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It makes sense in a battle of ultimate alpha characters that we’d have the primo leaders of their respective worlds in this year’s Alpha Showdown. In Round 7 we have two of the biggest, baddest and most loved leaders.
Raphael is an archangel—leading angels and vampires and watching over humans—from Nalini Singh’s excellent Guild Hunter series. Wrath is the vampire king in J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Both are ruthless in battle, especially when protecting the ones they love, but who will emerge victorious in the Alpha Showdown?
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: Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh
First appeared in: Angels’ Blood (LE Review | Amazon
Supernatural status: Archangel of New York
Championed by: Jackie from Literary Escapism (Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | GoodReads)
It has taken me a bit to put my feelings into words on why Raphael deserves your vote as the biggest, baddest alpha out there. He’s not an easy angel to love. In fact, it can be damn near impossible since he is an archangel. The problem is, he is not just any archangel, but the one who was able to take down another archangel caught in the clutch of madness. The one who rules over North America with an iron will that suggests no weakness.
“Call it what you will but remember this”— he leaned in, 
speaking in an icy whisper that cut across her skin with whip-lash cruelty —“ if I fall, if I fail, the vampires go completely free, and New York drowns in the blood of innocents.” (Angel’s Blood)
He has to be ruthless and unforgiving to those who go against him; but harm any that are loyal to him and there is no rock that could hide you from his merciless vengeance.
No matter how brutal his actions can be, when he gives his love, his friendship, he does so with just as much raw power and savagery. He is a warrior in every sense of the word and will fight to even his own death to ensure those he loves will survive.
If this is death, Guild Hunter, he thought to his mortal as angelfire scored through his bones and touched his heart, then I will see you on the other side. (Angel’s Blood)
How can one not love a man who can be ruthless in his devotion, brutal in his passion, and yet unexpectedly tender when a moment rises?
Eternity would mean nothing without you. For no power on this earth would I trade my Elena. (Archangel’s Legion)
Tearing off the paper, Elena found seven simple words written on the slim wooden handle: Each consort has her own unique weapons. God, she thought, her entire face a smile, her Archangel had serious moves. (Archangel’s Legion)
Simply put, you’re not going to find another alpha who can out-Alpha the Archangel Raphael. He is ruthless when he needs to be, to defend those under his protection, and a loyal friend always.
You know him from: The Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward
First appeared in: Dark Lover (VBC Review | Amazon
Supernatural status: The Blind King, the last purebred vampire
Championed by: Jill from VBC
Wrath is a no-hold-barred badass. He’s the king of the vampire race, but don’t let that fool you, he’s not some pompous politician. He could, and often does, take on anyone and anything. He’s a fierce protector of his people. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He’s exactly the kind of man that you would want to be your friend, your bodyguard, the leader of your people, or your sexy, badass, alpha boyfriend.
He is a very reluctant king. He just wants to be a simple soldier like the rest of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Wrath isn’t made for the simple soldier life, though. He’s way too much of an alpha to be just a warrior. Oh no, he’s the literal king of the warriors.
When some obnoxious posers decide that his chosen mate Beth isn’t vampire enough to be his wife, Wrath takes the throne so that no one will take his leelan. He has single-handedly fought off assassination attempts, evil soul-less demons, and smart-ass brothers, all in day’s work for this alpha king.
Throughout his few years as King, we see him grow as a man and as a leader. We’ve watched him discover love and loyalty, struggle with the heavy burden of leadership, and find the balance in being an understanding leader and not a political push over, all with his sexy shades and ass kickers on.
Wrath has a lot more coming his way, especially with the development in the newest book The King starring Wrath and Beth, set years after their first encounter. Wrath is compassionate, strong, intelligent, loyal, honorable, and this alpha king deserves your votes!
Who are you putting your money on: the archangel or the vampire king?
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 7 we have a two copies of Ilona Andrews’ Burn for Me up for grabs. Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter.
I cannot BELIEVE Wrath is winning. We’re talking about Raphael here, people! He’d kick Wrath’s ass without even trying. :p
I love Wrath and the entire BDB but seriously he can NOT defeat an archangel! Raphael with his angel fire (and who knows what other powers he is developing) wins hands down.
Agreed!
Agreed! Love them both, but it’s Raph…
I love Wrath but I think I may like Raphael a little more. Something about badass angels.
Raphael all the way. He can fly and see – Wrath, not so much.
Raphael, Raphael….
Oh man oh man… Y’all this round is really tough!! I’m looking at this and thinking “I CANT EVEN…” LOL
I had no problems voting until now. I knew who my alphas were. But Wrath and Raphael? Seriously ladies this is torture.
Raphael. I love vampires and i ADORE Wrath but I have to admit that in a showdown Raphael would probrably win.
This has been the toughest one yet but I give a slight edge to Raphael.
I love Wrath. However, Raphael is a very powerful being, and Wrath wouldn’t stand a chance against him.
I am in love with Wrath! He’s amazing and I love BDB!
It think Raphael would win but the problem is J.R. Ward is just so much more well known then Nalini Singh, so there just isn’t enough fans to beat out ward fans….
I think Raphael would win but the problem is J.R. Ward is just so much more well known then Nalini Singh, so there just isn’t enough fans to beat out ward fans….
I went with Wrath. I just can’t help myself!!
Raphael….duh!
Raphael!!! Thanks for the awesome giveaway 🙂
Wrath!!!
Rapheal is an Archangel who can control the elements. Wrath is a well trained if blind vampire warrior. Angels can recover from almost any injury including decapitation, it just takes a while. Wrath would lose.
RAPHEAL!
Raphael, no doubt about it.
Love Wrath.
I voted for Raphael. I have yet to read the Black Dagger Brotherhood series but I’m definitely curious.
Raphael … I have known them both and I choose the Archangel …
I’m seriously shocked Wrath is winning! I personally love him and all but Raphael definitely has a special place in my heart.
Love my Wrath!
I can’t believe Raphael isn’t winning!
The most difficult match up yet. I had to rip a little to Raphael.
Come on people. Raphael all the way hands down
Raphael with one wing tied behind his back!
Raphael should win. Always and forever.
Wrath all the way love the BDB books
How is Raphael not winning this?
I wasn’t sure I’d like Raphael when I first started the Guild Hunter series, but he grew on me, especially once he decided that he wasn’t willing to lose himself to the utterly cold, ruthless state his age and power made possible. I tore through the whole series in not much more than a week — the joy of coming late to an author is having a whole backlist to devour!
I love Wrath! Just finished the book the other day too!
Never got through the BDB series. So Raphael is it!
Love them both! Hard to choose between them!
I love them both! But I have to go with Raphael!
Love them both, but Raphael would definitely come out on top!
Raphael all the way. JR Ward has lost her way with the BDB. I stopped reading those books a long time back. Nalini’s long term works are way more inventive and creative.
I’m a fan of both Alphas, but I voted for Raphael. 🙂 love him~
Raphael all the way
Thank you for the chance!
Wow, separated by 37 votes-941 Wrath vs 978! Great matchup!
For me it is Raphael…He is an angel for god’s sake lol!!
Eeeepp Raphael!
Wrath
As much as I love Nalini’s series I can’t help but vote for Wrath. I so love his charachter
Come on we all know Wrath is the badest one out there and Hot Hot Hot
Sorry, Wrath. But I’m for Raphael!
That might have been the hardest decision of my life so far.
Definitely Raphael. There inst even a question of who would win.
I like Wrath, but he doesn’t hold a candle to Raphael. 🙂