Early to Death, Early to Rise (Madison Avery, #2)

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Early to Death, Early to Rise (Madison Avery Trilogy #2)

by Kim Harrison (Goodreads Author)

3.72 of 5 stars 3.72 · rating details · 2,733 ratings · 204 reviews

Seventeen, dead, and in charge of heaven's dark angelsall itching to kill someone.

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 tha...more

Hardcover, 228 pages

Published May 25th 2010 by HarperCollins (first published May 11th 2010)

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Aug 03, 2010 Sarah Snyder rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, signed-books

Sadly, this is the only Kim Harrison series I have read, so I have nothing to compare it to, but Harrison is spot on with the Madison Avery books. I love the concept behind these books - the argument between which is right choice or fate? The characters are also fabulous and entirely unforgettable. Madison - the protagonist is the Dark Time Keeper, who just happens to be dead. She is in control of the dark reapers and Barnabas, who has gone rouge. Her entourage is simply hilarious, I love when N...more Sadly, this is the only Kim Harrison series I have read, so I have nothing to compare it to, but Harrison is spot on with the Madison Avery books. I love the concept behind these books - the argument between which is right choice or fate? The characters are also fabulous and entirely unforgettable. Madison - the protagonist is the Dark Time Keeper, who just happens to be dead. She is in control of the dark reapers and Barnabas, who has gone rouge. Her entourage is simply hilarious, I love when Nakita and Barnabas banter, the two of them supply plenty of comic relief.

Speaking of comic relief, Madison is a complete and utter hoot. She is desperately trying change heavens rules while trying to fit in as a normal teenager. She makes so many mistakes, which makes her charming. I have always had a thing for unlikely heroes/heroines, and Madison is a far cry from what you expect a heroine to be.

Honestly, I don't think there is a character in this book that I don't like - expect people like Ron, who I am suppose to despise. All of my favorites from the first book are back; Madison, Barnabas, Nakita, Josh and even Grace.

There are also some new introductions through in this book, some characters who I think we will be seeing again and some we won't. Paul, the rising light keeper makes quite a splash in this book and in Madison's life. I don't want to give too much away, but I will say that I have taken quite a fancy to him. He is no Barnabas, who is simply my favorite, but I still like him.

The plot was a lot smoother than in Once Dead, Twice Shy, which was nice. It was a short book and the plot grips you early on and doesn't let up until the last page. I appreciated that, like the first book, it did not end in a cliffhanger. There are plenty of places for the story to continue, but this book closed all of the craziness that it opened within its plot.

Although I loved this book, I do have one gripe. Why isn't Josh in more of it? He is Madison's main love interest and he is only in the first chapter or so. I was so excited at the end of Once Dead, Twice Shy when the four of them were presented as sort of a package of rebel superheroes, and then he is basically missing from this book. I am now more confused then ever about which guy I am leaning towards for Madison. At the beginning, I was slightly pro-Josh, but then he was MIA and now I am leaning towards Barnabas. Is that even possible? A Dark Time Keeper and a rouge fallen angel? Why not, I say. They had some great scenes in this book and I love when he flies her around. However, I could also go with Paul, the rising Light Time Keeper. Wouldn't that be something? The Dark Time Keeper and the Light Time Keeper? I guess we will just have to wait and see where Harrison takes it.

I am eagerly and rather impatiently, anticipating the next book. I cannot wait to see what happens with Madison and everyone next. I enjoyed this book immensely; it was an exciting quick read with plenty screen time for my favorites, Nakita and Barnabas.(less)

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Jun 23, 2012 Marie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Good sequel!
Enjoyed it as much as the first.
Not much to say since it just continued from where the last one left off.
It was obvious that Madisons and Josh's relationship was going to develop! And I've grown to love Nikita she would be an awesome and very loyal trustworthy friend and I found myself sympathising for her more and more as I grew to know her better.
This series is fresh and has some kick ass twists!

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Jul 30, 2012 Miss Clara rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was a very short read for me. I felt like a kid reading this but I knew I shouldn't think as such because the topic here involves greater things than dolls and toy trucks.

Here's Madison, still dead. Trying to save the whole world. Well, she's only on one mission in this book. I've forgotten all about the previous story since it was a long time ago that I've read the first one. But I remember it was pretty good.

Anyway, what I love about this is the conflicting ideas on saving a life and savi...more

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May 25, 2012 OpenBookSociety.com rated it 4 of 5 stars

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Annabell

Madison and her gang of Heaven outcasts returns. Madison is determined to change the way Heaven runs. She believes humans should be allowed to maintain their souls and given a chance to change by the choices they make. She sets out on a mission to prove to Heaven and accomplish the goal of saving human souls for Heaven by helping them to make better choices on their life on Earth. But just as Madison is assigned a new case and a chance to prove that choice...more Brought to you by OBS reviewer Annabell

Madison and her gang of Heaven outcasts returns. Madison is determined to change the way Heaven runs. She believes humans should be allowed to maintain their souls and given a chance to change by the choices they make. She sets out on a mission to prove to Heaven and accomplish the goal of saving human souls for Heaven by helping them to make better choices on their life on Earth. But just as Madison is assigned a new case and a chance to prove that choice works, she discovers that Ron had lied to her. She had originally thought she was the new light time keeper but in reality she is the new dark time keeper. But Madison won’t stick to her dark time keeper duties, which turns everything topsy- turvy for Heaven and the humans she’s supposed to be protecting.

Madison is still as loveable and hilarious as she was when she was first introduced in Once Dead, Twice Shy. I love that Madison makes mistakes which creates even more trouble for her. I love that she is strong but not overly prideful. She is such a charming heroine. I really love reading from her point of view. Barnabus is still exquisitely delicious, Nakita is still kicking up and taking names but she also has more of a vulnerability to her this time around because of what happened at the end of Once Dead, Twice Shy, and Josh is still the best boyfriend a girl could ask for. Grace is also continuing to poke fun at Madison through her rhyming limericks and adding lightness to the twisted plot. Paul is a new character introduced into the story as the rising light time keeper in training. He adds to the list of hot male characters in the series and enters with a bang, managing to go toe to toe with Nakita!

The pacing was a little slower in my opinion than the first book. Takes a bit more time to get into the flow of the novel but the plot is full of twists and shocking revelations, like the first novel. The characters are growing and still as wonderful. The dialogue, humor, and descriptions are just as wonderful as the first time around. The book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger which was nice but still leaves room for the series to continue forward.

Early to Death, Early to Rise is a book worth staying up into the wee hours of morning to read! If you have yet to jump into the series, I urge you to go to the nearest book store and buy all three books in the Madison Avery Series. You will NOT regret it!

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Mar 28, 2012 Nalla rated it 5 of 5 stars

Also erstmal muss ich dem Verlag wiedermal ein riesengroßes Kompliment machen, für die tolle Covergestaltung und dem originellen Buchtitel! "Der Tod trägt Turnschuhe" ist eine Anspielung auf die Hauptprotagonistin Madison Avery, die mit 17 Jahren eigentlich bei einem Autounfall hätte sterben sollen. Doch sie stahl ihrem Mörder ein Amulett, was ihr die Illusion eines Körpers bescherrte, jedoch ohne Herzschlag und Puls, für andere Menschen aber sichtbar.
Im ersten Band "Totgeküsste leben länger" ha...more Also erstmal muss ich dem Verlag wiedermal ein riesengroßes Kompliment machen, für die tolle Covergestaltung und dem originellen Buchtitel! "Der Tod trägt Turnschuhe" ist eine Anspielung auf die Hauptprotagonistin Madison Avery, die mit 17 Jahren eigentlich bei einem Autounfall hätte sterben sollen. Doch sie stahl ihrem Mörder ein Amulett, was ihr die Illusion eines Körpers bescherrte, jedoch ohne Herzschlag und Puls, für andere Menschen aber sichtbar.
Im ersten Band "Totgeküsste leben länger" habe ich ja schon enorm viele Sympathien für das Mädchen mit den lila Haarspitzen und den gelben Totenkopfsneakers entwickelt und auch in Band zwei kann ich nicht anders als sie zu lieben!

Madison ist die neue schwarze Zeitwächterin, auch wenn sie keine Ahnung hat wie sie ihren Job zu machen hat. Sie kann keine Zeitsprünge und zweifelt sehr stark an dem System, dem sie dienen soll. Madison glaubt an den freien Willen der Menschen und das man sie wieder auf den richtigen Weg bringen kann, statt sie zu sensen.
Sensen finde ich ehrlich gesagt das ulkigste Wort der Buchreihe, denn schlißelich wird hier davon geredet Menschenleben zu opfern!

Wie ich nach Band eins ja schon sagte, muss man sich stark konzentrieren um alles verstehen zu können, da Kim Harrison - anders als in ihren Rachel Morgan Büchern - nicht sehr detailliert auf die Geschehnisse eingeht. Als Leser bekommt man Tatsachen vorgesetzt. Was mir den Einstieg - nachdem Band eins bei mir ein bisschen weiter zurückliegt - ziemlich schwer gemacht hat. Aber der Erzählstil ist so flüssig und fesselnd, dass ich doch wieder schnell zurück war und über Nikita und Barnabas lachen musste. Ein schwarzer und ein weißer Todesengel, die sich nur zanken und irgendwie in einer Identitätskrise stecken. Und mittendrin Madison, die einem nur leid tun kann, weil ihr ehemaliger Schutzengel Grace über sie hinweg fliegt und einen witzigen Reim nach dem nächsten vom Stapel lässt. Zu köstlich. Ich durfte diesmal wieder viel lachen.

"Der Tod trägt Turnschuhe" ist genauso wie ich es von Kim Harrison gewohnt bin: Flüssig, humorvoll, sarkastisch und ungemein unterhaltsam. Sie ist ja nicht umsonst eine meiner Lieblingsautorinnen!

Lieblingszitat:

"Wenn gut sein so einfach wäre, dann wäre es ja jeder."
(Madison)

Fazit:
Ich war wieder einmal mehr als begeistert! Kim Harrison hat mit Madison Avery eine wundervolle Protagonistin erschaffen, die sich einen festen Platz in meinem Herzen gesichert hat. Am lustigsten war die Szene, in der Madison als Ablenkungsmanöver sich tot stellen muss und in der Leichenhalle landet. Es war einfach so typisch Madison, dass sie sich darüber aufgeregt hat wo ihre Schuhe sind und wer ihre Ohrringe gestohlen hat.
"Der Tod trägt Turnschuhe" ist ein vielversprechender Titel, der wirklich hält was er verspricht und ich kann jedem Fantasy-Fan nur nahelegen Madison Avery zu entdecken!
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Jan 10, 2012 Rosalia rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, based-on-mythology, offtheshelf2012, paranormal-fiction, young-adult

A couple of pages in I realized that this was in fact the second book in a series and if I wasn't so focused on trying to read my own books right now I would have gone back and tried to interlibrary loan the first one, however a couple more pages in and I realized that they really did fill you in on everything you needed to know and it was going to be quite easy to figure out what was going on.

Madison is the new Dark Time Keeper. Typically Dark Time Keepers send someone to scythe someone before...more

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Aug 04, 2011 Amanda rated it 3 of 5 stars

Kim Harrison returns to the young adult genre with the second entry into her Madison Avery series. Even better than the first, Early to Death, Early to Rise grows the luscious and exciting world Harrison created and builds more wonderful characters that readers love to cheer for.

Settling into her new role as a dark timekeeper, Madison decides that she wants to run things a little differently. Rather than living purely by fate and adhering to the rules of the reapers, Madison decides to take thin...more

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Jul 04, 2011 Nina rated it 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved Early to Death, Early to Rise. And I don’t know if you know it already, but I’m a huge fan of this series. HUGE. So after reading the first book Once Dead, Twice Shy I could not believe I had to wait till 2011 to read the sequel. And yes I do admit that I did a happy dance when the sequel arrived at my doorstep.

Madison, oh Madison, what can I tell you about her. A kick ass heroine, who’s considerate and at times very hilarious. All of the characters in this story are fantastic...more

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May 11, 2011 Danni rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ahh another tale of Madison Avery, dead and in charge of dark reapers, a situation she never saw herself in, not only because she never believed in reapers before her death, but also because she doesn't believe in fate (which is her job as a dark timekeeper, to ensure fate is followed by scything a soul before it is sullied).

In this book Madison discovers that just because she doesn't believe in fate, doesn't mean that she can't do her job. She works to save, not only the soul of a mark, but als...more

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Jul 19, 2010 Rhiannon Ryder rated it 2 of 5 stars

Early to Death, Early to Rise, Madison gets her first chance at seeing if she can change how the Dark versus Light save souls. Barnabas, Nakita and Grace are on board to help but convincing them to change centuries old practices will take skill and subtlety. Will Madison be able to pull it off while Ron and his apprentice attempt to stop her and the Seraphs watch to see if she can be successful?

So the story is coming together a bit more for me now. I’ve largely sorted out the basic working of t...more Early to Death, Early to Rise, Madison gets her first chance at seeing if she can change how the Dark versus Light save souls. Barnabas, Nakita and Grace are on board to help but convincing them to change centuries old practices will take skill and subtlety. Will Madison be able to pull it off while Ron and his apprentice attempt to stop her and the Seraphs watch to see if she can be successful?

So the story is coming together a bit more for me now. I’ve largely sorted out the basic working of this whole light versus dark timekeeper, light versus dark reaper business. Mostly. Of course I’m still finding that Kim Harrison occasionally launches the reader into these fast paced scenes that end up being confusing rather than nail biting. For a veteran writer I feel like her writing should be far more fluid than it is, it’s been hard for me to pinpoint but I think Madison’s first person thoughts on the matter are part of what confuse these scenes. If i'm only as knowledgable as her, than by golly she's pretty lost!

And Great and Merciful God! If she uses one more of her “Son of a Puppy” or “Puppy accidents on the Carpet” 1001 variations one more time I’ll start to scream. Seriously, it felt like she used one of them half a dozen times each chapter, and it was awkward and annoying every single time! Considering she used Crap on several occasions I didn’t get the impression she was trying to avoid swearing, but honestly, whatever her intention with it, I have sincerely wished (for 240 pages) her editor had put her foot down at some point about it.

In its favour? The story really is shaping up better than the first; I found the story arc of this book way more compelling than the Once Dead, Twice Shy. I’m still finding it hard to get into the characters, and the jokes (I think they're jokes) are falling flat for me. Would I keep reading this series? Borrowed probably, but I certainly won’t be chasing it down. I’m curious where Kim Harrison is going, but I can’t say I’m enjoying the journey enough to recommend to others or to pursue it financially.
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Jun 23, 2010 Nicola rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, own

Reason for Reading: Next in the series.

A fabulous sequel to Once Dead, Twice Shy! An exciting story from beginning to end that had me glued to the book until I was finished. Once again Kim Harrison finished off with a nice, neat, satisfactory ending without the use of a cliffhanger, though leaving the loose threads and plot direction for the next and what may be the last book of a trilogy. All the characters from book one return so that even though we've had to wait a whole year for this book, t...more Reason for Reading: Next in the series.

A fabulous sequel to Once Dead, Twice Shy! An exciting story from beginning to end that had me glued to the book until I was finished. Once again Kim Harrison finished off with a nice, neat, satisfactory ending without the use of a cliffhanger, though leaving the loose threads and plot direction for the next and what may be the last book of a trilogy. All the characters from book one return so that even though we've had to wait a whole year for this book, their familiarity quickly comes back to mind and the author does give quick mentions throughout of events that happened in book one to refresh our memory without going into a rehash of book one except for a quick half-page prologue.

I really don't want to say a lot about the plot in the book as it carries on from book one taking the main character Madison Avery, who is dead, further along with the job she has been assigned and I don't want to give plot spoilers for either book. We get a greater insight into the workings behind the scenes and while this actually is an angel book where the angels come from heaven and god (with a little g) is once mentioned, the author has taken great liberty to create her own fictional vision of how death works and what part angels play in helping souls to reach heaven. Harrison's vision is fantastical (having nothing to do with Christianity) but does pose some seriously tough questions about free will.

The characters are wonderful. Madison grows into some of her powers and finds it's not all fun and games to be a supernatural being. Madison grows to connect closer and even bond with some of her supernatural friends, Barnabas the light angel and Nakita the dark angel and Grace the guardian angel. Madison's love interest Josh, is not an integral part of this story, but in the brief page time he gets at the beginning and end their relationship does take a step in the right direction.

Some very cool ideas at work in this sequel which not only entertained me but had me thinking and and seeing the point of view of both sides, the Dark and the Light. While, morally, I know where I stand, I can understand the various points of view. It will be very interesting to see how all threads and issues are resolved though I do have an idea as to a possible direction. A great series that I am really enjoying. Just wish I didn't have to wait a whole year for the next book!

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Jun 20, 2010 Marty Shaw rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was at a slight disadvantage with this one because I haven't read Once Dead, Twice Shy or the short story that started it all, but a decent job was done of providing background info so I didn't feel too lost; although there are still some gaps that I feel can only be closed from reading the earlier installments.

Madison has been put in the position of dark timekeeper, in charge of the dark slayers who take souls (kill people) before they set off on a path that would cost them redemption. They a...more I was at a slight disadvantage with this one because I haven't read Once Dead, Twice Shy or the short story that started it all, but a decent job was done of providing background info so I didn't feel too lost; although there are still some gaps that I feel can only be closed from reading the earlier installments.

Madison has been put in the position of dark timekeeper, in charge of the dark slayers who take souls (kill people) before they set off on a path that would cost them redemption. They are agents of fate...or at least they were until Madison entered the picture. Madison believes people should have the chance to choose a different path before their lives are cut short.

Assisting her with her new mission is Barnabus, a fallen angel turned grim reaper, and Nakita, the only dark reaper who actually knows what it means to fear death. Just to clarify for those (like me) who are new to the series, the terms light and dark don't refer to good and evil. Light refers to the human right of choice; Dark refers to the invisible path of fate. This brings up something that really confuses me. Madison's main nemesis is Ron/Chronos, the light timekeeper who is the agent of choice. Madison has a reason to distrust Ron because of lies told in Book One, but I can't figure out why Ron has a problem with her since she also believes in the right of choice. Seems to me like they'd be on the same team.

Barnabus is a solid character but he really doesn't seem to do a whole lot. Seeming distant and aloof from the events that transpire around him, he does what needs to be done...and that's about it.

Nakita, on the other hand, is a feisty character who is able to provide humor with her sometimes haughty, sometimes vulnerable actions. What would be considered a serious bi-polar issue with a normal person, makes her both interesting and funny.

For a book that's almost over-flowing with various types of reapers, there's surprisingly little violence and coarse language is practically non-existent, with Madison's favorite phrase, "Puppy presents on the carpet", being about as rough as it gets.

I think Early to Death, Early to Rise is a fun read and I'm going to see about reading the earlier stories to catch up on what I might have missed, while looking forward to the third book in the series. Kim Harrison's first foray into the world of YA is a definite hit.(less)

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Jun 18, 2010 K. Bird rated it 3 of 5 stars

***Review based on Advanced Reader Copy***

I'm a big fan of Harrison's early Rachel Morgan Witch Series, so it was with high expectations that I opened this second in a new YA series about Madison, a teen killed and brought back as The Dark Timekeeper, or the "boss" of angels dispatched to kill (and thus save the soul) of humans who are about to commit some grave crime.

The writing was competent, the characters full of potential (especially the Dark Angel Nakita and her nemesis, former light Angel...more

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May 29, 2010 Candi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya, ya-supernatural

I liked this book better than the first book Once Dead Twice Shy. The plot was a lot faster at getting going and Madison's nemesis, or nemeses in fact, are a lot more substantial and fun to read about. Also, now everyone's motives are a lot more conflicted, and it's starting to feel like a series that I would like to see continue. Some series books tend to get simpler as the books go on, but it feels like Kim Harrison is just getting started. So I say, good fun.

However, two things:

There is not v...more

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Feb 27, 2011 Daniela rated it 4 of 5 stars

With this second installment of the Madison Avery series Kim Harrison is once again delivering a gripping book that is sending many good messages without spelling them out, by making you think. The book is the message and -in my opinion- doing to the reader what it does to the characters in the book: Very real characters have to make decisions and deal with their fall out and are being tought to consider consequenses before acting. Does it always work? See for yourself and decide!

Madison has alm...more

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Aug 19, 2010 Savannah (Books With Bite) rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the second installment to the Madion Avery series. The first book had me hooked but this one, I am not to sure.

The book picks off right were it left off. Madison has chosen choice. In which she believes everyone has a choice and you can choose your future, not in fate. Madison is once again trying to save someone by giving them a chance to choose. In between it all, Madison is joined with the struggle of the both Lightkeeper and Darkkeeper, and the very annoying Grace. Not to mention Jo...more

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Sep 13, 2010 Karyogini rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-on-2010-or-before

Easy read. :) It's a nice light read. Not too cheesy as compared to other YAs and romance novels that I thrown in between dark urban fantasy books.

Not sure if there will be a 3rd book... This book had a solid ending, no cliffhangers here. :) If there's a 3rd book, I'll read it as a breather book. It's interesting enough that I kept reading and it's totally not annoying like other YAs. Madison has a lot to sulk about but surprisingly, her character doesn't mope around which I appreciate. I like...more

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Aug 25, 2010 Schnaucl rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, read_2010, july, library, series, young_adult

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jul 24, 2010 E.J. Stevens rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, fantasy, fiction, magic, paranormal, read-in-2010, supernatural, urban-fantasy, ya, must-read, fallen-angels

Don't fear the Reaper? Madison Avery may be dead but that doesn't stop her from trying to do the right thing. Accompanied by her angel and reaper friends, Madison tries to change a system she doesn't believe in while struggling to learn her new timekeeper powers and stay out of detention. As an insanely huge fan of Kim Harrison's The Hollows urban fantasy series I had high expectations for her new Madison Avery series. Harrison doesn't disappoint. While this series is young adult it has all the...more

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May 26, 2011 Kt from A Book Obsession.. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: hardcopy, signed

After defeating the Previous Timekeeper who was out to destroy her soul, Madison is now in charge of the Dark Reapers, who carry out heaven's "hit" orders. She is still dead, and has to deal with trying to change the system, as well as an overzealous Light Keeper who will do everything he can to see her fail. Yet despite all this, Josh, her human friend, seems to want to be something more than friends, much to her delight. With her Dark Reaper bodyguard Nakita, and the Light Reaper defector Barn...more After defeating the Previous Timekeeper who was out to destroy her soul, Madison is now in charge of the Dark Reapers, who carry out heaven's "hit" orders. She is still dead, and has to deal with trying to change the system, as well as an overzealous Light Keeper who will do everything he can to see her fail. Yet despite all this, Josh, her human friend, seems to want to be something more than friends, much to her delight. With her Dark Reaper bodyguard Nakita, and the Light Reaper defector Barnabas at her side, they set out to change one boy's fate. But fate it seems, doesn't want to be changed, and it won't be as easy as she thought after all. Madison may just have bitten off more than she can chew.

Madison, Nakita, Josh, and Barnabas make for one heck of a motley crew. I mean you have a dead girl, a dark reaper, a light reaper and a plain old human, so sparks are bound to fly at some point. You would think things would get a little overwhelming with so many main characters, yet it never does. Kim Harrison is fantastic at giving each character a distinct voice, with none of them ever seeming to just be a cookie cutter pattern, no matter how small the role. So when something happens, you can guarantee that the character's reaction will be very realistic and true to the character. I especially like the way she is able to show realistic growth in the characters without ever feeling forced.

Fate and choice play an even larger role in this book than the last one. It's kinda funny that Madison doesn't believe in fate, yet she is in charge of the reapers that kill in the name of fate. She's trying to change a system that has been in place for ages. While she may get frustrated and just want to give up, I don't think she has it in her to quit. Even when she finally finds her body, I just don't think she will be able to walk away. She is in it for the long hall, and with her determination, I just don't see how things wouldn't start to change; no matter how slowly.

I'm really enjoying reading the Madison Avery Series, and I'm so happy to see the same writing style I fell in love with in previous books, continuing on with this series. Early to Death, Early to Rise was a very enjoyable read, even more so than the first installment. Now that I know what is going on, I was able to sit back and enjoy the ride. I have a feeling I will enjoy the next book even more as I've become attached to these characters and their journey, and cannot wait to see how things pan out for them. All in all if you are a Kim Harrison fan, you should enjoy this book, and I highly recommend checking it out.
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Dec 11, 2012 Sonya rated it 3 of 5 stars

This my second attempt with this series I really liked the idea and I’m a fan of writer Harrison’s adult series but I just couldn’t get into ETDETR. Which is a shame because I really, really wanted to like this series. Reading the synopsis it pumps you and you can’t wait to read what happens. The premise I liked the whole good and evil power struggle and the twist our protagonist is the dark time-keeper. The dynamic of her as the new boss coming in and trying to change the system for the better....more This my second attempt with this series I really liked the idea and I’m a fan of writer Harrison’s adult series but I just couldn’t get into ETDETR. Which is a shame because I really, really wanted to like this series. Reading the synopsis it pumps you and you can’t wait to read what happens. The premise I liked the whole good and evil power struggle and the twist our protagonist is the dark time-keeper. The dynamic of her as the new boss coming in and trying to change the system for the better.

The resistance causes some interesting moments because everyone else essentially has this ‘if it aint broke why fix it’ attitude. It’s how its been done since time began blah blah. I was expecting more interesting conflict because two opposing forces butting heads you think explosions. The characters are evolving shaped by their previous experiences and coming to terms with the events that happened at the end of the previous book. And consequences of their decisions are addressed–new characters enter and so on. The writing is great even the concept.

Still I just couldn’t get into to this series into every reader’s life occasionally a book comes along that doesn’t leave an impression for me it seems to be this series. Madison, bless her is so vanilla trying so hard to com-by-ya everyone and give people the choice she never got blinded her I think, because she was clearly in over her head trying to go against the Goliath of a system that been in place since creation. Madison lacks that bit of fire that memorable characters embody, it’s not her fault though she’s a good girl that had something crazy happen to her. She hasn’t been seasoned yet by years of being on the job. I’d say check back with her character in ten years then we can see how life has shaped her.

One issue I have to mention is Josh he’s suppose to be her love interest crush whatever. He’s hardly in here I mean at the end of the first book it was looking like the love triangle would be between him and Barnabas now i’m confused this Paul guy is in the mix is it going to be a square-angle in the next book, hum.

The Madison Avery trilogy is finally starting to take shape there are many directions the plot for book three can go. I gave it a 3.5 Let me explain why, reading is all about enjoyment and getting lost in the book. And as much as I liked the story I couldn’t get into it. My rating reflects that aspect I honestly couldn’t sit here and give it a four rating (even though it may deserve it). Because I couldn’t make that connection with the main character which is part and parcel of any good reading experience. So short and sweet just like the book that’s my rating. I would recommend borrowing this one from the library if you’re curious. And if your opinion differs from mine and you love-like this book you can add to your personal library.

3.5/5
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Jan 31, 2010 Audrey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010_publish, paranormal, young-adult, arc

When we last left our heroine, Madison Avery had just discovered that she is the new dark timekeeper in charge of an army of Seraphim, angels of death charged to reap souls before they can sin enough to be sent to hell. Madison is convinced that she can intervene before the fateful moment, saving lives and giving people a choice to change for the better. Together with a dark reaper, a grim reaper, and her own messenger cherub, Madison fights to prove herself as the new dark timekeeper, all while...more

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May 18, 2011 Lissa & Alexa The Novel Lasses rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: wish_list_on_kindle

Kim Harrison returns to the young adult genre with the second entry into her Madison Avery series. Even better than the first, Early to Death, Early to Rise grows the luscious and exciting world Harrison created and builds more wonderful characters that readers love to cheer for.
Madison is officially the new Dark Timekeeper. This second book is better than the first one. The first book was harder to follow because of the intricate world-building, but now it was laid out, this second book allows...more

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Sep 27, 2010 Keyona rated it 2 of 5 stars

From the Blog:

I'd rather not beat around the bush with this one. It was such a thin book but it took me FOREVER to finish. I found myself struggling to pay attention and forcing myself to continue on. In the first book in this series Once Dead Twice Shy I was completely enthralled the whole time. Not only was there a full plot, but there were also sub plots that kept the story going. I honesty can not say the same thing for this one. Even the main character Madison, was watered down this time ar...more

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Sep 06, 2010 Lucille rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, urban-fantasy, historical-fiction

Madison is trying to deal with her new-found powers. As the new timekeeper for the dark reapers, she has a lot on her plate, especially since she is trying to instil a new system into the way that things are done. She goes out on a reap to try and stop a teenage computer whiz from using a virus that will kill people. Should be simple, right? Just find the kid, talk with him, tell him what he's going to do, and make him change his mind. Well, things never go that easily.
I liked the book. There w...more

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Sep 11, 2010 Bareerah rated it 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed Early to Death, Early to Rise a lot more than the first book, mainly because I think the character matured a lot more in this book. I dislike it when the main character constantly complains using sarcastic comments in ya lit- it's funny in moderation, but too much is just plain annoying. In the second book, it seemed that Madison had come to terms with what was happening to her a lot more, unlike in the first book. I loved the storyline in this one- with Ace and Shoe. I didn't realise...more

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Jun 03, 2010 Tia rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this installment. I so hope this turns into a rather lengthy series.

Madison is easy to identify with and the dynamic of her little group is realistic. The characters are becoming more complex as they evolve and I was totally sucked into the world Kim has created.

I enjoyed this whole book centered on Madison’s attempt at her first scythe/reap and working out how her and her reapers are going to be successful in the future (until she gets her body back or changes the way things are done)...more

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Nov 14, 2011 Lindsay rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Science fiction, YA fantasy, anybody!

Recommended to Lindsay by: Kim Harrison website I won a signed copy of Something Deadly Comes This Way Comes Had to read them all! DUH!

Shelves: young-adult

I really liked this book, because I am a sucker for a girl that doesn't fit in and has an attitude. I like Madison Avery as a character from her blonde hair with the purple tips to the fact that she is dead and trying to cope with the fact that she is now the dark timekeeper. Her character is in a deeper struggle in this book, she has to find balance between the dark and light. She has Nakita a dark reaper that she damaged by accident in the first book that has her back and then there is Barnaba...more

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Apr 01, 2011 Hether rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: vampires-witches-and-faeries

So back when I was on maternity leave, the first book in this series landed in my holds pick-up at the library. One of the things I miss most about working in the library is the magic of friends sending you books. Anyway....I liked Once Dead, Twice Shy but had sort of forgotten about it until this one arrived. There is only on person at the library still requesting me books and she's not on goodreads, but thank you. This was a fun one. It happens quickly, over such a brief period of time that I...more

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Apr 21, 2013 Nicole Gozdek rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, contemporary-fantasy, jugendbuch

Madison Avery ist endlich zurück. Im 2. Band der Reihe "Der Tod trägt Turnschuhe" hat sich die 17-jährige bereits etwas an den Gedanken gewöhnt, dass sie jetzt tot und die neue schwarze Zeitwächterin ist. Doch dass sie nun für eine Horde mordlüsterner Todesengel verantwortlich ist, die überzeugt sind, dass es ihre Aufgabe ist, Menschen zu töten, bevor sie mit schrecklichen Taten ihre Seelen verdammen, das passt Madison gar nicht.

Ich finde es toll, wie die eigensinnige Madison versucht, ihren ei...more

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About Kim Harrison

Kim Harrison, dark urban fantasy author of the New York Times bestselling The Outlaw Demon Wails, was born and raised in the upper Midwest. After gaining her bachelors in the sciences, she moved to South Carolina, where she has remained since. She is currently developing a new young adult series between working on the Hollows books, and is a member of The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of Ame...more

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Books by Kim Harrison

Every Which Way But Dead (The Hollows, #3)

The Good, the Bad, and the Undead (The Hollows, #2)

The Outlaw Demon Wails (The Hollows, #6)

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Early to Death, Early to Rise (Madison Avery Trilogy #2)

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