It’s time for former Alpha Showdown champions to battle one another. We expect this is going to be a difficult round for everyone, especially these two alphas.
The Beast Lord Curran from Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels series easily beat Simon in the first round. (Though to be fair, many commenters said they had to read The Others series to find out more about Simon. And they should! The books are awesome.) Barrons had a much stiffer battle as he took on the No. 2 seed Jane Yellowrock, but the mysterious man from Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series prevailed.
Both Curran and Barrons have proven themselves time and again, but who will win this fight?
You decide.
We’ve lined up excellent bloggers to fill you in on why each alpha deserves to advance. Read the pitches, and then make the call.
You know him from: Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews
First appeared in: Magic Bites (VBC Review | Amazon)
Supernatural status: Shifter, Werelion
Championed by: Kathy F. from Stellar Four
At this point, it seems laughable that I have to write about Curran’s qualifications as biggest alpha in the G-D Supernatural Fantasy Universe. Does this former winner and multiple nominee need more than “It’s Curran, whose roar soils the undies of every adversary?”
All right, perhaps you require more convincing. This is the badass that united all of the shifters in magic-torn Atlanta into a Pack so strong the other biggest badass in this world sees Curran as a threat to be removed. He’s ripped the heads off gods, gone claw to claw with rogue vampires, and attended more boring meetings and weddings than a person should have to bear. His roar makes the primitive part of your brain scream “Run away!” even though you know by the time he’s seen you, it’s too late.
Being an alpha is so much more than the ability to rip your opponent to shreds in a nanosecond. There is the sense of responsibility to others, reputation for action, a commanding presence that makes everyone ask “how high” when he says “jump.” We’ve seen Curran’s protective nature spread from his Pack to his new family with Kate, and on to the whole city of Atlanta. That’s right, his alpha-ness is growing as the series progresses and he does it all without being a raging douchecanoe.
You know him from: Fever series by Karen Marie Moning
First appeared in: Darkfever (VBC Review | Amazon)
Supernatural status: Other
Championed by: Jannelle from VBC | @JannelleReads
Barrons is not just an alpha—he is the alpha. His presence demands attention and subservience in the most primal of ways. His visceral nature is understood by every species in our beloved paranormal worlds as he is all about the primitive dominance of every one and every thing. For my fellow fans of the Fever series, you will know that Barrons is not a man of words, but a man of action. And if you’re not familiar with the series, well, now you know. Barrons gets things done, and if that means getting down and dirty, then he will be more than happy to do so.
You see, Barrons is the proverbial bad boy. Except that unlike every other bad boy cliché, there’s no hope of turning him good. He’s wild and dangerous, transforming that raw energy into the best kind—the sex kind. Barrons’ sexual magnetism is woven through every stance, word and gesture. It fills up the space around him and presses up against you until you can’t breathe without want of it.
But best of all? Barrons is honest, and (like the rest of you) I can appreciate that. While I’m not one for quotes, I think Barrons might be able to explain himself better than I could:
“I’m not the hero, Mac. Never have been. Never will be. Let us be perfectly clear: I’m not the antihero, either, so quit waiting to discover my hidden potential. There’s nothing to redeem me.” – Shadowfever
Whichever of his forms he is in—beast or… “Human”—you are experiencing an alpha male. There is no doubt that by voting for Barrons, you are voting for the winner of this Alpha Showdown because he always comes back.
Who are you putting your money on: Curran or Barrons?
At the request of last year’s voters, we’re going back to traditional polls for the voting, but keep reading for your chance to win awesome books. Your to-be-read pile could always use more. Trust us.
Participating in the Alpha Showdown is all about fun, and free books totally lead to fun, right? We hope you’ll find lots of great new reads during the Showdown, and to help that along, we’re giving away some stellar reads.
With Round 10 we’re giving away one copy of House Immortal by Devon Monk. This urban fantasy made our Best of 1014 list for a reason. Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter. Open internationally.
How can Barron’s be losing
Thats what I would really like to know. Barrons is the alpha of alphas and IMMORTAL!
Because it is Curran! The best AM out there 😀
I know, right!? I mean, I like Curran, too. But come on! This is BARRONS!!
I voted Barron. At least watching this vote has brought my attention to a new series to read!!
No!! I like both!
voted 🙂
BARRONS because I haven’t read the other series yet so I know nothing about him
Sadly I haven’t read any book by Karen Marie Moning, but I would have chosen Curran everytime 😉 I just love His Highness lol
I voted for Curran but I was surprised (but very pleased) that he was winning.
How do you choose between Curran and Barrons?! Both are awesome.
Ok this round is THE hardest for me :/
Curran.
i love both but i’ll go with Barrons!!!
Wow, tough choice but I do think that Barrons has the edge here… At least for me;)
My vote is for Curran.
I love both series, but I have to pick Curran. The problem is that I can’t list the reasons without giving spoilers. If you have not read the Kate Daniels series, put it at the top of your TBR list. It is terrific and the books get better as the series progresses. Oh, and as for Barron’s being immortal, he does die and then comes back later. The only question is how many times would Curran have to kill him before he has enough?
Actually I think the question is how fast Barrons can kill Curran, a few nano seconds I guess. Curran is no match for JZB.
It’s Curran for me. I am addicted to all things by the super-author duo that is Ilona Andrews. Kate Daniels’ world is one of my favorites.
Curran all the way!!!
definitely Curran
ITS ONE VOTE PER PERSON!!!!
A very tough choice, but I voted for Barrons
Curran, and it’s a difficult vote. My vote would have been different though if Jane Yellowrock had beaten Barrons.
I will have to go with Curran.
This was a really hard one. While I’d want Curran to win in a fight, I think Barrons would come out on top.
Curran. Always Curran! =D
My gosh, people. Were talking about a man who’s literally invincible. Barrons could have a knife in Currans heart faster then he can blink. Barrons has Voice, he could even control Curran. You people aren’t seeing the picture: Barrons has every edge and skill, he’s been alive for millennia, and is immortal, he cant die. I like Curran and am really looking forward to the next Kate Daniels book but this is JERICHO BARRONS! DID YOU PEOPLE EVEN READ THE BOOKS? He’s faster, he’s stronger, he’s more ruthless, more durable, has the ability to cast spells, the ability to control people, the ability to shapeshift into a animal tougher and stronger then Currans Lion form, has the ability to come back to life, doesn’t feel fear, has only ome weakness and thats Mac and he uses that weakness to make him stronger. Open your eyes, Curran wouldn’t even engage in a fight against Barrons become even he knows its a lost cause. You cant beat Barrons.
Obviously not everyone agrees.
Obviously some people aren’t very smart.
Currrrrran!!! Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
I absolutely love both of these guys and this is really tough! I think I’ll go with both lol
Totally LOVE Curran–and like Barrons a lot–this a really hard one, so I’m gonna say…Reyes Farrow!
CURRAN!!!!
My two favorite characters of all times…argh…
I honestly think that Barrons would win in a fight (he’s immortal, so there’s no question, Barrons would win against absolutely just anyone)
But that’s precisely why I pick Curran. I mean, during a battle or a fight, he risks his life. When he puts himself in danger to protect Kate or his friends, he really risks his life for them.
So, I love absolutely both of them, but i choose Curran..
Thats really interesting, I never thought if it that way. But Barrons has suffered for millennia, searched for centuries and centuries for a way to end his son’s suffering all the while suffering with him. I cant think of a single person-fictional or otherwise-that can make it through that. And this is mainly about who would come out on top in a fight, Thats Barrons. Which is why I am so confuddled-yes I invent my own words, it means confused- as to why Barrons is losing by so many votes.
Don’t be confused, it simply means more people like Curran.
Barrons!!! Why are you losing?!?!?! I dont understand!!!! How is this even possible?!?! Were talking abouy THE alpha of alphas!!!
I wish people would stop voting for Curran more then once, i’m litterally watching the points go up for him by 3 everytime I refresh the page, this has been going on for a solid 10 minutes. These games are seriously rigged.
Wooooow how surpirsing that people are once again cheating the system so their favourite character will win. Im simply astonished, just oh so amazed. You can knock me over with how surprising that is.
My gosh, can’t we have at least one fair round?
You can’t vote more than once. It will say, “Thank you, we have already counted your vote”. Anyone can confirm this. I’m honestly surprised people are pointing fingers and crying “cheaters!” or “rigged!” just because their favored fictional character is losing.
Lol oh please, all you hve to do is exit the screen and go back to the website, its the easiest thing, anyone can do it. Your just bitter.
What the heck? Even the editor of the website said their were ways to cheat the system. I figured out how to do it withen 3 minutes. I dont vote more then once though because its not fair and i’d like to have a accurate match but not everyone is going to do that, most just want their favourite character to win. How can you even say that??? Mayb you should know all the facts before you accuse others of being sore losers.
People are not cheating, nor is this in any way “rigged”. The poll has a system in place to prevent “poll spamming”, or what you accused others of; cheating. It tracks all incoming votes based on the unique IP address. So you can’t open different browsers or vote on your phone, because they all use the same IP address (internet source). That’s why you’ll get the “We’ve already counted your vote” message.
In all seriousness, people that accuse others like this kills the fun spirit of the competition.
Wow….i dont even know what to say to that. You realize that its like super easy to vote more then once? Just cuz u havent figured it out doesnt mean its not possible. Im fully for a fair match so i’ll only vote once but others arent going to do that.
Curran for the win. But it would be a really epic fight.
Why do I always happen to choose the underdog? Come on, Barrons!
I like them both. But Barrons has it all!
People!! It’s Barrons we’re talking about here. How could you not vote for him?!
This is a tough one but Curran will always be my favorite Alpha.
Mh, this is hard. The Man who can’t be killed vs the Killer of Gods… It should be the final at least!
I have to leave thid choice to fate, and the response is… Curran.
Sorry JZB >__<
Those who voted for Curran haven’t read Karen Marie Moning’s BARRONS.
I read the Fever series! And voted for Curran.
Then you are not smart.
BARRONS!!!! 🙂
my question is not how Barrons lost, but why with all the women in this alpha bracket have Mac Or Dani/Jade been nominated?
my question is not how Barrons lost, but why with all the women in this alpha bracket have’nt Mac Or Dani/Jade been nominated? – See more at: http://vampirebookclub.net/alpha-showdown-2015-round-10-curran-vs-barrons/comment-page-2/#comment-37317
Omg your so right, we hardly get any female nominations and their all crushed within the first rounds. Totally nominating Mac from Fever, Cat from Night Huntress, and Merit from chicagoland vamps next year.
We didn’t get any nominations for Dani this year at all!
Jane Yellowrock came in high in the nominations, though.
I’d love to see more women in the showdown.
What….? Did Barrons really lose? Am I in a bad dream?
Unfortunately not…but i’m all for pretening it never happened.
Someone needs to nominate Dani/Jada next year!
Will definitely do!!! And Cat!!!!
First: So glad so many of you are enjoying this year’s Showdown. Your emails and tweets make my day. 🙂
Second: There will always be people who game the system. It sucks, but the Showdown is primarily about sharing love for books and discovering great new books to read. I hope you’re doing that!
Third: Please do not post comments explaining how to game the system for the poll. I will delete it. We want this to be fun, and encouraging everyone to sneak around Poll Daddy’s system is the opposite.
Ok so maybe that was shortsited….my bad.
No worries. I didn’t think you were being malicious. Just trying to keep the comments friendly and in keeping with the spirit of the event.
But I hadnt meant to encourage, i had meant to explain and demonstrate how easy it is to bypass the system to the people who were very defensive over the possibility that their character might not have won fairly.
Question, how do you nominate a character?
Without a doubt JZB !!!!! Barrons is THE ALPHA
AGREED!!!!!!!!
AGREED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Really want to nominate Dani/Jada next time! She’s stronger than both Ryodan and Barrons!
ok well…that’s debatable.. she’s not actually stronger then Barrons or Ryodan but I do still love her and will definatly be nominating her next year.
She’s definitely faster atleast. lol.
Lol true!!!
Barrons to the end, baby!