Home of the Alpha Showdown, and one-stop shop for urban fantasy, paranormal romance and fantasy news and reviews.
Seanan McGuire is a favorite author for much of the VBC staff, both under her own name and under the Mira Grant pen name. (Yep, I’m taking this chance to again recommend everyone check out her Newsflesh series starting with Feed.) Today, though, we’re reveling in her InCryptid books, where cryptozoology is legit and creatures are in need of protection. The latest That Ain’t Witchcraft hit shelves this... 
Trail of Lightning (Sixth World #1) Rebecca Roanhorse Published: June 26, 2018 (Saga) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review Source: copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Chelsea Rating (out of 5): 4.5 stars Trail of Lightning, like its heroine Maggie Hoskie, packs a powerful punch in a small package. This urban fantasy debut is brimming with fresh, clever... 
The Myth Manifestation (SPI Files #5) Lisa Shearin Published: Jan. 16, 2018 (NLA Digital) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: library Reviewed by: Margaret Rating (out of 5): 3.5 stars Note: While review will be spoiler free, it does make reference to previous books in the series. Supernaturals from all over the world, and other worlds, have gathered at the Regor Regency Hotel in New York... 
The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter Theodora Goss Published: June 20, 2017 (Saga Press) 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 The recent death of her mother, after the death of her father fourteen year earlier, leaves Mary Jekyll in dire straits. With little money remaining and... 
The Dark Days Pact (Lady Helen #2) Alison Goodman Published: Jan. 31, 2017 (Viking) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: purchased Reviewed by: Beth Rating (out of 5): 4 stars Lady Helen is back, just four weeks after the events of her presentation ball, events which culminated in her losing her mother’s only gift to her, saving a man’s life, and needing to find refuge outside of London. As... 
Firespell (The Dark Elite #1) Chloe Neill Published: Jan. 5, 2010 (Signet) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: purchased Reviewed by: Jannelle Rating (out of 5): 4 stars Lily Parker’s parents have gone on sabbatical and shipped her to St. Sophia’s, a boarding school in Chicago, while they work on research in Germany. As she has never been away from her parents and is used to her life in New... 
Dark Heart of Magic (Black Blade #2) Jennifer Estep Published: Oct. 27, 2015 (Kensington) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Margaret Rating (out of 5): 4.5 stars Note: While this 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... 
House Immortal (House Immortal #1) Devon Monk Published: Sept. 2, 2014 (Roc) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: purchased Reviewed by: Amy Rating (out of 5): 4 stars In the year 2210, the world is run by various color-coded Houses that control the world’s resources (i.e. water, technology, minerals, etc.). Each House yearns for more power. Matilda Case has always known she was different.... 
The Monsters in Your Neighborhood (Monstrosity #2) Jesse Petersen Published: July 29, 2013 (Pocket Star) Purchase at: Amazon Review Source: Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Jo Rating (out of 5): 3.5 stars Note: While this review will be spoiler free it may contain spoilers for the first book in the series. Check out our review of book one Club Monstrosity. Six... 
I’m working on a fun post about vampire cowboys. (You read that right. Trust me here.) If you’ve actually read a good book with vampire cowboys, shoot me an email. I want your suggestions. First four chapters of Bloodlines The team over at EW’s Shelf Life have exclusively posted the first four chapters of Bloodlines. If you’re unaware, Bloodlines is the first in Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy spinoff...
