Thank you to Scholastic and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC! All opinions below are my own.

I Am Made of Death is equal parts horror, romance, and high-stake adventure. The macabre secrets set up in the first few chapters are intriguing, the premise itself captivating, and the way each character builds off of one another works incredibly well. The end result between the two is every bit as sweet as I was hoping. The biggest takeaway, though, is that the romance doesn’t overpower the horror elements which make up a lot of the story. The human condition at its best- and worst- are explored fantastically.

My biggest complaint was the lack of explanation for aspects of Thomas’s life that are discussed in the later part of the book. It seems like something too major to gloss over after a confirmation that allusions throughout the book were in fact to this specific detail, but perhaps that’s simply me wanting more Thomas. In general, though, this was a phenomenal read. I’d sincerely recommend this if you like your gothic horror mixed with some romance and existential dread.

I was really looking forward to this book. I LOVED the description, and couldn't wait to dive in. But as has happened with other books by this author, I feel like it just doesn't quite get there for me. A girl who can't speak because she is possessed by something after a childhood event, a boy who knows sign because of his mother and is responsible for his family's finances, and societal pressures that will surely try to keep them apart. How awesome! Well, it started off that way. But, I feel like the story didn't deliver on its promise. There were great descriptions of things that I feel took up too much of the text and didn't leave room for actual plot explanations or character development. By the end, when I should've been dying to finish the book and find out what happens, I found myself reading lots of other things because I just didn't care. Didn't care about the characters, their relationship, or what happened to them. I think that's because there is very little build up to Thomas and Vivienne's relationship. I don't mind insta-love. When well done, it's believable. But they only watch TV together one night (or maybe a couple) and he takes her to a class, but suddenly they're in love. WHAT?! There is no build up. What does she like about him? I have no idea. What does he like about her? No idea either, especially because she's mean to him all the time.
Also, some plot points were very confusing, and I felt like I was missing things. It may be less like that if you read Whispering Dark, because it shares some characters, but I didn't finish that one, so I don't know.
It was interesting sometimes, and I didn't hate it, but I really wish it would've given more explanation of things--plot wise--and more showing versus telling for the characters.

3.5 stars

What I loved:
The horror elements in this story are excellent. The demonic thing that Vivienne is dealing with, that whole backstory and situation, was so well written. For me, it’s the most relatable part of this story. For each reader, it can represent something different - something that plagues us, weighs us down and haunts us.

The romance in this story was Kelly’s best yet. Thomas is hired by Vivienne’s father to be an interpreter, but he ends up being more like a bodyguard of sorts. The lines start getting blurred. There’s a lot of angsty enemies to lovers tension. There are scenes that feel a lot more intimate and emotional than Kelly’s previous books.

What I struggled with:
Vivienne is trapped and voiceless - both physically and metaphorically - she’s plagued with something demonic, weighed down by her trauma, and struggling with her self-worth. On paper, she’s a character I should have been drawn to and found relatable, but it was so difficult to feel for her. She came off as closed off, manipulative and self-centered. Vulnerable moments that should have shown her heart, left me unmoved. The narration didn’t fully convey her emotions, which made it hard to believe that anything was genuine, even her feelings for Thomas. It seemed to take her the entire book to consider that others had struggles too. These aspects made it difficult to root for her, even as I understood her pain.

The overall plot - something to do with an occult organization tied to the college - was just lost on me. The supporting characters and relationships were blurred into the background.

Overall:
If you read for atmosphere, angst, vibes and great quotes, this book will work for you.

Andrew Kelly’s writing is compelling and I’ll continue to read whatever she publishes.

Thank you to NetGalley and Scholastic Press for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.

Prepare to be utterly captivated by this haunting and electrifying dark romance from Kelly Andrew, where love battles darkness, secrets claw their way to the surface, and the line between humanity and monstrosity blurs.

✨ The Premise:
Thomas Walsh is a young man carrying the weight of the world. Between caring for his sick mother and working tirelessly to make ends meet, he can’t afford to pass up a lucrative job as an interpreter for Vivienne Farrow, a mysterious and wealthy heiress who only signs.

Vivienne hasn’t spoken in years, not since a chilling childhood incident in Red Rock Canyon left her with a curse: anyone who hears her voice meets a gruesome fate. Controlled by her overbearing parents and desperate to escape the dark force within her, Vivienne is determined to reclaim her freedom—even if it means keeping Thomas at arm’s length.

But when their worlds collide, secrets unravel, and the darkness surrounding Vivienne threatens to consume them both, their growing connection could be their salvation… or their destruction.

🔥 Why You’ll Fall for This Book:
• Dark, Twisted Romance: The chemistry between Thomas and Vivienne is palpable, filled with tension, longing, and an undercurrent of danger.
• Unique Concept: A voice that kills? A surgical exorcism? This fresh twist on dark romance and paranormal elements will have you hooked.
• Atmospheric & Haunting: Kelly Andrew weaves a world that’s as beautiful as it is chilling, where every shadow feels alive.
• Complex Characters: Both Thomas and Vivienne are broken in their own ways, and their journeys of healing and self-discovery will tug at your heart.
• High Stakes: With Vivienne’s curse and a looming supernatural threat, the stakes are sky-high, keeping you on the edge of your seat.

🌌 Final Thoughts:
I Am Made of Death is an intoxicating mix of gothic vibes, heart-pounding romance, and spine-tingling suspense. This isn’t just a love story—it’s a battle for survival, a fight against fate, and a testament to the power of connection in the face of darkness.

📖 Perfect for fans of: The Dead Romantics, The Atlas Six, and lovers of dark, atmospheric romances with a paranormal twist.

💬 Tag your dark romance buddy! Have you read this yet? Let’s discuss!

📚 #IAmMadeOfDeath #KellyAndrew #DarkRomance #ParanormalRomance #GothicReads #Bookstagram #RomanticThriller #SpineTinglingReads #MustReadBooks #BookishVibes #TBRAlert 🖤🖋️

I Am Made of Death" by Kelly Andrew is a spellbinding blend of dark romance and supernatural horror that captivates from the first page. Andrew's prose is both lyrical and haunting, creating an atmosphere thick with suspense and emotion. The character development is particularly noteworthy; Vivienne's portrayal as a hyper-feminine yet terrifying figure is both relatable and inspiring, while Thomas's resourcefulness and steadfastness make him a compelling counterpart. The novel's exploration of themes such as autonomy, identity, and the lengths one will go for love adds depth to the narrative, elevating it beyond a typical supernatural tale.

An engaging thriller.

At first, you try to understand what the big secret is for Vivienne needing an ASL interpreter, since she is not deaf, but for some years now she has preferred to be selective-mute.

Thomas Walsh, a young man who has taken on the responsibility of taking care of his sick mother - who has an autoimmune disease - and his younger sister, does not think twice about accepting this job with a high salary.

However, something his employer said makes Thomas think that he was needed for more than just his ASL skills; something on his resume was extremely important to be Vivienne's companion, and also to spy on her.

As the secret is revealed, the suspense around how all this trouble can be eliminated grows, and we discover who the real tormentors are.

Incredible plot that deserves to be turned into a movie
5 stars

kelly andrew is a go-to author for me now when i want some spooks, horror, and immersive storytelling. she puts you right next to the characters as you read which makes the chilling aspects that much more frightening. i didn't realize i should have read 'the whispering dark' before this one but it didn't take away any enjoyment from the story. knowing the first novel would only enhance the story for readers. i'm looking forward to going back and getting some information about Colton and Lane!

highly recommend this author for atmospheric, gothic and paranormal fantasy!

So this is an interesting one to review. I was captivated by the first part of the book, bc it was macabre and I wanted to know more of what was happening. It had a bit of The Ninth House feel to it and I really liked the dynamic. I think the love story ruined it. Or at the very least it should've been built up more, because it didn't resonate the way it should've. There's also several lost threads that being answered would round the story out better..

I have mixed feelings on this one! Overall, I liked each of the characters as well as the plot. It had good bones and it did have me interested and hooked. However, I felt like things in the plot and romance didn’t build in a natural way. There wasn’t enough substance to the relationship before Thomas was willing to pit everything on the line for her. Sometimes I felt confused by the number of characters that were thrown in as well. I guess I feel like it wasn’t all fleshed out well. However it was definitely creepy at times and had plenty of horror elements to keep it interesting.

4.5 stars!

The moment I received an arc of this book, I almost immediately dove right in. I honestly thought I’d finish it by the end of 2024, but instead, I wrapped it up on the very first day of the new year. I couldn’t be happier that I Am Made of Death ended up being the first book I officially read this year because I absolutely loved it.

That said, the reason this didn’t quite make it to a full five stars for me (it’s just a half-star short) is because, after the 80% mark (which I thoroughly enjoyed every second of), there were too many unanswered questions lingering. But I suppose that was part of the charm of this book—keeping readers on their toes and always guessing. While a more detailed wrap-up with full explanations of the mysterious events would have been nice, that wasn’t the reason I gave it less than five stars.

I also noticed that this book was very loosely based on 'Rumplestiltskin' fairytale with its own paranormal and mysterious intrigues, twists and turns.

For anyone eagerly awaiting the release of this book, and trust me, you should be, get ready to add Thomas Walsh to your list of potential book boyfriends for 2025. He’s definitely one of the best!

I Am Made of Death, a modern retelling of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ grabs you from the very first page and refuses to let go. This book blends gothic horror, romance, and the Supernatural into an unforgettable story that’s as chilling as it is tender.

At the heart of the novel is Thomas Walsh, a hardworking, resilient man whose world is turned upside down when he becomes the interpreter for Vivienne Farrow, an enigmatic heiress shrouded in tragedy and danger. Thomas easy to root for—his devotion to his sister and ailing mother plus his quiet determination make him relatable. He will do whatever he can to keep the bills paid, even if that means staying in trouble and harboring secrets of his own. Meanwhile, Vivienne is a puzzle wrapped in haunting layers: her silence is choice as her voice is a weapon, and her struggle to reclaim her voice and identity is both heartbreaking and thrilling.

Andrew’s writing is stunning. She paints vivid, eerie landscapes that feel like characters themselves, with every shadow and whisper carrying a sense of foreboding. The relationship between Thomas and Vivienne is beautifully nuanced, moving from guarded suspicion to something deeply heartfelt. Their bond feels genuine and grows naturally, even as the dark forces surrounding Vivienne threaten to tear them apart.

What sets this book apart is its exploration of silence and voice—both literally and metaphorically. Vivienne’s curse is terrifying, but it also serves as a powerful metaphor for control, autonomy, and the longing to be heard on one’s own terms. Thomas’s role as an interpreter adds another layer of depth, highlighting the complexities of communication and trust.

The plot is expertly paced, with twists and revelations that kept me on edge. I was completely hooked, desperate to see how Thomas and Vivienne would navigate their shared dangers. My only gripe would be that what was happening was confusing. This book got four stars instead of five because I don't feel there was a true explanation for why Vivienne was the way she was and how some of the other characters are still around. I also don't feel we got much for why Thomas could do what he could. I don't want to spoil this, so give it a read for yourselves, maybe I missed something. But that ending? Hauntingly perfect. It’s a story of survival, love, and the power of reclaiming what’s been stolen. I highly recommend!

*Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Scholastic Press, for providing this eARC with me in exchange for my honest opinion. Make sure to grab it on its release date March 4th!

Review goes live January 20

I don't know what I was expecting. I think more of a psychological horror. But it turned out to be more of an eldritch horror. I honestly am still kind of confused about some stuff, but I loved this book. The confusion just added to the story and the horror. I also never knew what was going to happen next and that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time.

Both Vivienne and Thomas are deeply flawed and I loved their characters. I don't feel like there was much character development, but I loved that they came together with their flaws instead of working to be perfect for each other.

I think people who love horror, psychological thrillers, and all things eldritch will love this novel.

This is the YA book to pick up if you are looking for a dark romance with a touch of fantasy and horror. I especially enjoyed how unique this story felt and how strong the two main characters were. Something I found intriguing is that not all of the backstories or all of the fantastical elements were completely explained; I think that readers may be a bit divided as to whether they like that, but I did.

This book captured my attention and held it throughout the entire time I read it. I recommend this to readers who like the the way the summary on the jacket sounds. This is a book that would translate well to the screen.

Ummm……wait a darn minute? Why is this the first I am hearing of Kelly Andrew and her books? Because, wow! Just wow. If you want to know how I feel about this book, all I have to say is IMMEDIATELY after I finished this eARC on my Kindle I instantly ordered her other two older works. I can’t wait for them to get delivered because I will be cracking those babies open as soon as they get here.

I am having a hard time putting into words how I feel about this one or even summarizing what it is about. It’s completely engrossing, original, dark, and atmospheric. Both Thomas and Vivienne, our two main characters, are such deep and complex characters. I couldn’t look away for one second, practically finishing this book in two sittings. I WANTED TO KNOW MORE! In fact, my one very small complaint is I wish we had a little more insight into Thomas and his past (to put it in a way that doesn’t spoil anything).

In these pages you will find a very dark story of possession and the paranormal. You will see what desperation looks like when you feel like your life is not your own and what it means to truly keep your promises to the people who are most important to you. It’s a beautiful story wrapped up in a disturbing package. I didn’t know this was the story I was looking for, but it truly delivered in the BEST way and is there anything better than when a book completely takes you by surprise? I say not.

Andrew’s book is a MUST read for 2025! It is absolutely captivating and imaginative! It is both powerful and haunting! I was immersed in the book from beginning to end. I love how much imagination and creativity is used to develop her paranormal characters.

The story of Vivienne and Thomas is fascinating. The backgrounds, the way they interact with one another and their personal demons drives the story. Their relationship goes through several phases with a strong connection that is tested a number of times. The intensity between them and the haunting creature continuously draws the reader deeper in the story.

I was completely thrown by the ending of the book but it is so good. Absolutely do not miss out on reading this book!

Kelly Andrew’s I Am Made of Death is a spellbinding tale of resilience, identity, and the battle against darkness, both external and internal. Set against the backdrop of grief and survival, the novel weaves a rich tapestry of love, desperation, and supernatural suspense.

🩰storyline:
The story follows Thomas Walsh, a young man burdened by familial responsibilities after the loss of his father. As the hearing child of a Deaf adult, Thomas's unique skill set lands him a job as an interpreter for Vivienne, an enigmatic heiress whose life is as tightly controlled as it is mysterious. From their first encounter, the tension between them crackles—Vivienne, haunted by a presence that’s slowly consuming her, and Thomas, determined to protect her despite the risks.

🩰world building:
Kelly masterfully builds a world that is both intimate and terrifying. Vivienne’s struggle with possession is a chilling metaphor for the loss of autonomy and identity, while Thomas’s relentless loyalty and resourcefulness create a poignant counterbalance. The interplay between these two characters forms the emotional core of the novel, drawing readers into a relationship that is equal parts tender and tumultuous.

🩰the vibe:
The book thrives on its eerie atmosphere and haunting imagery. Andrew’s descriptions of Vivienne’s otherworldly plight are vivid and unsettling, creating a sense of dread that lingers throughout. The pacing is taut, with each revelation adding a new layer of intrigue and urgency.

🩰what's different:
Yet what sets I Am Made of Death apart is its exploration of the human condition. Beneath the supernatural elements lies a deeply human story about the lengths we go to for the people we love, the fight to reclaim our sense of self, and the courage it takes to confront the monsters—both literal and figurative—that threaten to destroy us.

I liked the idea of this book, but it was a little hard to follow in some parts. It is very detailed, but I feel that there could have been a little more information about how Thomas became what he was. I also know that Thomas is supposed to be 18, but the way he acts especially toward Vivienne he seems older in his late 20's. It was an interesting read, but not something U would read again.

Thanks to NetGalley and Scholastic for this copy of "I Am Made of Death."

Let me start by saying that I envisioned this as a movie while I was reading with Jenna Ortega (Wednesday) playing Vivienne and Hunter Doohan (Tyler) as Thomas. It would be awesome!

To help his family, Thomas quits school and takes a job with the Farrow family to be the interpreter for their daughter Vivienne. She was lost in a canyon at age 4 and the experience was so traumatic that she refuses to speak. But how did she survive in the canyon and did she bring something out with her?

(March 2025) AZ I Am Made of Death by Kelly Andrew, 368 pages. Scholastic Press (Scholastic Inc), 2025. $20.
Language: R (84 swears, 18 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
College dropouts paying for their mother’s medical bills are beggars, not choosers, which is why Thomas (18yo) is living the Farrow household as an interpreter for Vivienne (18yo). Vivienne chooses not to speak, but she doesn’t need an interpreter-slash-babysitter. Once she finds a way to ditch Thomas, she can continue with her plans to fix herself—or else die trying.
The occult aspects of this story are not explained very clearly. The vagueness adds an element of horror in the beginning but distracts from the action the deeper readers go, turning mystery into confusion. In the end, the forces of evil somehow collapse, causing the antagonists to somehow face consequences while the protagonists drive hopefully into the dawn of a new day. A happy ending, if not a very disclosing conclusion.
The majority of characters are implied White, and Frances, Hudson, and Reed are part of the LGBT community. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, illegal activity, scary elements, mentions of prostitution, kissing, and innuendo. The violence rating is for assault, gun use, blood and gore, mentions of suicide, and murder.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Loved this book. It was different from what I usually read but this was great. The author is great and I absolutely loved how all three books tie together. Kelly Andrew is a new to author and I'm so glad I discovered her.

I felt the pacing was great and I loved the multi POV. The only thing I wish was a little more explained was Thomas's abilities, I felt that was glazed over. Otherwise he definitely goes on my fav MMCs list. I love how gritty and rough around the edges he is even when he is in a suit

Vivienne is an absolute angel who deserves the world...above and below the world too, with Molly and Judd by her side.