Home of the Alpha Showdown, and one-stop shop for urban fantasy, paranormal romance and fantasy news and reviews.
In an effort to help you keep that to-read list updated, I’ve compiled the hot urban fantasy and paranormal romance releases for January 2013. All dates are U.S. and tentative. Also: Click the title of any book to visit the Amazon page for pre-order or purchase goodness.
I’ve included genre classification with each book: UF is urban fantasy, PNR is paranormal romance, F is fantasy and YA is... 
It’s so much fun seeing what book y’all are recommending as the best book of 2012. (Many of you have named some of the ones you’ll see in my top list. You have excellent taste.) If you haven’t voted yet, you still have time! Plus, by nominating your favorite book you get entered to win any book VBC has reviewed—and that is more than 250 choices.
For those of you who have been... 
Outpost (Razorland #2)
Ann Aguirre
Published: Sept. 4, 2012 (Feiwel & Friends)
Purchase at: Book Depository or Amazon
Reviewed by: Chelsea
Rating (out of 5): 4 stars
Note: This review is spoiler-free, but does assume you’ve read the first novel, Enclave.
The first Razorland novel, Enclave, opened heroine Deuce’s eyes to the real world. In that first book, she learned not to blindly accept... 
In an effort to help you keep that to-read list updated, I’ve compiled the hot urban fantasy and paranormal romance releases for September 2012. All dates are U.S. and tentative. New this month: Click the title of any book to visit the Amazon page for pre-order or purchase goodness.
I’ve included genre classification with each book: UF is urban fantasy, PNR is paranormal romance, F is fantasy and YA...
I love the world Ann Aguirre has created in her Razorland series (VBC review of Enclave). The young adult dystopian series is clever, edgy and addictive. Not only is Ann offering up signed books in this Books Fighting Cancer auction, but she’s working on a short story set in the Razorland world and she’ll let the highest bidder design the main character’s love interest — name,... 
Double dose of Ann Aguirre awesomeness
If, like me, you were sucked in by Ann Aguirre’s young adult novel Enclave, you’re itching for its sequel Outpost. I have to things to help quell your cravings. First, we finally have cover art with some serious creeptastic elements. Second, my other home (Heroes & Heartbreakers) has an exclusive short story called “Endurance” set in the... 
It’s that time again. I spent far too much time attempting to whittle down the 100+ books reviewed on VBC this year to the absolute best. So, as those Amazon and B&N gift cards start rolling in, just use this list as your shopping guide. I personally promise the extreme awesomeness of all the novels listed below.
Also, at the very end you’ll see the VBC Readers’ Choice winner (which... 
Lessons from Readers & ‘Ritas
I spent last Saturday at the Readers & ‘Ritas convention. My BFF Kristin from My Bookish Ways and I had a complete blast spending the day with many of our favorite authors. A few things I learned:
1. Kristen Painter is of the “go big or go home” mentality when it comes to costumes. She dressed up as one of the noble vampires from her House of... 
Well, it’s no secret I loved Jaye Wells’ Red-Headed Stepchild (spoiler-free review). If you’ve already finished the book and are itching to chat, the spoiler discussion thread is now up. I’m really looking forward to hearing what you think of Sabina, Giguhl and everyone else.
It’s already time to start thinking about the December group read. (I’ll give you a moment to... 
Trailer time with Julie Kagawa and Cassandra Clare
Since the last Book Bits we’ve gotten two delicious trailers for YA books. First, we have the trailer for The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa (which I suggest you pre-order). As one who is firmly Team Ash, I’m particularly excited about this book, but I also love the inclusion that the reason things are messed up for him is, of course, because of a... 
