Review of I Am Made of Death by Kelly
When I first picked up I Am Made of Death by Kelly, I expected an enthralling finale to a trilogy I’d been deeply invested in. What I didn’t anticipate was how profoundly it would unsettle, challenge, and ultimately reshape my perspective on complex emotions and teenage experiences. Only three days have passed since I turned the final page, and I’m still reeling from the sheer depth of it all.
At its core, I Am Made of Death navigates the intricate landscapes of trauma, identity, and the nuanced horror of coming of age. The protagonist, Vivienne, grapples with her inner monster—a metaphor rendered eloquently through the recurring motif of bones. As I read, I found myself struck by a passage discussing how “the thing inside her is curled up behind her ribs.” This not only reflects her personal struggles but also resonates with anyone wrestling with their own demons. This visceral imagery kept me tethered to the text as it artfully illustrated the duality of life and death, healing and hurt.
One aspect of Kelly’s writing that genuinely captivated me was her incredible ability to weave humor into dark themes. I often found myself laughing despite the eerie backdrop. Quotes like, “I thought you might be illiterate,” reveal the sharp wit that balances the heavier moments. Character interactions are laced with sarcasm and genuine connections, particularly between Vivienne and her love interest, Thomas. Their witty banter and emotional exchanges provide a grounded anchor in a world that often seems unmoored. Thomas’s intelligence and gentle care are perfectly encapsulated in, “You can’t expect me to do nothing,” which showcases his depth in a vulnerable moment.
Kelly’s prose is hauntingly beautiful, creating an atmosphere that lingers like the damp, unsettling hum of a sunken ship. Descriptive lines such as, “A sunken horror wrapped in shipwreck silence,” transport readers into a vividly imagined but deeply unsettling world. The fear manifests in gripping scenes—like a voice recorder capturing more than just sound—that resonated long after I’d read them. Each chilling moment left me captivated, and I found myself eagerly flipping back to re-experience those adrenaline-filled pockets of horror.
The character dynamics are nothing short of masterful. Vivienne’s growth, represented through haunting reflections on her identity and relationships, offers more than just a traditional coming-of-age story. Lines like, “If I hadn’t calcified the bits of me that were tender to the touch,” exemplify her furious battle for self-acceptance amid the chaos of adolescence. This exploration reflects a universal struggle that many readers can relate to, making Vivienne a resonant character.
The romance between Vivienne and Thomas is layered with tension and heartfelt sincerity, encapsulating the ebb and flow of young love amidst turmoil. Their blossoming relationship is fraught with intensity, and reading their chapters was a rollercoaster of emotions—especially when Thomas declares, "It’s you and me." Moments like these illuminate the beautifully tangled complexity of their interactions, making for a refreshingly real portrayal of teenage romance.
In conclusion, I Am Made of Death is a haunting yet witty narrative that explores the depths of trauma and the resilience of young hearts. If you’re in search of a story that merges dark fantasy with raw emotional truths, this book will resonate deeply. Fans of intricate character development and visceral storytelling will find themselves captivated by Kelly’s latest offering. Whether you’re looking to see your own struggles reflected on the page or simply in search of a spine-tingling read, I wholeheartedly recommend this novel. It’s one that will stick with you and possibly even urge you to reflect on the beautiful complexities of life and the ties that bind us.