Home of the Alpha Showdown, and one-stop shop for urban fantasy, paranormal romance and fantasy news and reviews.
The Winter Long (October Daye #8) Seanan McGuire Published: Sept. 2, 2014 (DAW) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: purchased Reviewed by: Amy Rating (out of 5): 5 stars You know when Seanan McGuire states in the acknowledgements, “Everything I have done with October’s world to this point has been for the sake of getting here, to the book that you now hold in your hands,” she means... 
Sparrow Hill Road (Ghost Stories #1) Seanan McGuire Published: May 6, 2014 (DAW) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: purchased Reviewed by: Amy Rating (out of 5): 5 stars Rose Marshall was on her way to prom when her car was plowed off the side of the road. Rose didn’t survive the crash and now, nearly 60 years later, her ghost is legend among travelers. She’s known as “The Girl in the... 
In an effort to help you keep that to-read list updated, I’ve compiled the hot urban fantasy and paranormal romance releases for May 2014. 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 young adult. MAY 1... 
Chimes at Midnight (October Daye #7) Seanan McGuire Published: Sept. 3, 2013 (DAW) Purchase at: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: purchased Reviewed by: Amy Rating (out of 5): 4.5 stars Note: While this review will be spoiler free, it will reference events from previous books in the series. We suggest starting with Rosemary and Rue. Chimes at Midnight picks up roughly three months after the events... 
In an effort to help you keep that to-read list updated, I’ve compiled the hot urban fantasy and paranormal romance releases for March 2014. 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 young adult.... 
Ashes of Honor (October Daye #6) Seanan McGuire Published: Sept. 4, 2012 (DAW) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: purchased Reviewed by: Amy Rating (out of 5): 5 stars Note: While this review will be spoiler free, it will reference events from previous books in the series. It’s been roughly a year since the tragic events in One Salt Sea. During this year Toby has become increasingly... 
One Salt Sea (October Daye #5) Seanan McGuire Published: Sept. 6, 2011 (DAW) Purchase at: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: purchased Reviewed by: Amy Rating (out of 5): 4.5 stars Note: While this review will be spoiler free, it will reference previous books in the series. If you haven’t started his series yet check out VBC’s review of book 1, Rosemary and Rue. Everything for Toby has been a little... 
Late Eclipses (October Daye #4) Seanan McGuire Published: March 1, 2011 (DAW) Purchase at: Book Depository or Amazon Review Source: Purchased Reviewed by: Amy Rating (out of 5): 4 stars Note: While this review will be spoiler free, it will reference previous books in the series. Check out VBC’s review of book 1, Rosemary and Rue. Toby’s curiosity is peaked when she receives a summons from the Queen of... 
Halloween is kind of a big thing at VBC headquarters, and sometimes that means reading something spooktacular. If you’re itching for a good collection of urban fantasy and horror, I highly suggest reading the Carniepunk anthology. So much so that we’re having a giveaway today. I have one copy of Carniepunk signed by authors Jaye Wells, Mark Henry and Nicole Peeler. In addition to their awesome stories,... 
An Artificial Night (October Daye #3) Seanan McGuire Published: Sept. 7, 2010 (DAW) Purchase at: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: Purchased Reviewed by: Amy Rating (out of 5): 4 stars Note: While this review will be spoiler free, it will reference previous books. If you haven’t started this series yet, check out VBC’s review of book 1, Rosemary and Rue. Toby’s friends Stacy and Mitch enlist Toby’s... 
