 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Once Dead, Twice Shy: Madison Avery, Book 1
- By Kim Harrison
- Genre: Fantasy
Common Sense Media says
Supernatural story without too much violence.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is pretty mild for a young adult
novel -- a bit of moderate cursing, some mild fantasy violence, and a
car accident in which the main character is (sort of) killed. Some
parents who have firm religious ideas about the afterlife may find
this offensive.
What's the story?
Madison was killed in a car wreck caused by an anti-free-will dark reaper who wanted to prevent something in her future. But
before she died she grabbed his amulet, which allows her to continue as
if she is living but draws the wrath of the reaper and his minions who
want to complete her death and get back the amulet. Protected by a
Guardian Angel and the light reaper, she struggles to survive and to
learn to control the amulet. But there's more going on here than any
of them realize, and Madison may have a role to play in the politics
of the afterlife.
Is it any good?
Author Kim Harrison has a talent for keeping the action flying
along without resorting to the kind of grim and gruesome violence
typical of teen urban fantasies. She does this with a light touch,
original ideas, a complex plot with an even more complex back story,
and nearly nonstop action and suspense. In between readers will find a
delightfully snarky Guardian Angel, a mix of high school and afterlife
politics, and some interesting ideas about the nature of
life, death, and reality.
This is another example of a book betrayed by its cover. The picture
shows a heavily made-up platinum blonde girl, with an ornate title on
a pink background. Take the paper cover off and you find a pink wing
embossed on the hardcover. It practically screams, "This book is just
for girls!" But the story itself would be enjoyable for anyone who
likes a light and exciting fantasy, with plenty of humor and action.
It's a shame that probably only half of its potential audience will
ever open it up to see what's inside.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the afterlife. Major
religions and many stories, including this one, present ideas about
the afterlife. What do you think of this one?Is it anything like others you have heard or read about?
Is it anything like the way you think it will be? Is there any way to know?
The idea of hierarchies of higher and lower beings is not new -- why is that idea so common?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title below.
| Author: | Kim Harrison |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Publisher: | HarperCollins Children's Books |
| Publication date: | May 26, 2009 |
| Number of pages: | 240 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.99 |
| Read aloud: | 12 |
| Read alone: | 12 |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
vote now
Will you read Once Dead, Twice Shy: Madison Avery, Book 1?
Already read it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
