Step into the vibrant, spell-soaked streets of post-Katrina New Orleans with the Sentinels of New Orleans series by Suzanne Johnson, an urban fantasy gem that blends magic, mystery, and the soul of the Crescent City. Follow Drusilla 'DJ' Jaco, a junior wizard sentinel, as she battles supernatural chaos in a world where Hurricane Katrina tore open the veil between the mundane and the magical, unleashing everything from undead pirates to feuding merpeople.
With its rich New Orleans setting, witty heroine, and inventive magic system, this series is a love letter to the city’s resilience and a thrilling ride for fans of Charlaine Harris or Jim Butcher. Ready to explore a world where voodoo, history, and wizardry collide? Let’s dive in!
How Sentinels of New Orleans Began
Suzanne Johnson, a longtime New Orleans resident and veteran journalist, crafted the Sentinels of New Orleans series from her deep connection to the city and its post-Katrina struggles. Inspired by her own experiences during the hurricane, Johnson imagined a world where the storm’s devastation weakened the magical barriers separating New Orleans from the preternatural Beyond. Published by Tor Books, the series debuted in 2012 with Royal Street, introducing readers to a fresh urban fantasy universe grounded in real-world emotion and fantastical flair.
The Heart of Sentinels of New Orleans
The series kicks off with Royal Street, where DJ Jaco returns to a ravaged New Orleans to find her mentor, Gerry St. Simon, missing and supernatural breaches wreaking havoc. River Road, the second book, sees DJ tackling a magical contamination of the Mississippi River amid tensions with Cajun merpeople. Elysian Fields ramps up the stakes with an undead serial killer hunting DJ, while Pirate’s Alley dives into the murky politics of the supernatural Interspecies Council. Each novel, named after iconic New Orleans streets, blends action, humor, and a touch of romance.
Johnson’s world-building shines through her vivid depiction of New Orleans, from the French Quarter’s charm to the swampy bayous, infused with local traditions and historical figures like the undead pirate Jean Lafitte. Themes of resilience, loyalty, and personal growth weave through DJ’s journey as she navigates love triangles, magical challenges, and her evolving role as a sentinel. The series’ unique 'historical undead' concept—ghosts of famous figures living in a parallel 'Old Orleans'—adds a creative twist to the urban fantasy genre.
Why Sentinels of New Orleans Resonates
Sentinels of New Orleans stands out for its heartfelt portrayal of post-Katrina recovery, resonating with readers who connect to its themes of rebuilding and hope. Fans praise Johnson’s ability to balance snarky humor, complex characters, and high-stakes action, often comparing DJ to Sookie Stackhouse but with a sharper edge. The series has carved a niche in urban fantasy, appealing to readers who crave immersive settings and strong, relatable heroines. Its blend of Southern charm and supernatural intrigue keeps fans eagerly awaiting each installment.
- First Book Published: Royal Street (2012)
- Total Books: Six novels, plus novellas and a story collection
- Setting: Post-Katrina New Orleans
- Publisher: Tor Books
Grab Royal Street and dive into the Sentinels of New Orleans’s magical, mischievous world! Whether you’re a fantasy fan or just love a good New Orleans tale, DJ’s adventures will keep you spellbound.