Dead Girl Walking

by Kamira Lennae

Genres: Thriller

407 pages, Hardcover

Published May 26, 2025

About the author

Dead Girl Walking is Kamira’s debut novel. She grew up in North Bend, Washington, and has wanted to be an author since she could set pencil to paper. After graduating from Washington State University with a Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing, Kamira became a technical writer but never stopped dreaming of publishing fantastic stories. When not writing, she enjoys traveling, reading with her book club, and spending time with her three feline companions—who graciously allow her at least an hour a day with her husband. To find out more, follow @kamira_lennae_books on Instagram.

Reviews

[Lauren Reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead Girl Walking is one of those books that hits hard and sticks with you. Set in a post-apocalyptic world crawling with zombies, it’s intense and often brutal—but what really sets it apart is the heart behind the story. At the center of all the chaos is a strong, determined girl who takes in a group of young kids and does everything she can to protect them. It’s a story about survival, sacrifice, and the kind of family you build when everything else is gone.

The writing is sharp and really pulls you in, and the characters feel incredibly real. I found myself laughing one chapter and crying the next. There’s plenty of action and gore, but also these quiet, powerful moments that hit you right in the chest.

If you like gory thrillers with emotional depth, strong characters, and found-family vibes, this book is 100% worth your time. It’s thrilling, heartfelt, and honestly, one of the best stories I’ve read in a while.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when you drop a distrustful Katniss-coded character, a cinnamon roll like Cassian, and an “I’ve known her since we were kids” Dain Aetos type in The Walking Dead? This book! There were of course some very gruesome scenes lightened by dark humor and rare glimpses of joy despite this being set in a post-WWIII apocalypse. Avoiding any spoilers, I’ll just say I hope there’s a sequel because I have questions 😅

[Krista Cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel will draw you into an eerily probable world where there is no shortage of suspense and adventure. Skylar is the humble hero who never wanted to be the archer that tried to save others, but she accepts the responsibility and power of her bow and arrow in these desperate times with a budding feminine strength that is inspiring to read about. Much like Ripley and Newt in Aliens (1986), Skylar unexpectedly provides protection and shelter for children she rescues from otherwise fatal situations, taking them to her secret sanctuary within a hotel in gloomy Portland, OR. As she continues to keep these children safe, she faces the possibility of romance with the unexpected arrival of army boys who remind her of what life could be like in a world that was fairer and much less cruel. The characters left behind to deal with the aftermath of an apocalypse feel like people you've known for years, and as they continue to navigate each new challenge that threatens their ragtag family, you can't help but feel that you're tagging along right beside them as they fend off the undead and protect their loved ones. As you get to know the survivors more and more, you'll find yourself rooting for all of them in this unforgiving world. This story will make you gasp, grip the pages with white knuckles, and pull at your heartstrings, just as Skylar skillfully and fiercely knocks her arrows to defend her found family. Beautifully written, Dead Girl Walking navigates through feelings of yearning, despair, broken communities, and the hope that perhaps there really is a way to live a "normal" life again.

[Rebecca Nixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead Girl Walking is a haunting and immersive post-apocalyptic novel that combines emotional depth with survivalist tension. The novel excels at world-building. Lennae vividly paints a world both eerily quiet and violently unpredictable, where every moment feels borrowed. Additionally, there are countless laughs along the way.

In my opinion, what sets Dead Girl Walking apart from many in the genre is its focus on emotional resilience. Skylar’s journey isn’t just physical; it’s an exploration of memory, grief, and what it means to hope when hope feels like a weakness. The flashbacks to the world before the fall are particularly poignant, offering a sharp contrast to the desolation of the present.

Lennae avoids the obvious and opts for a quiet intensity, offering not just a story of survival, but of what it means to live meaningfully in a world that has forgotten how. A must-read.

[Bryan Esparza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead Girl Walking is a book I’ll be rereading annually and it’s a story that I’m still hung up on weeks after finishing. Skylar’s life in post WWIII Portland showcases what it means to be a guardian or “Angel” to those she protects, while also showing you the psychological effects of being selfless in a world of such uncertainty/chaos. Every book showcases a main character or hero’s journey, but this book really shows you the toll it can take on a person

It’s as intense as a zombie apocalypse should be, with a mix of humor, slow burn romance, and general banter that will put you through a rollercoaster of emotions, keep you hopeful for the future, and harshly remind you, that tomorow isn’t promised.

Incredible read, great writing, relatable characters, and worth your time.

[Dallas "Fobio" · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know the author! It's got to be good!