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Hell Holes #2

Demons on the Dalton

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With an army of demonic aliens on their heels, its a 350-mile race with simple rules. Win and live; lose and die...When hundreds of huge holes mysteriously appeared overnight in the frozen tundra north of the Arctic Circle, geologist Jack Oswald picked Angele Menendez, his climatologist wife, to determine if the record temperatures due to climate change was the cause. But the holes were not natural. They were unnatural portals for an invading army of demonic aliens. Together with Aileen O'Shannon, a 1,700-year-old sorceress demon-hunter, the three survivors of the research team sent to study the holes had only one to flee down the dangerous Dalton Highway towards the relative safety of Fairbanks. However, the advancing horde of devils, imps, hellhounds, and gargoyles will stop at nothing to prevent their prey from escaping.“—Chilling, thought-provoking, fast-paced masterpiece—Hell Demons on the Dalton is an edge of the seat, thrilling novel that hooks the reader on the very first page to the Highway to Hell and its army of demons! Firesmith’s storytelling excites and horrifies you at the same time making you want to turn the page to find out what’s in store for its characters!” - Author Jennie E. Nicassio“The danger element is always there, and one scene that I found to be written exceptionally well was when they were driving through a wall of fire. I could almost feel the heat while reading it. I wanted book three even more than I had wanted book two, and I really can’t wait to get to read it. Overall, a fast and exciting read that I would recommend to all fantasy and sci-fi readers.” - Author Aoife Marie Sheridan“Firesmith pens an intense, devil fighting, story in Hell Holes 2: Demons on the Dalton. I have read work from this author before, and I really enjoyed it. The characters were strong, and intelligent. This author brings the story to life. 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. This is a magnificent story, kept this reader turning the pages. The thrills and intrigue is written clearly and the characterizations are engrossing. Love this story. 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.” - Author Amy Shannon“Another Winner in the Hell Holes Series… Hell Demons on the Dalton is another action-packed battle/race with demons that were introduced in the first book…. the story moves pretty steadily with liberal amounts of action and suspense… There are some other new elements in book 2, but I won’t spoil it for those who have yet to read it. If you like action/adventure, this book will not disappoint you. I’m looking forward to book 3.” - Author David Robertson“I was genuinely surprised how engaged I was with this story. I expected it to be a bit of fun and maybe an easy way to kill and afternoon. It was both, but also had a professionalism and maturity that, for me, took it to the next level.” – Online Book Club“Overall, Hell Demons on the Dalton was a wonderfully written book that had my heart pounding from beginning to end. A thriller through and through.” - Brian's Book Log

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2016

19 people are currently reading
310 people want to read

About the author

Donald Firesmith

31 books363 followers
Donald 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...

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Courtney.
126 reviews57 followers
April 2, 2017
After losing so many members, Jack Oswald's research team turns into a three person survival group consisting of: a geologist (Jack), a climatologist (Angie) and a 1,400 year old curatrix / demon hunter (Aileen). Faced with only two real options: A) Stay, fight and (most likely) die or B) Venture down the treacherous Dalton highway towards the relative safety of Fairbanks.

Deciding they would rather take their chances on the Dalton, the three survivors take off and begin their 350 mile race to safety. However, the dangers of traveling the severely worn and unpredictable terrain of one of the world's most dangerous roads is the least of their problems. The hellish army of devils, imps, hellhounds and gargoyles are advancing, ruthlessly destroying everything and everyone in their path.

Along the way, the group is faced with all kinds of life threatening situations. Between picking up tricky, hitchhiking devils, flat tires, demonic attacks and much needed bathroom breaks, and all in such a short manner of time, they just can't seem to catch a break. Two additions to the team are eventually made when they come across two young siblings, Adam and Amy Anderson, alone and in desperate need of help. Together they narrowly escape an enclosing forest fire, only to exit right into the middle of a battle field between the U.S. army and the demons.

Helping the army win the battle, they team up to formulate a plan that they hope will destroy the demons once and for all, or at the very least prevent them from returning to Earth indefinitely. They're going to go back to the the Hell Holes, find the demons' portal and move the battle to their world.

"If we are truly going to stop them, we will have to go into hell to do it."

Demons on the Dalton by Donald G. Firesmith is written in Dr. Angela Menendez's POV, starting where What Lurks Below ends. I like that in this series (so far), each book is written in a different perspective. While I still recommend reading book 1, Dr. Angela Menendez gives a great recap of her husbands account of the teams first four days, since Jack received that phone call from Kowalski until right before starting their trip down the Dalton highway.

I did notice a bit more spelling and grammar mistakes in this book and a couple of repeating lines, but not so many that they take away from the story.

I was glad to see that Aileen O'Shannon's character and the secret society she's apart of was explained more in depth. We even get to meet a few more members of the Tutores Contra Infernum . Very interesting.

I enjoyed the second installment of the Hell Holes series and look forward to seeing where book 3 will take us. I recommend this series to any adult fan of: Fast paced and action packed Sci-fi's and Paranormal stories.


**** I received an eBook copy of this title in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to Booktasters for introducing me to this author and thank you to Donald G. Firesmith for giving me the chance to read and review his books. ****
Profile Image for Brian's Book Blog.
805 reviews62 followers
May 31, 2016
Out of the frying pan and into the fire

4.5 out of 5 stars

Join the team after they have survived the attacks that the “hell holes” have brought upon the oil fields of Alaska. Follow along as they try to escape with their lives, but they will soon find out that they are out of the frying pan and into the fire.

First things first, take a look at that awesome cover. Really gives the read a feeling that they are going to be going for a ride when they pick this book out.

In “crossover” books like this (it’s fantasy and real-world) it’s easy to get caught up in the details. Trying to explain why someone has magical powers or where a character came from can really bog down a good story. Firesmith is able to skip these mundane details but still write a story that feels full and detail oriented. I love the fact that I don’t normally like books with fantasy elements in them, but the Hell Holes series has allowed me to enjoy a sprinkle of fantasy with my thrillers.

The fantasy elements (in case you’re curious) involve different demons: gargoyles, imps, and hell hounds. Along with a witch or curatrix as she is called in these books. There is also a secret society of people who have been keeping these demons at bay for centuries. Now, sprinkle these elements in with an extremely well thought out thriller and I’m intrigued.

Overall, Hell Holes: Demons on the Dalton was a wonderfully written book that had my heart pounding from beginning to end. A thriller through and through.

The length was really nice for me too. Sometimes I enjoy reading a novella or a shorter novel. Especially when you pack as much into them as Firesmith has with Demons on the Dalton.

I was given an early copy of this novel in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

Did you enjoy this review? Find more like it at Brian's Book Blog
Profile Image for Laura Thomas.
1,552 reviews108 followers
October 27, 2017
It started with mysterious holes appearing overnight in the tundra of the North Slope in Alaska. A team of seven, including Jack, a geologist, his wife, Angela, a climatologist, Aileen, a reporter with a secret power, and four others are hired by Exxon Mobil to investigate. When the very hounds of Hell crawl out of one of the holes and start killing, the team races south on Dalton Highway, one of the ten most dangerous roads, trying to reach Fairbanks and safety. Soon, imps and gargoyles join the hellhounds in pursuit. Only three of the team members make it to the SUV and begin their escape. The Demon War has begun.

Jack told his story of how it all began in the first book. Now, Angela tells what happens next.

As the three survivors race down the highway, they encounter more and more demons. And the demons have some surprising tricks up their sleeve that don’t bode well. It’s attack after attack. Every time it seems like they’ve found safety, it goes to hell in a hand basket. Even the military, with all of their technology and weapons, don’t stand a chance.

After what I’ve just read, I have now decided that if there’s ever an apocalypse, I’ll take zombies over demons any time. Some of these of creatures are dumber than a box of rocks, but they are guided by higher demons, smart ones, and can inflict major damage.

The author sure doesn’t give his characters a break. And he keeps the action and suspense at full throttle. How many demons are there? Do they have a weakness? And most important, how do we stop them? The answer is one you can’t begin to imagine.

I take from the ending that there’s more to come. I have an idea where it will go and sure excited to see how that works out.
Profile Image for Jessica Worthington.
46 reviews
March 23, 2018
Awesome Read

This book was even better than the first. All of the fighting, mixed with all the new information about the hell holes, demons, and their world was outstanding. I really liked the new twist about demons and Hell. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy and horror books.
Profile Image for Nancy (The Avid Reader).
3,065 reviews128 followers
January 28, 2018
The remaining members of the crew; Dr. Oswald a professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks along with his wife Dr. Menendez and Aileen O'Shannon; that were hired by ExxonMobil to check out these gigantic holes that are appearing on the North Slope near the Trans-Alaska Pipeline are speeding down the Dalton highway as if the demons of hell are hot on their heels wait they are.

They are speeding down the longest and most dangerous roads ever faster than his reasonably safe trying to out run the demons when Aileen shouts they have brought fire and brimstone. They are racing down the Dalton highway with imps, demons, hellhounds, gargoyles with fire and brimstone raining down upon them.

They are racing down the road hoping to run into the military and make it into Fairbanks and hopefully safety. Along the way they run into a convoy that was over taken by the demons of hell with vehicles and bodies of humans, gargoyles, imps and demons scattered all over the road, civilian vehicles and military as well. They pick up themselves a couple of bigger guns, assault rifles and load up their pockets with magazines. They find a couple of kids a little boy and his sister, nine year old Adam and six year old Amy who they take under the wing and promise to get them to safety.

Dr. Oswald is racing down the highway with imps and demons flying in all directions after being hit by their car when Dr. Oswald takes a 90 degree turn at thirty miles faster than is relatively safe. I can just see Dr. Oswald ducking as he makes this turn going way faster than he should be not only ducking because of fire and brimstone or even the demons chasing them but expecting his wife to start yelling at him and knocking him upside the head for taking the turn so fast.

It was just as intense with Demons on the Dalton book #2 of Hell Holes as it was with What Lurks Below book #1 filling as if I was in the car with them racing down Dalton highway with the demons of hell hot on our heels. It was so intense that I could feel the heat from the fire as it went sailing by the vehicle and I think I was jumping with the windows exploding from the heat and I was always worried about Adam and Amy wondering where they were at times during the battles and how they were dealing with it all. They were braver little campers. Adam took such great and loving care of his little sister.

This has been a long ride down one of the longest roads ever during a very short period of time packed with lots of heart pounding adrenaline pumping action that will leave you hanging on for more and wanting to know what is around the next turn.

I would recommend Demons on the Dalton to anyone who loves a fast driven, heart pounding, bodies flying ever where kind of action novel.
Profile Image for Gina.
31 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2016
Hell Holes: Demons on the Dalton by Donald Firesmith.
Dr. Jack Oswald tells of the first four days of their expedition to The North Slope, Alaska. Sent there to research the strange sink holes cropping up all over Alaska Dr. Jack Oswald tells of the events leading up to the expedition and once there the things that he and his team witnessed and endured at the location and continues until the team barely escapes from the Trans-Alaska Pipeline’s Pump Station 2. You will find this horrifyingly emotional tale in Book 1, Hell Holes: What Lurks Below.
This is book 2 of Hell Holes and is given the title Demons on the Dalton, by Dr. Jack Oswald’s wife, Dr. Angela Menendez. She continues from where Jack left off. The moment they escaped Pump Station 2 and started out on their harrowing 350 mile trek along the Dalton Highway heading to Fairbanks.
This book is full of fast-paced action, as well as emotional turmoil and a few times I found myself clutching my computer desk, unable to stop reading because I was so anxious about what would happen next.
There were definitely some surprises I didn’t expect, that the book would have been fine without, but added another layer of amped up adrenaline which made it even more realistic.
I myself have never been a fan of sci-fi but after reading these two books by Donald Firesmith I am looking forward to checking out some more sci-fi books, and hopefully he will continue on with a third book of this series.
Profile Image for Amy Shannon.
Author 137 books134 followers
July 28, 2021
Demon hunting at a w"hole" new level

Firesmith pens an intense, devil fighting, story in Hell Holes 2: Demons on the Dalton . I have read work from this author before, and I really enjoyed it. I read the first book in the series a while ago, but after looking at my old notes on it, I liked this one a hell (pun intended) of a lot better. The characters were strong, and intelligent. This author brings the story to life. 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. This is a magnificent story, kept this reader turning the pages. The thrills and intrigue is written clearly and the characterizations are engrossing. Love this story. 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 2: Demons on the Dalton is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author.
Profile Image for Angela Kay.
Author 11 books171 followers
March 17, 2017
Hell Holes: Demons on the Dalton is volume two of What Lurks Below. It’s another action/adventure written by Donald Firesmith. This time, we’re in Dr. Angela Menendez’s (Dr. Jack Oswald’s wife) point of view. She picks up where we left off in volume one. Oswald and his team are desperately trying to escape the demons that are set on pursuing them.

The character development was a bit lacking. There were not a whole lot of conflict as I’d imagined there would be. After all, stress and fear make even the nicest person a tiny bit snippy, and I saw none of that in the story. However, I was eager enough to see what would happen next to not worry about the lack of character conflicts. There was enough nail biting and plenty of surprises to keep me wholly satisfied as I read. The ending was left as though a continuation could come into play. Or possibly it’s left for our imagination to work out. We’ll see what Firesmith has in store for us next.
Profile Image for Kristine .
1,803 reviews12 followers
April 23, 2017
This is a great second installment of this series! I really liked that a different character's perspective was given in this book. The story is fast paced and full of action and adventure. I was pleased to see more information and background given on one of the characters. While this book can be read as a stand-alone - the author does a great job of summarizing the first book - I highly recommend reading the books in order to get the full impact of the story. I'm looking forward to reading what comes next,

I received a copy of this manuscript from the author, my review has been voluntarily submitted.
435 reviews8 followers
January 21, 2018
Book2 even better

Book 2 is the thoughts and actions of the 2nd main characterDr. Angela Menendez. The first book is Dr. Jack Oswalds words.Being thrown into her own hell on earth the 3 survivors of the first book must find a way to fight their way to a safe place from demons imps and hellhounds. The Dr.'s are married and are not in the belief that they will make it to a safe place alive but determined to fight to get there. They pick up one problem then trade it for 2 more. The book is a quick interesting read and the end is a small cliffhanger cant wait to see what will happen and who wins
Profile Image for Rakhi (New Book Reviewer).
631 reviews33 followers
May 21, 2020
Hell Holes: Demons on the Dalton book 2 in the series and just like the first book, I enjoyed reading it which is full of action and adventure.

The liked the storyline and it's my favorite book in this series. I enjoyed reading this and it really took me on a new adventure.

The author Donald Firesmith has done a great amount of hard work in crafting such a creative and imaginative series.

From the very start, the book is very gripping and entertaining just like the first book and when I finished reading I just wished I had the Third book to continue too.

I loved reading both books and can't wait to read the third.

Overall it's a must-read series that everyone should read.
Profile Image for Ann Daniel.
56 reviews2 followers
April 25, 2021
The amazing seeing instalment to this story

As expected Donald has again out some himself with this amazing second instalment to this story, again it's brilliantly written and draws you in from the very start. The story is fast moving and keeps you on the edge of your seat as you wait to see what happens next, I can't wait to start book 3 tomorrow and go back into the work of hell holes, demons, monsters and the war against these scary creatures which are intent of destroying everything
Profile Image for C.E. Clayton.
Author 14 books274 followers
July 19, 2019
“Demon’s on the Dalton” is the second in the Hell Hole’s serial trilogy, and picks up pretty immediately from where the first in the series left off. Although, this book spends a decent chunk early on recapping and re-familiarizing the reader with what happened in the first novella, so if you don’t read the first one, I don’t think you’ll be totally lost, though I do think the excitement of the first book is higher than in the second. We get Angela’s perspective this time as our trio of survivors race across the Dalton. The majority of the story is spent with our characters in their vehicle, barely able to stop to pee on the side of the road before all manner of hell spawn is on top of them. Their mission is still primarily to survive, to get to Fairbanks, and safety. But as the U.S. military mobilizes and starts their counter attack, their mission shifts, becoming more than just survival, but helping the powers that be to end the unending wave of demonic creatures that are pouring into our world.

The action in Firesmith’s novella rarely lets up, which is exactly what you want with these kinds of serialized series. But there’s not a ton new in this story that we didn’t get from the first one. We are still only presented with the same four types of demonic creatures, though they do use slightly different types of weapons this time around, and the stakes largely remain unchanged in this story from the first book. The one complication is the pair of survivors our main characters come across and need to whisk to safety, the military personnel they encounter, and the members of Aileen’s order. However, most of that doesn’t come until closer to the end of the story. But the characters felt flat in this novella. As odd as it sounds, they all got along too well. There was no conflict from the characters, no difference of opinion, and if it weren’t for Aileen’s powers and the change in narration from Jack to Angie, they all would feel pretty indistinct from each other. When they all agree, you don’t get a sense of their personality, just the one dimensional layer of what purpose they serve to the greater story. The most you see personality wise is from Angie when she cares for the survivors. Those instances were cute and pretty touching, and I found that I enjoyed those moments most. It’s just too bad they were rather fleeting and were resolved come the end of the story; Adam and Amy will most likely not return for the third book now that they are safe.

I did like how, and where, this book ended more than the first installment, however. This story felt complete; things had been accomplished, a plan settled on. The characters and the army personnel they meet up with all know what needs to be done, which will lead to a thrilling conclusion in the next book, no doubt. The author does a great job ensuring that the weapons and military vehicles etc. are all shown accurately and those moments really shine, especially against the paranormal horror show they are plucked in front of. I also appreciated that the author took the story a bit back to the science fiction arena with the theories around Aileen’s demon amulet. But I wasn’t as surprised, or thrilled, by this book as I was the first. I wanted more personality and growth between the main characters, and there’s not a lot of that, certainly not as much as I was expecting from a second book, either. It was still fun and exciting, the demons are all interesting, even if we have seen them all before, and the flight across Alaska is definitely intense at parts, and described in enough accurate detail that you feel you are there driving with the characters. If you like paranormal horror, and action fantasy, I think you’d enjoy this fast, and easy-to-read series. And while I think I liked the first book a little more, ultimately, when both books ended, I felt pretty much the same, so it’s another 3 stars from yours truly. And thanks to the author for providing me with a copy for an honest review!
Profile Image for C.E. Clayton.
Author 14 books274 followers
July 24, 2019
Picture
“Demon’s on the Dalton” is the second in the Hell Hole’s serial trilogy, and picks up pretty immediately from where the first in the series left off. Although, this book spends a decent chunk early on recapping and re-familiarizing the reader with what happened in the first novella, so if you don’t read the first one, I don’t think you’ll be totally lost, though I do think the excitement of the first book is higher than in the second. We get Angela’s perspective this time as our trio of survivors race across the Dalton. The majority of the story is spent with our characters in their vehicle, barely able to stop to pee on the side of the road before all manner of hell spawn is on top of them. Their mission is still primarily to survive, to get to Fairbanks, and safety. But as the U.S. military mobilizes and starts their counter attack, their mission shifts, becoming more than just survival, but helping the powers that be to end the unending wave of demonic creatures that are pouring into our world.
The action in Firesmith’s novella rarely lets up, which is exactly what you want with these kinds of serialized series. But there’s not a ton new in this story that we didn’t get from the first one. We are still only presented with the same four types of demonic creatures, though they do use slightly different types of weapons this time around, and the stakes largely remain unchanged in this story from the first book. The one complication is the pair of survivors our main characters come across and need to whisk to safety, the military personnel they encounter, and the members of Aileen’s order. However, most of that doesn’t come until closer to the end of the story. But the characters felt flat in this novella. As odd as it sounds, they all got along too well. There was no conflict from the characters, no difference of opinion, and if it weren’t for Aileen’s powers and the change in narration from Jack to Angie, they all would feel pretty indistinct from each other. When they all agree, you don’t get a sense of their personality, just the one dimensional layer of what purpose they serve to the greater story. The most you see personality wise is from Angie when she cares for the survivors. Those instances were cute and pretty touching, and I found that I enjoyed those moments most. It’s just too bad they were rather fleeting and were resolved come the end of the story; Adam and Amy will most likely not return for the third book now that they are safe.

I did like how, and where, this book ended more than the first installment, however. This story felt complete; things had been accomplished, a plan settled on. The characters and the army personnel they meet up with all know what needs to be done, which will lead to a thrilling conclusion in the next book, no doubt. The author does a great job ensuring that the weapons and military vehicles etc. are all shown accurately and those moments really shine, especially against the paranormal horror show they are plucked in front of. I also appreciated that the author took the story a bit back to the science fiction arena with the theories around Aileen’s demon amulet. But I wasn’t as surprised, or thrilled, by this book as I was the first. I wanted more personality and growth between the main characters, and there’s not a lot of that, certainly not as much as I was expecting from a second book, either. It was still fun and exciting, the demons are all interesting, even if we have seen them all before, and the flight across Alaska is definitely intense at parts, and described in enough accurate detail that you feel you are there driving with the characters. If you like paranormal horror, and action fantasy, I think you’d enjoy this fast, and easy-to-read series. And while I think I liked the first book a little more, ultimately, when both books ended, I felt pretty much the same, so it’s another 3 stars from yours truly. And thanks to the author for providing me with a copy for an honest review!
Profile Image for Catriona Lovett.
626 reviews13 followers
March 18, 2021
All Hell Has Broken Loose In Alaska

Events in this book take a small team from the world's first exploration of a Hell Hole, which had gone tragically wrong in the series prequel, to even more terrifying and fiery confrontations with the denizens of Hell. The plot and heart-stopping action engaged this reader's interest from the start, and the concepts the story explored elevated fantasy and horror to science fiction.

The pacing and vivid descriptions kept me on the edge of my seat, rooting for the team's survival. The author's thorough research into the subjects made the science, technology, and military aspects of the story feel authentic without burying the reader in undigestible details. I like how the entire team works together to escape from the sudden invasion of creatures from Hell. They watch each other's back at great risk to themselves, which demonstrates real heroism.

This volume of the series is written from the perspective of Angela Menendez, the climatologist wife of Jack Oswald, the petroleum geologist whose assignment brought them to Alaska to study the Hell Holes.

I like Angela. She's an intellectual equal to her husband and their complimentary fields of study allow them to plan research in the field together. She's a strong, brave woman and a better shot than her husband. I like the way Angela and Jack are devoted to each other but operate within their marriage and their careers as mutually respected and equal partners.

Curatrix Maxima Aileen O'Shannon is an outstanding character whose paranormal capabilities make her a formidable warrior. As a guardian for humanity, Aileen has trained for centuries to develop magical control of a devil stone. The discovery that there's a scientific basis for this magic is mind blowing for her and the rest of her order.

The world's knowledge of the order's existence is just as staggering. The size and scope of the invasion, the actual existence of devils, imps, hellhounds, and gargoyles, and the revelation of their true alien nature becomes literally earth-shaking for the entire world.

I feel honored by the privilege of reading a free advance reader's copy of this book from the author and publisher via BookSirens because it's an exceptionally fine series. I'm on to the next part of the story!
23 reviews
April 19, 2022
A direct continuation of the first book, the second book is from the perspective of Dr. Angela Menendez and starting from the conclusion of the first book. You will know if you have read and finished the first in the series.

Likewise, due to where the first book concluded, this entry hits the ground running from the start then relaxes its tension toward the end, unlike the first book which set the scene and then everything started in motion.

The result is that this book is very much a roller coaster of events right from the start and only begins to mellow out as the final chapters arrive. I feel like both of these books, and the third I've yet to read, may only be strengthened in their tone were they one large book, but separately it's also enough to read and give a rest.

I had believed at one point perhaps this wasn't my type of story, yet at the same time I had no issue with continuing at a leisurely pace over the course of a little more than a week. As anyone should expect, this is a book that's best read after the first book, and I'm also assuming before the third. I'll certainly be moving onto the third book given the convenience to find out how events unfold. If you enjoyed the first, you'll most likely be satisfied with the second as well.
Profile Image for Brandon.
133 reviews3 followers
April 30, 2020
This book was a great read. The action picks up and the cliffhanger ending from the first book results in a great beginning for this book. I loved the attention to detail on all the military vehicles and the hierarchy of the military soldiers. I loved the battle sequences, especially the big climax that I won't spoil. The climatic battle is the best part of the book in my opinion,seeming more actionized and I can picture a big rock-sounding theme being played over it.


And I can't wait to find out what happens to the new survivors and Jill in the third book.
Profile Image for Amy.
389 reviews7 followers
April 27, 2017
I love that the author used a different point of view in story! Join the remaining group from Pump Station 2...the 1700 year old Demon Hunter, the Climatologist, and the Geologist as they continue to battle their way through the occupants of hell! Now they are joined up with with army. Will they be successful in their mission! Can't wait to read the next book!
9 reviews
April 1, 2023
This book is a hell of a ride. It will keep you turning the pages into the night...no spoilers...the the first book opened hell now its truly hell on earth.
Great book I'll read again after I finish the series
Profile Image for Patricia Kaniasty.
1,489 reviews61 followers
January 31, 2019
Just as good as the first one. Excitement, gore, lots of beasts...….etc. I love the characters. The author makes everything seem normal.
Profile Image for fred jones.
1,785 reviews11 followers
January 9, 2021
A novel idea, well written and entertaining, to have the story follow one long chase across Alaska with a tight small group of characters. Engrossing and tense, excellent highly recommended and I am looking forward to the final part. I received a complimentary copy from Booksirens and am leaving a voluntary honest review
Profile Image for Helen Calder.
21 reviews3 followers
January 22, 2018
This is the second book in a series. I read and enjoyed the first book, Hell Holes: What Lurks Below. Like Hell Holes 1 this is a fast, exciting read and if you like books in which our world is not as it seems then you will probably like this.

The writer made the bold choice to use a different character as the first person narrator in this book. I think the choice worked to both extend the cliffhanger at the end of the first book and to give a slightly different perspective on the events of the first book. While I don’t like to hand out virtual cookies to male authors for being able to write convincing women I think he’s done an excellent job of writing from a female point of view. This narrator has a different narrative voice than the narrator of the first book but the feel of the world of the story remains consistent which is not necessarily an easy feat to pull off.

My only real criticism is that there’s a lot of exposition. I think it’s a mostly unavoidable side effect of being the second book of a series that has a lot of world building going on. At least this exposition is well written and fits naturally into the dialogue scenes. The reader is learning stuff at the same time as the characters are.

All in all an excellent sequel that sets things up well for the third book.
Profile Image for Jessica Bronder.
2,015 reviews31 followers
February 9, 2018
After learning that the holes that have mysteriously appeared are gates to hell, what is left of Jack’s investigation group decides to live to fight another day and heads to Fairbanks on the Dalton. But they seem to keep finding trouble in one way or another with flat tires, demons, and bathroom breaks. Thankfully they find the military and they have a plan.

Thank goodness Aileen is there to help save the group. They have faced so much loss so far but it is going to get worse before it gets better. I really enjoyed reading the narrative through Angela’s eyes. It gave this story a fresh spin. I really liked learning more about the Tutores Contra Infernum.

This story is a rush at break neck speeds as the group tries to keep ahead of the demons and is searching for a way to stop them. You have action, violence, and a great paranormal twist. I love this series and can’t wait for book three to get published.

I received Demons on the Dalton from Silver Dagger Book Tours for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
Profile Image for Melanie Adkins.
802 reviews24 followers
October 11, 2020
They've found out the holes are not natural. They contain gases that will kill humans. Jack, Angie and Aileen keep moving south. It's a fight for their lives. The three of them are facing demons from all directions. How can they stop them. Jack and Angie find out Aileen is a 1,700 year old sorceress. With Aileen's skills Jack and Angie believe they can make the trek to Fairbanks. Now the only question is will there be more demons as they move south?
Outstanding! This book tells a story you can't miss. Mr. Firesmith has created an amazing situation. I found the book to be very well written and the characters are three dimensional. This book engulfed me. You really need to read this series. You will enjoy every minute of it. Mr. Firesmith is an auto buy author.

I found no issues.

I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it blew me away. copy of book provided by author and I voluntarily reviewed it.
372 reviews3 followers
February 20, 2018
A thriller involving demons, ghouls, gargoyles and hellfire in Alaska

When I read the first Hell Holes novel (What Lurks Below), I was uncertain as to whether or not I would post a review. The story was certainly interesting and fast-paced. Lots of authentic-sounding scientific terminology when appropriate, and not used to “impress” the lay reader. The question on my mind was,”This sounds great, but will the follow-up be satisfying and revealing of plot details hinted at in the first one, or will it fizzle>”
I decided to purchase and read Hell Holes #2 (Demons on the Dalton), and it took the established plot details, picked up the pace, and was quite addictive as reading material. The ‘Magic versus Science” elements were very well done.
So, a book well worth the cost, and the bonus of a follow-up maybe even better than this one.
Profile Image for Ren.
797 reviews9 followers
May 14, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This one is miles better than the first for the action, though I still wouldn't necessarily say it fits my personal preference for horror. The characters are a little stiff, and predictable, but that's to be expected with this sort of book. Changing the PoV character wasn't something I expected, and I definitely enjoyed Angela in the first one a ton, but the actual characterization from the PoV didn't seem to change much, it didn't feel like I was reading a different character's voice. The chapters were also, again, very long; something I don't generally expects from a horror or thriller type of novel. The pace did keep up, though, which is why I have to say it's not too bad. A fun read, if you're looking for a bit of an adventure.
Profile Image for Brandy Boysen.
25 reviews5 followers
May 27, 2018
Book 2

I'm so glad book 2 was available immediately after reading book 1. And I really wish book 3 was ready now. I want to know how it ends. Back in the day it would have just been a big book, lol, but it seems this is way it's done these days.
It's rather interesting, the premise of this story. Not something I would have thought about but in a way some of it is quite possible. I like the spin that was put on the purpose of the holes. And there was quite a bit of interesting ideas in the realm of magicalism and demonology, always fun to read.
Book 1 was from the guy's view. Book 2 was from the gal's. Will book 3 be from the witch, oops I mean guardian's, or from the demon's? :) Hmmmm.
Profile Image for Kristine.
231 reviews5 followers
March 11, 2021
Hell Holes #2 continues the story from the perspective of Angela, Jacks wife. Their goal is to travel down the Dalton Highway until they reach Fairbanks. Hopefully they will find a military presence & safety there. They know the locations of other pump stations ; plan A is to get enough fuel to continue the journey without stopping any more than necessary. There are also a couple small towns that they hope can provide food & updated information.
Plan B ? They are hoping that Aileen can come up with one! The story is still filled with accurate descriptions & realistic characters. Hey Netflix...we got a movie possibility here!
I received this ebook from Book Sirens for a voluntary review .
240 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2018
Outstanding second book in this series

Having read the first novel in this series - which caught my eye due to the title and the description, which I thought was excellent also I just had to get this one.

The first novel is written in third person (a narrator is telling the story) - which works very well when introducing/explaining new apocalyptic scenario - this novel is written in first person which really gets the blood flowing and the brain turning over. The descriptions of the teams travels, fights and battles in the first person really puts you there!

An excellent read that I couldn't put down!
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