River Road [Hardcover]

Suzanne Johnson (Author)

Book Description

Release date: November 13, 2012

River Road by Suzanne Johnson is the fun, fast-paced second book in the Sentinels of New Orleans, a series of urban fantasy novels filled with wizards, mermen and pirates.  In the tradition of the Sookie Stackhouse books, these novels are perfect for readers of paranormal fiction and “fans of Charlaine Harris and Cat Adams.” (Booklist)

Hurricane Katrina is long gone, but the preternatural storm rages on in New Orleans. New species from the Beyond moved into Louisiana after the hurricane destroyed the borders between worlds, and it falls to wizard sentinel Drusilla Jaco and her partner, Alex Warin, to keep the preternaturals peaceful and the humans unaware. But a war is brewing between two clans of Cajun merpeople in Plaquemines Parish, and down in the swamp, DJ learns, there’s more stirring than angry mermen and the threat of a were-gator.

Wizards are dying, and something—or someone—from the Beyond is poisoning the waters of the mighty Mississippi, threatening the humans who live and work along the river. DJ and Alex must figure out what unearthly source is contaminating the water and who—or what—is killing the wizards. Is it a malcontented merman, the naughty nymph, or some other critter altogether? After all, DJ’s undead suitor, the pirate Jean Lafitte, knows his way around a body or two.

It’s anything but smooth sailing on the bayou as the Sentinels of New Orleans series continues.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Royal Street, first in the series:

“A vivid debut that’s far more than the sum of its parts… Sympathetic, entertaining DJ is the perfect narrator for a lively tale jam-packed with action, magic, and intriguing plot twists.”
—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“Rarely has an urban fantasy so moved and entertained me on the very same page!  Royal Street offers an insider's view of post-Katrina New Orleans, in all its heartache—and all its heart. A witty, resilient heroine and an irresistible cast make this a sure hit with fans of Charlaine Harris and Jim Butcher.”
—Jeri Smith-Ready, award-winning author of the SHADE and WVMP RADIO series

“Unplug the phone. Turn off the TV. You won’t want to be interrupted. I read it in one sitting. A thoroughly enjoyable world and a likeable heroine make for a fun read.”
—Cat Adams, author of Siren Song

“Royal Street is a great book, bringing totally fascinating magic and people together in a wonderful setting in a perfect storm of urban fantasy.”
—Susan Sizemore, USA Today bestselling author of Primal Instincts

About the Author

SUZANNE JOHNSON lives in Auburn, Alabama, and works as associate editor of Auburn Magazine. She is a veteran journalist with more than fifty national awards for writing and editing nonfiction.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Tor Books (November 13, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0765327805
• ISBN-13: 978-0765327802
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,069,131 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Suzanne Johnson writes urban fantasy from Auburn, Alabama, on top of a career in educational publishing that has thus far spanned five states and six universities (including both Alabama and Auburn, which makes her bilingual). She grew up in Winfield, Alabama, halfway between the Bear Bryant Museum and Elvis' birthplace, but was also a longtime resident of New Orleans, so she has a highly refined sense of the absurd and an ingrained love of SEC football, cheap Mardi Gras trinkets, and fried gator on a stick.

Royal Street, the first in the Sentinels of New Orleans urban fantasy series, was released in April 2010 by Tor Books; book two, River Road, comes out November 13, followed by book three, Elysian Fields, in August 2013.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This series is one you don't want to put down! November 20, 2012

By Mother/Gamer/Writer

Format:Kindle Edition

Originally Reviewed At: Mother/Gamer/Writer
Rating: 5 out of 5 Controllers
Review Source: Blog Tour
Reviewer: Heather

River Road is the second book in the Sentinels of New Orleans series by the very talented Suzanne Johnson. Please, if you have not read the first in her series Royal Street do so now. If you love fantasy and mystery then you shall not be disappointed at all.

River Road picks up with Drusilla Draco (DJ), and the rest of her gang years after the Katrina aftermath we saw in Royal Street. She is now the lead Sentinel for her area, but is a bit miffed that the Elders have kept steamy, shifter, enforcer that is so-still-off-limits on as a Sentinel too. DJ feels she is strong enough, smart enough, and a powerful enough wizard to take care of business without his help, plus he makes more money than she does.

With two murdered members of the Green Congress, polluted rivers, a crazy-sexy famous undead pirate that she made endless promises to when she thought he would die in the beyond, plus the rivalry stewing between Jake and Alex Warin over her, DJ really has her hands full in this novel. I know, it's a bit of a mouthful, but I promise you a lot of action, magic, preternaturals of the fin, fur, and underworld kind, and the mysterious elven staff is back at it again! Even watching her cat through the book brings a chuckle or two, so there is plenty of wit to keep you amused as the story progresses.

Ok onto my thoughts before I am tempted to give far too much of this wonderful story away. First of all I am in love with this series. When emailed asking if I would like to review the second book, I jumped at the chance. The world building is phenomenal, I mean really I want to live in this world. No, it isn't perfect, but between the rich history and preternaturals, I just found it as awesome as JK Rowling's world of Harry Potter, just a US version, with adults, and more grown-up story line. I am a huge HP fan, so this is me saying "`It's all that and a bag of chips" (or whatever we said growing up in the 90's.)

The character development was quite intriguing. While this is written in first person, we still get a real sense of each of them, even though we view them through DJ's eyes. Alex is head strong, masculine, but underneath he really is an awesome, sweet guy. As the story progresses, we get to see it first hand as DJ notices him or notices little changes here and there. The dead pirate Jean we learn can send very uncomfortable signals, and DJ cannot help but be attracted to him, but we also get to see the softer side of the privateer that has her really looking at him in a different light. So while this is a first person POV, you get so much more as DJ not only watches these characters unfold before her eyes, but as she watched their development, readers do too.

Storyline was top notch, and I was sucked into this one big time. There was a perfect balance between conflicts, a progressive love story that has been in the works since the first book, and then the magical action. Laced into this all are the mysteries surrounding not only the murders, but the river pollution. I anticipated every new paragraph, every page, and in the end I left satisfied, but with a taste for more. This series is one you don't want to put down, and you certainly don't want to miss.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent & Original Urban Fantasy November 13, 2012

By Jen K.

Format:Hardcover

My Rating: 4.5 stars: Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)

The story opens with a meeting between our heroine, Drusilla Jaco (aka DJ) and the historical undead pirate Jean Lafitte. The scene is detailed beautifully, and I felt as if I was party to the entire interaction. Jean shares with DJ that 1) there are merfolks living in the New Orleans area, 2) there is something polluting the waters in the area, which is a threat to both pretes (preternatural beings) and humans, and 3) there is a brewing war between two of the mer-factions. Suddenly, DJ finds herself in the middle of a dangerous whodunit mystery with dangers at every turn.

Although I didn't read the first book, Royal Street, Ms. Johnson does a marvelous job of integrating past actions and world-building details into the current storyline. In addition, the descriptive detail provided is beyond marvelous. Similes and metaphors compliment sharp dialogue, fierce action and an intriguing mystery. When put all together, the author paints a richly illustrative image in my mind's eye.

Although one can jump in the series with River Road, there is a bit of a learning curve. The mythology is distinct, and although there are familiar characters such as shifters, wizards and merfolk, their origins and many of their characteristics are unique to Ms. Johnson's series. I had to tweet the author a few questions during the course of reading the book.

Without going into a lot of detail about the different factions and pretes, I will mention a few things I liked a lot. First... I enjoyed the whole wizard congress political set up. It reminded me a bit of Harry Potter in that there is a very complex governing body for all things magical. I love that DJ even wears a pair of Harry Potter PJs! The reader gets a pretty good account of the backbone of the Elders and wizards about a third of the way through the book, and that helped a lot. The primary folks involved in this story are the sentinels (DJ and partner Alex) who seem to me like the inspectors and police of the supernatural world - especially in New Orleans where the doorway between our world and the "Beyond" is opened. In addition there are enforcers who are the military component - security, cleaning up messes, keeping things in line. Oh, by the way, humans know nothing about this world.

I am fascinated by the Elven. DJ is part elf on both sides of her lineage, something that apparently is very rare. We learn a few bits and pieces about this magical, secretive sect, only because DJ herself knows so little. There is much to be learned and some apparent nefarious plots yet to be revealed.

I am a fan our our heroine, DJ. She is girly, but tough. She doesn't know everything, but works to figure it out. She is willing to rely on friends, but also will take charge of a situation. She makes mistakes and may whine a short time, but in the end is resilient!

One thing I didn't quite get is her apparently extraordinary attractiveness. Don't get me wrong, I adore her, but she has three alpha males practically drooling over her, as well as a couple of mermen who wouldn't mind taking her home. First there is Jean Lafitte who appears to have some sort of plans for our heroine. He's attracted to her, but it's almost as if he means to capture and possess her as one of his treasures. He may be good looking and very humanlike - but in the end, he is dead.

Then we have cousins Jake and Alex Warin. Alex is a true, born shifter and DJ's best friend. I don't know their history from the first book, but Alex was awfully flirtatious, jealous and a tad possessive for "just friends." I really liked him, but I was constantly worried that his behavior is more due to competition with his cousin than honest feelings for DJ.

Jake on the other hand is loup-garou (made werewolf). Based on dialogue and memories, it is clear that Jake and DJ were on the verge of something special prior to Hurricane Katrina and Jake turning were. His anger and her guilt kept them apart until the beginning of River Road. With time and forgiveness, the pair seem to have a few sparks. However, Jake's inability to control his wolf kept things moving slowly. I felt for Jake, and want to see him whole and healed. But honestly, I'm not sure who would be the best romantic interest for DJ. Alex is really making a case for himself, and the way things ended... well, I'm anxious to see what is next for our group.

In the end I have to say I really enjoyed River Road! The primary plot is an absorbing mystery and a pretty good one at that. I will admit I didn't know whodunit. And while I am not a fan of love triangles, I appreciate DJ's confusion and the romantic story line is well played thus far. There is much more to learn about DJ and her powers, the elves and DJ's new neighbor. My interest is certainly piqued!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous sequel! Humour, action one of the best Urban fantasy books November 13, 2012

By miki

Format:Hardcover

Fabulous! Above all my expectations; I'm used to Suzanne`s writing style and so far she never disappointed me so I couldn't wait to read this book. However book 1 "Royal Street" was really well written with a great story and I though book 2 was going to be playing in the same league: a really good book. Big Mistake, "River Road" is even better a "must have" for any urban fantasy fan.

This story takes place 3 years after the events of "Royal Street", DJ is still the Sentinel of New Orleans with Alex as a partner since the elders don't trust her enough to handle the job yet. Their relationship has calmed down a bit and now they do trust each other and don't regret their assignment.

We discover a more responsible DJ, not as impulsive as before. She has learned from her mistakes, or is sometimes still trying, and does her best. Still wound by the lost of Gerry, DJ is still afraid to loose someone else or to see someone dear to her being hurt or leaving her. It's the reason she tries her best to stay professional with Alex and when she knows she is doing something that could endanger his position she prefers to let him know afterwards.
She is also more attentive to the "reality" around her and can put the elders and their system in question, discreetly of course - Who wouldn't want to hit Hoffman?-. She is using her own talents and gifts when it's needed; she has accepted her difference and heritage. She still has her pet - or little master ^^- Sebastian, so funny little thing and I understand her feeling when he makes his stink eyes...mine acts more friendly but also part Siamese and I know those eyes too well *brrr*
Now, as for her heart, it's more complicated. No matter how much she denies it she is attracted by Alex, she thinks she has that in control until he decides to act more no matter the competition. Because the competition is there first there is Jake, after being mad at her and disappearing for 3 years, he still wants her and he doesn't fear to tell her, show her and ask for a date. . Then there is Jean Lafitte, immortal historical undead, cunning and sexy, who flirts with her since day one. Not sure if he is that sincere but he doesn't leave her indifferent. For a girl who was mostly alone, it's a bit too much at the same time^^.

I must admit I really enjoy Jean Lafitte. He is fun, intelligent and he knows what he wants -perhaps not concerning DJ- his honour is important and he is really determined. You should not underestimate him. I love it's relation with our favourite wizard even if Alex is also really interesting with her.
In this book, Alex tries to make his feeling known and with someone as DJ that's not an easy task. He goes all alpha and protective on her. Possessive even, when it comes to Jake and Jean, but he is able to see past that for the good of the investigation and DJ's safety. He was so fun this time,I can't tell you why but you could be laughing to tears at some passage of this book^^.

The story in itself is excellent; we have action, suspense and humour all perfectly dosed with a touch of romance to keep our heart beating and a small dose of drama to keep us on toes. The investigation here was original and captivating. Suzanne managed to surprise me with several twists and I wasn't expecting the ending at all. (Though I have high suspicions about Rand...) The humour was welcome and didn't clash with the seriousness of the investigation at all...I laughed so much with this book (Sebastian high on magic , the family dinner so dreaded)that in the end I was nearly crying all the time from laughing or emotion ( some descriptions of "post Katrina" are emotionally charged, DJ's thought on Gerry and Jake) it's so well written that you can't stay unmoved.

Added bonus, we got to meet new creatures: mermen (not new you if you have read "Chenoire", so ^^ jump on it while it's still available), Rene is really a interesting character and I hope we will see more of him. Nymphs (you will love their "human" job) and finally we met one elf, a proclaimed one, an elder really important and not friendly at all. So we can expect a lot of adventure and action in the future. (Jean was so protective and loyal hum ^^ he is winning good points^^)

I really enjoyed the description of the wetlands area and the old New Orleans, we can feel the love Suzanne Johnson has for the region and it's communicative, it really made me want to learn more about it. She is slowly becoming a major author of the urban fantasy with this book.

To recommend wholeheartedly to all fan of urban fantasy and to everyone who wants a really good book to enjoy. So if you haven't started the series yet don't hesitate. You can find my review of book 1 here.
Don't forget that if you preorder/order this book " River Road" a small percentage will go to a funds to help the region suffering from oil pollution, a good deed we can do even as simple human being. A great gift for Christmas or New Year eve