Early to death, early to rise
Kim Harrison
Early to death, early to rise
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
a novel
by Kim Harrison
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Madison's heart races as she faces down a swarm of dark angels ready to strike. She's dead—well, sort of—and now commands these fierce warriors of fate. But when she breaks the rules of the afterlife, everything spirals out of control. What happens next could change everything.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This young adult paranormal novel follows Madison Avery, a teenager who dies and becomes the dark timekeeper, commanding angels of fate. The story explores themes of identity, rule-breaking, and supernatural adventure, with some romantic elements. Suitable for teens 13 and up, the book contains fantasy violence and complex themes about death and destiny.
Why we rated Early to death, early to rise 11ME
Early to death, early to rise is written at a Level 6 reading level across 228 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Early to death, early to rise works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Early to death, early to rise as 11ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Fantasy Violence.
Thematically, Early to death, early to rise explores young adult fiction, paranormal, occult & supernatural, action & adventure, and romance — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about young adult fiction, paranormal, occult & supernatural.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780061718175
- Pages
- 228
- Publisher
- HarperCollins
- Published
- 2010
- Type
- Fiction