Home of the Alpha Showdown, and one-stop shop for urban fantasy, paranormal romance and fantasy news and reviews.
Archangel’s War (Guild Hunter #12)Nalini SinghPublished: Sept. 24, 2019 (Berkley)Purchase: Amazon or IndieBoundReview source: copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Margaret Rating (out of 5): 5 stars Note: While review will be spoiler free, it does make reference to previous books in the series. If you haven’t started yet, check out VBC’s review of Angels’ Blood.... 
Grave Importance (Dr. Greta Helsing #3)Vivian ShawPublished: Sept. 24, 2019 (Orbit)Purchase: AmazonReview source: Copy provided by publisher/author in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Beth Rating (out of 5): 4 stars Greta Helsing has had, well, quite a year. From murderous monks to being kidnapped by some crazy vampires while in Paris for a work conference, it’s been…a lot. Things have finally... 
Chilling Effect (Chilling Effect #1)Valerie ValdesPublished: Sept. 17, 2019 (Harper Voyager)Purchase at: Amazon or IndieBoundReview Source: Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Amy Rating (out of 5): 4 stars Captain Eva Innocente has been trying to make an honest living with her crew running small cargo around the galaxy for delivery. Even though it barely pays the... 
The Ten Thousand Doors of JanuaryAlix E HarrowPublished: September 10, 2019 (Redhook)Purchase at: Amazon Review Source: Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Amy Rating (out of 5): 4 stars January Scaller grew up as the ward of Mr. Locke, a collector of rare and unique artifacts. Instead of feeling the wealth and privilege of the world in which she resides, she... 
The Girl the Sea Gave Back (Sky in the Deep #2)Adrienne YoungPublished: September 3, 2019 (Wednesday Books)Purchase at: AmazonReview Source: Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for and honest review Reviewed by: Amy Rating (out of 5): 3.5 stars Note: While this review will be spoiler free, it will reference previous events in the series. If you haven’t yet started, check out VBC’s review of Sky in... 
The Unkindest Tide (October Daye #13)Seanan McGuirePublished: Sept. 3, 2019 (DAW)Purchase at: Amazon Review Source: Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Amy Rating (out of 5): 4.5 stars Note: While this review will be spoiler free, it will contain references to previous events in the series. If you haven’t yet started, check out VBC’s review of Rosemary and Rue.... 
Wishful Thinking (How to be the Best Damn Faery Godmother in the World [or Die Trying] #1)Helen HarperPublished: Aug. 26, 2019Purchase: AmazonReview source: copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Margaret Rating (out of 5): 3.5 stars Helen Harper has been on my radar for several months now—everyone seems to love her Slouch Witch series. So when I spotted this first book in a... 
The Blacksmith Queen (Scarred Earth Sage #1)G.A. AikenPublished: August 27, 2019 (Kensington)Purchase at: Amazon Review Source: Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for and honest review Reviewed by: Amy Rating (out of 5): 4 stars The Old King is dead. With his death comes a prophecy that a queen shall rise to the throne. However, this also doesn’t stop the Old King’s sons from fighting for their... 
Sapphire Flames (Hidden Legacy #4)Ilona AndrewsPublished: August 27, 2019 (Avon)Purchase at: AmazonReview Source: Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for and honest review Reviewed by: Amy Rating (out of 5): 5 stars Note: While this review will be spoiler free, it may mention previous events in the series. If you haven’t yet started, check out VBC’s review of Burn for Me. It’s nearing the... 
I recently finished a Netflix rewatch of Lost Girl, which got me thinking that maybe I should revisit some favorite books about the fae as well. But where to start? This took me back to when I was just discovering urban fantasy almost a decade ago. (Please tell me I’m not the only one who feels old now.) Here are some of my favorites. For my fellow binge readers, most of these are completed series. The... 
