Title: Early to Death, Early to Rise
Author: Kim Harrison
First published September 3, 2009
228 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780061718175 (ISBN10: 0061718173)
Rating: 3.7
Overview
When Madison Avery died, she didn’t expect to become the leader of a group of dark angels in heaven. To make matters worse, she still has to deal with her pesky guardian angel and the fact that she can maintain the illusion of a body.
But Madison is not one to follow the rules blindly, especially when it comes to the murky guidelines of fate. With the help of some unlikely allies, Madison forms a rogue group of reapers to challenge the system and bring about a major change to the heavens.
Will they succeed, or will the forces of fate prove too strong for them? Find out in Kim Harrison’s thrilling novel, Early to Death, Early to Rise.
About the Author
Kim Harrison, a prolific author, has captivated readers with her Hollows series, which reached the top spot on the New York Times Best Seller list. Her writing repertoire encompasses various genres, including young adult, thriller, and anthologies, and she even ventured into graphic novels.
Under the pseudonym Dawn Cook, she has also published traditional fantasy works. While juggling unrelated urban fantasy projects, Kim is currently crafting a new addition to the Hollows series.
She connects with her readers through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and her personal blog.
Editoral Review
Early to Death, Early to Rise by Kim Harrison is a tantalizing urban fantasy novel that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. Harrison is a well-known author who has penned countless novels in genres ranging from urban fantasy to science fiction.
With her exceptional writing style and creative imagination, Harrison has created a chilling and exciting world in Early to Death, Early to Rise. Early to Death, Early to Rise is set in a world where the human population is aware of the existence of supernatural beings.
The main character is Madison Avery, a high school student who dies on her prom night and becomes a reaper. Madison is hesitant about her new role in the afterlife, particularly when she realizes she is not alone.
She must figure out the rules of her new world and navigate the challenges posed by other supernatural beings. The setting of the novel is both unsettling and intriguing.
Harrison’s descriptions of the underworld and the supernatural beings who inhabit it are vivid and compelling. The world-building in Early to Death, Early to Rise is particularly strong, making the novel feel like a fully-realized and engrossing story.
Harrison has done an excellent job of creating complex, dynamic characters that readers will root for. Madison, in particular, is a compelling protagonist who grapples with the challenges of the afterlife in a relatable and realistic way.
Harrison’s secondary characters are also well-developed, and their interactions with Madison lend depth and complexity to the narrative. The plot of Early to Death, Early to Rise is fast-paced and full of action.
The stakes are high, and Harrison keeps readers engaged through an intricate plot with several twists and turns. The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with moments of tension and action interspersed with quieter moments of character development and reflection.
While there are no overt cultural or historical references in Early to Death, Early to Rise, the novel engages with ideas about morality, the afterlife, and the nature of power. Harrison’s exploration of these themes is thought-provoking, and her writing encourages readers to consider their own beliefs about what lies beyond our mortal world.
Despite its many strengths, Early to Death, Early to Rise does have a few flaws. The dialogue, while generally strong, can be clunky in places.
Additionally, some readers may find the romance subplot a bit forced. Overall, however, Early to Death, Early to Rise is a well-crafted and exciting novel that will appeal to fans of urban fantasy and supernatural fiction.
Harrison’s world-building, characters, and plot are all top-notch, making the novel a must-read for those seeking a thrilling and engaging story. Rating: 4/5 stars.
