top of page
Author Pen Name:
Donald Firesmith
Email:
Links
Author Bio
Donald Firesmith is a multi-award-winning author of speculative fiction, including science fiction, fantasy, paranormal horror, and children’s novels and collections of short stories. Because of his strong background in software/system engineering and science, his science fiction is well-researched, and he relies on numerous science, technology, and military technical advisors to ensure that the non-speculative aspects of his stories are realistic and believable.
Prior to retiring to become a full-time novelist and short story author, Donald Firesmith earned an international reputation as an authority on system and software engineering, authoring engineering books and nearly 300 technical articles and conference papers based on his 40+ years spent developing large, complex software-intensive systems. These publications have been cited approximately 4,500 times. In 2015, the Association for Computing Machinery named Donald Firesmith an ACM Distinguished Member.
He lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with his wife Becky and varying numbers of dogs and cats.
Bio Snippets for Social Media
Interest in Participating in Panels or Story Time
I could speak on the ethical ways of using AI as an author.
Book 1:
Hell Holes: A Slave's Revenge
Price:
Summary
Enslaved by demonic aliens, a teenage boy must first survive if he is to avenge his murdered father.
A typical Alaskan teenager, Paul’s greatest joy is hunting and fishing with his father. But when alien demons attack his family’s isolated cabin, they shatter Paul’s comfortable life. After killing his father and enslaving Paul, his twin sister, and their mother, the demons teleport their three captives to Hell, a desert world in the Demonic Empire. Once there, they face one of two terrible fates. They can either live as useful slaves or be immediately slaughtered as food for the merciless demons.
With his demon masters demanding their slaves’ absolute obedience to their brutal human overseers, Paul soon learns to hide his burning hatred and desire for revenge behind the stoic expression of a servile slave. But as the years slowly pass, Paul adapts to survive, first as a field slave and then as a gladiator. Will he live long enough to take his revenge, or will Paul’s years of slavery rob him of his will to resist and cost him his humanity?
Action-packed and with a strong emotional core and relatable characters, this multi-award-winning, stand-alone prequel to the Hell Holes series of alien invasion novels is an epic tale of love, loss, friendship, and survival under the most hellish of conditions. If you enjoy science fiction books like The Hunger Games and Divergent that stay with you long after you finish them, you will love Hell Holes: A Slave’s Revenge.
Book 2:
The Foundling: Heir to Ash and Blood
Price:
Summary
In a caste-bound city where birth dictates destiny, a foundling’s discovery of his noble lineage ignites a revolution that challenges the very foundations of society.
In the slums of Westburg, Ash is a Bottom, a beggar and scavenger of garbage heaps, a survivor in a city that deems some lives worthless. Abandoned at birth, he has no future and even fewer dreams. But a single act of bravery — saving a young administrator from an assassin — changes everything.
Ash discovers he’s not just another forgotten foundling. He’s Jason Redgrave, the illegitimate son of Alice Redgrave, a powerful administrator, and Harker Haroldson, the Duke’s only surviving son. Now a target of his murderous father, Jason must flee the only city he’s ever known with the help of a family he never knew he had.
Fleeing across a treacherous land, Jason must grapple with his newfound identity, deadly conspiracies, and a question that refuses to be silenced: Can someone born in the ashes of the caste system rise high enough to change it?
The Foundling: Heir of Ash and Blood is a gripping tale of class injustice, identity, survival, and vengeance, with the promise of an epic transformation from outcast to revolutionary. Perfect for fans of Red Rising, An Ember in the Ashes, and Mistborn, this emotionally resonant novella is recommended for readers who enjoy gritty realism with a deep emotional core.
Book 3:
The Adventures of Penelope Fae: 26 Magical Bedtive Stories
Price:
Summary
Step into the magical world of The Adventures of Periwinkle Fae, a heartwarming collection of whimsical short stories featuring Periwinkle, a courageous and clever young pixie.
Nestled in the vibrant Enchanted Forest, far from the reach of noisy humans, Periwinkle embarks on delightful adventures that highlight the beauty of nature, the power of friendship, and the joy of helping others. From organizing a dazzling firefly light show to rescuing a butterfly with a broken wing, Periwinkle’s tales are filled with whimsy, wonder, and valuable life lessons. Whether she’s racing through moonlit meadows, solving the mystery of a magical dewdrop, or teaching a shy lizard how to dance, each story showcases her creativity, kindness, and determination.
Perfect for bedtime reading, this enchanting book is packed with themes of empathy, teamwork, and self-discovery. Beautifully woven narratives and vivid descriptions of the forest’s magical creatures make this a must-have for young readers and their families.
Join Periwinkle Fae on her magical adventures and discover how even the smallest pixie can make a big difference in the world!
Allergies and Dietary Restrictions
None
bottom of page