"This YA novel is enjoyable and shows a lot of room for interesting developments throughout the series."

By: Kim Harrison

Genres: Young Adult Paranormal

Posted: July 15, 2010

The second in a new series, EARLY TO DEATH, EARLY TO RISE documents what happens when a dark timekeeper -- controller of the dark reapers, those whose job it is to cull human lives in order to save their souls -- decides that the power of choice overrules the power of fate.

The light timekeeper -- controller of the light reapers, whose job it is to put a guardian angel over beings to ensure they live out their natural lifespan, no matter how many people their choices hurt -- takes malicious delight in hounding the new dark timekeeper, Madison. The seraphs are watching to see if Madison's new way of doing things can change human potential, as well as light and dark reaper potential, for the better. Madison may be dead, but with ditching school, sneaking out when her dad is asleep and trying to figure out the next "mark" one step ahead of the light timekeeper, she has a heck of a life!

One probably ought to read ONCE DEAD, TWICE SHY first in order to get all the background and a more thorough exposition to EARLY TO DEATH, EARLY TO RISE, but the work is enjoyable and shows a lot of room for interesting developments throughout the series.

Book Summary

Madison Avery's dreams of ever fitting in at her new school died when she did. Especially since she was able to maintain the illusion of a body, deal with a pesky guardian angel, and oh yeah, bring the reaper who killed her to his untimely end. Not exactly in-crowd material. It's amazing that her crush, Josh, doesn't think she's totally nuts.

Now Madison has learned that she's the dark timekeeper, in charge of angels who follow the murky guidelines of fate. Never one to abide by the rules, she decides it's time for a major change to the system. With the help of some unlikely allies, Madison forms a rogue group of reapers who definitely don't adhere to the rules of the heavens.

But as she grapples with the terrifying new skills that come with being a timekeeper, Madison realizes she may not be prepared for what lies ahead—unless she gets some seriously divine intervention.

Early to Death, Early to Rise by Kim Harrison

Early to Death, Early to Rise

by: Kim Harrison

Madison Avery #2

HarperCollins
June 1, 2010
On Sale: May 25, 2010
Featuring: Madison Avery; Josh
240 pages
ISBN: 0061718173
EAN: 9780061718175
Hardcover

Available in: