{"id":2523,"date":"2025-04-11T05:01:27","date_gmt":"2025-04-11T05:01:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/?p=2523"},"modified":"2025-04-11T05:01:27","modified_gmt":"2025-04-11T05:01:27","slug":"i-am-made-of-death-by-kelly-andrew","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/?p=2523","title":{"rendered":"I Am Made of Death by Kelly Andrew"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kelly Andrew\u2019s \u201cI Am Made of Death\u201d delivers a spellbinding conclusion to her loosely connected supernatural trilogy, following \u201cThe Whispering Dark\u201d and \u201cYour Blood, My Bones.\u201d 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Unlike many paranormal romances that rely on well-trodden tropes, Andrew\u2019s novel stands out with its unique protagonist, Vivienne Farrow, a selective mute whose voice carries deadly power. Through Vivienne\u2019s journey to reclaim both her voice and her reflection, Andrew delivers a narrative that resonates on multiple levels \u2013 as a gothic romance, as horror, and as a poignant exploration of what it means to be seen for who you truly are.<\/p>\n

The Characters: Complex and Compelling<\/h2>\n

The novel\u2019s 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 \u2013 the girl and the creature \u2013 creates a fascinating internal conflict that drives much of the narrative. Andrew skillfully portrays Vivienne\u2019s complicated relationship with language; her sign language is a cobbled-together mix of ASL, SEE, and fingerspelling, reflecting her sense of not belonging anywhere.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The supporting cast is equally well-crafted. Philip Farrow is chillingly callous in his exploitation of Vivienne\u2019s abilities. Colton Price, revealed to be Vivienne\u2019s half-brother, offers a compelling parallel to Vivienne\u2019s experiences of isolation and otherness<\/a>. Each character feels distinct and purposeful, contributing meaningfully to the narrative tapestry.<\/p>\n

Haunting Prose and Atmospheric Setting<\/h2>\n

Andrew\u2019s prose is where the novel truly shines. Her writing carries a visceral quality that brings to life the most horrific moments with startling clarity:<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was there she found her courage, buried in the hush of a midnight. \u2018Tommy,\u2019 she whispered into the dark.\u201d<\/em><\/h4>\n

The novel oscillates between moments of tender intimacy and scenes of supernatural horror. The description of Vivienne\u2019s reflection \u2013 with its too-wide smile and sharp teeth \u2013 evokes a primal unease, while the sequence in the Charybdis\u2019s stomach, with its osseous floor and dripping ceiling, creates an atmosphere of claustrophobic dread.<\/p>\n

The settings themselves become characters: the Farrow\u2019s cold, museum-like mansion; Thomas\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Thematic Depth: Identity, Voice, and Acceptance<\/h2>\n

Beyond its supernatural elements, \u201cI Am Made of Death\u201d explores profound themes that give the novel its emotional weight:<\/p>\n

Voice and Silence<\/strong>: Vivienne\u2019s deadly voice serves as a powerful metaphor for the double-edged nature of self-expression<\/a>. Her journey to reclaim her voice parallels her quest to reclaim her identity.
\nReflection and Identity<\/strong>: The novel\u2019s preoccupation with reflections \u2013 both literal and metaphorical \u2013 explores the disconnect between how we see ourselves and how others perceive us.
\nFamily and Belonging<\/strong>: Through both Thomas and Vivienne\u2019s families, Andrew examines different types of bonds \u2013 those forged by blood and those formed by choice.
\nControl and Agency<\/strong>: Vivienne\u2019s struggle against those who would use her abilities for their own purposes underscores a powerful message about bodily autonomy and self-determination.<\/p>\n

These themes elevate \u201cI Am Made of Death\u201d beyond genre conventions, offering readers a story that resonates long after the final page.<\/p>\n

Narrative Structure and Pacing<\/h2>\n

The novel\u2019s alternating perspectives between Thomas and Vivienne create a well-balanced narrative that allows readers to understand both characters\u2019 motivations and fears. This structure is particularly effective during key moments of tension, where seeing events from different viewpoints enhances the emotional impact.<\/p>\n

The pacing, however, presents occasional challenges. While the first half builds tension effectively, the middle section \u2013 particularly Vivienne\u2019s attempts to secure her surgical exorcism \u2013 sometimes feels protracted. Conversely, the climactic confrontation at the House moves at breakneck speed, potentially overwhelming readers with rapid revelations about Vivienne\u2019s parentage and the nature of the Charybdis.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, Andrew demonstrates remarkable skill in managing her supernatural elements. The rules governing Vivienne\u2019s condition and the otherworldly aspects of the House of Hades are consistently applied, creating a believable framework for the supernatural elements to operate within.<\/p>\n

Critical Assessment: Strengths and Weaknesses<\/h2>\n

What Works Brilliantly<\/h3>\n

Character Development<\/strong>: Both Thomas and Vivienne undergo meaningful growth, with their relationship serving as a catalyst for personal evolution.
\nAtmospheric Horror<\/strong>: The novel excels at creating moments of genuine unease, particularly in its depiction of Vivienne\u2019s reflection and the Charybdis.
\nRepresentation<\/strong>: Andrew\u2019s personal connection to language barriers (mentioned in her author\u2019s note) infuses Vivienne\u2019s experience with authenticity and nuance.
\nRomance<\/strong>: The relationship between Thomas and Vivienne feels genuine, with chemistry that builds naturally despite supernatural obstacles.<\/p>\n

Where It Falls Short<\/h3>\n

Pacing Issues<\/strong>: As mentioned, certain sections feel either rushed or drawn out, disrupting the otherwise effective narrative flow.
\nUnderdeveloped Antagonists<\/strong>: While Philip Farrow is suitably menacing, Christian Price\u2019s motivations could have benefited from further exploration.
\nConvenient Resolutions<\/strong>: Some plot threads, particularly the fate of Jesse Grayson, are resolved somewhat abruptly.
\nWorldbuilding Complexity<\/strong>: The multiple supernatural elements (the House of Hades, the Charybdis, gaps in the sky) occasionally risk overwhelming the central narrative.<\/p>\n

Comparison to Similar Works<\/h2>\n

\u201cI Am Made of Death\u201d sits comfortably alongside other contemporary paranormal romances like Leigh Bardugo\u2019s \u201cNinth House\u201d and V.E. Schwab\u2019s \u201cVicious<\/a>,\u201d sharing their blend of the supernatural with grounded character development. However, Andrew\u2019s focus on language and identity gives her work a distinctive emotional resonance.<\/p>\n

Fans of Kelly Andrew\u2019s previous books will recognize recurring themes of otherworldly elements intruding on reality, but \u201cI Am Made of Death\u201d feels more refined in its execution, with sharper prose and more nuanced character development than her earlier works.<\/p>\n

Final Verdict: A Mesmerizing Dark Romance with Depth<\/h2>\n

\u201cI Am Made of Death\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

Andrew has crafted a story that is at once a chilling supernatural tale and a moving exploration of finding one\u2019s voice. Vivienne and Thomas\u2019s 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 \u2013 monsters and all.<\/p>\n

For readers seeking paranormal romance with substance, genuine emotional depth, and moments of genuine horror, \u201cI Am Made of Death\u201d delivers a reading experience that lingers, like Vivienne\u2019s reflection, long after the book is closed.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Kelly Andrew\u2019s \u201cI Am Made of Death\u201d delivers a spellbinding conclusion to her loosely connected supernatural trilogy, following \u201cThe Whispering Dark\u201d and \u201cYour Blood, My Bones.\u201d 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2523","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-bookreviews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2523"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2523"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2523\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2523"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2523"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2523"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}