Book Review: I Am Made of Death by Kelly
Okay, let’s start with a confession: I’ve been sitting on my thoughts about I Am Made of Death for 72 hours, oscillating between pure awe and deep contemplation. This book was a journey through the complex tapestry of trauma, identity, and love, woven together with an exquisite blend of horror and humor. Kelly has truly outdone herself, and I couldn’t wait to dive into this review—minor spoilers ahead, so fair warning!
From the very first page, I was drawn in by the visceral imagery of bones that plays a crucial role throughout the narrative. What struck me most was how Kelly utilized bones to symbolize control and frailty, a refreshing departure from the typical blood-focused motifs we often see in fantasy literature. The scene where Vivienne describes the thing curled behind her ribs sent shivers down my spine—it’s a haunting metaphor for the struggles we hold within ourselves. Each mention of bones—whether it’s the rib bone or the eerie imagery of broken parts—added an unsettling richness to the experience.
The atmosphere in this book is nothing short of magical. The sentence, "A sunken horror wrapped in shipwreck silence," encapsulates the beautifully eerie vibe that permeates the story. Each spectral detail, like the little crab crawling over a rib bone, evokes a sense of melancholic beauty, making me pause to revel in Kelly’s haunting prose. I found myself laughing and crying in equal measure; the humor, infused with painfully relatable moments, strikes a perfect balance against the backdrop of horror. Seriously, I chuckled out loud at some of the banter—so much so that I might have scared my cat!
But let’s talk about the characters, specifically Vivienne and Thomas. Vivienne is a dynamic protagonist, grappling with her own monstrosity and the realities of teenage life. The raw, emotional lines like, “…seeing her at her ugliest, her meanest, her most utterly depraved—was undignified beyond imagination,” resonated deeply with me. These reflections draw attention to the internal struggles we all face, especially as young women navigating a treacherous world.
Then there’s Thomas—a character that might just be one of my favorites in recent memory. His emotional intelligence and gentle demeanor juxtaposed with the chaos around him made my heart race. The line, "She’d never been held like this before—like she was brittle primrose, and not deadly nightshade," captures the essence of their relationship beautifully. He treats Vivienne with the care she so desperately needs, which instills hope in their tumultuous world.
As for the romance—oh boy, I was here for it! The constant push and pull between them, the misunderstandings, and the moments of sweet connection made it feel all too real. Kelly captures that flutter of first love amidst chaos flawlessly, particularly in their varying speeds of emotional revelation. I mean, who wouldn’t swoon at the line, "He felt the faintest brush of her pinkie against his knuckle"?
In conclusion, I Am Made of Death is a book that holds something for everyone—whether you’re drawn to deep emotional connections, horror-inflected narratives, or the complexity of teenage experiences. It’s a story that lingered in my thoughts long after I turned the last page, offering a new perspective on pain, growth, and the human experience. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood or found comfort in the darker aspects of life, you’ll find a friend in Vivienne and Thomas.
Overall, I can’t recommend this book enough. Thank you, Kelly, for gifting me this proof copy; I’m grateful to have had the chance to experience such a masterful blend of horror and intimacy. Now, before I head off to reread The Weight of Dreams, who’s ready to join me on this hauntingly beautiful journey? ✨