Kelly Andrew’s “I Am Made of Death” delivers a spellbinding conclusion to her loosely connected supernatural trilogy, following “The Whispering Dark” and “Your Blood, My Bones.” With this mesmerizing dark romance, Andrew crafts a tale that is equal parts horrifying and heartbreaking, weaving together themes of identity, alienation, and finding connection in the most unexpected places.
Unlike many paranormal romances that rely on well-trodden tropes, Andrew’s novel stands out with its unique protagonist, Vivienne Farrow, a selective mute whose voice carries deadly power. Through Vivienne’s journey to reclaim both her voice and her reflection, Andrew delivers a narrative that resonates on multiple levels – as a gothic romance, as horror, and as a poignant exploration of what it means to be seen for who you truly are.
The Characters: Complex and Compelling
The novel’s strength lies primarily in its characters, particularly Vivienne Farrow. She is not your typical YA protagonist. Powerful yet vulnerable, determined yet uncertain, Vivienne carries the trauma of her past and the literal demon of her present. Her struggle with her dual nature – the girl and the creature – creates a fascinating internal conflict that drives much of the narrative. Andrew skillfully portrays Vivienne’s complicated relationship with language; her sign language is a cobbled-together mix of ASL, SEE, and fingerspelling, reflecting her sense of not belonging anywhere.
Thomas Walsh provides the perfect counterbalance to Vivienne. Far from the brooding, mysterious love interest common in paranormal romances, Thomas is refreshingly grounded. His responsibilities toward his ailing mother and younger sister humanize him, while his determination to stand by Vivienne, despite her attempts to push him away, showcases his unwavering loyalty. Their relationship develops organically against a backdrop of supernatural horror, making their connection feel earned rather than contrived.
The supporting cast is equally well-crafted. Philip Farrow is chillingly callous in his exploitation of Vivienne’s abilities. Colton Price, revealed to be Vivienne’s half-brother, offers a compelling parallel to Vivienne’s experiences of isolation and otherness. Each character feels distinct and purposeful, contributing meaningfully to the narrative tapestry.
Haunting Prose and Atmospheric Setting
Andrew’s prose is where the novel truly shines. Her writing carries a visceral quality that brings to life the most horrific moments with startling clarity:
“It was there she found her courage, buried in the hush of a midnight. ‘Tommy,’ she whispered into the dark.”
The novel oscillates between moments of tender intimacy and scenes of supernatural horror. The description of Vivienne’s reflection – with its too-wide smile and sharp teeth – evokes a primal unease, while the sequence in the Charybdis’s stomach, with its osseous floor and dripping ceiling, creates an atmosphere of claustrophobic dread.
The settings themselves become characters: the Farrow’s cold, museum-like mansion; Thomas’s warm, cluttered family home; the decaying House in the Hamptons. Each location reflects the emotional landscape of the characters who inhabit it, enhancing the thematic resonance of belonging and alienation.
Thematic Depth: Identity, Voice, and Acceptance
Beyond its supernatural elements, “I Am Made of Death” explores profound themes that give the novel its emotional weight:
Voice and Silence: Vivienne’s deadly voice serves as a powerful metaphor for the double-edged nature of self-expression. Her journey to reclaim her voice parallels her quest to reclaim her identity.
Reflection and Identity: The novel’s preoccupation with reflections – both literal and metaphorical – explores the disconnect between how we see ourselves and how others perceive us.
Family and Belonging: Through both Thomas and Vivienne’s families, Andrew examines different types of bonds – those forged by blood and those formed by choice.
Control and Agency: Vivienne’s struggle against those who would use her abilities for their own purposes underscores a powerful message about bodily autonomy and self-determination.
These themes elevate “I Am Made of Death” beyond genre conventions, offering readers a story that resonates long after the final page.
Narrative Structure and Pacing
The novel’s alternating perspectives between Thomas and Vivienne create a well-balanced narrative that allows readers to understand both characters’ motivations and fears. This structure is particularly effective during key moments of tension, where seeing events from different viewpoints enhances the emotional impact.
The pacing, however, presents occasional challenges. While the first half builds tension effectively, the middle section – particularly Vivienne’s attempts to secure her surgical exorcism – sometimes feels protracted. Conversely, the climactic confrontation at the House moves at breakneck speed, potentially overwhelming readers with rapid revelations about Vivienne’s parentage and the nature of the Charybdis.
Nevertheless, Andrew demonstrates remarkable skill in managing her supernatural elements. The rules governing Vivienne’s condition and the otherworldly aspects of the House of Hades are consistently applied, creating a believable framework for the supernatural elements to operate within.
Critical Assessment: Strengths and Weaknesses
What Works Brilliantly
Character Development: Both Thomas and Vivienne undergo meaningful growth, with their relationship serving as a catalyst for personal evolution.
Atmospheric Horror: The novel excels at creating moments of genuine unease, particularly in its depiction of Vivienne’s reflection and the Charybdis.
Representation: Andrew’s personal connection to language barriers (mentioned in her author’s note) infuses Vivienne’s experience with authenticity and nuance.
Romance: The relationship between Thomas and Vivienne feels genuine, with chemistry that builds naturally despite supernatural obstacles.
Where It Falls Short
Pacing Issues: As mentioned, certain sections feel either rushed or drawn out, disrupting the otherwise effective narrative flow.
Underdeveloped Antagonists: While Philip Farrow is suitably menacing, Christian Price’s motivations could have benefited from further exploration.
Convenient Resolutions: Some plot threads, particularly the fate of Jesse Grayson, are resolved somewhat abruptly.
Worldbuilding Complexity: The multiple supernatural elements (the House of Hades, the Charybdis, gaps in the sky) occasionally risk overwhelming the central narrative.
Comparison to Similar Works
“I Am Made of Death” sits comfortably alongside other contemporary paranormal romances like Leigh Bardugo’s “Ninth House” and V.E. Schwab’s “Vicious,” sharing their blend of the supernatural with grounded character development. However, Andrew’s focus on language and identity gives her work a distinctive emotional resonance.
Fans of Kelly Andrew’s previous books will recognize recurring themes of otherworldly elements intruding on reality, but “I Am Made of Death” feels more refined in its execution, with sharper prose and more nuanced character development than her earlier works.
Final Verdict: A Mesmerizing Dark Romance with Depth
“I Am Made of Death” is a haunting, thought-provoking novel that transcends genre conventions. Despite occasional pacing issues, the strength of the central characters, the atmospheric writing, and the thematic depth make this a standout entry in contemporary paranormal fiction.
Andrew has crafted a story that is at once a chilling supernatural tale and a moving exploration of finding one’s voice. Vivienne and Thomas’s journey resonates because, beneath the supernatural elements, it speaks to universal desires: to be seen, to be heard, and to be loved for who we truly are – monsters and all.
For readers seeking paranormal romance with substance, genuine emotional depth, and moments of genuine horror, “I Am Made of Death” delivers a reading experience that lingers, like Vivienne’s reflection, long after the book is closed.