by Suzanne Johnson
Series: Sentinels of New Orleans #4
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
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.
Political backstabbing and alliances take center stage in Pirate’s Alley the fourth book in Suzanne Johnson’s Sentinel of New Orleans series. Bizarre weather and serious power plays complicated by friendship had me flipping the pages of this urban fantasy.
Poor DJ, as the Sentinel for New Orleans she has her hands full. No heat and freaky weather force her to seek shelter at her friend Eugenia’s house. Between all of the healthy food in her friend’s cupboard and Eugenia’s, stomach bug that is about to complicate all of their lives. Toss in unexpected Elfish side effects thanks to her bonding with a pain in the ass Elf, DJ is beside herself and in dire need of a vacation. All that will have to wait as political maneuvering, revenge and more within the high council have DJ juggling between duty and friendship. How this will effect her and Alex, not to mention her friendship with a certain dashing pirate provides one heck of a tale.
Johnson delivered an incredible story that forced DJ to think fast on her feet. While I would have been a little more hesitant, DJ tends to follow her gut and react first. Thankfully, she has good friends and allies to help her pull of some of these crazy stunts. I love how overall arc threads and new threads begin to weave together as each novel progresses. While things are certainly not resolved, Johnson keeps things tight and the reader on track. This book has a lot of set-up as Johnson moves us towards a battle. I love the setting, and after my recent visit to NOLA, I appreciated the mention of the hotel, buildings, streets and the college. I felt like I was walking the streets with DJ and Jean Lafitte.
The overall series has a romance and while it is kept in the background, it does create interest and this time we feel the impact it has on DJ both personally and in her position as the Sentinel of New Orleans. I was worried but pleased with the overall development in Pirate’s Alley. I am curious to see what lies ahead for Alex and DJ. Pirate’s Alley wasn’t as action intense as its predecessor but the pacing and character development more than made up for it. We get to know a certain FAE and spend time with the council. We are introduced to new characters and become closer to favorites.
Fans of the Sentinels of New Orleans should be thrilled with Pirate’s Alley. The ending leaves us with a suspenseful cliffy which left me drooling for the next book.
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
Olivia
I haven’t read a book in this series before but it does sound like one I should try checking out. When you had me at political backstabbing and alliances it already had me intrigued, because it would be a guessing game of who to trust and those are my favourite kind of books.
kimbacaffeinate
This series rocks Olivia, and each one delivers new twists and fleshes out the characters and world more
Jennifer
I tried to stay up late last night to finish this but I just couldn’t I will finish it today! I love this series.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Jennifer. I adore this series too
Sharon - Obsession with Books
This series sounds wonderful Kimba! I haven’t seen these books around but you have me curious. Bummer about the cliff-hanger ending.
A great review! Sharon – Obsession with Books
kimbacaffeinate
It’s ok Sharon, with a series it happens and it just makes me all the more anxious to return.
Lark
Good review, Kimba! You always make want to read the books you review, even when they really aren’t for me – and this series actually might be. But I think it will have to get in line behind the Patricia Briggs books and a few other urban fantasies people have been urging on me of late. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Oh yes Briggs, Andrews and Johnson are all musts. This is a good series to wet your feet with, since you like fantasy and the tales draw you in
Rashika
You know what’s really funny? I’ve been stalking this series for a while and I cannot believe the 4th book is already coming out! When I first heard about it, the 2nd book had either just come out or was going to come out and now there are almost 4 books in the series! I feel like this is a sign that I need to actually give the series a shot instead of looking at it nostalgically.
I am glad to hear about the romance too because I know one of the reasons I was putting it off was because I heard things about there being a possible love triangle. Go Alex and DJ!
Great review, Kimba!! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
LOL..not funny at all..that happens to me so many times. I think oh I will read them both before book three comes out and bam it’s book 4
alreem
This book sound exciting, I will add it to my TBR 🙂 glad to see you enjoyed it!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Alreem I could see you enjoying this
Sharon
I’m looking for a new series to sink my teeth into and I might just have to look into this one. Sounds good.
kimbacaffeinate
This series has a little of everything and you just slip right in from page one
Christy
I can’t wait to read this. I think I’m going to need a refresher of the previous book first though.
kimbacaffeinate
Hmm, read your review or the last chapter..that usually brings it all rushing back
Paij Slater
You and Ali are killing me 🙂 hehe! I have to admit I didn’t read the review because I haven’t started the series yet, I just wanted to see if you liked it as well 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
You should listen to Ali and I..LOL
Terri
Love stories set in New Orleans, so think I need to pick up book one and get started on this series!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes…I cannot wait to see what you think. The good news..you have a year to catch up!
Lorna
Okay I admit it, I know nothing about this series and it sounds soooo good. Thanks for sharing 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
You so need to read these ..this is right up your alley.
The Cosy Dragon
Ooooooo urban fantasy bookie and looks good! I like the cover too! nice review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks..this series is a blast
Bea
I keep seeing good reviews for this book and this series. It’s on my wish list. I only skimmed the review so I didn’t get spoilers but I am definitely interested.
kimbacaffeinate
I tried to keep it spoiler free, but it is harder by book 4. I do hope you read them Bea.
Angela Adams
“The ending leaves us with a suspenseful cliffy which left me drooling for the next book.” — the sign of a winning read! Thanks for the post.
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed..although the wait will be painful
Liza Barrett
This series sounds like a lot of fun; it’s not one that I’ve tried before, but it certainly looks worth giving a go. Great review; thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you try it. As far as Urban Fantasy goes this one is a great introduction to the genre
sherry fundin
I have seen this serties around and hope to find the time…soon?…to begin reading it. Anything to do with New Orleans interests me, then throw in some supernatural. I’m in.
kimbacaffeinate
Right. It has so many cool elements I love
Sophia Rose
I just saw a post yesterday on this book and I didn’t know about the series until then. I definitely want to read these. Glad this latest was a good one!
kimbacaffeinate
Add it you won’t be sorry Sophia!
Melissa (Books and Things)
I’m loving the sound of how this series is developing. DJ sounds like a great character. I’ve already wanted to read this series and I think you pushed it up a notch (or several). Need to get on this one.
kimbacaffeinate
Wait. What? You haven’t started this series Melissa? You would enjoy it. I wonder if it is on audio?
Candace
This is a series I’ve been thinking I definitely need to try. I especially love the setting!
kimbacaffeinate
NOLA rocks and Johnson use to live there..so she knows it well
Heidi
I too liked that this one moved the overall story line in a new direction, plus the new characters were fun too. I loved it right up until that cliffie, and then it was an oh no moment.
kimbacaffeinate
Right. I liked the new characters and I am anxious to see how it all plays out
Mary
I’ve really enjoyed this series, though I haven’t read this or the prior. DJ’s had to really learn everything on her feet and she’s surviving!
kimbacaffeinate
Well you have time to catch up, and won’t have a as long to wait like the rest of us.
Maja (The Nocturnal Library)
I keep hearing nothing but praise for this series and the setting alone is enough to make me want to binge read. I’ll go check out the audiobooks.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I hope you read these Maja. I think you would enjoy them
Lanie
I haven’t heard of this series before, but this book definitely sounds like an interesting one.
kimbacaffeinate
Glad I could introduce you to it. I love the settings and characters.
Braine
This looks so shiny to me! This is indeed a unique UF. I read the first book years ago but never got around to finishing it. Not because I did not like it, I guess I just wasn’t in the mood for it at that time. And then I totally forgot about it so thanks for reminding me.
kimbacaffeinate
Hmm..me thinks you need to pick it up again 🙂
Sarah
oooh this sounds like an urban fantasy series that I can get behind. I like that the author is focusing on character development in this book. I need to get book one soon! I am also a fan of the New Orleans theme 😀
kimbacaffeinate
I think you would enjoy this series Sarah.
Lori
I love this series!!! So glad I saw your review so I remember to pick this one up ASAP! DJ always seems to find herself in some kind of trouble…she’s a great heroine and let’s not forget the sexy men in this series! Great review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I like DJ and hope you enjoy this installment!
Stormi
I really need to try this series..I got the first two books sent to me unsolicited and they look good. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo dig them out and catch up..the next book won’t release for a year *hangs-head*
Debbie Haupt
hmm, I haven’t seen this series. Thanks Kim it sounds right up my alley
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I think you would like this series Debbie.
Kelsey
I didn’t read the full review here so as not to spoil anything since it’s later in the series, but I did check out the first book on Goodreads and added it to my wishlist. Thanks for sharing! It sounds like a good series 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I try to keep them spoiler free but totally understand..enjoy Kelsey.
Nick
Sounds like a fantastic series and the main character sounds badass! She’s my kind of girl for sure. I remember you raving about the previous books, Kim, so I’m looking forward to reading this series. 🙂
Lovely review!
kimbacaffeinate
Wait. What? You haven’t read this series Nick? How did Christy, Heidi, Ali and I let you get away with this? Hmm..I am thinking you need an intervention!
kindlemom1
Review twins!! 😛
I love this series and I can’t believe how much I missed it until I started this. I can’t wait for the next book because that ending really was a killer!
kimbacaffeinate
Yep..and now we wait. Between this and Jone’s series I die waiting
Rosa
I haven’t read this series yet, but I’ve so much about it that I’m tempted to read it. Thanks for this great review!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you try book one Rosa.
Bookworm Brandee
This story sounds fascinating. So much going on! I don’t think I’d heard of this series but I plan to check it out. Oh the authors and the pen names…I own a book by Sandlin. *ha*
kimbacaffeinate
Oh no I have failed you. The books release once a year..so you have plenty of time to catch up.
Jessica
GAH. I really love this series, but I really HATE cliffys. Now I have to decide whether to read it NOW, or wait. Whatever I decide, I’m glad you loved it 😉
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, it isn’t too bad as far as Urban fantasy goes.but we are left drooling for the next book.
miki
ooh i do want more! i want to discover more about Christof ( Jean appreciate him so it works in his favor but i’m still on edge).. this one promise a lot of possibilities for the rest of teh series and since Suzanne always manage to surprise me i can’t wait for the next one! i do need it
thank you for your good review
kimbacaffeinate
She does manage to surprise I am really curious about the battle ahead!
Ramona
I haven’t started this series and I feel terrible, because everyone has nothing but good things to say about it. I love that it’s complex, with a diverse cast of characters and a smart, meaty plot. And the cover is all but calling my name, lol! Can’t wait to start this and meet DJ for myself… Plus, New Orleans!!! Right? 🙂 Another great review, Kimba, thanks!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh you must..and it is set in NOLA!
blodeuedd
Maybe I should get back to these…
kimbacaffeinate
why yes, yes you should!
Melliane
I really enjoyed this one as well, so many things again! I’m glad you had a good time and I confess that I’m really curious for more! Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes the wait between books is brutal!