Book Review: Elysian Fields by Suzanne Johnson

Elysian Fields
Author: Suzanne Johnson
Publication: Tor Books (August 13, 2013)

Description: Elysian Fields by Suzanne Johnson is the fun, fast-paced third book in the Sentinels of New Orleans, a series of urban fantasy novels filled with wizards, mermen, and pirates. These novels are perfect for readers of paranormal fiction and “fans of Charlaine Harris and Cat Adams” (Booklist) and RT Bookreviews agrees that “for readers missing Sookie Stackhouse, this series may be right up your alley.”

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.

My Thoughts: As usual, DJ Jaco is up to her ears in trouble. As the lone Sentinel in New Orleans, she has to deal with all sorts of preternaturals. Her most immediate problem is the historical undead serial killer the Axeman who has made his way back from the Beyond and begun a new killing spree. He seems to be targeting DJ. But older problems haven't gone away. Since being adopted by an elven magical object, she has drawn the attention of the elves who don't think she should have it.

She also has her usual man problems. She is juggling Jake Warin who has turned loup-garou and who is having trouble controlling the anger issues that come with it, Alex Warin who was her former partner and who is now her next door neighbor, new neighbor Quince Randolph who is dating her best friend and who sets of her creep meter, and historical undead pirate Jean Lafitte who has a very flexible moral code but who is devoted to her.

This story is action-packed and fast paced. DJ seems to go from one hazardous situation to another as she tries to figure out how to permanently send the Axeman back to the Beyond before he kills her, tries to figure out what the elves want with her, and tries to figure out the complex set of alliances that are being formed in the preternatural world in the wake of Hurricane Kristina. Oh, yes, she also has to figure out what to do about being scratched by Jake and possibly turning loup-garou herself.

DJ is not the usual kick ass urban fantasy heroine. She seems to draw trouble like a magnet and gets out of it again through a combination of brains, magical potions, and the help of her friends. She is concerned with her appearance and has a quirky turn of phrase. She is fun to read about.

I recommend the whole Sentinels of New Orleans series and highly recommend this entry into the series.

Favorite Quote:

He was tall, powerfully built, black-haired, cobalt-eyed, a shameless flirt, and talked with a raspy French accent that made me swoon even though he was technically dead. In other words, I had a bit of a problem with Jean Lafitte and my own common sense being present at the same time.

This one was on my TBR mountain. I bought it in August. You can buy your copy here.