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Hell Holes: The Complete Trilogy
When the invasion begins, it will come from below.
Dive into the riveting world of Donald Firesmith’s multi-award-winning Hell Holes series, where the line between science fiction and supernatural horror blurs in the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness. This action-packed series plunges readers into a battle for the very survival of humanity.
When hundreds of enormous holes suddenly appear above the Arctic Circle, the oil company fears another hole might open under the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, causing a financial and ecological disaster. To assess the risk, they hire a geology professor to gather a small team of scientists to investigate. However, when all the holes simultaneously erupt, all hell breaks loose,.
The Hell Holes trilogy consists of the following three first-person eye-witness accounts made by the surviving members of the investigative
Hell Holes 1: What Lurks Below as told by Dr. Jack Oswald (geologist)
Hell Holes 2: Demons on the Dalton as told by Dr. Angela Melendez (climatologist)
Hell Holes 3: To Hell and Back as told by Aileen O’Shannon (photographer)
Reviewers have praised the rich world-building that enhances tension and mood due to the stark contrast between the beauty of northern Alaska with Hell, the demon’s terrifying alien planet. The trilogy’s universal themes of survival, humanity, sacrifice, and the battle between good and evil have resonated deeply with a diverse audience. From scientists to soldiers to members of ancient secret order, the trilogy boasts a cast of characters who are relatable, flawed, and heroically defiant in the face of a war of extermination.
Join the legion of fans who have been captivated by the Hell Holes series. Whether you enjoy realistic science fiction adventures, supernatural horror, or simply love a great adventure, the Hell Holes series promises a journey that is intellectually stimulating and heart-pounding. Embrace the adventure and brace yourself for an unforgettable ride through Firesmith’s apocalyptic vision. Get your copy of the Hell Holes: The Complete Trilogy series today and experience a world where survival is anything but guaranteed.
Dive into the riveting world of Donald Firesmith’s multi-award-winning Hell Holes series, where the line between science fiction and supernatural horror blurs in the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness. This action-packed series plunges readers into a battle for the very survival of humanity.
When hundreds of enormous holes suddenly appear above the Arctic Circle, the oil company fears another hole might open under the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, causing a financial and ecological disaster. To assess the risk, they hire a geology professor to gather a small team of scientists to investigate. However, when all the holes simultaneously erupt, all hell breaks loose,.
The Hell Holes trilogy consists of the following three first-person eye-witness accounts made by the surviving members of the investigative
Hell Holes 1: What Lurks Below as told by Dr. Jack Oswald (geologist)
Hell Holes 2: Demons on the Dalton as told by Dr. Angela Melendez (climatologist)
Hell Holes 3: To Hell and Back as told by Aileen O’Shannon (photographer)
Reviewers have praised the rich world-building that enhances tension and mood due to the stark contrast between the beauty of northern Alaska with Hell, the demon’s terrifying alien planet. The trilogy’s universal themes of survival, humanity, sacrifice, and the battle between good and evil have resonated deeply with a diverse audience. From scientists to soldiers to members of ancient secret order, the trilogy boasts a cast of characters who are relatable, flawed, and heroically defiant in the face of a war of extermination.
Join the legion of fans who have been captivated by the Hell Holes series. Whether you enjoy realistic science fiction adventures, supernatural horror, or simply love a great adventure, the Hell Holes series promises a journey that is intellectually stimulating and heart-pounding. Embrace the adventure and brace yourself for an unforgettable ride through Firesmith’s apocalyptic vision. Get your copy of the Hell Holes: The Complete Trilogy series today and experience a world where survival is anything but guaranteed.
681 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2024
3 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Donald Firesmith
31 books364 followersDonald Firesmith is a multi-award-winning author of speculative fiction including science fiction (alien invasion), fantasy (magical wands), modern urban paranormal novels, and horror short stories and poetry.
Before retiring in 2020 to devote himself full-time to his novels, Donald Firesmith earned an international reputation as a distinguished engineer, authoring seven system/software engineering books based on his 40+ years spent developing large, complex software-intensive systems.
He lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with his wife Becky, his daughter Sera, and varying numbers of dogs and cats.
You can learn more about the author by visiting his personal website:
http://donaldfiresmith.com
His magical wands and autographed copies of his books are also available from the Firesmith’s Wand Shoppe at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FiresmithWa...
Before retiring in 2020 to devote himself full-time to his novels, Donald Firesmith earned an international reputation as a distinguished engineer, authoring seven system/software engineering books based on his 40+ years spent developing large, complex software-intensive systems.
He lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with his wife Becky, his daughter Sera, and varying numbers of dogs and cats.
You can learn more about the author by visiting his personal website:
http://donaldfiresmith.com
His magical wands and autographed copies of his books are also available from the Firesmith’s Wand Shoppe at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FiresmithWa...
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 10, 2024
Hell Holes I, II, and III: The Complete Trilogy
By Donald Firesmith
In brief: This is a good book. Buy it. The action scenes are awesome, the good guys are likeable, the bad guys are irredeemably evil and they get theirs in the end, though not without great, wounding losses on our side. A very satisfying book.
In detail: Exxon-Mobile contacts Professor Jack Oswald, petroleum geologist, and his climate expert wife (!), Dr. Angela Menendez, asking for help. Mysterious holes in the tundra have opened up in Alaska, and the corporation fears they might open under the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, causing both an environmental disaster and, more importantly, the loss of mucho bucks. An annoying reporter, Aileen O'Shannon, tags along as they go to the site with a couple of grad student assistants. The hole turns out to be a Hell Hole--demons come out of it and try to eat them. They wind up fleeing down the Dalton Highway (it goes roughly north-south through Alaska), fighting demons as they go. Aileen turns out to be Curatrix Maxima Aileen O'Shannon of the Tutores Contra Infernum, a secret demon-fighting order (non-religious, despite the Order structure and Latin name). She's a sorceress who can kill demons with her spells, channeled through her magic amulet. The order collects the amulets by killing demons; the high type called devils have one each at the base of their skulls. Jack recognizes the amulet as advanced tech rather than magic, to Aileen's distress. The pseudo-Christian demonology of the middle ages turns out to be based on alien invaders. As more Hell Holes open up and more demons pour out, the whole northern hemisphere is threatened, with the south eventually on the timetable of conquest. The demons have no redeeming features; they hate humans and all other species not from their home world, and regard them only as food, to be killed as painfully as possible since it improves the meat. (Philosophy nerds will recognize this as an echo of a famous thought experiment in ethics.) The military is brought in and our friends have to go through a dimensional portal to try to stop the demons on their home world.
Things I liked:
* The good guys always have each other's backs.
* Serious, scary problems keep popping up. The good guys think out solutions instead of relying entirely on brawn or athletic ability.
* Firesmith did research out the wazoo on Alaska, geology, military organization, and White House protocol, which pays off in realistic detail.
* The demon homeworld orbits an orange dwarf star (spectral type K), which is a good type of primary for a habitable planet. As a planetary astrophysicist, I really liked that bit.
* The book includes photographs of every major character--that's right, photos of fictional people. Photoshop, I assume, but it lent rather a cool touch to the book.
Things I disliked:
* This is just me, and petty beyond belief, but although a lot of Latin is used, and I'm no expert on the language, I knew enough to spot some errors. Few readers will care that he got a declension wrong ("Huh? What's a declension?"), but I noticed it.
* Too many characters are introduced. I just couldn't keep track. Characterization is good for the major characters but not so much for the minor ones. Oh, well, not everybody can be Stephen King (although I, for one, tried hard for many years).
* The portraits of the various types of demons looked obviously like artwork--very good artwork, don't get me wrong, but it struck a discordant note with the photorealistic portraits of the human characters. All the artwork should have been one or the other. The blend doesn't work for me.
* The ending drags on way too long--I was reminded of the "orgy of hobbit-hugging" at the end of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings movies.
None of the above dislikes should dissuade you from reading the book. These are just holdovers from my writer's workshop days. This is an engrossing story, and even the long ending held my interest.
By Donald Firesmith
In brief: This is a good book. Buy it. The action scenes are awesome, the good guys are likeable, the bad guys are irredeemably evil and they get theirs in the end, though not without great, wounding losses on our side. A very satisfying book.
In detail: Exxon-Mobile contacts Professor Jack Oswald, petroleum geologist, and his climate expert wife (!), Dr. Angela Menendez, asking for help. Mysterious holes in the tundra have opened up in Alaska, and the corporation fears they might open under the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, causing both an environmental disaster and, more importantly, the loss of mucho bucks. An annoying reporter, Aileen O'Shannon, tags along as they go to the site with a couple of grad student assistants. The hole turns out to be a Hell Hole--demons come out of it and try to eat them. They wind up fleeing down the Dalton Highway (it goes roughly north-south through Alaska), fighting demons as they go. Aileen turns out to be Curatrix Maxima Aileen O'Shannon of the Tutores Contra Infernum, a secret demon-fighting order (non-religious, despite the Order structure and Latin name). She's a sorceress who can kill demons with her spells, channeled through her magic amulet. The order collects the amulets by killing demons; the high type called devils have one each at the base of their skulls. Jack recognizes the amulet as advanced tech rather than magic, to Aileen's distress. The pseudo-Christian demonology of the middle ages turns out to be based on alien invaders. As more Hell Holes open up and more demons pour out, the whole northern hemisphere is threatened, with the south eventually on the timetable of conquest. The demons have no redeeming features; they hate humans and all other species not from their home world, and regard them only as food, to be killed as painfully as possible since it improves the meat. (Philosophy nerds will recognize this as an echo of a famous thought experiment in ethics.) The military is brought in and our friends have to go through a dimensional portal to try to stop the demons on their home world.
Things I liked:
* The good guys always have each other's backs.
* Serious, scary problems keep popping up. The good guys think out solutions instead of relying entirely on brawn or athletic ability.
* Firesmith did research out the wazoo on Alaska, geology, military organization, and White House protocol, which pays off in realistic detail.
* The demon homeworld orbits an orange dwarf star (spectral type K), which is a good type of primary for a habitable planet. As a planetary astrophysicist, I really liked that bit.
* The book includes photographs of every major character--that's right, photos of fictional people. Photoshop, I assume, but it lent rather a cool touch to the book.
Things I disliked:
* This is just me, and petty beyond belief, but although a lot of Latin is used, and I'm no expert on the language, I knew enough to spot some errors. Few readers will care that he got a declension wrong ("Huh? What's a declension?"), but I noticed it.
* Too many characters are introduced. I just couldn't keep track. Characterization is good for the major characters but not so much for the minor ones. Oh, well, not everybody can be Stephen King (although I, for one, tried hard for many years).
* The portraits of the various types of demons looked obviously like artwork--very good artwork, don't get me wrong, but it struck a discordant note with the photorealistic portraits of the human characters. All the artwork should have been one or the other. The blend doesn't work for me.
* The ending drags on way too long--I was reminded of the "orgy of hobbit-hugging" at the end of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings movies.
None of the above dislikes should dissuade you from reading the book. These are just holdovers from my writer's workshop days. This is an engrossing story, and even the long ending held my interest.
July 31, 2024
Original, imaginative, and positively epic!
I absolutely loved this book from the first page to the last. It offers amazing characters, an original breathtaking plot and a briskly paced epic adventure that captured my imagination right from the start. Yes, this is a compilation of three previously released books but whether or not you have read the previous versions, this single-volume trilogy is definitely worth your time because the author has significantly re-worked the original stories to have a smoother flow and improved consistency in the details. The illustrations sprinkled throughout the book help cement the picture in your mind for each of the characters (human or not). How will a geologist, a climatologist and a sorceress save Alaska (and the world) from the demons and other terrifying creatures that suddenly some pouring in from the distant planet of Hell? You’ll have to grab a copy of this book to find out. Buckle up, folks, this is one crazy ride you won’t soon forget. I can easily see Donald Firesmith becoming a benchmark name in the speculative fiction genre.
══════════════════
Disclosure: While I did purchase and read the original versions of each of these books, I was provided with an advance copy of this revised compilation, for which I thank the author, and I am sharing my honest and unbiased review on a completely voluntary basis.
I absolutely loved this book from the first page to the last. It offers amazing characters, an original breathtaking plot and a briskly paced epic adventure that captured my imagination right from the start. Yes, this is a compilation of three previously released books but whether or not you have read the previous versions, this single-volume trilogy is definitely worth your time because the author has significantly re-worked the original stories to have a smoother flow and improved consistency in the details. The illustrations sprinkled throughout the book help cement the picture in your mind for each of the characters (human or not). How will a geologist, a climatologist and a sorceress save Alaska (and the world) from the demons and other terrifying creatures that suddenly some pouring in from the distant planet of Hell? You’ll have to grab a copy of this book to find out. Buckle up, folks, this is one crazy ride you won’t soon forget. I can easily see Donald Firesmith becoming a benchmark name in the speculative fiction genre.
══════════════════
Disclosure: While I did purchase and read the original versions of each of these books, I was provided with an advance copy of this revised compilation, for which I thank the author, and I am sharing my honest and unbiased review on a completely voluntary basis.
December 16, 2024
A free book from Voracious Readers thank you
A great read with likeable and relatable characters for the good guys while the bad guys are your worst nightmare!
They went to examine unusual holes at the request of the oil company operating in Alaska's Artic Circle. That is where the invasion started as the portals to a hellish world spewed forth mankind's Armageddon.
A captivating read
A great read with likeable and relatable characters for the good guys while the bad guys are your worst nightmare!
They went to examine unusual holes at the request of the oil company operating in Alaska's Artic Circle. That is where the invasion started as the portals to a hellish world spewed forth mankind's Armageddon.
A captivating read
September 14, 2024
Excellent set of books, really enjoyed them. Lots of supernatural as well as the science made it very interesting, read it quickly if that tells you anything, couldn't put it down. Would highly recommend it!!
August 1, 2024
Donald Firesmith shares three of his stories in a new perspective and perfection
In Hell Holes, the Trilogy, the reader is reintroduced to the first three Hell Holes books, and its characters. This book brings What Lurks below, Demons on the Dalton, and to Hell and Back and its characters, back to the reader. I am a big fan of Donald Firesmith and read whatever this author writes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. I enjoyed the changes that the author made to the story, and the updates that only someone who read the stories before, could see. It's in its perfection now. The story is complementary blend of horror, science fiction, and supernatural. The alien invasions, erupting through the holes that appear, and the demons that come from below brings us to some magnificent stories, and of course, the characters first-hand witnesses, surviving members. Bringing back Dr. Jack Oswald, Dr. Angela Melendez, and Aileen O'Shannon, who is one of my favorite characters. After reading this book, and refamiliarizing myself with the stories, and also changing some of my earlier opinions of the story. As you read more and more, you get the feelings of the characters, writing styles of the authors, and even changing your mind about previously read books. The characters had a lot of depth, and were very realistic, even the extremely old sorceress, Aileen. It's survival of the smartest and best, as the hounds of hell (and other magnificently evil creatures) emerge! This author is not just a writer but a great storyteller. If you love a good demonic fighting, evil against more than just the good, but the strength of humanity, this book should be next on your list. Hell Holes: The Complete Trilogy is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.
In Hell Holes, the Trilogy, the reader is reintroduced to the first three Hell Holes books, and its characters. This book brings What Lurks below, Demons on the Dalton, and to Hell and Back and its characters, back to the reader. I am a big fan of Donald Firesmith and read whatever this author writes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. I enjoyed the changes that the author made to the story, and the updates that only someone who read the stories before, could see. It's in its perfection now. The story is complementary blend of horror, science fiction, and supernatural. The alien invasions, erupting through the holes that appear, and the demons that come from below brings us to some magnificent stories, and of course, the characters first-hand witnesses, surviving members. Bringing back Dr. Jack Oswald, Dr. Angela Melendez, and Aileen O'Shannon, who is one of my favorite characters. After reading this book, and refamiliarizing myself with the stories, and also changing some of my earlier opinions of the story. As you read more and more, you get the feelings of the characters, writing styles of the authors, and even changing your mind about previously read books. The characters had a lot of depth, and were very realistic, even the extremely old sorceress, Aileen. It's survival of the smartest and best, as the hounds of hell (and other magnificently evil creatures) emerge! This author is not just a writer but a great storyteller. If you love a good demonic fighting, evil against more than just the good, but the strength of humanity, this book should be next on your list. Hell Holes: The Complete Trilogy is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.
September 21, 2025
Hell Holes: The Complete Trilogy
By Donald Firesmith
ASIN : B0D7MVZJS3
Publisher : Magical Wand Press
Publication date : August 1, 2024
681 Pages
Triggers: Demonic invasion, apocalyptic vibes, sorcery, scientific chaos, and creatures that make you rethink camping in Alaska.
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skull Dread Rating: 💀💀💀💀 (because holes that breathe fire = hard pass)
What Did I Just Walk Into?
Three books of demons, portals, and scientists who probably wish they’d stuck to grading papers instead of tromping around the Arctic tundra. One day it’s geology and climatology, the next it’s “Oops, hell just cracked open under our boots.” Mr. Firesmith blends science fiction with supernatural horror, throws in a secret society and a sorceress, and then asks, “So, how’s humanity doing in this survival test?” Spoiler: not great.
Here’s What Slapped:
Alaska as a backdrop: stark, cold, and absolutely the wrong place to find flaming hellholes, which makes it perfect.
POV shifts: getting the story from three survivors keeps it fresh and personal.
Mix of science and sorcery: when climatology meets demonic claws, things get interesting fast.
Aileen O’Shannon: elderly sorceress, ancient badass. Enough said.
What Could’ve Been Better:
The dialogue occasionally feels like a PowerPoint presentation in a survival meeting.
Some science explanations slow the momentum when you just want more demons chewing on things.
Not every character pops off the page equally—Jack and Angela sometimes get overshadowed by the sheer cool factor of Aileen.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
Stargate SG-1 style “science plus myth” adventures
Apocalyptic invasions with a supernatural twist
Demons, sorceresses, and scientists teaming up
Stories that make you want to keep a go-bag by the door
Reviewed by Kenan for Robin’s Review
By Donald Firesmith
ASIN : B0D7MVZJS3
Publisher : Magical Wand Press
Publication date : August 1, 2024
681 Pages
Triggers: Demonic invasion, apocalyptic vibes, sorcery, scientific chaos, and creatures that make you rethink camping in Alaska.
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skull Dread Rating: 💀💀💀💀 (because holes that breathe fire = hard pass)
What Did I Just Walk Into?
Three books of demons, portals, and scientists who probably wish they’d stuck to grading papers instead of tromping around the Arctic tundra. One day it’s geology and climatology, the next it’s “Oops, hell just cracked open under our boots.” Mr. Firesmith blends science fiction with supernatural horror, throws in a secret society and a sorceress, and then asks, “So, how’s humanity doing in this survival test?” Spoiler: not great.
Here’s What Slapped:
Alaska as a backdrop: stark, cold, and absolutely the wrong place to find flaming hellholes, which makes it perfect.
POV shifts: getting the story from three survivors keeps it fresh and personal.
Mix of science and sorcery: when climatology meets demonic claws, things get interesting fast.
Aileen O’Shannon: elderly sorceress, ancient badass. Enough said.
What Could’ve Been Better:
The dialogue occasionally feels like a PowerPoint presentation in a survival meeting.
Some science explanations slow the momentum when you just want more demons chewing on things.
Not every character pops off the page equally—Jack and Angela sometimes get overshadowed by the sheer cool factor of Aileen.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
Stargate SG-1 style “science plus myth” adventures
Apocalyptic invasions with a supernatural twist
Demons, sorceresses, and scientists teaming up
Stories that make you want to keep a go-bag by the door
Reviewed by Kenan for Robin’s Review
August 9, 2024
I was honoured to be asked by Donald to proofread this new updated trilogy of my favourite series. It's great to have all the books in one set but also the added photos is a brilliant addition since I can see who each character is which brings a little more life to the story 😃 the series is brilliantly written and such a fun read full off action, fast moving and the characters are likeable. It's all.out war between the demons and humans, the demons are determined to take over the world just like they have done on many other worlds in the past, but this time they have a challenge trying to beat us, and we have the challenge to stop them. If you like this series you must also I check out a slaves revenge which is a extra story from this series 😃
August 5, 2024
Sci-fi, action, and magic. If you miss the mythology and action of Stargate SG-1, the story of Hell Holes is even better. Very well written. I really enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews