I’m super excited to have author Suzanne Johnson stopping by the blog today! If you’re a fan of DJ and the Sentinels of New Orleans series you’re going to love this early sneak peek at Elysian Fields Suzanne is sharing with us…and if you’re new to the series, I highly recommend them!
First, a very happy second Blogoversary to Lori and Romancing the Dark Side!
The months before a new book release are always kind of a “hurry up and wait” thing, so I’m impatiently waiting for readers to be able to see what’s up with the characters of my Sentinels of New Orleans series…only Elysian Fields isn’t out until August 13!
So while you’re wondering how our wizard DJ’s going to react to that last scene of book two, River Road (you know the one, where Alex changes the rules—yeah, I knew you’d remember), here are a few other things for you to look forward to…
MAKE ROOM FOR ELVES! DJ is the only wizard with enough elven DNA to do some of their funky magic, and in Elysian Fields, we’re going to find out just how funky it is. You’ll renew your acquaintance with Mace Banyan, head of the Elven Synod, who made a brief appearance in River Road. You’ll meet the other members of the Synod. And if you think these are going to be tights-wearing, pointy eared, ethereal, noble elves a la Lord of the Rings, think again!
NEW PRETES ON THE BLOCK. In Elysian Fields, the vampires will come out to play for the first time. You’ll meet Etienne Boulard, a Regent (think marshal), and will visit his French Quarter club, L’Amour Sauvage. The big preternatural groups (wizards, elves, vampires, shifters and fae) are beginning to align themselves politically. We’re not yet sure whose side the vampires are on, but we’ll have some theories by the end of the book…and an interesting new wrinkle.
PROMOTED TO MAJOR CHARACTER STATUS. A few characters who’ve had smaller roles in the series will step up to big parts in Elysian Fields. Quince Randolph, DJ’s suspicious hippie landscaping neighbor and boyfriend of her friend Eugenie, will finally show his hand. You might love him, you might hate him, but Rand won’t bore you. Adrian Hoffman, the “speaker” of the Elders who’s been a bit player in both Royal Street and River Road, likewise is elevated to star status in this book. DJ calls him the “the world’s most annoying wizard,” but through Adrian we’ll finally get to see the kind of “creative magic” Blue Congress wizards can do.
BACK WITH A VENGEANCE. Well you know our girl DJ Jaco will be back, along with the elven staff she calls Charlie. Her skills, both wizard and elven, are going to be greatly tested, and her relationships with Alex Warin, Jake Warin, and, yes, even the undead pirate Jean Lafitte will all take twists that might be unexpected. She’s forced to make some difficult choices when her back’s against the wall, and they have greater long-term consequences than she could have imagined. And back by popular demand will be DJ’s new BFF, Rene Delachaise. Our favorite Cajun merman is always ready for an adventure, babe.
Are you new to the Sentinels series? I have a signed copy of Royal Street or River Road for a commenter (and River Road, by the way, will be out in trade paperback on June 25). Already a Sentinels fan? How about a swag pack that includes pens, coasters, bookmarks and maybe even a “Member, New Orleans Prete Squad” T-shirt? Are you Team Alex, Team Jake or Team Jean Lafitte? (Yeah, I know he’s technically dead, but DJ does have a weakness where the pirate’s concerned.)
Suzanne Johnson is the author of the Sentinels of New Orleans urban fantasy series from Tor Books. Royal Street, book one, came out in April 2012; River Road in November 2012. Book three, Elysian Fields, will be released on August 13, 2013.
{Open Internationally}
howdy suzanne..
thx u for the chance to win one of ur books 🙂
Hi Nurmawati–thanks for stopping by!
Congrats to Suzanne on the success of her series! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks, Erin! I’m just ready for that third book to get here 🙂
I can’t wait to read these books. Suzanne is a new author for me. Thanks!
Thanks, hope you get a chance to check them out!
As a fan of the Sentinels of New Orleans series I anxiously await Elysian Fields. Thanks for the little sneak peak with Suzanne. Team DJ.
Thanks, Roger! Getting closer….slowly!
I’ve enjoyed the first two books in this series. Looking foward to the third.
Thanks, Sandy! I hope you like EF when it FINALLY comes out 🙂
I can’t wait for Elysian Fields! I love this series.
Thanks, Jennifer! I hope the series fans like the new one…it’s a WILD ride with some surprises.
^^ Elysian field is teh only reason why i would be to be already in august^^
i guess i more them Jean ( though jake isn’t bad but i do like Alex too… i understand why DJ can’t choose^^)
LOL. If it weren’t for that little “undead” business, DJ would be all over Jean like a cheap sheet 🙂 She does have a little issue with that, though. But you never know…
I loved Royal Street. Still have to get the second book I will confess. I’m waiting for the cheaper paperback to be released. (yes, I’m a pig on a budget 😉
Ha–I do understand that, believe me! RR comes out in paperback on June 25!
I thought River Road was a great read, even better than Royal Street! Can’t wait to see what happens in Elysian Fields!
Thanks,
Leanne
Thanks, Leanne! Honestly, I also liked River Road better and thought it was a stronger book…and I like Elysian Fields even more. 🙂
I love this series! I switch your books out with Michelle Sagara’s and Seanan McGuire’s in my Librarian’s favorite picks at where I work. The swag pack would nicely show off my Team Alex spirit (so I say).
Yay, Katy–that’s awesome! Thanks for helping get the word out. I need to get some Team Alex shirts, I think….
Team Alex definitely! But Jean LaFitte has a special place in my heart. Love the swag pack! Can’t wait to see what trouble finds DJ and friends next.
Oh, Liz. DJ gets into so much trouble in Elysian Fields, from so many different directions, the pirate ends up being her most trusted ally. *zips lips…can’t say more*
Thank you for the giveaway. i would love to read your books. They sound very good.
Thanks, Victoria–hope you get a chance to try them!
I would love the chance to get into this series, thank you so much!!
Kassandra
sionedkla@gmail.com
Thanks, Kassandra!
oh, i would really love to win the signed copy !! thanks for the chance Suzanne 🙂
Thank you, Mariska–glad you stopped by!
You had me at elves.
The books do look amazing. I’m trying to see if the books will be a trilogy or a larger series?
Thank you for the chance to win. I have been wanting to read this series.
Hey Suzanne! Thanks so much for the international giveaway! Can’t wait to read your books 🙂
Haven’t read any of these, but it sounds great!
This is a series I’m dying to start.
Thanks for the chance to win!
I can’t wait to start this series!!
I want this!!!! I have been wanting these for awhile now, they look excellent. I love reading anything set in or near New Orleans, great city!! Thanks for the chance.
Hello. I still haven’t read your book, but i really like the cover books. I just hear about your books from another blogs. Hope i can read soon.
Hi 😀 Ahh, I really want to read this book. <3 Thank you both so much for the chance to win it :D
Love, Carina
Thanks for this post Suzanne, looking forward very much to read Elysian Fields. I so want to know more about the elves. And I am Team Jake all the way.
Seem promising, would love to have the book xD
Thanks for the post, Suzanne. I love the artwork for your cover, Cliff Nielsen doing a good work!
I love the covers and the books sound amazing. Definitely a series I need to get a hold of and involved in.
Suzanne, you’re amazing! you know that??