This third installment of the Sentinels of New Orleans series picks up 3 weeks after River Road left off... much more acceptable than the 3 year time span that we had between Royal Street and River Road. This book is more about political drama than the previous two pieces, which surrounded natural disasters. Johnson's plot, character development, and world-building between New Orleans and Old Orleans continues to dazzle me. I can't believe I only discovered these books - I am definitely sharing the word with all my friends so they don't miss out.

A serial killer from the past is after our favorite green wizard, and Drusilla and friends must stop him before he catches her unaware. Drusilla is a leading lady that you can root for - she's strong, quirky, and creative with her magic use. I love that everyone underestimates her but she thinks on her feet and comes out on top. The love triangle is still going in the beginning, but that starts to taper off by the end of this book and I'm glad for it. The love triangle was the only aspect of the series that I did not like.

We have our same group of characters in this book, including love interests Alex and Jake. Plus my very favorite character, debonair undead privateer, Jean Lafitte. What I wouldn't give to go live on Old Barataria with him! We also have some new characters being introduced - the elves! So we finally learn more about DJ's elvish roots. Unfortunately, the elves don't seem overly enthusiastic about the family connection. Drama ensues.

As in previous books, the action does not disappoint. Between the murder, political intrigue, and relationship drama, there is enough mayhem to keep the book fast-paced. This has quickly become one of my favorite series, which is surprising to me because I usually like a little more sexytime in my reads. That just goes to show that if the writing is good enough, the sex can be superfluous. Lucky for me I don't have to wait on the next installment, because I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Pirate's Alley! ( )

4.5 Stars
Really good read! Review to come. ( )

3 ½ Stars ( )

I've read every book in this series. One of my favorite parts is a major spoiler, but I was happy with all aspects of the story. I couldn't put it down. more soon ... & ARC copy provided via Netgalley ( )

Elysian Fields (Sentinels of New Orleans #3) by Suzanne Johnson

Wizard/elf Drusilla Jaco(DJ) is a Sentinels of New Orleans. A necromancer has raised a 1918 serial murderer known as the Axeman, his target is DJ. Dru needs to discover why she is being targeted and who she can trust.

I really enjoyed DJ’s character. She is very well-developed and likable. She is a strong heroine who will not give up. She’s not perfect, which makes her all the more believable and charming. She has a warm heart and is a good friend.

I enjoy the relationship between enforcer/shapeshifter Alex Warin and Dru. For the past three years, they have been good friends. They are both afraid to ruin their relationship by taking things to the next level even though it is clear to most people around them that they should.

I sympathized with Jake Warin, Alex's cousin/loup-garou. He struggles with the changes he has undergone due to the loup-garou virus and how it affects those around him.

When I got this book that I didn’t realize was part of a series. I had no probable following it as a stand-alone. The plot is well done. There is a lot going on buts it is easy to follow.

Elysian Fields had interesting conflicts between the varying groups/species. There is tons of action with never a dull moment. The world Suzanne Johnson created is original and interesting. Elysian Fields was a well-done urban fantasy. I would definitely go back and read the first two books and future books in the series.

Complimentary copy provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )