Step into the supernatural world of Madison Avery, where a 17-year-old navigates the afterlife with grit, charm, and a knack for defying destiny! Penned by Kim Harrison, the Madison Avery series is a thrilling blend of urban fantasy, mystery, and coming-of-age drama. Follow Madison, a spirited teen who dies on prom night but refuses to fade away, commanding heaven’s dark angels while unraveling the secrets of her own demise.
This young adult trilogy, with its witty dialogue and paranormal twists, captures the struggle between fate and free will, making it a hidden gem for fans of otherworldly adventures. Ready to explore a tale where death is just the beginning?
How Madison Avery Began
Kim Harrison, the pseudonym of Dawn Cook, is no stranger to crafting vibrant urban fantasy worlds, best known for her bestselling Hollows series. The Madison Avery series kicked off with a novella, 'Madison Avery and the Dim Reaper,' in the 2007 anthology Prom Nights from Hell, co-authored with Meg Cabot. Its success sparked a full trilogy, with Harrison weaving her signature mix of humor, heart, and supernatural intrigue. Inspired by her love for young adult fiction, Harrison created Madison to explore the high stakes of youth, where every choice feels like a battle for identity.
The Heart of Madison Avery
The series spans three novels and a novella, each diving deeper into Madison’s afterlife adventures. 'Once Dead, Twice Shy' (2009) introduces Madison, who, after stealing a dark reaper’s amulet, gains the illusion of a body and a mission to outsmart her killer. 'Early to Death, Early to Rise' (2010) sees her as a dark timekeeper, leading rogue angels to challenge heaven’s rigid rules. The finale, 'Something Deadly This Way Comes' (2011), forces Madison to choose between a normal life and her cosmic role, blending action with poignant coming-of-age moments. The novella 'Madison Avery and the Dim Reaper' sets the stage, detailing her prom-night death.
Harrison’s urban fantasy world is vivid yet accessible, set in a modern landscape where angels, reapers, and seraphim clash over human souls. Themes of morality, destiny, and free will shine through Madison’s defiance of a predetermined fate, while her snarky voice and relatable struggles—like crushing on Josh while dead—ground the supernatural in teenage reality. The series’ fast-paced plots and gray morality keep readers hooked, with a touch of romance adding sweetness without overpowering the mystery.
Why Madison Avery Resonates
Though less celebrated than Harrison’s Hollows series, Madison Avery carved a niche in young adult urban fantasy. Its exploration of free will versus fate resonates with teens grappling with their own paths, while Madison’s wit and resilience make her a standout heroine. Critics praised its originality, with outlets like School Library Journal noting its 'style and twists.' Fans on Goodreads cherish its light, action-packed vibe, though some wished for deeper character growth. The series’ compact trilogy format and novella make it an approachable entry for new readers, cementing its quiet but enduring appeal.
- Publication Years: 2007 (novella), 2009–2011 (novels)
- Number of Books: 3 novels, 1 novella
- Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal
Dive into 'Once Dead, Twice Shy' and join Madison Avery’s wild ride through a world where death is just a plot twist!