Common Sense Media Review
By Sage Moreaux
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gruesome, lush romantic horror explores power, resilience.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In I AM MADE OF DEATH, Thomas Walsh is assigned as interpreter for Vivienne Farrow, an 18-year-old with selective mutism. A college dropout with a sick, deaf mom and more bills than he can manage, Thomas considers the high-paying job a godsend. But Vivienne isn't just a pretty, spoiled rich girl—her voice is poison. To protect others, she stays silent, communicating only through sign language. When she discovers an untested surgical procedure with the potential to remove the curse, Vivienne is all-in. She just needs to get rid of Thomas first. But Thomas, bound by duty and haunted by his past, is determined to keep Vivienne safe. As the attraction between them grows, they discover some secrets are more dangerous, and personal, than either of them could have imagined.
Is It Any Good?
Fast-paced and atmospheric, this book blends morbid imagery and light romance into a story that's creepy enough to thrill young teens who enjoy dabbling in horror. I Am Made of Death, like Kelly Andrew's other books, blends an eerie premise and haunting prose with angsty teen characters. The result is something dark and creepy, with a light enough touch to keep the story firmly in the young adult category.
While the story is easy to enjoy, the damsel in need of rescuing and the boy willing to risk everything to save her can feel overdone, and it doesn't make for the best role models. Thomas is pretty lovable, if occasionally overbearing. Using sign language authentically and including well-developed, unique deaf and selective mute characters is great in terms of representation, especially as the author is also deaf. This adds an emotional layer that makes up for some of the book's minor shortcomings.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how I Am Made of Death uses supernatural elements to explore real-world emotions and struggles. What are some real-life challenges Vivienne's conflict with her inner demon might represent?
The author Kelly Andrew is deaf. How do you think her experience influenced the writing of this novel?
What do you think of the combination of horror and romance? Do you think the combination enhances or detracts from the overall story?
Thomas is very patient and empathetic with Vivienne. Do you think his own personal history influences his ability to understand and accept her for who she is?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic
- Publication date : March 4, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 18
- Number of pages : 368
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate