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This match-up scares me a bit. I expect there will be missing limbs, blood and clumps of fur left in the ring afterward. But no one said becoming the alpha was easy or pretty. Both Beast Lord Curran (from Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels series) and Jericho Z. Barrons (from Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series) know the pains one suffers in leading others. They’re willing to make the sacrifices necessary to put the needs of the world before their own.
I know who I’ll vote for, but do you? Remember, only one can emerge victorious.
You can get a refresher on just what this Alpha Showdown thing is here, but a key point to remember: Each poll is open for only 48 hours. Then, the champion will advance to the next round until only one alpha remains. So, vote while you can. (Jump to the poll)
CurranYou know him from: Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews
First appeared in: Magic Bites (review | get a copy)
Supernatural status: Lion shifter, Beast Lord
Championing for Curran: Lily from ShadowKissed.com
Let’s just get this all out of the way, and crown Curran as the ultimate alpha right now. It’s not like any of these other ‘alphas’ actually have a chance.
This were-lion is no cuddly kitten, though there are many women who wouldn’t mind stroking his, uh… ego. As the Beast Lord of Atlanta he has ruled the pack, a thousand-strong group of shapeshifters, with an iron hold for the past 16 years.
His golden hair and smoky grey eyes may lull you a false sense of security, as you fantasize about inappropriate activities with him, but don’t get too distracted. In moments, this incredibly sexy man can be replaced by a humanoid beast standing eight feet tall with teeth as big as dinner forks. At the age of 15 he left the head of a 2,580 lb. were-Kodiak, who had gone berserk, on the steps of the capitol. More recently he ripped the head from a troll with his bare hands.
The thing that makes him the ultimate alpha, though, is not necessarily his insane strength, or his skill in battle, but the fact that he’s observant and shrewd. He uses diplomacy and intimidation, breaking into violence only as last resort.
Jericho Z. BarronsYou know him from: The Fever series by Karen Marie Moning
First appeared in: Darkfever (review| get a copy)
Supernatural status: Wouldn’t you like to know? Just accept he’s ‘other’
Championing for Barrons: Bells from Hanging with Bells
BARRONS! This one word says it all. Just by seeing or reading his name causes women everywhere to conjure up images of red satin sheets, crimson and black tattoos, and dark and dirty seductive thoughts. These thoughts run rampant when thinking of Barrons. Why is he the ultimate alpha? He is carnal. He is an animal. You want to be ravaged by him. He knows this, and so he has lots of swagger. He knows that you want him and he knows that you can’t handle him. He will be too much and not enough at the same time. He messes with your mind and afterwards he leaves you speechless and wanting more. You can never have too much of Barrons.
To put it all in a nutshell, Barrons is very dangerous. He’s been around for a long time and is a natural leader. Everyone fears him including the very powerful Fae. He cannot be defeated and trust me you want to be on his team. He is sin incarnate all wrapped up into the body of one man. Barrons does what he wants, says what he wants, and doesn’t care what you think or if your feeling are hurt. He is one bad mofo!
If you survived today’s brutal choice, we hope you’ll come back for more tomorrow when Raphael (Guild Hunter) and Kate Daniels enter the ring. You can see the full bracket, and keep updated on which polls are open by visiting the Alpha Showdown page.
I am voting for Jericho…Fever series all the way….
I’d have to go for Curran — personal hormones aside, I’d prefer him as a leader hands down, any day. Ultimately, at the end of the day, my alpha is going to be the one who I can count on to take care of his pack, to be willing to sacrifice himself and work for the greater good, and so my choice is clear. I’d go for Barrons if I was thinking lifemate, but he’s not really leader material. Sure, he can cow everyone, but that’s not all a leader needs to do.
Does anyone else think the brackets were stacked? You’ve got Barrons, Curran, and Raphael on one side. Who does that? Barrons is most likely going to win the whole thing, but he should be going up against either Curran or Raphael or even Eric – not Bones or Jace (and I don’t even know who Jace is). Meh :/
I mean Barrons should be going up against either Curran or Raphael or Eric only in the finals, not to get to the finals. It’s like tennis – you don’t put everyone good in the same rounds or else final is a letdown.
Brackets were weighted based on the number of votes each character received in the nomination round. That’s how the match-ups were determined.
We had 16 STRONG alphas from the beginning, so it’s going to be hard battles throughout.
DIdn’t know about the nomination round. Thanks for the clarification
When it comes to Alpha’s I have to go with Curran. Curran is generous with his pact, and at the same is strick when it comes to following the rules. He is honest and up front, while thinking ten steps ahead. He is a plotter and a planner.
Barron does plan, but he only plans for himself and not those around him. His goals relate to him and Mac only. He can be generous but only when it doesn’t cost him anything.
And while Barron has taken out a Fae Princess Curran has taken out a God and helped take out a 6,000 year old monsteress. Barron plots and plans, moving people around to do his bidding, while Curran plots, plans and leads the attack. I have to say there is no contest and vote for Curran!
Definitely Barrons. You can’t find anyone more alpha than him!
While I adore Curran I think Barrons would win. Especially since he has his eight who could fight right along side him(Like he’d even need it).
Yes, but Curran has 500 shapeshifters under his command!
But Barron’s 8 can’t Die… and the shapeshifters are kinda mortals aren’t they?
But just because Barrons and his eight can’t die doesn’t mean they can’t be beaten in a fight and even if Barrons got killed and came back regenerated then surely Curran could beat him again (since he would likely have healed any injuries thanks to Lyc-V). Besides Curran has killed a God before and aren’t they supposed to be immortal?
I love both of these series. However, by far, Barrons is the sexier of the two. He is strong but drips with sexuality and sensual aura. Other women have difficulty controlling themselves in his presence. Curran is sexy but most people fear him. He seems to reserve his sensual side for Kate only.
I don’t mean any offense, but this is about who’s most alpha, not sexiest.
You are so right!!! There is no question who is most Alpha… and I don’t want to hear that Curran is not sexy….
Meaning of Alpha = Leader. Forget that Barrons’ is a loner who doesn’t give a damn about anyone’s feelings. He gets the job done, and done right. With eight others guys who are as strong and bad@rse as he is. If I’m lost somewhere and utterly helpless… Barrons. He is SEXY and does the job RIGHT. That’s Alpha enough for me. 🙂
Kate, I think that Curran’s ruthless, can be a total ass, protective, calculating, and compassionate. And of course, sexy as hell XD
Definitely Curran. He’s my dream guy as well as a great leader 😀
the other you agrees 😀
I thought I should not vote because I don’t know Curran (Haven’t read the books) but later I thought that even if I had read the books I would still vote for BARRONS! It took me 5books to get to know him and like him but now I’m stuck with him!!!!!
I know what you’re talking about. Barrons’s an irrreplacable character. But I voted for Curran anyway, because as sexy as Barrons is, he gives me the creeps. If there is really a Barrons out there in our world, you feel like no place in the wrold is safe. And if this is a contest about Alpha, not drop dead gorgeous men, I think Curran deserves to win.
I have to vote for Barrons. Who else is there? Maybe Northman, but only as a close second. Who is Curran anyway?
Curran is the Beast Lord … so watch out! 😀
Curran FtW…. Barrons is awesome, but he’s not a true alpha
Curran is sexy AND he can lead his ppl justly =P
He’s THE ultimate alpha =P
“The status of the alpha is often achieved by means of superior physical prowess.” BARRONS all the way! Even the Shades who suck the life from everything they touch are afraid of him. “The individual in the alpha position usually changes when another challenges it to a fight, in some species to the death, and wins.” Hello–Curran can die. BARRONS can’t. Guess who’d win? “In some species, a nomadic individual may approach the alpha, successfully beat him, and thus become the new alpha. When this occurs in the lion community, the new alpha usually kills the previous alpha’s cubs. In addition, several lions may share alpha privileges in what is usually called a coalition.” Ha, can you see BARRONS in a coaliton? Teaming up to fight the good fight? And what’s all this about “leadership”. Who said being alpha meant being a leader? Alpha means the biggest, baddest, toughest f&ck around and that’s BARRONS hands-down.
LOL amen 🙂 Barrons is the definition of Alpha.
Curran’s smart.He’d find a way to kill Barrons.Maybe a good K’ Vrucking
😉
Barrons is all kinds of awesome and sexy. But he isn’t the Alpha that Curran is. Alpha is more than just being a broody know-it-all (once again, yes Barrons is hot, just not the most Alpha imo).
Those that have yet to read Kate Daniels series, you really need to find out all about the delish HEMAN that is Curran.
JZB all the way.
Just read on Moning web site that if Barrons wins she is going to write a sex scene from Barrons POV. PEOPLE VOTE FOR BARRONS.
This is a very strong argument…. but I can’t be unfaithful! Love my Kitty (sorry Lion)!
The thing is about JZB — if you’ve read ALL the books, you know the reason WHY he plots and plans and is all secretive, so in my opinion that shows how far he will go for someone he cares about, even if it seems like there is no hope– just think how he’d care for a pack if he were a pack animal. (The fact is that you can’t really judge between the two based on how Curran cares for his people simply because JZB isn’t a pack animal–he’s far more of a loner. But if he were, I believe he would handle the responsibility just as well.)
The definition of ALPHA: being the most prominent, talented, or aggressive person in a group.
We as a society have attached “leadership” qualities to the title, but ultimately, Alpha just means whoever had the biggest balls to challenge their leader and sharpest bite to kick his ass.
Between the two of these *fine* gentlemen? Jericho Barrons, hands down.
BARRONS for sure.
Barrons all the way baby. There’s noone/nothing like him 😛
CURRAN ALL THE WAY!
Curran is called the God-killer for a reason. Barrons couldn’t touch him. Go Curran!
Freaking Barrons! Omg *swoons*
Alph-
adjective
8. a. (especially of animals) having the highest rank of its sex in a dominance hierarchy: the alpha female.
b. being the most prominent, talented, or aggressive person in a group: the alpha male of investment bankers.
There is not a thing about leader in that definition. Barron all the way, he is the personification of Alpha…(to be fair I have not read the other series yet, but dreams of Jerico Barrons keep me up at night). It really isn’t a contest.
How can you ask me to choose against the two sexiest men in my fantasy universe? Also, the two scariest.
I can’t do it.
Personally, I think if these two went up against eachother, no one would be left standing. Just molecules.
But sadly, Curran couldn’t come back from that and evidently Barron’s could.
To me, Alpha is the biggest, baddest, dominating, smartest and sexy male in the group — and under that definition, there is no real contest — Barrons all the way!!
It will always, always be Curran for me…
Jericho Barrons is the Alpha and the Omega. Let’s not kid ourselves, Curran can’t hold a candle to JZB. Anyone voting for Curran, has not read the Fever series…does not know Jericho.
P.S. Let’s not compare victories and who leads his pack and who doesn’t because we do NOT KNOW what Jericho is…who, why and what he leads. We don’t know how he came to be, who he was before or anything about his 8! We do know that he is feared and will protect those he loves…he is goal-driven and courageous. He’s confident and bold…he’s untouchable. 🙂
I love Curran, but he’s just a….kitty! LOL Love me some Barrons!
Barrons is the ultimate dominant Alpha.
To me, Curran personifies the alpha persona. Protective, fearless, strong, stubborn, and will kill just about anything in his path to take care of those under his rule.
As far as voting for Curran, it’s just a matter of preference yes? I’ve read both series. Both authors do a remarkable job of setting up those characters and the motivations behind their actions. But I have more of a feel for Curran as a leader, alpha and a hero than I do JZB and thats why I would choose him over Barrons.
Oh Barrons! Oh yes most definitely Barrons!
I have read both series as well, and I’m voting for Curran!
Curran all the way, baby!
Barron would be all ‘heh, goldilocks’.
Curran will be all ‘pow’ *growl* ‘Only Kate calls me goldilocks.’.
Lol, so true =)
Barrons for the win for me!! 🙂
Jzb all the way.
Curran doesn’t make me want to shot myself with all his stuborness like Barron does. :I mean answer a freaking question already Barrons!!! No need to be cryptic: ahem I love Curran! His funny, smart and bad for Kate’s health.
BARRONS outdoes ANYONE!!! Shades fear him, he will go to the ends of the Earth to protect what’s his–and doesn’t baby anyone, he’s a natural leader in the sense that he makes those WORK HARD to be the best they can! Mac didn’t become the awesome kick-butt heroine all on her own, she was trained by Barrons day in and day out. If anyone is to be proclaimed for their leadership skills, it is BARRONS, HANDS DOWN!!!
Jericho is the epitomy of everything sexy, strong and masculine…wish they were made like that in real life…I also have not read the Ilona Andrews series but I am done the entire Fever Series, which I am so in love with, love all KMM books, and thanks to this contest I am going to head the the bookstore tomorrow and check Curran out :), but there is big time competition for him because JZB is my guy.
JZB!!!!!
Alpha = Barrons That’s all
Jericho Barrons!
BARRONS, men want to be him and women want to f*ck him! Just say his name and you will get a reaction. He is the Ultimate Alpha Male!
IMO, the Fever series (or at least the first 3 books; I’ve only read those) is cheesy, and Barron is the cheesiest part of it. I’m picking Curran because he doesn’t make me LOL everytime he shows his “alpha” side.
Barron all the way. He’s cool.
Three words, Jerricho F*****g Barrons!!! On the plus side, KMM says we get a steamy sexy scene told from Barrons POV when he is crowned the ultimate alpha male!!!!!!!
Jericho Z. Barrons
JZB!
Love both series and I came from Ilona’s blog, but I’m voting for Barrons on this round. Don’t want to shag either of them, but Barrons is just more alpha than Curran is, IMO.
I have to say Barrons though its a pretty even match. Barrons can’t die and that means he won’t shy from potentially deadly moves. He won’t hesitate. He won’t fear. He will just attack and keep coming back until the opponent is dead and that is how he will win. That and his use of magic. Curran will give a great battle though because he can order 1000 shape shifters to attack and keep attacking. Curran also goes into a battle rage and becomes a berserker. That would be a battle to behold.
This is the hardest choice I’ll make all day. I can’t argue with anyone. I love Curran and Barrons Usually I can make a decision but these two are two of my top three.
Who’s the third?