First Chapter Reads

Demon Engine is a heart stopping high-seas adventure featuring deep sea demons that certain skilled individuals can summon and control. But with these talents comes other torments. Ghosts or remora like to attach themselves to cleavers, leaving our MC with hundreds of competing voices in their head that can only be quietened by a lot of grog. Relatable right?

You can get Martens book in ebook, paperback and audiobook.

If you love Martens writing as much as I do you can sign up to read an advance reader copy of his next book - Oath and Entropy here.

What to write on?

In first world writer problems I have been struggling of late to find the right software to write on. Who would have thought that in 2026 I would struggle to find a word processor that works for me? Previously I wrote in MS Word with a Pro Writing Aid extension and edited in Google docs. For the last year I have been trying my best to boycot any companies that actively support the state of Israel and the IOF as well as getting away from companies that integrate AI into their software. This has meant all my software is now out the windows. Pun intended.

I moved my email and cloud storage to Proton. But being dyslexic I always write and edit with a cream background, which proton docs doesn’t allow. I have tried a number of anti-AI grammar/spelling software. But again as a dyslexic I often spell things so wrong that the software needs to be very smart to figure out what word I was trying to spell. I haven’t found anything that was up to the level of Pro Writing Aid. But PWA admit themselves that even if you don’t use their AI features your writing could still be flagged as AI, and that’s a situation I don’t want to find myself in.

A lot of writers are big fans of Scrivener. I did try Scrivener a couple of years ago and found it had a lot of complicated features which I just didn’t need. But I have heard they are releasing a light version at some stage in the future which might be my answer. But unfortunately there is no confirmed release date.

In the mean time I will keep procrastinating from writing by trying out different writing software. If I do find a winner I will let you know. Otherwise, I might just have to try a pen and paper. And nobody can read my handwriting, including me.

What I’m Listening To

I listen to a lot of podcasts so I thought I would tell you about a couple I have been enjoying lately.

Wizards and Spaceships is a Canadian podcast on SFF from Rachel A Rosen and David Clink. They have some excellent guests on and always have something interesting to say. A must listen from me.

Working Writers is a new podcast on writing craft from Bryan Chaffin and Pete Aldin. If you would like some solid no nonsense advice on how to be a working writer, this is a great place to start.

In Other News- A Treasure Chest

Ever since I was a small kid I loved woodwork. I have a soft spot for old well made tools. The ones that were manufactured before throw away tools became a thing in the 70’s. Today my uncle turned up with a chest of old tools that someone was going to throw in a skip.

The tools are in relatively good condition and I look forward to polishing them up and getting them back into their former glory. When I do get around to it I will post up the after photos.

Thanks for tuning in this week, Hope to see you again next time, Dog Bless.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rohanoduill.substack.com

This week I bring you Re-Emergence by the excellent Alan K Dell

"It was just a myth. Just a damn legend passed down from corrupted databanks..."A mysterious probe from a long-forgotten satellite network appears in the heart of the Maldaccian Empire, warning about the return of a mythological evil.The Re-Emergence is a classic high-tech space opera described as "truly extraordinary" with "a feel somewhere between Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica".

Well This Happened

You might remember my book Cold Blooded made it into the quarter-finals of the SPSFC. I held a promotion that rocketed Cold Blooded up the charts and had me sitting pretty with Adrian Weir and Adrian Tchaikovsky. I may have to get this printed and stick it on my wall.

A Real Life Website

A while back my brother agreed to build me an author website, but these things take time or so he told me. So I am glad to announce after 30 months in development I have my very own website. Obviously there are still a few kinks to work out but I think you will agree it was worth the wait.

In Other News

It has been a while since I made a First Chapter Reads. To be honest the wind was really knocked out of my sails by how difficult self publishing has become in the past couple of years. The flood of AI books into the market along with the tightening up of social media sites has made it near impossible to get in front of readers without paying for ads has made being an indie author almost impossible.

But the SPSFC competition has given me a huge boost and the recent promotion where my book hit the top of the charts has given me the inspiration to get back in the saddle. I have started into a new short story this week along with getting my planning back in gear for the third Cold Rush Novella.

Watch this space.

Thanks for listening. Hope to see you all soon and dog bless.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rohanoduill.substack.com

Today I had the pleasure of reading from this epic fantasy novel ‘The Crimson Fire’ which was originally written in Italian and translated into English by the author Abel Montero. Abel is a very talented writer and excellent member of the writing community.

In Other News

I am honoured to have teamed up with some of the most talented speculative fiction authors to create this science fiction anthology. We will be launching this exciting project through Kickstarter and features stories from T.K. Toppin, Nick Snape, J.D. Robinson, Bryan Chaffin, Rohan O'Duill and Jes Deaver.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rohanoduill.substack.com

Welcome back to another instalment of First Chapter Reads where I read from the excellent Bryan Wilson. Today Bryan is launching the final book in this trilogy and to celebrate I am doing a reading from book one. You can check it out here

Bryan Wilson has had a winding road to publishing his debut series, POWER OF THE STARS. But as an avid reader and writer of sci-fi and fantasy since childhood, he hopes, like any good book, that journey has a satisfying ending. One with many more novels for readers to enjoy.

Visit Bryan's website and grab your copy of "A Princess of Oldir" a prequel/standalone novella to the Power of the Stars series, by signing up to Bryan's readers list at bryanwilsonauthor dot com

https://bryanwilsonauthor.com/

In Other News

Taking a break from it all

You may have noticed I haven’t been around much in recent weeks. I had a holdup getting hold of Aprils ‘First Chapter Reads,’ so I am afraid you will be getting 2 instalments this month.

I have also been feeling a general malaise with social media and the negative things that have happened to this world as a result of these platforms. I do enjoy interacting with and meeting new people online but it's hard to ignore the problems our current iterations of social media have wreaked on our society.

I think it is important for us all to remember that we are juggling so many things in todays busy lives and it’s OK to take a break when you need it.

Hopefully, I will get some motivation back soon and will make my return to spreading good will and terrible jokes on the internet.

The Big Bundle Sale on Itch.io

from now untill the 22nd of May I am part of the this Strong Women in Spec Fiction bundle deal where you will get 13 books for $16. Please do check out this wonderful collection

Thanks so much for tuning in and I hope to chat to you all soon.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rohanoduill.substack.com

In this months first chapter reads I feature the prolific Blaze Ward and the first book in his Corsac Fox space opera sries. I hope you enjoy and grab yourself a copy to continue the adventure.

Lost.Abandoned behind enemy lines. On a captured, enemy vessel.Ensign Ulysses Fortier must figure out how to fix the damaged freighter he has taken command of, even though his people are severely outnumbered by the existing crew.And there is the cargo. Or rather, the alien slaves being transported.Uly has his work set out for him, forging three different crews into a single entity.When the pirates capture them, his challenges only escalate.But nothing will stop Uly from rising.Book One of the Corsac Fox, an exciting new military space opera series.

In Other News

Itch.io

I recently set myself up on the Itch.io platform. The site was orignally set up for indie games but also sells ebooks. It is a very cool platform that allows creators to set what share of the profits that they give to Itch (very kind of them)

If you are trying to avoid buying books from the big corporations Itch is definitely somewhere to check out.

As an intro offer I have Cold Blooded on sale on Itch at 60% off.

Chat to you all soon, dog bless.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rohanoduill.substack.com

Welcome to my new venture. A monthly segment where I interview authors who are forbidden from talking about their book. Instead, I hope to delve deep into their past, their influences and the storytelling tradition from which they were spewed forth.

I do hope you enjoy it and I would love to hear comments and feedback so I can work on improving for my future interviews.

In Other News

Smashwords Sale

I wasn’t very familiar with Smashwords until I started selling my ebooks across all platforms. Smashwords immediately became my biggest sales spot outside of Amazon. And even better, the authors cut is far more than with Amazon for the same priced book. I am noticing a big move away from Amazon by readers right now.

For this week my ebooks are on sale on smashwords for 50% off along with many other discounted books. You can find Cold Blooded here

And you can use code EBW50 at checkout for 50% off on both of my books.

Chat to you all next week.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rohanoduill.substack.com

Welcome to episode 38 of first chapter reads. The podcast where I read the first chapter of an indie book and hope that you might just find your next favourite author. Todays book is the Lost star Chart by Jeannette Bedard, where we join Darla to uncover ancient secrets and evade certain death.

The Lost Star Chart is available here

Always writing, Jeannette has filled hard drives with ones and zeros that occasionally coalesce into books. Her non-linear career path has included working as both a soldier and a scientist (but not at the same time). Currently, she lives on a non-tropical island in the Pacific with her husband and daughter, and she loves a good math joke, especially if there is pi involved.

In Other News

New Youtube Channel

I know have a youtube channel. Come and join me in the booktube community for lots more content. Check it out here

Award winner

Cold Blooded was recently awarded the Literary Titan book award and recieved five stars from Readers Favorite. You can read the reviews below.

You can check out the book here

Cold Blooded by Rohan O’Duill transports readers to a vividly imagined future where corporate powers dominate the solar system, wielding unparalleled influence. At the heart of this dynamic setting is Mint, a skilled yet detached marine mech pilot. Once content as an instructor, she is thrust back into action, navigating the chaos of the “Cold Rushes.” Her journey takes an unexpected turn when she reunites with her former colleague, Bjorn—now a pirate—and his spirited daughter, Frida. Unexpectedly, Mint finds herself as Frida’s reluctant guardian, forcing her to balance survival, loyalty to her friend, and her obligations to her corporate overlords.

What sets Cold Blooded apart is its remarkable ability to function both as a prequel and as a self-contained narrative. Striking a delicate balance, the story seamlessly establishes a foundation for the larger series while delivering a complete and compelling tale in its own right. Far from feeling like a mere setup, the book captivates with dynamic characters, unpredictable plot twists, and gripping conflicts. O’Duill’s storytelling ensures that Cold Blooded stands firmly on its own, an achievement worthy of high praise. Equally impressive is the depth and intricacy of the book’s science fiction elements. The richly detailed futuristic worlds, advanced technologies, and innovative equipment are described with a precision that immerses the reader. Every aspect of this universe feels meticulously crafted, reflecting the author’s dedication to thoughtful world-building. The result is a setting that feels authentic and alive, adding a tangible sense of realism to the narrative.

Cold Blooded by Rohan O’Duill offers a thrilling blend of fast-paced action and intricate science fiction, making it an ideal pick for fans of the genre. Whether you’re new to O’Duill’s work or already familiar with his universe, this novel delivers an engaging and satisfying experience. Highly recommended for readers who crave immersive storytelling and high-stakes adventure.

Thanks for stopping by, you can sign up here to get First Chapter Reads and more straight to your inbox

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rohanoduill.substack.com

Welcome back to First Chapter Reads, the podcast where I read the first chapter of an indie book and hope you might find your next favourite author.

After a hiatus from the podcast, I have made some changes for 2025. The podcast will now air on a monthly basis to make it a bit more manageable and will now exclusively feature Science Fiction and Fantasy indie books.

Last week my Novella was released and you can check out an editorial review from Readers Favourite below.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Cold Blooded by Rohan O'Duill is a gripping tale of war, survival, and corporate dominion in the depths of space. The narrative follows Mint, a battle-hardened Marine facing crucial moral decisions when summoned back to combat, while teenage Frida struggles for survival aboard her father's pirate vessel. O'Duill's masterful storytelling weaves together intense military science fiction with profound character dilemmas, creating a raw and compelling narrative that exposes the dark reality of corporate greed and systemic corruption. The world-building creates a believable future where corporate interests have superseded traditional power structures, leading to complex moral territories that the characters must navigate.Author Rohan O'Duill's cast of characters feels authentic and multifaceted, particularly in Mint's internal struggles as he is thrown back into dangerous combat. The visceral descriptions of battle and space warfare create a sense of immediate danger that had me holding my breath through many scenes. The attention to detail in both the military aspects and the human elements creates a rich tapestry that draws readers into this complex and morally ambiguous universe with totally immersive detail. O'Duill's interesting critique of corporate power structures is especially relevant to our times but never overwhelms the central narrative. I always felt like I was at the heart of the action, glancing around nervously for the next sudden twist. The pacing maintains this constant tension without ever resorting to melodrama, driving the story forward through both action sequences and quieter character moments that are emotionally grounded and realistic. I loved the relationship dynamics between Mint, Frida, and those they meet along the way who shape and challenge their beliefs. Overall, Cold Blooded is a powerful example of military science fiction that succeeds both as an action-packed adventure and a thoughtful critique of power and corruption, and I would definitely recommend it.

In Other News

Things haven’t got off to a great start for 2025. Conflicts are still raging around the world as wildfires tear through LA, destroying people's homes and taking lives. The response from Mexican and Canadian firefighters in helping to control the fires has been a heartening story of how important having good neighbours is in a time of need. I hope this isn’t totally lost on some people.

Meta discontinuing its 3rd party fact checking in América leads to further enshitification of our social media platforms. Because as we all know true facts are something we have to much of on socials. This has led to a further migration of creatives towards Bluesky as they round up the wagons and get back on the trail.

I am still active across most social media sites, but Bluesky is really starting to feel like it is going to be the creatives gathering place in the future.

Latest release news

This week also saw the launch of the McMurdo Disaster, book 4 in the McMurdo rift series.

A shipwrecked survivor. A forgotten colony. A new, deadly enemy.

Six months after travelling through an uncharted wormhole, Mark Franklin and his ex-wife, Sarah, find themselves stranded on a distant, desolate planet. Cut off from the universe by a mysterious dampening field that renders most technology useless, they’ve survived with grit and determination. When they finally disable the field, their chance to return home is within reach—until they intercept a distress call.The signal, over fifty years old, leads them to a long-lost human colony, but what they find there is far from a sanctuary. A deadly new threat lurks in the shadows, more dangerous than anything Franklin and Sarah have ever faced, even in the depths of the McMurdo Rift. The galaxy’s survival may depend on what they uncover.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rohanoduill.substack.com

I am reading this book at the moment and it is a lot of fun.

T.K. Toppin writes character-driven tales, loaded with mystery, intrigue and adventure, navigating the realms of Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction and Space Opera. Since leaving small press publishers, she is now entrenched in indie publishing and discovering its many challenges and delights.

T.K. was born, raised and lives in Barbados. When she's not writing, she is studiously working on her doctorate in Procrastination. Binge-watching shows on streaming networks, doing absolutely nothing, and juggling the baffling realm of social media marketing.

You can check out more here

In Other News

I am part of this competition where you can win a stack of Stranger Things swag worth $550 plus a book basket which includes my novella ‘Cold Rising.’

Enter here:

You can pick up lots of awesome SFF stories here at the free sci-fi & fantasy ebooks

The first of my limited pallette illustrations has arrived for my upcoming kickstarter special edition of “Cold Blooded” I am very excited to see how this book turns out.

Check out the prelaunch pag

e and click ‘notify me’ to keep updated on the campaign.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rohanoduill.substack.com

This week I am very excited to be reading from "A Dragon if the Veil" by Nick Snape. It is part of the Indie Books Online tour all this week. Check that out @indiebooktours1 X/twitter and @indiebooktours on Instagram. Click here to grab yourself a copy.

In Other News

I am part of this competition where you can win a stack of Stranger Things swag worth $550 plus a book basket which includes my novella ‘Cold Rising.’

Enter here:

You can pick up lots of awesome SFF stories here at the free sci-fi & fantasy ebooks

The first of my limited pallette illustrations has arrived for my upcoming kickstarter special edition of “Cold Blooded” I am very excited to see how this book turns out.

Check out the prelaunch page and click ‘notify me’ to keep updated on the campaign.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rohanoduill.substack.com