Description
 With Earth’s combined militaries unable to stop the demonic aliens’ invasion, a desperate plan is hatched to take the fight to Hell itself.
In the thrilling climax of the award-winning Hell Holes series, To Hell and Back catapults readers into a desperate fight for humanity’s survival. With Earth’s defenses crumbling under the onslaught of a demonic alien army, a suicidal plan is forged: to strike at the heart of the enemy’s power by taking the battle to Hell itself. For centuries, the sorceress and demon hunter Aileen O’Shannon repelled minor demonic incursions. But the emergence of hundreds of portals in the Arctic, unleashing hordes of demonic invaders, signals a war on a scale she has never faced before. Joining forces with geologist Dr. Jack Oswald and an elite team comprising Army Rangers and sorcerers, they embark on a suicide mission to infiltrate the demon homeworld, unleash a deadly demon plague, and detonate a nuclear weapon that destroys the portals connecting their worlds. Hell Holes: To Hell and Back is not just a journey into the infernal heart of a terrifying alien world; it’s a test of courage, ingenuity, and commitment to save humanity from extinction. Rich in action-packed scenes, relentless enemies, and a looming sense of doom, the story also delves deep into the bonds that form in the face of adversity. Aileen’s vow made to Jack’s wife to ensure his safe return is a poignant thread amidst the chaos, showcasing the personal stakes intertwined with the fate of the world. Hell Holes: To Hell and Back elevates the series to new heights, combining heart-stopping action with deep, compelling character development. The backdrop of humanity facing extinction and a daring incursion into enemy territory sets the stage for a story both epic and intimately human. The intricate details of the plan, the dynamics within the team, and the relentless pace of the narrative ensure that this is a masterpiece of sci-fi and horror fusion. Following Jack and Angie’s perspectives in the first two books, this third volume, narrated by Aileen, offers fresh insights into the lore of the Hell Holes universe, the nature of the demonic threat, and the history of Aileen’s ancient secret order. Each page treats readers to a story that is not only engaging and action-filled but also rich with lore and character backstories that add layers of complexity to the saga. The vividly depicted combat scenes and the intricate planning of the military mission are a testament to the book’s meticulous research. The book seamlessly blends science fiction, adventure, and horror, making it a perfect read for fans of all three genres. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable finale that weaves together themes of sacrifice, strategy, and the indomitable spirit of humanity. Hell Holes: To Hell and Back is a must-read for those who have journeyed with Aileen, Jack, and Angela through the harrowing landscapes of the Arctic and the Dalton Highway. Pick up your copy today and join them as they venture into Hell to fight a battle upon which the future of humanity rests. |
Genres
Fiction > Science Fiction > Alien Invasion Science Fiction
Fiction > Science Fiction > First Contact Science Fiction
Fiction > Science Fiction > Military Science Fiction
Fiction > Fantasy > Dark Fantasy
Fiction > Fantasy > Paranormal & Urban Fantasy
Science Fiction Tropes
Hell Holes: A Slave’s Revenge incorporates the following commonly used, genre-specific literary devices:
- Advanced alien technology indistinguishable from magic
- Alien invasion
- Aliens as monsters (demons)
- Armageddon
- Dystopian (alien) civilization
- Evil aliens
- Humans as slaves
- Medical nanobots cure (alien) injuries
- Secret society of protectors
- Teleportation between worlds
Hashtags
#Alaska #AlienInvasion #ArcticCircle #AwardWinning #Climatologist #Death #Demon #DemonHunter #Devil #Gargoyle #Geologist #Hell #Hellhound #Horror #Imp #MilitaryScienceFiction #ScienceFiction #Slavery #Survival
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Click one of the following buttons to use Square to safely buy an autographed paperback copy of Hell Holes 3: To Hell and Back directly from the author. The cost will be $15.99 USD plus $4.00 shipping via USPS to US shipping addresses only. If your shipping address is not within the United States, email the author at (donfiresmith@gmail.com) to learn the shipping cost to your country.
Excerpts
Book Trailer
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Awards
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2021 Author Shout Reader Ready Awards – Recommended Read |
Praise
Amy Shannon – Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews
“Firesmith pens a magnificent story in Hell Holes 3: To Hell and Back. It’s another action-packed, demon fighting, wondrous story. The story brings in the believable, even if almost impossible. This book deserves a second read! (and maybe more). This story was intriguing and kept the reader guessing. The author’s technique of raw, magnetic characters and great plotlines is a gift. It’s a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. Hell Holes 3: To Hell and Back is a definite recommendation by Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews. ” Original review
Mark Nutter
“Immersive and thoroughly engaging, Hell Holes 3 brings the trilogy to a spectacular end.”
Book Reviews
Read all 32 reviews. (4.7 Stars)
- Amazon* (25 Reviews, 4.6 Stars) US-20, UK-2, CA-2, AU-1, and IN-0
- Barnes & Noble (3 Reviews, 5.0 Stars)
- BookBub (0 Reviews, 0 Ratings, TBD Stars)
- Goodreads (23 Reviews, 23 Ratings, 4.7 Stars)
- iBooks (0 Review, 0 Ratings, TBD Stars)
- Smashwords (0 Reviews, TBD Stars)
Goodreads Reviews
Quotes from the Book
- “That’s pretty much the same conclusion I was starting to reach after reading this morning’s sitrep. I’d hoped that our guests might have some miracle that they could pull out of the hat, but I gave up on miracles a very long time ago.” – General Robertson
- “I dreamed of demons. Thousands of them. Hellhounds and gargoyles, imps and devils poured out of their hell holes like enraged bees from their underground hives.” – Aileen O’Shannon
- “Over the centuries, the imps and devils we have occasionally captured have enjoyed taunting us with their aphorisms, such as fear sweetens the meat and terror makes the best sauce.” – Aileen O’Shannon
- “This isn’t some movie where the good guys overcome impossible odds to return home as heroes. This is real life where people die.” – Aileen O’Shannon
- “Aileen, I’m going to hold you to that promise. And if you can’t, you damned well better make the demon bastards pay. If I have to lose the love of my life, it had better be to save the world. Anything less, and the price will be far too high. – Dr. Angela Menendez”
- “Earth is ours, and we will never let them take it from us. You are some of the very best warriors this world has. – General Robertson
- “You’ve trained for this mission, and you know what to do. Now, go out there and give the bastards hell!” – General Robertson
Author’s Commentary
Although the title, To Hell and Back, has been used several times for books and movies, it seemed particularly apt for this book, and I couldn’t resist using it one more time.
One thing I liked about this book was that it enabled me to provide some backstory for Aileen O’Shannon, the very old and mysterious curatrix of the Tutores Contra Infernum. The rescue of the human and alien slaves from Hell also provided the impetus for the prequel, Hell Holes: A Slave’s Revenge.
Publishing Information
Publisher: Magical Wand Press
Edition: first edition
Publication Date: 30 October 2020
Pages: 382
Words: 99,700
Size: 5×8
Language: English
Formats
Hell Holes 3: To Hell and Back is available in the following formats:
| Format | Source |
| eBook (.epub) | Ingram |
| eBook (.mobi) | |
| eBook (.pdf) | |
| Paperback | Ingram |
| Hardback | Not Available |
| Audiobook |  |
Cataloging in Publication (CIP) Data Block
Name: Firesmith, Donald
Title: Hell Holes: To Hell and Back / by Donald Firesmith.
Description: First edition. | Pittsburgh : Magical Wand Press, 2015. | Series: Hell Holes, Volume 3. | Summary: The world’s militaries take the war to Hell itself. | Audience: Adult. | Language: English.
Identifiers: ASIN: B08L7NHZPZ (Kindle ebook – Amazon) | ISBN: 979-8694609104 (Paperback – KDP) | ASIN: B09FWTR7G1 (Audiobook – Amazon/Audible | ISBN: 978-1663582812 (Paperback – B&N) |ISBN: 978-1087921068 (ebook – Ingram) | ISBN: 978-1087921051 (Paperback – Ingram) | ISBN: 978-1005396107 (ebook – Smashwords) |
Subjects: BISAC: FICTION / Action & Adventure. | FICTION / Fantasy / Paranormal. | Fiction / Science Fiction / General. | LCSH: American–Fantasy–Fiction. | American–Paranormal–Fiction. | American–Science Fiction–Fiction.
Classification: DDC 813.62 F57 2016
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