Title: Royal Street
Author: Suzanne Johnson
First published April 10, 2012
336 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780765327796 (ISBN10: 0765327791)
Rating: 3.67
Overview
Welcome to New Orleans, where Drusilla Jaco is the junior wizard sentinel tasked with keeping the city safe from supernatural threats. With potion-mixing and pixie-retrieval under her belt, DJ’s job is far from glamorous.
However, when Hurricane Katrina hits, the borders between the modern city and the Otherworld crumble, unleashing hordes of undead and restless spirits. To make matters worse, DJ’s boss and mentor, Gerald St. Simon, has gone missing, and a voodoo-connected serial killer is on the loose.
With the help of a grenade-toting assassin assigned as her new partner and the undead pirate Jean Lafitte, DJ sets out on a dangerous mission to find Gerry and stop the killer before it’s too late. But as she soon learns, duty mixed with love and loyalty requires sacrifice in this thrilling and mystical tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
About the Author
Suzanne Johnson is a talented author known for her captivating urban fantasy and paranormal romance novels. Her Sentinels of New Orleans series is particularly noteworthy, as it takes place in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and features a unique blend of magic and mystery.
In addition to her work under her real name, Johnson also writes under the pen name Susannah Sandlin. Her Penton Legacy series and Collectors series have garnered critical acclaim, as has her standalone paranormal romantic thriller, Storm Force.
She is also the author of the Wilds of the Bayou series, which transports readers to the heart of the Louisiana swamps.
Johnson’s impressive body of work includes many novels and novellas, including Royal Street, River Road, Elysian Fields, Pirate’s Alley, Belle Chasse, and Frenchman Street. She has also published a story collection called Pirateship Down and a novella titled Christmas in Dogtown.
Sandlin’s books include Redemption, Absolution, Omega, Allegiance, Illumination, Lovely, Dark, and Deep, Deadly, Calm, and Cold, Chenoire, Wild Man’s Curse, and Black Diamond. With so many engaging titles to choose from, there’s something for everyone in Johnson’s and Sandlin’s collections.
Keep an eye out for Johnson’s upcoming story collection, Jackson Square, set to release in the fall of 2020.
Editoral Review
Suzanne Johnson’s debut novel, “Royal Street,” blends elements of urban fantasy, mystery, and romance to create a unique and engaging story. Set in post-Katrina New Orleans, the book offers a vivid and atmospheric portrayal of a city struggling to recover from disaster.
The protagonist, Drusilla Jaco, is a wizard and member of the historical and secretive wizarding community known as the “Sentinels.” After a powerful hurricane strikes the city, Drusilla finds herself caught up in a dangerous conspiracy involving magic, politics, and a mysterious supernatural drug.
In addition to Drusilla, the book features a diverse cast of characters, including werewolves, vampires, and other magical beings. Johnson does an excellent job of developing each character, giving them unique personalities and motivations that drive the plot forward.
The book’s setting is also a standout feature. Johnson’s descriptions of New Orleans are rich and detailed, capturing both the city’s beauty and its struggles.
The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina is a constant presence in the story, adding a layer of depth and realism to the narrative.
One of the book’s strengths is its pacing. Johnson keeps the story moving at a brisk pace, with plenty of action, intrigue, and romance to keep readers engaged.
The plot is well-structured, with several twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end.
The book’s themes of justice, loyalty, and sacrifice are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding depth and resonance to the story. At the same time, the book doesn’t take itself too seriously, with plenty of humor and wit sprinkled throughout.
While “Royal Street” is a strong debut, there are a few areas where the book falls short. Some of the dialogue feels a bit forced or cliched, and there are moments where the story relies too heavily on coincidence or convenience.
Overall, however, “Royal Street” is an impressive debut that will appeal to fans of urban fantasy, mystery, and romance. Johnson’s skillful world-building, engaging characters, and fast-paced plot make for an enjoyable and satisfying read.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
