In Review: Early to Death, Early to Rise by Kim Harrison

Released: 5/25/10, 240 pages

Publisher: Harper Collins

Format: Hardcover

ISBN: 978-0061718175

Madison emerged as the dark time keeper in Once Dead, Twice Shy, and now she's trying to find a delicate balance between Fate and choice. And she's not alone, to help her, both Nikita the dark reaper and Barnabas the not quite light reaper.

This time instead of the story revolving around a bunch of reaps it revolves around one, which Madison is desperately trying stop. A computer virus that was just suppose to be a little fun ends the lives of many as it is unleashed upon a hospital.

This one was much better than Once Dead, Twice Shy. The writing feels cleaner, the plot tighter and most of this is because of the careful world building of the first. Madison grows a little and begins to understand that its not all black and white, and sees that she may not be the best person for the job, but its still her job. She doesn't believe in Fate, but instead choice, but both are intertwined.

The characters continue to grow and adapt to the changes around them. Nikita learns to see the value of fear, and Barnabas is struggling to find his place again after learning that everything he knew was a lie.

There isn't as much action as in Kim Harrison's adult novels, but the heart and the humor remains consistant.