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Undefeated
Aged 12, Sam Walker Roberts was groomed online by a teacher who later sexually assaulted and raped her.
Weeks later, she fell into the clutches of a paedophile ring and was raped repeatedly by a gang, only one of whom faced justice.
Devastated at the failures in the judicial system, Sam ‘You have not defeated me’, a campaign which demanded more support and understanding for grooming victims.
In 2012, Sam worked with Keith Vaz on a government inquiry into localised grooming.
In 2014, she returned to the street where she was gang-raped and interviewed local residents, gathering evidence that other children had been exploited at the same address.
Working with MP’s, she set up fake profiles online, showing how easily children are targeted. She snared two paedophiles who were later jailed.
In 2019, Sam wrote an open ‘Message to a Monster’ and launched an e-petition calling for the notion of ostensible consent to be abolished in child sex cases.
Three years later, Sam headed a panel of 11 victims at the Oldham CSE inquiry. Her complaints against police and council were upheld and she received apologies.
She has since been pushing Oldham council to hold a broad review which she hopes will lead to the introduction of new safety measures for all children. She recently learned she has been successful, and the inquiry will now go ahead.
Sam has battled back from unimaginable tragedy, including the death of her husband, to fight for change.
She has found peace converting to Islam and is determined to remove race labels from the grooming debate.
Sam “I can’t change what’s happened to me. But I can speak out to try and make sure all children are aware of grooming and how to stop it. We have to educate and protect our children, so that child sex exploitation becomes a thing of the past.”
Weeks later, she fell into the clutches of a paedophile ring and was raped repeatedly by a gang, only one of whom faced justice.
Devastated at the failures in the judicial system, Sam ‘You have not defeated me’, a campaign which demanded more support and understanding for grooming victims.
In 2012, Sam worked with Keith Vaz on a government inquiry into localised grooming.
In 2014, she returned to the street where she was gang-raped and interviewed local residents, gathering evidence that other children had been exploited at the same address.
Working with MP’s, she set up fake profiles online, showing how easily children are targeted. She snared two paedophiles who were later jailed.
In 2019, Sam wrote an open ‘Message to a Monster’ and launched an e-petition calling for the notion of ostensible consent to be abolished in child sex cases.
Three years later, Sam headed a panel of 11 victims at the Oldham CSE inquiry. Her complaints against police and council were upheld and she received apologies.
She has since been pushing Oldham council to hold a broad review which she hopes will lead to the introduction of new safety measures for all children. She recently learned she has been successful, and the inquiry will now go ahead.
Sam has battled back from unimaginable tragedy, including the death of her husband, to fight for change.
She has found peace converting to Islam and is determined to remove race labels from the grooming debate.
Sam “I can’t change what’s happened to me. But I can speak out to try and make sure all children are aware of grooming and how to stop it. We have to educate and protect our children, so that child sex exploitation becomes a thing of the past.”
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Published November 20, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 1, 2025
Heartbreaking Yet Hopeful
Undefeated by Samantha Walker is a raw, deeply moving memoir that lays bare both the pain of her past and the strength it took to survive it. Her honesty is unflinching, at times heartbreaking, yet threaded with hope and resilience. This book doesn’t just tell her story it makes you feel it. Walker’s courage in sharing her story is a gift, and it left me feeling both humbled and inspired. A powerful, emotional read that will stay with me for a long time. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Undefeated by Samantha Walker is a raw, deeply moving memoir that lays bare both the pain of her past and the strength it took to survive it. Her honesty is unflinching, at times heartbreaking, yet threaded with hope and resilience. This book doesn’t just tell her story it makes you feel it. Walker’s courage in sharing her story is a gift, and it left me feeling both humbled and inspired. A powerful, emotional read that will stay with me for a long time. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 19, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, survivor Samantha Waller Robert’s and the publisher for the ARC and opportunity to review this book.
This book is an indescribable exploration of trauma, resilience, and lack of justice. The depth of emotions it evokes is profound, as us readers are brought into the unimaginable suffering Sam endured.
Her story resonates deeply with many survivors, not only through the details of her trauma but also in the way it transformed her life, how it made her who she is today.
What stands out most in this book is her unwavering mission to fight for justice which in itself is a pursuit that reflects extraordinary strength and courage. By sharing both her darkest experiences and the journey that followed, she gives a voice to countless others who have faced similar traumatic experiences.
While it is heartbreaking to acknowledge that human trafficking and sexual violence remain alarmingly prevalent, Sam’s determination to confront these injustices offers hope for meaningful change in the future.
My heart goes out to her and I hope she finds peace some day.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is an indescribable exploration of trauma, resilience, and lack of justice. The depth of emotions it evokes is profound, as us readers are brought into the unimaginable suffering Sam endured.
Her story resonates deeply with many survivors, not only through the details of her trauma but also in the way it transformed her life, how it made her who she is today.
What stands out most in this book is her unwavering mission to fight for justice which in itself is a pursuit that reflects extraordinary strength and courage. By sharing both her darkest experiences and the journey that followed, she gives a voice to countless others who have faced similar traumatic experiences.
While it is heartbreaking to acknowledge that human trafficking and sexual violence remain alarmingly prevalent, Sam’s determination to confront these injustices offers hope for meaningful change in the future.
My heart goes out to her and I hope she finds peace some day.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 26, 2025
A raw, emotional and tough story of strength and survival.
Full of heartfelt determination, inner courage a resilience, this is Samantha's story.
At just 12 years old, Samantha was groomed online by a man that would then go on to abuse and rape her. Soon after she fell into the clutches of a paedophile ring. One that would pass her round a repeatedly abuse her in the most horrific ways.
Making it her mission to find and fight for justice, after only one of her abusers being charged, Samantha's pursuit is unwavering.
Detailing her darkest moments and experiences, this is a story that will resonate with an awful lot of readers bit some may find it triggering so be warned.
I haven't read a book of this genre that has gripped me so tightly since 'A Child Called It'.
What's so harrowing is just how prevalent trafficking still is, going unnoticed by many and how silently they fly under the radar.
I hope writing her story has somehow eased the darkeness in some small way and she can stand tall with pride at how far she has come.
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Mirror Books for the ARC.
Full of heartfelt determination, inner courage a resilience, this is Samantha's story.
At just 12 years old, Samantha was groomed online by a man that would then go on to abuse and rape her. Soon after she fell into the clutches of a paedophile ring. One that would pass her round a repeatedly abuse her in the most horrific ways.
Making it her mission to find and fight for justice, after only one of her abusers being charged, Samantha's pursuit is unwavering.
Detailing her darkest moments and experiences, this is a story that will resonate with an awful lot of readers bit some may find it triggering so be warned.
I haven't read a book of this genre that has gripped me so tightly since 'A Child Called It'.
What's so harrowing is just how prevalent trafficking still is, going unnoticed by many and how silently they fly under the radar.
I hope writing her story has somehow eased the darkeness in some small way and she can stand tall with pride at how far she has come.
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Mirror Books for the ARC.
October 8, 2025
Brilliant true crime memoir.
A very sad story. I've recently read two others with similar circumstances, and thought of pausing this book to read at a later date-was it too much? But then I was compelled to read on, and just had to see if things would turn out for this young lady. I've read a few other memoirs where Ann Cusack had helped them write their story, and they've always been exceptional-here is another example, it's very well-told, and makes gripping reading. You don't feel you can say "Oh that's such a good book", because of the terrible happenings to another human being, but it's been sensitively dealt with, and perfectly conveys the victim's thoughts and feelings.
So brave telling her story. And she hasn't hidden behind a pseudonym; she has spoken out in news articles about her experiences. Samantha suffered terribly, again and again. I was gripped by her story, and absolutely flew through this book.
This was nothing like the other books I thought it would be similar to; so many issues, so much she went through. Such a powerful story, a brilliant account.
A very sad story. I've recently read two others with similar circumstances, and thought of pausing this book to read at a later date-was it too much? But then I was compelled to read on, and just had to see if things would turn out for this young lady. I've read a few other memoirs where Ann Cusack had helped them write their story, and they've always been exceptional-here is another example, it's very well-told, and makes gripping reading. You don't feel you can say "Oh that's such a good book", because of the terrible happenings to another human being, but it's been sensitively dealt with, and perfectly conveys the victim's thoughts and feelings.
So brave telling her story. And she hasn't hidden behind a pseudonym; she has spoken out in news articles about her experiences. Samantha suffered terribly, again and again. I was gripped by her story, and absolutely flew through this book.
This was nothing like the other books I thought it would be similar to; so many issues, so much she went through. Such a powerful story, a brilliant account.
October 9, 2025
⭐ 5/5 Stars
Undefeated is a powerful and emotional read that follows Sammy’s story of being groomed and the lasting impact it had on her entire life.
The book didn’t have a big “gripping” moment for me — it was a solid, steady story all the way through, building layer by layer as her experiences unfolded. At first, I didn’t really feel sorry for Sammy because she made some reckless choices, but by Chapter 9 everything hit hard. What happened to her wasn’t her fault at all — it was all about being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
One part that really devastated me was finding out at the end that her children weren’t with her. As a survivor, I expected she would have fought harder to keep them instead of focusing on the campaign. It left me with some unanswered questions, especially since the book didn’t explain why or where the children went.
Despite that, I’d still recommend this book. It’s a raw, honest, and emotional story that sheds light on grooming and its lifelong consequences.
Thanks NetGalley 📘
Undefeated is a powerful and emotional read that follows Sammy’s story of being groomed and the lasting impact it had on her entire life.
The book didn’t have a big “gripping” moment for me — it was a solid, steady story all the way through, building layer by layer as her experiences unfolded. At first, I didn’t really feel sorry for Sammy because she made some reckless choices, but by Chapter 9 everything hit hard. What happened to her wasn’t her fault at all — it was all about being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
One part that really devastated me was finding out at the end that her children weren’t with her. As a survivor, I expected she would have fought harder to keep them instead of focusing on the campaign. It left me with some unanswered questions, especially since the book didn’t explain why or where the children went.
Despite that, I’d still recommend this book. It’s a raw, honest, and emotional story that sheds light on grooming and its lifelong consequences.
Thanks NetGalley 📘
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2025
Undefeated by Samantha Walker-Robertz is co-written by Ann Cusack.
When she was 12 Sam was groomed online and then sexually assaulted by the man that groomed her. A few weeks later she fell into the clutches of a pedophile ring. Everyone around Sam failed her, they failed to keep her safe, failed to believe her and failed to prosecute the assailants.
This book takes you through Sam's hard story. From her abuse, to how that abuse affected her when she tried to move on years later. It also shows how even now, all these years later she is still fighting, not for herself, but to try to prevent this from happening to others.
This book was tough to read as there was just so much failure and lack of support for the 12 year old. I think it is an important read though, as it highlights how easy it is for children to get preyed upon, and also for them to slip through the legal cracks.
I received a copy of this book. This is my honest opinions and review.
When she was 12 Sam was groomed online and then sexually assaulted by the man that groomed her. A few weeks later she fell into the clutches of a pedophile ring. Everyone around Sam failed her, they failed to keep her safe, failed to believe her and failed to prosecute the assailants.
This book takes you through Sam's hard story. From her abuse, to how that abuse affected her when she tried to move on years later. It also shows how even now, all these years later she is still fighting, not for herself, but to try to prevent this from happening to others.
This book was tough to read as there was just so much failure and lack of support for the 12 year old. I think it is an important read though, as it highlights how easy it is for children to get preyed upon, and also for them to slip through the legal cracks.
I received a copy of this book. This is my honest opinions and review.
October 19, 2025
Undefeated by Ann Cusack
Undefeated is not just a memoir, it is lived truth on the page. Ann Cusack writes with raw honesty, emotional intelligence and the kind of courage that comes from surviving what most people never see. This book gives voice to the parts of care experience and trauma that are usually hidden: the battles behind closed doors, the cost of resilience, and the strength it takes simply to stay standing
This book honours Samantha & her bravery deserves to be named. The way her truth is carried through these pages is powerful and deeply moving. It is a reminder that survival isn’t only about our own voice, but about bearing witness to those who were silenced or unheard. Samantha’s strength and courage form the story’s spine, and acknowledging her matters.
There is no sugar-coating and no performative healing just reality, dignity and the right to be heard. It challenges the idea that children “move on” from trauma just because the file is closed. This is testimony, not just storytelling.
Books like this matter because they are evidence of survival, and proof that visibility is a form of justice.
If you love books with lived experience, or stories around fostering, trauma, recovery and real-life resilience, you’re welcome to join our Facebook community:
Fostering, Memoirs & Fiction Book Club
A friendly, survivor-informed space where we recommend, discuss and share books like this.
Undefeated is not just a memoir, it is lived truth on the page. Ann Cusack writes with raw honesty, emotional intelligence and the kind of courage that comes from surviving what most people never see. This book gives voice to the parts of care experience and trauma that are usually hidden: the battles behind closed doors, the cost of resilience, and the strength it takes simply to stay standing
This book honours Samantha & her bravery deserves to be named. The way her truth is carried through these pages is powerful and deeply moving. It is a reminder that survival isn’t only about our own voice, but about bearing witness to those who were silenced or unheard. Samantha’s strength and courage form the story’s spine, and acknowledging her matters.
There is no sugar-coating and no performative healing just reality, dignity and the right to be heard. It challenges the idea that children “move on” from trauma just because the file is closed. This is testimony, not just storytelling.
Books like this matter because they are evidence of survival, and proof that visibility is a form of justice.
If you love books with lived experience, or stories around fostering, trauma, recovery and real-life resilience, you’re welcome to join our Facebook community:
Fostering, Memoirs & Fiction Book Club
A friendly, survivor-informed space where we recommend, discuss and share books like this.
December 21, 2025
Inspiring story
This exposes the weakness of our politicians and justice system all controlled by money.As long as our country does not care about ordinary people things will never change.
This exposes the weakness of our politicians and justice system all controlled by money.As long as our country does not care about ordinary people things will never change.
August 29, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Samantha is such a strong woman and I felt sorry for what she went through and how she was treated.
January 1, 2026
good read not as indepth as other grooming books I've read
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews