolutely fantastic and the individual threads all came together beautifully at the end. The ending itself was wonderful and has me excited for the next book. Oh, wait did I tell you there are now two more books planned? Woot!
Fans of urban fantasy with kick-butt heroines need to grab Elysian Fields and the Sentinel of New Orleans series stat. The first two books are Royal Street and River Road. Johnson is on my auto-buy list for this series as well as her Penton series and Omega Force series published under the name Susannah Sandlin.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lauren
I’m so happy to see this review because I just bought Royal Street and it’s so lovely to hear that the third book is still kicking ass (and that DJ is too)! Wonderful review, can’t wait to get into this series!
kimbacaffeinate
I am so glad you picked it up, the setting is wonderful and each book just gets better 🙂
A Voracious Reader
I’m going to need to add this series to my TBR.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh gosh yes…I would love to hear your thoughts if you read them!
Anya
Argh so agreed, I want to just smack Quince in the face and tell him to leave DJ alone without her having to say it ten million times!
So excited for the next book though, I must know what power these elves have seen that DJ doesn’t know about >.>
kimbacaffeinate
Ok I will hold him down, and you can kick his ass..then we will trade places!
Sharon - Obsession with Books
I love UF & kick-butt heroines so have added this to my wishlist.
Unfortunately, the eBook copy here in Australia is $10.82, I got excited when I saw $2.99 😉
A great review Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
noooo..they should run the sale internationally 🙁
Naomi
Alright…. so I really need to get into this series…. After loving Suzanne’s Penton series, I don’t know why I haven’t jumped on this one!! Once again, great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Run to Amazon book one is 1.99 and ends today!
Jennifer Bielman
I am literally 80% into this book right now. It’s pretty awesome though it stresses the crap out of me lol. Lots of actions and love the added romance.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh yeah…you cannot set this down to much is happening!
Dani C
I have seen these books around and keep meaning to pick one up and see if I like it. Thanks for the review!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you like them Dani 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things)
Yes, I’ve been wanting to read this one for a while now. I still need to read from book one and yes, I plan on reading in order (don’t faint). Yes, I know you said standalone, but I want to get involved in that arc. So glad to hear that this one rocks because now I want them ALL. 😀
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet yes read them in order! Cannot wait to hear what you think.
Andrea
I received this in the mail and it is gorgeous!
For some reason I thought this was the last of the series. Yay! I’m a big fan, too. I cannot wait for more Jean, Jake, and Alex! Oh, DJ too!
kimbacaffeinate
there was a contract for three..but it was extended!! Woot!
Maida
I really enjoy UF and kick-ass heroines so I know I have to give this one a try. I think I have this on my TBR already, but didn’t really pay much attention to it until now. I really intrigued by the New Orleans setting. A lot of crazy things happen there..lol ;p Plus, I can’t wait to meet DJ. She sounds amazing and exactly the type of main character I would enjoy and easily like! And I am curious about the romance. I wonder who she picks! Gosh, there are so many great things I love about this, including the action-packed plot. I really need to buy this! I’m glad you enjoyed this! Fantastic review! 😀
~ Maida
Literary Love Affair
kimbacaffeinate
This is a series that when my copy I arrives I squee like a school girl and dance..so yes snag a copy its awesome!
Jenea
My library doesn’t carry this series yet. Ugh. It sounds good too. Great review, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh nooooo…well you need to get all of us to email and request it!
Candace
This series has been on my wishlist! I have heard many amazing things about it. I really should get caught up on the UF series I’ve already started though, lol. Wonderful review!
kimbacaffeinate
psst..book one is 2.99 till tomorrow on kindle. *wink*
Candace
Oh thanks for the heads up! I’ll have to grab it!
brandileigh2003
Of course she doesn’t get a chance to sit back and relax. But I like the sound of the romance and how she weaves it together.
kimbacaffeinate
ooh it was good and had some sweet moments!
Debbie Haupt
Ok Kim, I’m convinced and you just invented a new word Amazing – tastic 🙂
Great review as always
deb
kimbacaffeinate
oh yes I use that word and abso-freakin-lutely all the time! 🙂
novareylin
This sounds fantastic! I love anything to do with paranormal and Louisiana, so that’s win/win! Will have to pick this series up!
Nova Reylin @ My Seryniti.com
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy and yes I love the setting too!
aurian
I am just reading this book at the moment, so skipping your review for now 🙂 Glad you loved it though.
kimbacaffeinate
ooh enjoy and then we will compare notes!
Tanja
Oh how could I miss this series! It sounds so good. I love kick-but characters and not to mention sexy male characters. I’m sold. I need to get copies of these books. Great review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy and book one is only 2.99 for kindle until tomorrow 🙂
Jenny
Ah! Book three already?! I can’t keep up with all the series I want to read Kim! I read the first book and really enjoyed it, but I’ve yet to read book two and now this one is already out. *sobs* Is it too much to ask to just be given a month off so I can do nothing but read and still get paid? Honestly:)
kimbacaffeinate
hmmm, that might require a few broken bones and a hospital visit but we could get you 4-6 weeks..bwahahaha!
Nick
I’ve never heard of this series before, but it sounds pretty kick-butt!
The heroine sounds great. You have to love a girl who has set rules and abides them.
You know how much I love my serial killer books, so I’ll look more into this series.
Fabulous review, Kim! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
What? I must have shown my fan-girl love of the first two books while you were in school. Yes you must read this series!
Kristin
I’m reading Royal Street RIGHT NOW!!! I love DJ’s voice! She’s hysterical!!! Christy commanded me to read this series next and I am so glad I did!!
Honestly, I had to skim your review a bit b/c I’m too afraid of spoiling anything but I’m I love that you gave it a 4.5!!! I can’t wait to run through these!!
kimbacaffeinate
I avoid spoilers, and yes Christy can be demanding but in this case she is one hundred percent right!
Jennifer
I have heard so many amazing things about this series and want to start it. I love books with New Orleans as the setting. I haven’t read too many urban fantasies but want to try some.
kimbacaffeinate
2.99 for book one on kindle till 8/9 *hint-hint*
kindlemom1
Isn’t this series just kick butt? I love it! Fabulous review. I can not wait for the fourth book, I am hooked!!
kimbacaffeinate
oh me too Ali! I simply adore this author 🙂
Vilia
I loved the book too even though I wanted a little more Jean Lafitte time – I always want more Jean time. Finding out Quince’s agenda opened up another avenue for Johnson and I really hope she capitalises on this in the next novel.
kimbacaffeinate
did you read his novella free on Suzanne’s website? http://www.suzanne-johnson.com/p/jackson-square.html
Vilia
I read it but I’m greedy and still wanted more 🙂
miki
You will be happy with some of the flash fiction during her blog tour then^^ ( i never have enough of Jean either^^)
miki
fantastic review really, did you read jackson square ( still free for a few day on her author website?)
kimbacaffeinate
Yes I did thanks Miki!
Marlene
Thanks for the tip! Jackson Square was a lot of fun and really wet my appetite for Elysian Fields. Yum!
miki
my pleasure!
Ginny
I’m trying to restrain myself from rushing over to Amazon and one click ordering the whole darn series. This looks amazing. I added it to my wish list and Goodreads tbr and plan to get to it really soon. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
you must get book one..its only 2.99 for kindle and sale ends tomorrow!
Ginny
Darn you Kim. I gave into peer pressure and one clicked. 🙂
blodeuedd
Book 1 is on my wishlist…one day
kimbacaffeinate
*nods head* I would love to read your thoughts on this series!