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Rootfingers
Something has awakened within the walls of little Wren Espinoza's new house. A house that once belonged to Isidoro Cervantes, an artist famous for his paintings depicting dark, surreal, and horrific subject matter, and who committed suicide after retreating from the society that once celebrated his work.
Now with new owners, an ancient force has manifested yet again, infesting the dark corners of the Cervantes House. An entity that feeds on creativity. An entity that forced itself into the role of Isidoro's muse.
An entity that desires to now use Wren and her family for its own artistic purposes.
Now with new owners, an ancient force has manifested yet again, infesting the dark corners of the Cervantes House. An entity that feeds on creativity. An entity that forced itself into the role of Isidoro's muse.
An entity that desires to now use Wren and her family for its own artistic purposes.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2025
About the author
S. Alessandro Martinez
21 books107 followersS. Alessandro Martinez is a Bram Stoker Award® -nominated author of Mexican and Spanish descent who writes horror and fantasy from middle grade to adult. He lives in a haunted manor and loves playing video/board games, practicing necromancy, watching bat videos, collecting skulls, visiting cemeteries, and generally lurking in the dark. His work includes several books, as well as short stories and poetry which have appeared in magazines, anthologies, and websites. You’re always welcome to contact Alessandro here or by email at salessandromartinez@gmail.com with any comments, questions, esoteric rituals to bring forth ancient evil from times untold, or whatever you’d like.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 11, 2026
In Rootfingers we follow Wren over the course of a haunting and surreal night in her home, previously lived in by an infamous artist, Isidoro Cervantes, who committed suicide. She is tormented and chased throughout her home by a malevolent entity as her reality distorts the rooms around her. Instantly Wren is a likeable character and the author does a great job of depicting her childlike fear at the beginning as she has to brave leaving her room to go to the bathroom. There are moments throughout though where Wren feels as if she is written a bit older than her actual age which I found distracting.
There are a range of horrors in Rootfingers, with more conventional scares at the beginning with a mysterious presence outside the bathroom door, the use of mirrors etc. This then takes a surrealist turn as Wren moves through the house, making that connection between what Wren is experiencing and the artwork the artist, Cervantes, created.
The author is great at leaving hooks at the end of the chapters, compelling you to keep moving through the novella, much like Wren is compelled to move through her house to find her way out of the nightmare she’s found herself in. The atmosphere also feels isolating and I feel this is helped by Wren being a younger child as it really adds to the sense of powerlessness.
Rootfingers depicts a surrealist nightmare, has chilling moments and incorporates art in an intriguing way. This is a page-turner of a novella and is definitely worth a read.
I received a free copy from Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
There are a range of horrors in Rootfingers, with more conventional scares at the beginning with a mysterious presence outside the bathroom door, the use of mirrors etc. This then takes a surrealist turn as Wren moves through the house, making that connection between what Wren is experiencing and the artwork the artist, Cervantes, created.
The author is great at leaving hooks at the end of the chapters, compelling you to keep moving through the novella, much like Wren is compelled to move through her house to find her way out of the nightmare she’s found herself in. The atmosphere also feels isolating and I feel this is helped by Wren being a younger child as it really adds to the sense of powerlessness.
Rootfingers depicts a surrealist nightmare, has chilling moments and incorporates art in an intriguing way. This is a page-turner of a novella and is definitely worth a read.
I received a free copy from Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
March 28, 2026
"Maybe darkness just always had a way of finding itself home, no matter what."
This is a short, eerie story that builds into a terrifying night in the doomed house once owned by horror painter Isidoro Cervantes. The story is told by 2nd grader, Wren Espinoza, a little child who's afraid of the dark and doesn't like the house. I don't want to spoil anything.🤫
What I will share is that this story is creepy, surreal, moody, atmospheric, body horror, things that go bump in the night, and trapped suspension.💀🙈💀 Each chapter is titled in reference to an actual painting and that's a cool addition.🎨🖌️ It is written well. The only note I have is that this little girl and her thinking came across as much older, like a teenager, instead of a 7 or 8yr old reacting to what was in front of her. Plus, there's references to late night infomercials.📺👍🏻If you like scary stories then this book might be for you. Shout-out to Churo.🐶 Happy reading. *•>§<•*🖤❤️🖤❤️
🚩🚩Check the TWs.18+ read.🚩🚩
🏚️🐕👧🏻Thank you to Mr Martinez and Booksprout. The opinions shared here are my own.👧🏻🐕🏚️
This is a short, eerie story that builds into a terrifying night in the doomed house once owned by horror painter Isidoro Cervantes. The story is told by 2nd grader, Wren Espinoza, a little child who's afraid of the dark and doesn't like the house. I don't want to spoil anything.🤫
What I will share is that this story is creepy, surreal, moody, atmospheric, body horror, things that go bump in the night, and trapped suspension.💀🙈💀 Each chapter is titled in reference to an actual painting and that's a cool addition.🎨🖌️ It is written well. The only note I have is that this little girl and her thinking came across as much older, like a teenager, instead of a 7 or 8yr old reacting to what was in front of her. Plus, there's references to late night infomercials.📺👍🏻If you like scary stories then this book might be for you. Shout-out to Churo.🐶 Happy reading. *•>§<•*🖤❤️🖤❤️
🚩🚩Check the TWs.18+ read.🚩🚩
🏚️🐕👧🏻Thank you to Mr Martinez and Booksprout. The opinions shared here are my own.👧🏻🐕🏚️
January 16, 2026
S. Allesandro wastes no time in plunging the reader into a terrifying world along with Wren. Wren's family moved into a house formerly owned by a tortured painter and odd occurrences start happening. Wren has to figure out what's real and what's not, while navigating her crippling fear. A quick read that I highly enjoyed.
October 10, 2026
When young Wren moves into a new home with her mother, father, and grandmother, she discovers that the house once belonged to an artist who died within its walls. Then, one night at precisely 2:50 a.m., Wren awakens, and a series of increasingly horrifying events begins to unfold. As reality starts to unravel, everything Wren has ever known is turned upside down. Some houses hold memories. Others hold something far more sinister.
For such a short novel, this little horror story packs one hell of a punch! Horror is incredibly subjective. What terrifies one reader might barely unsettle another, and so much of that depends on our imaginations and personal experiences. Would I call this terrifying? Not particularly, but did it leave me with a lingering sense of unease? Yep!
I think much of that discomfort came from having such a young protagonist. Wren is around my own children's ages, and there's something inherently disturbing about experiencing horror through the eyes of a child. My one little gripe was that Wren occasionally seemed a bit too mature in her reasoning and decision making for her age, but that's me nitpicking.
I loved the incorporation of artwork throughout the novel. It was woven into the storytelling so seamlessly, adding another layer to the atmosphere without ever feeling gimmicky or distracting.
.....That ending? Wonderfully open ended. I have thoughts, but I'll be keeping those to myself because this is one you'll want to experience without anyone planting ideas in your head. Sometimes the most effective horror isn't what the author shows you, but rather what your imagination does with everything left unsaid
For such a short novel, this little horror story packs one hell of a punch! Horror is incredibly subjective. What terrifies one reader might barely unsettle another, and so much of that depends on our imaginations and personal experiences. Would I call this terrifying? Not particularly, but did it leave me with a lingering sense of unease? Yep!
I think much of that discomfort came from having such a young protagonist. Wren is around my own children's ages, and there's something inherently disturbing about experiencing horror through the eyes of a child. My one little gripe was that Wren occasionally seemed a bit too mature in her reasoning and decision making for her age, but that's me nitpicking.
I loved the incorporation of artwork throughout the novel. It was woven into the storytelling so seamlessly, adding another layer to the atmosphere without ever feeling gimmicky or distracting.
.....That ending? Wonderfully open ended. I have thoughts, but I'll be keeping those to myself because this is one you'll want to experience without anyone planting ideas in your head. Sometimes the most effective horror isn't what the author shows you, but rather what your imagination does with everything left unsaid
July 13, 2026
This story is told from the POV of seven year-old Wren who has just moved in to a house once occupied by a disturbed painter. One night, things descend into a fever dream of madness.
I liked that while the author didn’t write as if a child were narrating (it’s in third-person thank god), the story still follows the protagonist’s kid logic as she desperately tries to navigate the house’s horrors.
While the start of the story gave me similar vibes as the film Skinamarink, that unsettling dread quickly gives way to a mad scramble of weirdness upon weirdness being thrown at poor Wren, one after another.
The best way I can describe this book is to compare it to an indie horror flick. It’s a very short experience focused on packing a punch. Whether that punch is a bit too much that it verges on camp, is up to you to decide. I personally really loved the imagery! It was very fun.
I liked that, though readers can probably put the pieces together, we weren’t directly told what actually happened at the end. There’s still a bit of wiggle room left for you to think about the events of the book and ponder on what was real and what wasn’t, and when the nightmare actually began.
I liked that while the author didn’t write as if a child were narrating (it’s in third-person thank god), the story still follows the protagonist’s kid logic as she desperately tries to navigate the house’s horrors.
While the start of the story gave me similar vibes as the film Skinamarink, that unsettling dread quickly gives way to a mad scramble of weirdness upon weirdness being thrown at poor Wren, one after another.
The best way I can describe this book is to compare it to an indie horror flick. It’s a very short experience focused on packing a punch. Whether that punch is a bit too much that it verges on camp, is up to you to decide. I personally really loved the imagery! It was very fun.
I liked that, though readers can probably put the pieces together, we weren’t directly told what actually happened at the end. There’s still a bit of wiggle room left for you to think about the events of the book and ponder on what was real and what wasn’t, and when the nightmare actually began.
April 13, 2026
Wren’s family moved into the house once owned by famous artist Isidoro Cervantes. What they don’t know is that the house is not a good place. It was said that the artist had gone insane, and his life’s artworks were never found after his death. But when seven year old Wren’s family moves in, her artist mother discovers the hiding place of Cervantes’ lost paintings and begins restoring them. It may have seemed harmless at first, but when the madness that destroyed Cervantes takes hold of her, it seems that perhaps history will repeat itself.
I read a review copy of this book, and it is a rather creepy horror novel. It is not a long book, so it is a fairly quick read. The majority of the story takes place over the course of one night as Wren tries to both save her family and herself. But you’ll have to read the book yourself if you want to find out whether she succeeds or not. I really enjoyed learning that the chapters of this book were titled after artworks. It was very fitting for this story. And clearly the author knows quite a bit about works of art as well as writing creepy tales. This is not a long book, but it does draw the reader in and keep you on the edge of your seat, waiting to see what happens next.
If you enjoy horror novels, especially ones involving paintings or other artwork, stories about artists who seemingly went mad, as well as ones that involve a sort of “monster under the bed” theme to them, then you will likely enjoy reading this novel.
I read a review copy of this book, and it is a rather creepy horror novel. It is not a long book, so it is a fairly quick read. The majority of the story takes place over the course of one night as Wren tries to both save her family and herself. But you’ll have to read the book yourself if you want to find out whether she succeeds or not. I really enjoyed learning that the chapters of this book were titled after artworks. It was very fitting for this story. And clearly the author knows quite a bit about works of art as well as writing creepy tales. This is not a long book, but it does draw the reader in and keep you on the edge of your seat, waiting to see what happens next.
If you enjoy horror novels, especially ones involving paintings or other artwork, stories about artists who seemingly went mad, as well as ones that involve a sort of “monster under the bed” theme to them, then you will likely enjoy reading this novel.
February 19, 2026
Some houses don’t just sit on land.
Some houses feed.
Rootfingers by S. Alessandro Martinez is the kind of horror novella that crawls under your skin and plants itself there. This isn’t just a haunted house story it’s a slow, suffocating descent into rot, grief, and something ancient stretching its fingers beneath the soil.From the first page, Martinez builds a creeping atmosphere thick with dread. The house feels alive not in the loud, crashing, jump scare way but in the quiet, watching, breathing way. The kind where the walls don’t move… but you know they’re listening.
The imagery is haunting:
• Twisted trees clawing at the sky
• Earth that doesn’t stay still
• Roots that don’t belong where they’re growing
There’s an oppressive stillness in this novella that makes every small detail feel important. The pacing is tight and deliberate no wasted words, no filler. Just tension tightening like a vine around your throat.
What hit hardest for me was the emotional undercurrent. Beneath the horror, there’s something deeply human here isolation, memory, and the way trauma lingers like something buried but not dead.
Some houses feed.
Rootfingers by S. Alessandro Martinez is the kind of horror novella that crawls under your skin and plants itself there. This isn’t just a haunted house story it’s a slow, suffocating descent into rot, grief, and something ancient stretching its fingers beneath the soil.From the first page, Martinez builds a creeping atmosphere thick with dread. The house feels alive not in the loud, crashing, jump scare way but in the quiet, watching, breathing way. The kind where the walls don’t move… but you know they’re listening.
The imagery is haunting:
• Twisted trees clawing at the sky
• Earth that doesn’t stay still
• Roots that don’t belong where they’re growing
There’s an oppressive stillness in this novella that makes every small detail feel important. The pacing is tight and deliberate no wasted words, no filler. Just tension tightening like a vine around your throat.
What hit hardest for me was the emotional undercurrent. Beneath the horror, there’s something deeply human here isolation, memory, and the way trauma lingers like something buried but not dead.
March 3, 2026
The way this book gave me the absolute heebie jeebies while reading at night even with the lights on, especially in the beginning before the creature really makes himself known.
Then there was quite a bit of gore that i found quite intriguing, especially the grandmother.
Turning an artists stern focus into a horror was another level of creep.
Then there was quite a bit of gore that i found quite intriguing, especially the grandmother.
Turning an artists stern focus into a horror was another level of creep.
July 21, 2026
I am so thankful to Mr. Martinez for donating sme of his amazing stories to our small local library.
This story was absolutely amazing from the setting to the story and characters it was definitely worth the read! I can't wait to read more of his work
This story was absolutely amazing from the setting to the story and characters it was definitely worth the read! I can't wait to read more of his work
April 27, 2026
I love a haunted house story, I love a book where art is a main theme, I love an indie horror novella, so I knew I'd love Rootfingers from the start. Finished it in one sitting, it was awesome & very creepy! I'm glad I read it during the day because it would've kept me up at night 😅
April 5, 2026
I really enjoyed how original the concept felt and thought the references to famous works of art helped anchor the surreal story to the real word.
The pacing is quick and engaging, and the writing is descriptive without being heavy, which made it play out like a movie. The tone shifts early on, feeling lighter before returning to a more mature horror edge later.
Following Wren’s perspective creates an interesting atmosphere, though it limits how much is fully understood. I found myself wanting more insight from the other family members, and I was left with some lingering questions.
Overall, a creative and compelling read that’s easy to get through and worth picking up if you enjoy ambiguous horror.
The pacing is quick and engaging, and the writing is descriptive without being heavy, which made it play out like a movie. The tone shifts early on, feeling lighter before returning to a more mature horror edge later.
Following Wren’s perspective creates an interesting atmosphere, though it limits how much is fully understood. I found myself wanting more insight from the other family members, and I was left with some lingering questions.
Overall, a creative and compelling read that’s easy to get through and worth picking up if you enjoy ambiguous horror.
July 13, 2025
This was a very good short horror read! it's not my typical genre but I absolutely enjoyed it and devoured it in one sitting!
September 27, 2025
Fast and furious nightmare fuel.
March 20, 2026
Rootfingers is the kind of horror story that gets under your skin and stays there. From the very beginning, it leans heavily into a deeply unsettling atmosphere, delivering a consistently creepy experience that never really lets up.
The plot is intriguing and keeps things moving at a quick pace, which made it an easy and engaging read. While I didn’t form strong opinions about the characters, they didn’t take away from the story either—the real focus here is the eerie tone and disturbing imagery, which the book absolutely nails.
What really stood out to me was just how creepy this book is. It builds tension well and maintains that unease throughout. And the ending? Easily one of the strongest parts. It wraps things up in a way that feels both satisfying and memorable.
Overall, Rootfingers is a fast-paced, chilling read that horror fans will likely appreciate. There’s not much to complain about here—if you’re looking for something creepy and immersive, this one delivers.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The plot is intriguing and keeps things moving at a quick pace, which made it an easy and engaging read. While I didn’t form strong opinions about the characters, they didn’t take away from the story either—the real focus here is the eerie tone and disturbing imagery, which the book absolutely nails.
What really stood out to me was just how creepy this book is. It builds tension well and maintains that unease throughout. And the ending? Easily one of the strongest parts. It wraps things up in a way that feels both satisfying and memorable.
Overall, Rootfingers is a fast-paced, chilling read that horror fans will likely appreciate. There’s not much to complain about here—if you’re looking for something creepy and immersive, this one delivers.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2025
I'm avoiding spoilers here, but hopefully this gives you an idea if the book is for you.
This novella delivers a powerful punch in just over 100 pages. The opening is immediately gripping, with short chapters that make it impossible to put down. As Wren, the main character, delves deeper into the unsettling realities creeping into her young world, the horror intensifies. It skillfully intertwines overt scares and graphic descriptions that vividly illustrate Wren's complex family dynamics. The entire book evokes a "Tales from the Crypt" vibe, offering a pure, unadulterated horror experience without needing a Cryptkeeper to guide you through it.
This novella delivers a powerful punch in just over 100 pages. The opening is immediately gripping, with short chapters that make it impossible to put down. As Wren, the main character, delves deeper into the unsettling realities creeping into her young world, the horror intensifies. It skillfully intertwines overt scares and graphic descriptions that vividly illustrate Wren's complex family dynamics. The entire book evokes a "Tales from the Crypt" vibe, offering a pure, unadulterated horror experience without needing a Cryptkeeper to guide you through it.
September 17, 2025
I love stories about evil artists and S. Alessandro Martinez has given us a doozy in Isidoro Cervantes. Over one horrifying night, the undead painter torments a family and stalks a young girl. It's grim stuff, but I found myself admiring his eight-year-old protagonist, Wren Espinoza. Despite all the odds, she battles the monster in her new home. I won't tell you how the fight ends, but I will tell you that I admired the young girl very much. And this from someone who doesn't normally like plucky child characters. Highly recommended.
March 16, 2026
I really enjoyed getting into the body horror elements of the novella. The concept was perfectly done in this setting and was glad the horror was there in the story. The characters were written in a way that worked together and enjoyed the artistic element of the story itself. S. Alessandro Martinez was able to create something beautiful and terrifying in this novella and glad I was able to read this.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 14, 2025
I purchased this book at an author's book fair. My finds at such places have had mixed results, so I wasn't expecting too much.
What I found was a pleasant surprise! Rootfingers had an eerie setting that only built over time. Alessandro Martinez' ability to build suspense was compelling and thoroughly enjoyable!
What I found was a pleasant surprise! Rootfingers had an eerie setting that only built over time. Alessandro Martinez' ability to build suspense was compelling and thoroughly enjoyable!
August 26, 2025
I tried to win this through Goodreads Giveaway because it reminded me of Darcy Coates but I didn't so I bought it , definitely worth it , a haunted house from an 8 year Olds perspective very well done in 104 pages
September 4, 2025
This book is fantastic! True horror and not a happy ending!
A couple of weird grammatical errors that I’m surprised made it past editing, but I can over look these because the writing and story itself it out of this world!
I hope this gets expanded on someday!
A couple of weird grammatical errors that I’m surprised made it past editing, but I can over look these because the writing and story itself it out of this world!
I hope this gets expanded on someday!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2025
I don't know how you can build so much terror and creep into just over 100 pages. But this was scary from almost the first page.
July 22, 2025
Creepy and fun! Well worth checking out. 3.5 spooky stars.
July 22, 2025
A creepy and disturbing tale of art and obsession, with a dose of cosmic horror too. A terrifying little novella!
November 22, 2025
Truly creative. I love how each chapter title is a shoutout to a work of art.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews