Book Review: Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison
Once Dead, Twice Shy (Madison Avery, #1) by Kim Harrison. © 2009 HarperTeen. ISBN 9780061441684. Trade Paperback. Young Adult/Urban Fantasy. 256 pages. $8.99 US. Source: Wal-Mart purchase
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Synopsis
Madison’s prom was killer—literally. Now, thanks to a mysterious amulet, she’s stuck on Earth: dead but not gone. She has no idea why the dark reaper who did her in was after her, but she’s not about to just sit around and let fate take its course. With a little skilled light-bending, the help of a light reaper (one of the good guys . . . maybe), her cute crush, and oh yeah, her guardian angel, Madison’s ready to take control of her own destiny once and for all, before it takes control of her.
Review
I absolutely loved how Kim has brought us a world which makes us really question things like free will and fate … and leaves us pondering if perhaps it is the so-called “dark reapers” who have it right. The world associates dark with evil or malevolence, and sure there are those in this book which fit perfectly with that (Kairos for one), but not all is what it seems. Nothing is ever black and white. This is a lesson which both Madison (our protagonist) and her mentor, the light reaper, Barnabas learn.
I adore Madison. She’s sassy. She’s flawed. She’s clumsy. She’s not afraid to be who she is, despite that meaning people tease her for her purple hair and goth inspired clothing. Plus, she has cojones. Where others would run away, Madison swallows the fear and meets it head on.
What didn’t I like? The guardian angel. Grace reminded me too much of Tinkerbell, but was more annoying–way more annoying (on the other hand, I loved the seraphs). Also, things seem to be explained in the most convenient manner which is a bit of a downer. Josh, Madison’s prom date and subsequent crush, was a little too convenient as well. At times, I had to ask myself … why is he even here? I felt he served no purpose in a number of places. Though thinking about it, I guess he was Madison’s link to the world of the living. Perhaps I’m just not a fan of his *shrugs* Team Barnabas, maybe? ;)
Overall, Once Dead, Twice Shy had some very exciting moments and kept my attention (even though it failed to knock my socks off). The underlying mysticism was a nice treat as well. I will definitely be reading the others in this series.
Note: For more backstory into this world, check out Kim’s short story in the Prom Nights from Hell anthology.
Rating
3.5 limericks out of 5
