I am made of Death Review

She'd never been the damsel. She'd always been the monster. And so, she'd behave monstrously."

"I Am Made of Death" is the third novel by Kelly Andrew, who also wrote "The Whispering Dark" and "Your Blood, My Bones." Although these books are set in the same universe and tell separate stories, they can be read independently. However, I suggest reading them in sequence to fully appreciate the recurring characters and following the series enhances understanding, and I enjoy noticing the cameos in each book.

Vivienne Farrow disappeared in Red Rock Canyon when she was four years old. No one knows what happened to her, but a monster resides within her. She perceives it through her reflection in mirrors. She realizes that her voice is now toxic, causing anyone who hears her speak to meet a dreadful fate. Vivienne chooses to be selectively mute, communicating through sign language. Her mother and stepfather were searching for an ASL interpreter to employ.

Thomas Walsh, a CODA (child of Deaf adult), took the opportunity on a well-paying interpreting job . This decision was not made lightly; Thomas is motivated by the pressing need to support his family during a difficult time. His mother has fallen ill, and the financial burdens associated with her care have become increasingly overwhelming. As a result, Thomas felt compelled to step up and provide assistance not only emotionally but also financially.

In his new role, Thomas finds himself stepping into a world that is both intriguing and complex as he meets Vivienne Farrow for the first time. At first glance, she appears to be just another client requiring assistance, but as he begins to engage with her, he quickly realizes that things are not as straightforward as they initially seem. His duties go beyond the basic responsibilities of interpretation; he is assigned a dual role that involves not only facilitating communication but also closely monitoring Vivienne's activities throughout the day to ensure she strictly follows her carefully planned schedule. The most critical rule is that she must not be allowed out after dark.

“I had a handler before you, you should know that.

     You're not the first.

  The first is rotting at the bottom of the sound."

As Thomas delves deeper into his responsibilities, he begins to understand the implications of these rules and the weight they carry in Vivienne's life. Each day presents a new set of challenges and revelations, forcing him to navigate the delicate balance between his role as her interpreter and his obligation to protect her.

The more he learns about her, the more he realizes she is bound by invisible threads of control. With each layer he uncovers, a complex web of expectations and limitations is revealed, intricately woven into the essence of her life. It becomes more apparent that her actions are not entirely self-determined; they are shaped by the monster.

Vivienne is dominated by her stepfather, who is aware of her paranormal abilities. He instructs her to eliminate any potential threats to him and his company. Vivienne feels compelled to comply with his demands. He believes he can manage this monster, but it is the monster within her that holds the reins. Vivienne battles with both the monster and herself. It permeates her life and mirrors. The monster threatens to take away everyone she loves, particularly Thomas. To protect him, she warns him against accepting the job, and when that doesn't work, she attempts to have him dismissed.

"She’d never been held like this before—like she was brittle primrose, and not deadly nightshade. Something worth tending, and not something you tore up out of the earth with gloves. Emboldened, she rose onto her toes and kissed him again."

As Vivienne and Thomas's feelings deepen, she realizes she must rid herself of the monster within. Vivienne intends to find assistance from a secret society to extract the monster from inside her. She discreetly organized a staged kidnapping during a party.

"Inside her beat something else's heart.

Someone else's will.

This time tomorrow, she'd cut it out."

"You don't want me to see you, he said.

But I see you, Vivienne.

No one had ever sounded more confident.

No one had ever sounded more doomed.

I see you and I came for you, anyway. I'll always come for you. That's what I've been trying to make you understand. You don't have to do this alone."

Swoon

Vivienne understands that she has a lot to live for, including Thomas and her friends. Together, they join forces to eliminate the real monster.

"She wasn't afraid of death. She wasn't afraid of the mirror"

I enjoyed this read I rated this 4/5! I love the ASL representation in this book!