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alice94's review
3.0
This book, unlike the first, was quite disappointing. Where in the first I was unable to put it down with this one I found it hard to stay focused. The writing changed and the way that the characters acted change to a point where I felt like they were drifting from the original characteristics I thought they would have which was quite disappointing. Due to this book I did find myself not really looking into anymore in the series, as a result I didn't find out that there was a third book until today.
stronggirlreads's review against another edition
4.0
another cute book, listened to it on a long drive I had to take and made the miles fly by.
kblincoln's review against another edition
3.0
***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 Barnabas and their snarky interactions), but I have to admit I was a bit bored by the story.
It wasn't my cup of tea.
Maybe it was because I came into the series on the second book? Maybe because I've read similiar things too much recently? I'm not sure. All I know is that I never really got into Madison. The relationships never felt real to me, and thus the stakes never seemed high. Her "boyfriend" didn't have a part at all in the story, her quest to change the way things are done to give humans more choice not tense, and the hierarchy of who was boss over whom and who had power very murky (if she was the "boss" why wouldn't Nakita follow her instructions?
If Madison was the timekeeper, why was she scared that the seraph (who I thought were angels) would take away her "chance" to convince a human to desist from an evil deed? Why were guardian angels able to stop other reaper angels, Madison, and the other supposedly powerful beings?
She seemed to spend a lot of time worrying about where Ron (the Light timekeeper) was, although he never really opposed her at all except for one time when he "stopped" time. And also being carried around by Nakita and Barnabas.
This Book's Food Designation Rating: Frozen Bruschetta Pizza, because it looks so good and you know you love pizza, but you can't help feeling a little disappointed when it comes out of the oven and it tastes a little bland.
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 Barnabas and their snarky interactions), but I have to admit I was a bit bored by the story.
It wasn't my cup of tea.
Maybe it was because I came into the series on the second book? Maybe because I've read similiar things too much recently? I'm not sure. All I know is that I never really got into Madison. The relationships never felt real to me, and thus the stakes never seemed high. Her "boyfriend" didn't have a part at all in the story, her quest to change the way things are done to give humans more choice not tense, and the hierarchy of who was boss over whom and who had power very murky (if she was the "boss" why wouldn't Nakita follow her instructions?
If Madison was the timekeeper, why was she scared that the seraph (who I thought were angels) would take away her "chance" to convince a human to desist from an evil deed? Why were guardian angels able to stop other reaper angels, Madison, and the other supposedly powerful beings?
She seemed to spend a lot of time worrying about where Ron (the Light timekeeper) was, although he never really opposed her at all except for one time when he "stopped" time. And also being carried around by Nakita and Barnabas.
This Book's Food Designation Rating: Frozen Bruschetta Pizza, because it looks so good and you know you love pizza, but you can't help feeling a little disappointed when it comes out of the oven and it tastes a little bland.
theladygonzalez's review against another edition
3.0
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.
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.
bookplantadictlola's review against another edition
4.0
A very fittings continuation to the first book. But everything goes on within 24 hours of where "once dead" left off. I look foward to the next book to see if it finally clarifies anything.
crashley331's review against another edition
2.0
This book was good but it was a little slow in my opinion but i still liked it.
books_plan_create's review against another edition
4.0
This is just a super fun and different series. Looking forward to the next!
tynga's review against another edition
4.0
Madison is now the official Dark Timekeeper, but the rules already set in stone don’t quite cut it for her and she is determined to change things. While still trying to find her body, she will work with Barnabas, former Light reaper and Nakita Dark reaper to try change the fate of those meant to do terrible things, and save their lives – and souls – in the process. Impossible task made even harder by Paul, rising Light Timekeeper, and his mentor Ron who are mind-set to ruin Madison’s attempts.
I really liked the second book in this series. Madison is trying to learn her new timekeeper role along with the abilities that comes with it. She will do some faux pas, but she is strongly determined and won’t let a little – ok HUGE – trouble get in the way. Nakita is so lovely. She is trying so hard to fit-in and understand Madison’s reasons to try and prevent scythe. She can’t quite grasp what’s going on but she really wants to help Madison. She is also constantly fighting with Barnabas, which is quite funny. Paul might also because an interesting character, so I can’t wait to see what’s gonna happen next with him.
While I liked the plot and how it wrapped-up, I found myself craving for more. Early to Death, Early to Rise is only 228 pages long, which is quite short. I was hoping to see Madison master more skills, but the entire book happens in like 24hours, so it doesn’t leave much room for that much progress. I was also sad to not see Josh in the story. He appeared in only two scenes and I really wanted to see some romance between Josh and Madison.
The bright side is there is still one more book planned in this series, so maybe my hopes will come true in the next book.
The lore of this series is quite amazing and original, so if you haven’t started it yet, I strongly suggest you start with Once Dead, Twice Shy. Harrison’s jump from adult novels to young adult ones was a success, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!
I really liked the second book in this series. Madison is trying to learn her new timekeeper role along with the abilities that comes with it. She will do some faux pas, but she is strongly determined and won’t let a little – ok HUGE – trouble get in the way. Nakita is so lovely. She is trying so hard to fit-in and understand Madison’s reasons to try and prevent scythe. She can’t quite grasp what’s going on but she really wants to help Madison. She is also constantly fighting with Barnabas, which is quite funny. Paul might also because an interesting character, so I can’t wait to see what’s gonna happen next with him.
While I liked the plot and how it wrapped-up, I found myself craving for more. Early to Death, Early to Rise is only 228 pages long, which is quite short. I was hoping to see Madison master more skills, but the entire book happens in like 24hours, so it doesn’t leave much room for that much progress. I was also sad to not see Josh in the story. He appeared in only two scenes and I really wanted to see some romance between Josh and Madison.
The bright side is there is still one more book planned in this series, so maybe my hopes will come true in the next book.
The lore of this series is quite amazing and original, so if you haven’t started it yet, I strongly suggest you start with Once Dead, Twice Shy. Harrison’s jump from adult novels to young adult ones was a success, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!