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readingrenbo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
lynseyisreading's review
5.0
Find more reviews at The Demon Librarian.
Elysian Fields Forever
Book three in the Sentinels of New Orleans series is by far the most blood-soaked story thus far, so naturally it would be my favourite, right? Featuring an axe-wielding serial killer, no less. One whose crimes are getting disconcertingly closer to DJ's neck of the woods. Coincidence? Yeah, she wishes. And so once again our favourite female wizard is in the centre of a shitstorm of epic proportions, and if only that were the worst of her problems!
Oh, I loved this one. Here is a book that's not only a satisfying read in its own right, but also plants seed after seed of future intrigue as Johnson introduces her Long Game. And I have to say, judging by this book, I simply cannot wait to see where she's planning to take us next!
As well as dealing with the Axeman of New Orleans in his undead but frighteningly corporeal form, DJ has some very interesting personal issues to address in Elysian Fields. Some good, some not so good, and some that she's just been plain avoiding for far too long. There was also a lot more emphasis made here on the elves this time around. They've been somewhat in the background up until now, wanting little to do with the rest of supernatural kind, but when they step out of the shadows they sure do it in style! And with some humongous repercussions for DJ, I might add. Not happy with her bond with Charlie, the elven staff, they make their feelings known in true elven tradition: trickery, sneak tactics, and mind games.
Dealing with the elves proves a challenge for DJ. I've mentioned before that she's quite forthright - no wallflower is our Dru - but this poses a problem among the elves who, as a race with a very healthy superiority complex, see her as little more than a mongrel mutt. While not the most violent of the races as a general rule, that doesn't mean their methods of getting their way are a walk in the park. Mental torture being just as effective as the physical kind. Yes, our girl is put though the wringer in this one alright. She may never be quite the same again...
As well as all that, there's another gigantic development. I wish I could tell you what it was, seriously I do. It's a plot twist worthy of the only best UF writers. Not necessarily something you wanted to happen ( like, not at all), and yet you'll be d y i n g to see how it all pans out. You've been warned!
On a slightly more frivolous note, this pesky serial killer malarky doesn't stop DJ from finding time for some romance in Elysian Fields. Nuh, uh. And what a fine hunk of man she picks for her playmate! I bet you want to know who it is, don't you? Hee hee! I'm not telling, but I'm happy. Take from that what you will :)
To sum up, this was yet another great read in a series shaping up to be one of the high flyers of its genre. Absorbing from page one, I couldn't have asked for more.
5 Stars ★★★★★
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
You might also like to read my reviews for the first two books in the series below:
Elysian Fields Forever
Book three in the Sentinels of New Orleans series is by far the most blood-soaked story thus far, so naturally it would be my favourite, right? Featuring an axe-wielding serial killer, no less. One whose crimes are getting disconcertingly closer to DJ's neck of the woods. Coincidence? Yeah, she wishes. And so once again our favourite female wizard is in the centre of a shitstorm of epic proportions, and if only that were the worst of her problems!
Oh, I loved this one. Here is a book that's not only a satisfying read in its own right, but also plants seed after seed of future intrigue as Johnson introduces her Long Game. And I have to say, judging by this book, I simply cannot wait to see where she's planning to take us next!
As well as dealing with the Axeman of New Orleans in his undead but frighteningly corporeal form, DJ has some very interesting personal issues to address in Elysian Fields. Some good, some not so good, and some that she's just been plain avoiding for far too long. There was also a lot more emphasis made here on the elves this time around. They've been somewhat in the background up until now, wanting little to do with the rest of supernatural kind, but when they step out of the shadows they sure do it in style! And with some humongous repercussions for DJ, I might add. Not happy with her bond with Charlie, the elven staff, they make their feelings known in true elven tradition: trickery, sneak tactics, and mind games.
Dealing with the elves proves a challenge for DJ. I've mentioned before that she's quite forthright - no wallflower is our Dru - but this poses a problem among the elves who, as a race with a very healthy superiority complex, see her as little more than a mongrel mutt. While not the most violent of the races as a general rule, that doesn't mean their methods of getting their way are a walk in the park. Mental torture being just as effective as the physical kind. Yes, our girl is put though the wringer in this one alright. She may never be quite the same again...
As well as all that, there's another gigantic development. I wish I could tell you what it was, seriously I do. It's a plot twist worthy of the only best UF writers. Not necessarily something you wanted to happen ( like, not at all), and yet you'll be d y i n g to see how it all pans out. You've been warned!
On a slightly more frivolous note, this pesky serial killer malarky doesn't stop DJ from finding time for some romance in Elysian Fields. Nuh, uh. And what a fine hunk of man she picks for her playmate! I bet you want to know who it is, don't you? Hee hee! I'm not telling, but I'm happy. Take from that what you will :)
To sum up, this was yet another great read in a series shaping up to be one of the high flyers of its genre. Absorbing from page one, I couldn't have asked for more.
5 Stars ★★★★★
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
You might also like to read my reviews for the first two books in the series below:
kathydavie's review
4.0
Third in the Sentinels of New Orleans urban fantasy series revolving around DJ Jaco, an overworked Sentinel wizard.
I did receive this story ARC from the publisher.
My Take
Johnson has some interesting twists on the loup-garou, the dead, and magic in general, and she takes it and runs in this opening. It's an easy enough, basic opening: serial killer back from the dead with the good guys trying to figure it out. Without telling at least one of the party the background truth.
She incorporates worries about Jake's psychological condition and how other people's perceptions can color our own. Something to keep in mind in our own lives. Of course, we don't have to be worried about shapeshifter hearing… I do like how Johnson wrote Jake's reactions. They felt so real, how a real person might react if they had been forced into Jake's situation. Johnson takes excellent advantage of this to create yet more problems for the besieged DJ.
Lots of personal tension what with DJ's worry that she may turn loup, the wizard crazy house, whether Alex will have to put Jake down, Alex's sudden turn at hot romance, and then Rand's offer and his actions after bonding. It complicates things all the hell up.
I did love that DJ had some problem with her fire control when Adrian was oh-so-condescendingly teaching her how to use her elven magic. But, what I don't understand is if Adrian has a master's-levels in elven magic, why would he disregard DJ's elven abilities?
I love that DJ is so protective of Eugenie and how she thwarts Rand's attempts at...seduction?? Yeah, I don't like the Elders insta-judgements and their bias about anything anyone can do better than they.
That settles it. The sky is falling. Alex is endorsing one of Lafitte's plans.
Awww, DJ feels bad that she's screwing everything up. I say she's simply being consistent in her stupidity, although Alex calls it her chaos.
I can't believe how pushy Rand is. How much he thinks he can get away with! He completely ignores whatever she says?! Of course, DJ being such an idiot has dropped herself right into his lap.
It's heavyhanded and shallow, even as Johnson does a nice set-up for future issues; I know I'll want to read number 4 when it comes out.
The Story
It's a serial killer come to life, well, a sort of life and DJ and Alex debate whether Ken is ready to learn about the other side. He's already indicated an interest in being the NOPD liaison with DDT; he's just not ready to hear what that really means.
The elves are pressuring DJ to meet with them regarding Mahout, and Zrakovi wants Adrian (!) to teach DJ how to use it. Oh, right...
And the Axeman is after DJ.
The Characters
Drusilla "DJ" Jaco is a Green wizard who wears Gyffindor pjs and is the Sentinel for New Orleans. That FBI badge is a fake! She's also part elf, which explains Charlie, her elven staff which the elves call Mahout. Sebastian is the unwanted, sneaky chocolate Siamese she inherited from her father. Eugenie, a beauty shop owner, is DJ's best friend, but fully human. And she's so in love with Rand.
Alex Warin is an enforcer (with a black-and-white view on the world) for the wizards, able to turn into a pony-size dog, and is now Jake's boss on the FBI's Division of Domestic Terror (DDT) unit. He had been DJ's cosentinel. Jake Warin is a loup-garou with shaky control who happens to own a bar, the Green Gator; Alex is his cousin, who believes that training and working for the DDT will help Jake with his control.
Jean Lafitte is, yes indeed, the infamous pirate who walks between the Beyond and New Orleans. Always the businessman, always an eye out for the deal. And always an eye out for DJ. Rene Delachaise is a merman friend of Lafitte's as well as DJ's friend after events in River Road, 2.
Quince "Rand" Randolph started up a landscaping business across the street and cattycorner from DJ: Plantasy Island, and he has an unhealthy interest in DJ when he 's supposed to be dating her best friend, Eugenie.
Ken Hachette is a homicide detective with the NOPD and a friend of Jake's. Dr. Adam Lyle is a Yellow wizard and Houston psychiatrist helping in the aftermath of Katrina. Louis Armstrong is one of the dead, and he's happy to help DJ out as it seems that the Axeman loved Louis' jazz. He's also been seeing a lot of Jake…hmmm…
Adrian Hoffman is the insensitive, overbearing, condescending jerkwad Speaker of the Elders and a Blue wizard. I know I'd like to smack him around. For days. Turns out Adrian's daddy, Gregory Hoffman, is First Elder, and he's angry with Willem and DJ for chastising Adrian for events in River Road. Willem Zrakovi is head of the Elders for North America. Jonas Adamson is the only registered necromancer in the area.
Denis Villere is a cantankerous merman from River Road, 2. He and his clan have been consigned to the Atchafalaya Basin (I love saying that word!) because of their actions.
The Axeman was a serial killer in the early part of the twentieth century in New Orleans. Joseph Isaacson appears to be his latest victim.
Etienne Boulard is the Regent of Vampyre in New Orleans based at L'Amour Sauvage, a vampire club. He's an old friend of Lafitte's. And he was a wizard who could do necromancy when he was alive. Terri Ford is his assistant. Lily, an elf, wants to do business. Dani is a naughty vampyre.
The Congress of Elders rule the wizards and the rest of the supernatural community. If an ability or power isn't something they can wield, it either doesn't "exist" or they make it illegal. Green Congress wizards are "the geeks of the magical world", using potions and ritual magic. Red Congress wizards do physical magic---the flashy stuff. Yellow Congress specializes in mental magic. While artistic and creative, the Blue Congress is usually in charge of reconstructing crime scenes if it turns out the crime is not supernatural. Sentinels are wizards in charge of cities or regions and keep an eye on the boundary between the Beyond and our world, the Now. Enforcers are part FBI prete team and part assassin. Ittoqqortoormiit is a remote wizard outpost in Greenland specifically for the incarceration of whacked-out wizards.
The Beyond is another plane of existence that lies alongside our own where Vampyre, Faerie. and some lesser territories are located. With this latest treaty, any preternatural being (prete) can walk on over.
The Elven Synod has become aware of Charlie (known as Mahout by the elves---and belongs to the Fire Elves clan), and they're not happy about a wizard who can wield elven powers. Mace Banyan is the head of the Synod as well as the chief of the Awyr, or Air. Yep, the same one who tried to fry DJ's brains in River Road. There are four elven clans: Awyr, Ddaear (Elves of the Earth; Betony is their chief); the Dwr (Elves of the Water; Lily is their chief); and, the Tân (Elves of the Fire). Vervain is chief of the Tân and Rand's mom.
The Cover
The cover is greenish grays and reds as DJ grasps Charlie and stares out at us in defiance, standing in front of a wrought iron fence.
The title is a misnomer as there is nothing about this story that comes close to being Elysian Fields...unless it's the very end?
leabookjoy's review
5.0
French & English reviews
Mon tome préféré jusqu'ici <3
Ce que j'ai adoré :
- l'intrigue avec l'Axeman et tout ce qui en a découlé était EXTRA !! Très intense avec beaucoup d'intrigues tordus, de rebondissements etc.
- l'intrigue avec le "loup garou" qui m'a tenu en haleine jusqu'au bout (et les conséquences ... Je comprend pourquoi Dru a fait ce qu'elle a fait mais je sens les emmerdes poindre ...)
- j'adore Rene, tellement amusant <3
- Lafitte <3 Sa relation avec Dru évolue de plus en plus et très naturellement au fil des livres et la fin quand ... PFIOULALA <3
- La fin ... TELLEMENT DE POSSIBILITES pour la suite !!
Ce que j'ai moins aimé :
- les scènes de sexe ne sont pas top ... Ce n'est pas que c'est mal écrit, c'est juste qu'il n'y a rien, c'est plat, vide, sans passion ... Et c'est bizarre parce que les scènes de flirt sont WOUAH
- Alex Warrin. Dans ce tome, mais même si j'ai lu pas mal de reviews de personnes qui sont fans de lui, pour moi, à part le fait qu'il soit sexy et qu'il se transforme en chien, je le trouve plat et un peu trop carré pour Dru ... Je ne vois pas vraiment comment il pourrait faire un vrai couple vu que la raison principale pour laquelle il a l'air de l'aimer c'est parce que d'autres sont attirés par elle et qu'il la soutient jamais vraiment ...
- le "secret" de Rand était un peu facile et j'ai trouvé que Dru était plutôt passive par rapport à ça ... Je veux dire vu toutes les emmerdes qu'elle a eu avant, j'aurais pensé qu'elle se serait plus investie !! Bon heureusement Rand a l'air d'être un personnage plutôt complexe, un peu une carte mystère qui peut tout sauver ... Ou foutre la merde ><
- je trouve qu'Eugénie ne sert pas à grand chose et perso je la trouve un peu chiante ><
Bref, j'ai hâte de lire le prochain livre et voir toutes les conséquences de ce qui est arrivé x)
PS: #TeamPirate
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My favorite tome so far <3
What I loved:
- the plot with the Axeman and all that result from it was EXTRA !! Very intense with lots of twisted intrigues, twists and turns etc.
- the plot with the "werewolf" that kept me breathless until the very end (and the consequences ... I understand why Dru did what she did but I feel the bad thing coming ...)
- I love Rene, so funny <3
- Lafitte <3 Her relationship with Dru evolves more and more naturally over the books and the end when ... PFIOULALA <3
- The end ... SO MANY POSSIBILITIES for the next book !!
What I liked less:
- the scenes of sex are not great ... It is not that it's badly written, it's just that there is nothing, it's flat, empty, without passion ... And it's weird because the flirting scenes are WOW !!
- Alex Warrin. In this book, but even if I read quite a few reviews of people who are fond of him, for me, apart from the fact that he is sexy and that he turns into dog, I find him flat and a little too forthright for Dru ... I don't really see how they could become a real couple since the main reason why he seems to like her it's because others are attracted to her and he never really supports her ...
- Rand's "secret" was a bit too easy to guess and I found that Dru was rather passive compared to that ... I mean regarding all the problems she had before, I would have thought she would have been more invested !! Fortunatly, Rand seems to be a rather complex character, a mystery card that can save everything ... Or fuck up everything ><
- I found Eugénie not really useful and personally I find her a bit boring ><
In short, I can't wait to read the next book and see all the consequences of what happened x)
PS: #TeamPirate
Mon tome préféré jusqu'ici <3
Ce que j'ai adoré :
- l'intrigue avec l'Axeman et tout ce qui en a découlé était EXTRA !! Très intense avec beaucoup d'intrigues tordus, de rebondissements etc.
- l'intrigue avec le "loup garou" qui m'a tenu en haleine jusqu'au bout (et les conséquences ... Je comprend pourquoi Dru a fait ce qu'elle a fait mais je sens les emmerdes poindre ...)
- j'adore Rene, tellement amusant <3
- Lafitte <3 Sa relation avec Dru évolue de plus en plus et très naturellement au fil des livres et la fin quand
Spoiler
elle lui tire dessus- La fin ... TELLEMENT DE POSSIBILITES pour la suite !!
Ce que j'ai moins aimé :
- les scènes de sexe ne sont pas top ... Ce n'est pas que c'est mal écrit, c'est juste qu'il n'y a rien, c'est plat, vide, sans passion ... Et c'est bizarre parce que les scènes de flirt sont WOUAH
- Alex Warrin. Dans ce tome,
Spoiler
Dru et lui finissent enfin par coucher ensemble- le "secret" de Rand était un peu facile et j'ai trouvé que Dru était plutôt passive par rapport à ça ... Je veux dire vu toutes les emmerdes qu'elle a eu avant, j'aurais pensé qu'elle se serait plus investie !! Bon heureusement Rand a l'air d'être un personnage plutôt complexe, un peu une carte mystère qui peut tout sauver ... Ou foutre la merde ><
- je trouve qu'Eugénie ne sert pas à grand chose et perso je la trouve un peu chiante ><
Bref, j'ai hâte de lire le prochain livre et voir toutes les conséquences de ce qui est arrivé x)
PS: #TeamPirate
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My favorite tome so far <3
What I loved:
- the plot with the Axeman and all that result from it was EXTRA !! Very intense with lots of twisted intrigues, twists and turns etc.
- the plot with the "werewolf" that kept me breathless until the very end (and the consequences ... I understand why Dru did what she did but I feel the bad thing coming ...)
- I love Rene, so funny <3
- Lafitte <3 Her relationship with Dru evolves more and more naturally over the books and the end when
Spoiler
she shoots him- The end ... SO MANY POSSIBILITIES for the next book !!
What I liked less:
- the scenes of sex are not great ... It is not that it's badly written, it's just that there is nothing, it's flat, empty, without passion ... And it's weird because the flirting scenes are WOW !!
- Alex Warrin. In this book,
Spoiler
Dru and he finally end up sleeping together- Rand's "secret" was a bit too easy to guess and I found that Dru was rather passive compared to that ... I mean regarding all the problems she had before, I would have thought she would have been more invested !! Fortunatly, Rand seems to be a rather complex character, a mystery card that can save everything ... Or fuck up everything ><
- I found Eugénie not really useful and personally I find her a bit boring ><
In short, I can't wait to read the next book and see all the consequences of what happened x)
PS: #TeamPirate
laden_bookshelf's review
3.0
I read this book after the first in the series (but not the second) as part of a Goodreads First Reads drawing. There is a shit ton of stuff going on in this book. I didn't feel lost not having read the second novel and this one takes place three years after the first. Predictable love triangle is predictable and - other than using my LEAST FAVORITE urban fantasy trope EVER - I liked this. It expands the world, has solid action and more pirates.
hgranger's review
3.0
Pretty good storyline, decent action scenes, and a protagonist who isn't afraid to take charge. I love the New Orleans setting, and I like that DJ is brave and reasonably smart in her decisions.(Back-up! A plan! No whining!) The ending was a bit messy though and the love story (stories...🙄) is not terribly convincing. DJ needs to reduce the number of men she's interested in before it makes sense that she's settled on one of them.
sookie458's review
3.0
I like this series. It's funny, light and entertaining. And everbody wants to sleep with DJ. But I can't resent it because I enjoy keeping the score. I only hope she'll give Jean a chance.
catkensi2's review
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I liked the main character and the slow burn romance a lot. It was different from what I normally read, but it was good.
chllybrd's review against another edition
4.0
Our favorite New Orleans characters are back in Book 3 ELYSIAN FIELDS. I am always amazed at the world building that goes into these books. There has been something in each installment that has made me put the book down and Google away trying to find out more information. In ELYSIAN FIELDS that ended up being Six Flags New Orleans. Once Suzanne started describing it in the book I had to learn more and she was totally spot on with descriptions. I thoroughly enjoy how she brings the area into her books.
DJ of course has grown a lot since book 1. She has climbed in rank and has great allies on her side. Her personality pulls me in and brings me back again and again. She gets targeted a lot by the bad guys but I love the way her and her allies always manage to handle it. Jake has a lot of issues. He still has not come to terms with himself being loup-garou and he ends up losing it in front of DJ early on in ELYSIAN FIELDS. The whole situation spirals into other things and plays a big part of what the book is about. I really love Jean Lafitte. He always manages to surprise me. I love the way Suzanne has written him and continues to grow his character. Quince the neighbor who is dating DJ's other neighbor and friend, was introduced to us in book 2. He has a bigger role in ELYSIAN FIELDS. He ended up being a complete surprise to me. Can I get a FINALLY on the relationship front between DJ and Alex. My goodness did that take forever to move along. It is always 1 step forward, 2 steps back with these two. I expect that there will be some giant back steps in book 4 but I liked the development between them in ELYSIAN FIELDS and hope it sticks.
I enjoyed ELYSIAN FIELDS. It was again a great mix of world building, characters, history and adventure. The pace was consistent with a plot that was always advancing. The Sentinels of New Orleans series is great to get lost in.
DJ of course has grown a lot since book 1. She has climbed in rank and has great allies on her side. Her personality pulls me in and brings me back again and again. She gets targeted a lot by the bad guys but I love the way her and her allies always manage to handle it. Jake has a lot of issues. He still has not come to terms with himself being loup-garou and he ends up losing it in front of DJ early on in ELYSIAN FIELDS. The whole situation spirals into other things and plays a big part of what the book is about. I really love Jean Lafitte. He always manages to surprise me. I love the way Suzanne has written him and continues to grow his character. Quince the neighbor who is dating DJ's other neighbor and friend, was introduced to us in book 2. He has a bigger role in ELYSIAN FIELDS. He ended up being a complete surprise to me. Can I get a FINALLY on the relationship front between DJ and Alex. My goodness did that take forever to move along. It is always 1 step forward, 2 steps back with these two. I expect that there will be some giant back steps in book 4 but I liked the development between them in ELYSIAN FIELDS and hope it sticks.
I enjoyed ELYSIAN FIELDS. It was again a great mix of world building, characters, history and adventure. The pace was consistent with a plot that was always advancing. The Sentinels of New Orleans series is great to get lost in.