Monsters: The dead don't stay that way for long...

5 Star Review

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Editorial Book Review:

By William Reimers

Samantha Carlomagno's Monsters: The Dead Don't Stay That Way for Long… is an emotionally charged and haunting examination of humanity. This captivating work defies the expectations of the post-apocalyptic genre by seamlessly integrating psychological depth with survivalist urgency to create a narrative that resonates on both personal and universal levels. Samanatha's mastery of storytelling transforms the world overrun by the undead into a meditation on enduring, belonging, and the changing definitions of normalcy in the aftermath of civilization's collapse.

Her writing is deliberate and evocative, balancing lyrical prose with vivid realism. The emotional landscape is enhanced by the braided narrative structure, which interweaves moments from various stages of Lana's life, enabling readers to experience the passage of time as both a loss and a renewal. Samanatha's pacing is masterful; the novel's rhythm is a reflection of the fragility and persistence of human life, as moments of stillness are as significant as scenes of chaos.

At its core, Monsters examines what it means to hold onto humanity when everything familiar has disintegrated. Through the eyes of a young girl growing up amid decay and danger, Samantha explores family, fear, and the instinct to rebuild. The novel asks difficult questions about morality, hope, and identity—questions that linger long after the final page.

The emotional impact of the story lies in its quiet courage. Samantha establishes authority through introspection and empathy, rather than spectacle. She encourages readers to contemplate that genuine survival transcends the physical realm; it is a process of remembrance, of refusing to relinquish compassion even when the world no longer rewards it.

Monsters is a compelling example of the human spirit's resilience. It is a work that is both bold and beautifully written, and it challenges, unsettles, and moves its readers. This proves that the most powerful heartbeat is still our own, even in a world of the undead.

About the Author 

Samantha Carlomagno

Samantha Carlomagno has been crafting stories since she could first hold a pencil. Known as the girl who always had her nose in a book—and the one friends turned to for the best reading recommendations—her love of storytelling began early and never waned.

In 2018, Samantha earned her B.A. in English Professional Writing from Kutztown University, where she first set her sights on turning her passion into a career. She went on to pursue her M.F.A. in Creative Writing at Rosemont College, graduating in May 2022.

Today, Samantha works full-time as a billing specialist at an electrical construction office, balancing her professional life with her creative pursuits. Her writing thrives in the genres of horror, mystery, and fantasy, often exploring the boundaries between the ordinary and the uncanny.

Her M.F.A. thesis—a wholly original novel—marks her debut as a self-published author, a milestone in what promises to be a long and imaginative writing journey.