Home of the Alpha Showdown, and one-stop shop for urban fantasy, paranormal romance and fantasy news and reviews.
Note: This article was originally published at Heroes & Heartbreakers in 2015. Even after the events of the later Arcana Chronicles books, I stand by my book boyfriend stance on Death. Aric FTW! Plus, I’m pretty ridiculously excited for the new Arcana book The Dark Calling next month. I’m aware I look like a crazy person every time I tack on the #TeamDeath hashtag to a tweet, but I can’t help... 
Markswoman (Asiana #1) Rati Mehrotra Published: Jan. 23, 2018 (Harper Voyager) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Amy Rating (out of 5): 4.5 stars After earning her first “mark” Kyra, at nineteen, has become the youngest current Markswoman for the Order of Kali, the oldest of the five Orders in Asiana. The Orders... 
The Last Namsara (Iskari #1) Kristen Ciccarelli Published: Oct. 3, 2017 (Harper Teen) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: purchased Reviewed by: Beth Rating (out of 5): 4.5 stars Asha is the daughter of a king—but few would dare call her “Princess.” She is fierce—she is the dragonslayer. Her own father set her on that path to save her, and the kingdom, from the ravages of the dragons and... 
The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air #1) Holly Black Published: Jan. 2, 2018 (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Beth Rating (out of 5): 4.5 stars Jude is human, but lives in faerie. As such, she is fully neither one. Tormented by faeries, raised by the man who killed her... 
Everless (Everless #1) Sara Holland Published: Jan. 2, 2018 (HarperTeen) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Amy Rating (out of 5): 4 stars In the kingdom of Sempera time is used as currency, bound to blood, and adhered to iron. When consumed it can extend life for those who imbibe. The Gerlings are a family of the... 
Ever the Brave (Clash of Kingdoms #2) Erin Summerill Published: Dec. 5, 2017 (HMH Books for Young Readers) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Amy Rating (out of 5): 3.5 stars Note: While this review will be spoiler free, it will reference events from the first book. If you haven’t started this series yet, check out... 
Godsgrave (Nevernight Chronicles #2) Jay Kristoff Published: Sept. 5, 2017 (Thomas Dunne Books) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: purchased Reviewed by: Beth Rating (out of 5): 5 stars Note: while this review will be spoiler free, it will make reference to the previous book. If you haven’t started this series yet, check out VBC’s review of book 1, Nevernight. Mia is back—and more fierce... 
Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass #6) Sarah J. Maas Published: Sept. 5, 2017 (Bloomsbury) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: purchased Reviewed by: Jo Rating (out of 5): 4.5 stars Note: While this review will be spoiler free, it will make reference to previous books. If you haven’t started this series yet, check out VBC’s review of book 1, Throne of Glass. Running concurrently to the events... 
Beasts Made of Night Tochi Onyebuchi Published: Oct. 31, 2017 (Razorbill) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Margaret Rating (out of 5): 4 stars We’ve probably all heard the term “sin-eater” to refer to someone who bears guilt on another’s behalf. (Yes, I know it’s also an old religious practice and a Marvel Comics... 
One Dark Throne (Three Dark Crowns #2) Kendare Blake Published: Sept. 19, 2017 (HarperTeen) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: copy provided by 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 reference previous events. If you haven’t started this series yet, check out VBC’s review of book 1,... 
