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Helminth
Rei would do anything for those she loves.
As her best friend, Abby, struggles to cope with the sudden loss of her husband, Rei and her closest girlfriends take her to a beautiful lakeside house nestled in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, hoping that a weekend of support from long-time friends will help Abby along her road of emotional recovery.
But as the young women get settled, Rei begins to notice there’s something wrong with the place. Could this peaceful, idyllic location be hiding an ancient evil below the waters of the lake? Or are the problems wholly within Abby herself, who seems to be losing her grip on reality? When unexplainable, nightmarish things occur, Rei realizes this weekend getaway may turn into their last outing.
As her best friend, Abby, struggles to cope with the sudden loss of her husband, Rei and her closest girlfriends take her to a beautiful lakeside house nestled in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, hoping that a weekend of support from long-time friends will help Abby along her road of emotional recovery.
But as the young women get settled, Rei begins to notice there’s something wrong with the place. Could this peaceful, idyllic location be hiding an ancient evil below the waters of the lake? Or are the problems wholly within Abby herself, who seems to be losing her grip on reality? When unexplainable, nightmarish things occur, Rei realizes this weekend getaway may turn into their last outing.
- GenresHorror
275 pages, Paperback
Published January 16, 2021
80 people are currently reading
1265 people want to read
About the author
S. Alessandro Martinez
19 books89 followersS. Alessandro Martinez is a Bram Stoker Award® -nominated author of Mexican and Spanish descent, a native Southern Californian, avid gamer, bat fancier, and necromancer enthusiast who writes horror and fantasy for adults and children. His work has appeared in several magazines, anthologies, and websites such as Aphotic Realm, Sanitarium, Jitter, and Indiana Horror Review. Helminth is his debut novel. You’re always welcome to contact Alessandro 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 6, 2022
Not what I expected!
I was expecting good things from this book as some parts which I had read, in the first couple of chapters, seemed creepy. It seemed to take forever for me to read it, as the story was quite slow, and I kept hoping something would happen, which it did, but only towards the end of the book. The ending was okay, but didn’t leave me wanting more, which is what I like a book to do. I absolutely love horror stories, but this was not a page turner for me!
I was expecting good things from this book as some parts which I had read, in the first couple of chapters, seemed creepy. It seemed to take forever for me to read it, as the story was quite slow, and I kept hoping something would happen, which it did, but only towards the end of the book. The ending was okay, but didn’t leave me wanting more, which is what I like a book to do. I absolutely love horror stories, but this was not a page turner for me!
December 8, 2021
This read was trick on the mind. What started out as a somewhat slow pace of development, it wasn't until more than half way through the novel did things start progress. With the anticipation of horror as the initial expectation of the book's main development, Alessandro took his time, allowing the reader to fully understand the victims and where they were going. At first, it seemed the nightmare was going to be light in nature, but in time, Alessandro unleashes hell on his readers, allowing the sacred development of his well crafted, well background characters, suffer the true horror that awaited them.
This book was a cross breed of many different types of horror. To name a few, I would say a mixture of Hellraiser meets Evil Dead meets Cthulhu. Ancient ones of other worldly plains comes to mind, and there is no fail to say this is reminiscent of HP Lovecraft. This is a compliment for sure. This was a nice start for the author, a first book with some real grotesque scenes. If you like the violence and gore, this is your avenue, you just have to be patient.
Somethings to note are that some of the characters were consistently whiney, which can be a good thing, in order to rouse the reader into a tension that is required for these sort of reads. At some point you either wish these types of characters would either disappear of die off. I'll leave it to your imagination.
As for the pacing of the story as mentioned before, the beginning was a little slow and prompted me to not continue in a quick fashion, but persistence paid off, for soon I found myself engulfed in a maelstrom of diabolical filth and destruction, blood and guts, dripping through the floor boards an into your mouth. Gagging is an understatement. Alessandro is good at attacking every one of your senses, and then piles it on even thicker than pancake syrup. Thank you for reminding me how grateful we should all be that our lives are somewhat normal and not following in the shadow of Rei's life.
It would be neat to see a follow up to this story, with some sort of relation to it.
4 out 5 stars.
F. D. Gross
This book was a cross breed of many different types of horror. To name a few, I would say a mixture of Hellraiser meets Evil Dead meets Cthulhu. Ancient ones of other worldly plains comes to mind, and there is no fail to say this is reminiscent of HP Lovecraft. This is a compliment for sure. This was a nice start for the author, a first book with some real grotesque scenes. If you like the violence and gore, this is your avenue, you just have to be patient.
Somethings to note are that some of the characters were consistently whiney, which can be a good thing, in order to rouse the reader into a tension that is required for these sort of reads. At some point you either wish these types of characters would either disappear of die off. I'll leave it to your imagination.
As for the pacing of the story as mentioned before, the beginning was a little slow and prompted me to not continue in a quick fashion, but persistence paid off, for soon I found myself engulfed in a maelstrom of diabolical filth and destruction, blood and guts, dripping through the floor boards an into your mouth. Gagging is an understatement. Alessandro is good at attacking every one of your senses, and then piles it on even thicker than pancake syrup. Thank you for reminding me how grateful we should all be that our lives are somewhat normal and not following in the shadow of Rei's life.
It would be neat to see a follow up to this story, with some sort of relation to it.
4 out 5 stars.
F. D. Gross
January 17, 2021
New from Omnium Gatherum is S.Alessandro Martinnez's debut novel! I've read a few stories from Martinez over the years and was really excited to have the chance to read his debut novel.
I really enjoyed this novel about four friends who come together to help their friend. Abby, has been in a terrible accident, she's lucky to be alive but she's lost everything.
Rei, one her her best friends since childhood, is no stranger to utter loss and desperation, she's been through traumas of her own ad is determined to help her best friend overcome hers.
Rei's parents own a secluded country home situated right on the lake, it will be perfect for a weekend away with Abby and her other bets friends. Over the years they have drifted apart as adulthood as set it. But this weekend will provide them all with the perfect chance to reconnect and heal.
But of course, this is a horror tale and plans soo go awry! There is something strange with the house which Rei can't quite comprehend. Abby is acting strangely too, but that's to be expected after her ordeal, or it it being caused by something else?
They may not be entirely alone on their vacation. They've only gone for the weekend but it will feel like the longest holiday they've ever been on.
The tale starts off as a slow burner but it lets you get to know the characters who really drive this story. I really liked Rei who is always thinking of others before herself.
But it doesn't take long for the creepiness to seep in, and it gets really creepy! When the tale comes together it's really terrifying. I don't want to say too much and spoil it for those yet to delve in to the terror of Helminth but it's a really fun but brutal read!
I really enjoyed this novel about four friends who come together to help their friend. Abby, has been in a terrible accident, she's lucky to be alive but she's lost everything.
Rei, one her her best friends since childhood, is no stranger to utter loss and desperation, she's been through traumas of her own ad is determined to help her best friend overcome hers.
Rei's parents own a secluded country home situated right on the lake, it will be perfect for a weekend away with Abby and her other bets friends. Over the years they have drifted apart as adulthood as set it. But this weekend will provide them all with the perfect chance to reconnect and heal.
But of course, this is a horror tale and plans soo go awry! There is something strange with the house which Rei can't quite comprehend. Abby is acting strangely too, but that's to be expected after her ordeal, or it it being caused by something else?
They may not be entirely alone on their vacation. They've only gone for the weekend but it will feel like the longest holiday they've ever been on.
The tale starts off as a slow burner but it lets you get to know the characters who really drive this story. I really liked Rei who is always thinking of others before herself.
But it doesn't take long for the creepiness to seep in, and it gets really creepy! When the tale comes together it's really terrifying. I don't want to say too much and spoil it for those yet to delve in to the terror of Helminth but it's a really fun but brutal read!
February 18, 2021
Well written and eerie. A Lovecraftian style story, but much more accessible. Martinez's prose are effective and convey the emotional impact on the characters beautifully.
January 27, 2025
This was not for me at alllll. Essentially the epitome of almost everything I hate from a book. Uselessly wordy in an EXTREME fashion, lame, unlikable characters, and the most heinous... poor execution of a neat bit of lore. This book certainly has some very creepy, horror filled stuff in the pages and I think this would have been a phenomenal short story. I'm sure it could have been a phenomenal book too, but I don't think it was fleshed out enough at all. The dialogue drones on and on in so many parts and the dialogue itself constantly had me like "WHAT" because in the craze of what's happening in this book... it's just nonsensical. And then the ending 😒 I went through all of that for a lame ass ending 🙄 I hate it here.
I will say, I could totally understand other people enjoying this book. It's just essentially the exact opposite of my thing 😂
If slow burn creepy, incessant, useless inner dialogue, and extremely overly explained atmospheric elements sounds good to you then check this out 🤷🏻♀️
I will say, I could totally understand other people enjoying this book. It's just essentially the exact opposite of my thing 😂
If slow burn creepy, incessant, useless inner dialogue, and extremely overly explained atmospheric elements sounds good to you then check this out 🤷🏻♀️
March 23, 2021
A book that started off well, got creepy and then fell into idiocy.
January 16, 2021
What should be a restorative retreat for Rei and her lifelong friends turns into a nightmare beyond imagining in S. Alessandro Martinez’s debut novel, Helminth. Rei, Abby, Corinne, and Lorena are carefully crafted characters and the first person voice serves to absorb the reader into Rei’s state of mind as the illusion of safety slips quickly away at Devil’s Eyes Lake. Firmly rooted in gothic storytelling, Martinez’s writing is dark and poetic, mesmerizing to the very last word. Fans of Richard Matheson’s Hell House, and the like will find particular delight in this story of the line we walk between death and life, and the strain of desperation and fear.
March 31, 2021
I knew kind of a little about the premise of this story before diving in. A haunted house tale, right? Well, no. On the surface you’d be forgiven for thinking this – four friends getting away from it all to a secluded and forgotten house in the middle of nowhere – the classic ingredients of a horror cocktail.
But Helminth is something so much more.
The story starts with our narrator, Rei, at the hospital with the parents of her best friend Abby who has been brutally attacked and is fighting for her life. Her husband was killed in this violent attack and Rei and Abby’s parents are obviously distraught.
But Abby pulls through (yay!). Of course her emotional well-being is severely strained by all this, and her therapist suggests getting away from it all. Luckily (or not) Rei inherited a place from her now-deceased parents that seems a perfect retreat. So the two of them and the other half of their friendship group from school, head off into the wilderness.
I should point out that during this initial set-up, things are already creepy. Strange visitors, stranger visions; you know things are going to get seriously fucked for these lot.
The house, when they finally arrive, has been seemingly abandoned for years. Worse still, the thing actually sits on its own island in the middle of a lake. The characters describe how picturesque the place is, but I was yelling at the pages for them to just turn round and go to a spa or something.
I can’t take you on a trip to Spoilersville but what I will say is that things begin to unnerve the group almost instantly. Rei thinks she can hear someone whispering her name, Abby starts acting weird, and there’s an old jar containing something wickedly horrid at the bottom of the lake. The contents of this jar are equal parts intriguing, gross, and terrifying.
Let’s just say if you enjoy tales of demented evil spirits, cults, and isolation then you’re going to love this.
I won’t say anything more about the plot because you’re better off going in cold with this one. But I found myself becoming almost obsessed with the story in the times I wasn’t devouring it. I thought the whole concept of the events that lead up to the finale was perfectly handled. I’m sure there are many foreshadowing elements I missed, ones that would become much clearer on a second read.
This is a terrifying and engrossing read that lingers in the mind and tastes a little foul on the tongue, in the most horrifically satisfying of ways.
But Helminth is something so much more.
The story starts with our narrator, Rei, at the hospital with the parents of her best friend Abby who has been brutally attacked and is fighting for her life. Her husband was killed in this violent attack and Rei and Abby’s parents are obviously distraught.
But Abby pulls through (yay!). Of course her emotional well-being is severely strained by all this, and her therapist suggests getting away from it all. Luckily (or not) Rei inherited a place from her now-deceased parents that seems a perfect retreat. So the two of them and the other half of their friendship group from school, head off into the wilderness.
I should point out that during this initial set-up, things are already creepy. Strange visitors, stranger visions; you know things are going to get seriously fucked for these lot.
The house, when they finally arrive, has been seemingly abandoned for years. Worse still, the thing actually sits on its own island in the middle of a lake. The characters describe how picturesque the place is, but I was yelling at the pages for them to just turn round and go to a spa or something.
I can’t take you on a trip to Spoilersville but what I will say is that things begin to unnerve the group almost instantly. Rei thinks she can hear someone whispering her name, Abby starts acting weird, and there’s an old jar containing something wickedly horrid at the bottom of the lake. The contents of this jar are equal parts intriguing, gross, and terrifying.
Let’s just say if you enjoy tales of demented evil spirits, cults, and isolation then you’re going to love this.
I won’t say anything more about the plot because you’re better off going in cold with this one. But I found myself becoming almost obsessed with the story in the times I wasn’t devouring it. I thought the whole concept of the events that lead up to the finale was perfectly handled. I’m sure there are many foreshadowing elements I missed, ones that would become much clearer on a second read.
This is a terrifying and engrossing read that lingers in the mind and tastes a little foul on the tongue, in the most horrifically satisfying of ways.
September 9, 2021
Also reviewed on www.curiosityboughtthebok.com
A 4 skull read:
Helminth is one of those books that lures its readers in with its mystery, and then smacks them in the face with a creepy gore fest.
When I first started reading Helminth I thought I was in for a good old mystery book. Rei, the main character, is very concerned for her friend Abby, who just lost her husband in a brutal mugging. Trying to take her mind off of things for a few days, she takes Abby and two other friends to her late parents’ lake house.
At first, everything seems fine and even though Abby acts a bit off, the girls don’t put much stock into it. They know of her trauma, so they mostly try to give her space. But soon things turn way more sinister, and Rei finds herself battling supernatural forces beyond her wildest nightmares.
There are a lot of heartfelt emotions to be found within this book. I could feel Abby’s friends’ concern and love for her pouring out of the pages. The author did a great job to remind us that trauma is permanent, and doesn’t dissolve within a few weeks.
But since this is a horror book, it’s also combined with lots of creepiness and gore. Oh, so much gore. Some of it made me quite queasy, as the author surely knows how to describe every gut wrenching detail.
Thank you to the author for the review copy.
A 4 skull read:
Helminth is one of those books that lures its readers in with its mystery, and then smacks them in the face with a creepy gore fest.
When I first started reading Helminth I thought I was in for a good old mystery book. Rei, the main character, is very concerned for her friend Abby, who just lost her husband in a brutal mugging. Trying to take her mind off of things for a few days, she takes Abby and two other friends to her late parents’ lake house.
At first, everything seems fine and even though Abby acts a bit off, the girls don’t put much stock into it. They know of her trauma, so they mostly try to give her space. But soon things turn way more sinister, and Rei finds herself battling supernatural forces beyond her wildest nightmares.
There are a lot of heartfelt emotions to be found within this book. I could feel Abby’s friends’ concern and love for her pouring out of the pages. The author did a great job to remind us that trauma is permanent, and doesn’t dissolve within a few weeks.
But since this is a horror book, it’s also combined with lots of creepiness and gore. Oh, so much gore. Some of it made me quite queasy, as the author surely knows how to describe every gut wrenching detail.
Thank you to the author for the review copy.
December 1, 2021
The author was kind enough to hold a giveaway in which I won a copy of this book.
We get to know Rei and her friends Abby, Lorena and Corinne as they take a trip to Rei’s lake house as a part of Abby’s assault recovery.
It becomes obvious that what they thought would be a healing weekend getaway is anything but. Forces greater than themselves seem to have manipulated events in such a way that they now find themselves trapped at the island lake house, with Abby not acting like herself and something evil waiting to make itself known.
This is my first time reading this author’s work and I don’t think it will be the last.
Although the story has more ‘tell’ than ‘show’ and a tad too much internal dialogue to my taste (just a personal preference) I still enjoyed this story a lot. The plot is an engrossing one & I’m a massive sucker for both body- and cosmic horror (also: CULTS!), so this was a win in my book. Sign me up for Martinez’ next project.
We get to know Rei and her friends Abby, Lorena and Corinne as they take a trip to Rei’s lake house as a part of Abby’s assault recovery.
It becomes obvious that what they thought would be a healing weekend getaway is anything but. Forces greater than themselves seem to have manipulated events in such a way that they now find themselves trapped at the island lake house, with Abby not acting like herself and something evil waiting to make itself known.
This is my first time reading this author’s work and I don’t think it will be the last.
Although the story has more ‘tell’ than ‘show’ and a tad too much internal dialogue to my taste (just a personal preference) I still enjoyed this story a lot. The plot is an engrossing one & I’m a massive sucker for both body- and cosmic horror (also: CULTS!), so this was a win in my book. Sign me up for Martinez’ next project.
March 22, 2021
NOT for the squeamish. It bumped into the boundaries of what I consider tolerable gore in a book.
*** Spoiler Alert ****
I think that it should've been obvious to Rei much earlier on that Abby's weird behavior was not due to her trauma but to some outside influence. Especially considering the odd robed figures she saw chanting over Abby's body in the ICU. And the weird things she herself was experiencing. Realizing that earlier on, then they could've skedaddled (Yeah, I know, then you wouldn't have the book.)
*** Spoiler Alert ****
I think that it should've been obvious to Rei much earlier on that Abby's weird behavior was not due to her trauma but to some outside influence. Especially considering the odd robed figures she saw chanting over Abby's body in the ICU. And the weird things she herself was experiencing. Realizing that earlier on, then they could've skedaddled (Yeah, I know, then you wouldn't have the book.)
April 26, 2021
Finally
A story that I couldn't put down. It's been years since I've enjoyed one like that. Well worth your time
A story that I couldn't put down. It's been years since I've enjoyed one like that. Well worth your time
Read
July 1, 2022(Review to come.)
March 16, 2021
S Alessandro Martinez's 'Helminth' continues in the tradition of H. P. Lovecraft with ancient demons set loose among modern innocents. Things start off with a well-intended effort by three young women trying to relieve their friend's depression after a tragedy. From there, the tension and dread steadily increase throughout the story to a gory climax. Hopefully Martinez can give us more stories in the same vein.
January 22, 2021
Traditionally I don't read very much horror.
This is an amazing book. The story attaches you to the main character with ease and it is easy to feel what she is feeling; and she feels a lot. Throughout this entire story I couldn't help but hope for her success and I cheered through her ups and furrowed through her downs.
The author does an incredible job of blurring the lines of everyday normalcy and chaotic occult secrecy. I believe that's why I liked this book so much, because simply it makes me feel like this kind of occult activity is happening right in my backyard.
Amazing read! I can't wait for more from this author! I need more now!
This is an amazing book. The story attaches you to the main character with ease and it is easy to feel what she is feeling; and she feels a lot. Throughout this entire story I couldn't help but hope for her success and I cheered through her ups and furrowed through her downs.
The author does an incredible job of blurring the lines of everyday normalcy and chaotic occult secrecy. I believe that's why I liked this book so much, because simply it makes me feel like this kind of occult activity is happening right in my backyard.
Amazing read! I can't wait for more from this author! I need more now!
October 13, 2021
Horrific
If you’re into blood, guts, gore, unimaginable evil and unbelievable creatures, this book will be your cup of tea. Shudder.
If you’re into blood, guts, gore, unimaginable evil and unbelievable creatures, this book will be your cup of tea. Shudder.
February 6, 2022
A vivid, imaginative, and horrifying tale that wraps dark tendrils around you and pulls you in.
August 7, 2022
Helminth is the literary equivalent of the best kind of B-horror movie. Sure, the writing is a bit rough around the edges with adverbs galore and prose that frequently leans purple, but I'm not one to harp about such things if the story keeps me turning the pages, and Helminth certainly accomplishes that!
This is essentially a cabin-in-the-woods story about four friends (one recovering from severe trauma) attempting to have a relaxing weekend together. Yes, you know where this is going, but S. Alessandro Martinez keeps things engaging by creating relatable and endearing characters and then slowly turning the tension-dial, only this dial goes to a thousand! Like a frog in boiling water, you suddenly realize you've fallen into the deepest, darkest depths of eldritch insanity!
The author seems to take real joy in the vivid descriptions of all things slimy, gory, and betentacled, which brings a spirit of fun rather than excessive nastiness. It's not going to be to everyone's taste, but no one can say it doesn't deliver what it promises, which is enough to satisfy any extreme horror aficionado.
This is essentially a cabin-in-the-woods story about four friends (one recovering from severe trauma) attempting to have a relaxing weekend together. Yes, you know where this is going, but S. Alessandro Martinez keeps things engaging by creating relatable and endearing characters and then slowly turning the tension-dial, only this dial goes to a thousand! Like a frog in boiling water, you suddenly realize you've fallen into the deepest, darkest depths of eldritch insanity!
The author seems to take real joy in the vivid descriptions of all things slimy, gory, and betentacled, which brings a spirit of fun rather than excessive nastiness. It's not going to be to everyone's taste, but no one can say it doesn't deliver what it promises, which is enough to satisfy any extreme horror aficionado.
March 12, 2024
After reading this book I feel like a lot of other readers do - the first half was creepy, then the second half seemed to go off the rails. I don't mind cults or mystical groups being part of a story, but I want a little more foreshadowing in the beginning of the book. I would have preferred that Abby had been having a total psychological breakdown than what actually did happen. I wasn't a fan of the ending in the hospital, and thought it should have ended differently. I also wish there had been more character description as I didn't know that the main character was likely Asian until the ending when she was addressed with the last name Hashimoto. I wanted more descriptions throughout the novel to be honest. I though if there had been more physical description then maybe the story would have been creepier throughout.
November 7, 2021
In-Your-Face Horror
Some horror novels creep up on you. Some smack you in the face with a giant hammer. This is one of the latter.
The book quickly pulls you in with its spare, tight writing and relatable characters. The author does a good job building up the tension. The action is nonstop, and the horror extremely horrific and gory. This definitely is not for the faint of heart. The nightmare ratcheted up with every page. I found it hard to put the book down.
I do have a few questions after finishing the book, however, and I’m wondering if there will be a sequel. In any case, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. A great debut novel from a talented writer.
Some horror novels creep up on you. Some smack you in the face with a giant hammer. This is one of the latter.
The book quickly pulls you in with its spare, tight writing and relatable characters. The author does a good job building up the tension. The action is nonstop, and the horror extremely horrific and gory. This definitely is not for the faint of heart. The nightmare ratcheted up with every page. I found it hard to put the book down.
I do have a few questions after finishing the book, however, and I’m wondering if there will be a sequel. In any case, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. A great debut novel from a talented writer.
August 1, 2021
True Lovecraftian! Belmont’s started out as a “typical” horror-type book. Four friends, off to a cabin in the woods on a retreat to restore and relax. It isn’t long before the reader realizes this is anything but a typical horror story. The different beings that appear and morph throughout the story keep you on edge. The imagery is amazing. Sometimes it’s a little too far-fetched and takes a lot of imagination to follow the storyline. The ending is slightly less than satisfying to me (not enough closure) but all in all this was an amazing book.
December 29, 2022
I read this as part of a class titled "Beyond the Tropes" and on that front I was sorely disappointed. The story moves along quickly, and it has a high horror/blood quotient. But it is filled with one Trope after another. From the isolated cabin, to the band of fanatical followers, to the evil god/alien creature, to its ending, I felt that there was nothing new or really interesting, especially to someone like me, who does not read a lot of horror.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2021
Scary monsters
Love it! A story that smacks strongly of Lovecraft, with huge monolithic monsters trying to take over our world! A wonderful read, will read more from this author
Love it! A story that smacks strongly of Lovecraft, with huge monolithic monsters trying to take over our world! A wonderful read, will read more from this author
Read
July 31, 2021This is an odd one for me. I really liked the story, but I'm not sure what I think of the ending yet. Need to give it more thought.
October 8, 2021
Helminth
Great premise for the story. Charters gelled well. One issue book very repetitive. I understood from beginning that this would end with Rei committed.
Great premise for the story. Charters gelled well. One issue book very repetitive. I understood from beginning that this would end with Rei committed.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews