Home of the Alpha Showdown, and one-stop shop for urban fantasy, paranormal romance and fantasy news and reviews.
These Divided Shores (Stream Raiders #2)Sara RaaschPublished: Aug. 27, 2019 (Balzer+Bray)Purchase at: Amazon Review 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 These Rebel Waves. It’s... 
Okay this maybe cheating since I am recommending two series instead of one, but in my defense both series are by Karen Chance, are set in the same world, take place simultaneously, and have characters who crossover in both series. So really I am recommending the body of work of one author. My favorite characteristic of Kim Harrison’s The Hollow series is not only the strong female protagonist, but also... 
Update: Sabina put up a good fight, but in the end Acheron took home the victory. He’ll advance in the Showdown. Round 8 of the Alpha Showdown is the first-timers’ round. If we hadn’t changed our rules this year—taking off the “published in…” limitation—these two wouldn’t have made the bracket. So we’re pleased we made the change, because your nominations showed both of these characters are long-time... 
Rapture Untamed (Feral Warriors #4) Pamela Palmer Published: June 29, 2010 (Avon) 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 Note: While this review will be spoiler free, it will reference the previous books in the series. If you haven’t started yet check out VBC’s review of book 1, Desire... 
We’re big fans of urban fantasy author Jaye Wells. Her latest novel Dirty Magic just released a couple weeks ago. Amy read and loved it. It’s the first in her new The Prospero’s War series, which goes dark and snarky with alchemy in the mix. You want to read it. Trust us. Well, I went to one of Jaye’s book signings last week and had her sign a copy of Dirty Magic for VBC readers. I didn’t feel like... 
More Than Magic (Book of the Kindling #1) Donna June Cooper Published: February 4, 2014 (Samhain) Purchase at: Amazon Review Source: review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Candace Rating (out of 5): 3 stars Dr. Grace Woodruff has a way with her patients, and that way is magic. Not only is she a brilliant scientist, but she can also heal people with her touch. After... 
Dirty Magic (The Prospero’s War #1) Jaye Wells Published: Jan. 21, 2014 (Orbit) Purchase at: 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 Kate Prospero is a beat cop in Babylon. A once beautiful city, it is slowly deteriorating under the use of dirty magics supplied by the wizard covens of the city’s... 
Cold Fire (Spiritwalker Trilogy #2) Kate Elliott Published: Sept. 26, 2011 (Orbit) 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 the previous book in the series. If you haven’t started yet, check out VBC’s review of book 1 Cold Magic. Cold Fire picks up exactly where Cold Magic... 
Cold Magic (Spiritwalker Trilogy #1) Kate Elliott Published: Sept. 2, 2010 (Orbit) Purchase at: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: Purchased Reviewed by: Amy Rating (out of 5): 4 stars Catherine Hassi Barahal has grown up in the home of her aunt and uncle since the age of six after her parents tragically drowned, leaving Cat as the only survivor. She has spent a lot of time idolizing a father that... 
Tempt the Stars (Cassandra Palmer #6) Karen Chance Published: Oct. 1, 2013 (Signet Select) Purchase at: 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 books in the series. If you’re new to the series, check out VBC’s review of the first... 
