First Chapter Reads

This week I read “Shadows of Old Town” by Tami Olson. You can check out the full story by clicking on the cover.

She’s the weird lady in Small Town USA who wears pajamas to the grocery store to buy cake. She’s always been drawn to the stories in her head, and spends most of her time with one foot in the real world and one foot in her own worlds. She finally built her dream house and lives there with her husband, where swords feature prominently in the interior decor and she finally has her witchy medieval themed kitchen.

In other news

The Dance is now available for pre order

The Dance: An Anthology of Speculative Fiction, featuring Rachel A. Rosen’s latest short story, “Do You Love the Colour Of the Sky?” is available for order!

What would life be like if things had been different?

The Dance features stories that traverse multiple universes to explore the way our choices and fate affect the directions of our lives.

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 weeks First Chapter Reads is the dystopian sci-fi romance novel “Lust for Tomorrow” by the fantastic Dana Sweeney.

Dana sold her first short story at 16 to a romance magazine and has been chasing that feeling ever since--occasionally catching it for just long enough to remember why she was running in the first place. She loves writing just about anything, but nothing is more satisfying than happily ever after! Lust for Tomorrow is her first novel.

In other news

My illustrious author buddy Lonnie Busch has just released the audiobook of “All Hope of Becoming Human” which I featured on the show a couple of months back.

Thanks for listening, subscribe to get an awesome indie first chapter every 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

This week I am reading from T.K. Toppin’s “A Collection of Science Fiction and Space Opera Short Stories.”

Time fracture is a tale where one man comes to realise that time is being stolen. In his quest to uncover the truth, he learns that he must destroy time and hide from its ever-watchful eyes.

T.K. Toppin writes character-driven tales, loaded with mystery, intrigue and adventure, navigating the realms of Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction and Space Opera. Previously contracted by small press publishers, she is currently wading the waters of indie publishing and discovering its many challenges and delights.T.K. was born, raised and lives in Barbados, When she's not writing, she can be found studiously working on her doctorate in Procrastination by binge-watching shows on streaming networks, doing absolutely nothing, and juggling the baffling realm of social media marketing.

In Other News

“The Hencha Queen” is a new release from J. Scott Coatsworth dropping on March 14th.

SILYA COMES INTO HER OWN, BUT WILL SHE BE ENOUGH?

Silya finally has everything she always wanted. She's the Hencha Queen, head of the Temple, and is working to master her newfound talents. So why does the world pick now to fall apart?

Her once-nemesis Raven is off riding dragons, and their mutual friend (and her ex) Aik is nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, a new threat menaces the Heartland from the East, and if she can convince a reluctant Gullton city council to prepare for the worst, she may lose everyone and everything she ever cared about.

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 we are featuring the unstoppable force that is Nick Snape. I read the first chapter from the fourth book in the “Weapons of Choice” series “Finns War.”

Nick Snape has been steeped in Science Fiction and Fantasy since his friends first dragged him from his schoolwork and stuck a book under his nose. Lost to the world of imagination he became a teacher by accident though he thoroughly enjoyed developing the joy of reading and writing in his pupils. Having retired after thirty years, he thought it was high time to practise what he preached.

Nick enjoys mountain biking and walking, although the walking part is usually forced upon him after he has fallen off and broken his bike. He enjoys sci-fi on the screen as well as the page and is yet to recover from a certain Malcolm Reynolds not getting a second season.  

In other news

My author friend Adam Gaffen will be launching the sequel to “The Ghosts of Tantor” later this year, so he would love some additional reviews and ratings on the first book.

Check it out - spots ARE limited https://booksirens.com/book/C85PULX/WNEYOJT

THEY THOUGHT THEY WERE READY FOR THIS MISSION. THEY WERE WRONG.

Embark on a thrilling journey with the crew of the TFS Pike, the latest marvel in the Terran Federation's fleet, as they set out on a mission that will test their mettle and push the boundaries of exploration. Ensign Nicole Crozier, once a prominent figure in Luna's political sphere, finds herself thrust into the heart of adventure when a routine assignment takes a chilling turn.

When Nicole stumbles upon a mysterious rogue planet, her life takes an unexpected trajectory as she assumes command of a critical landing party. But what begins as a routine exploration swiftly escalates into a harrowing ordeal when an ancient alien artifact unleashes unimaginable forces, leaving Nicole and her team stranded in the unknown depths of space.

As the crew of the Pike races against time to unravel the mysteries of the vanished planet and rescue their missing comrades, they uncover a revelation that could shape the fate of civilizations. Yet, lurking beneath the surface lies a perilous truth that threatens to shatter the fragile peace of the Terran Federation.

For fans of Star Trek: Voyager's bold explorations, Battlestar Galactica's gripping narrative, and the mind-bending odysseys of Interstellar and 2001: A Space Odyssey, this captivating tale of adventure, discovery, and peril awaits. Don't miss out on this epic space opera. Secure your copy today and prepare to embark on an unforgettable voyage into the unknown.

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 we feature the chilling “In the Pines” by Mariah Stillbrook.

Two witches, two secrets, and a curse that could tear a family apart.

Olivia and Ellie have lived their lives knowing a dark entity is stalking their family, determined to kill them all. After the death of Olivia’s son, she abandons her magic and her family, leaving Ellie in a nightmare of heartbreak, her marriage crumbling and her sister gone. Determined to save their mother Arianna from a spell that left her comatose, the two sisters must come together to unravel the riddle of the curse that has haunted their family for generations.

But as they delve into the past, the truth they uncover is more twisted and treacherous than they ever could have imagined. Will they be able to break the curse, or will it consume them all?

Author Bio

Mariah Stillbrook, originally from Iowa, lives in Colorado with her white German shepherd, husband, and little girl. She graduated from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. She spends most of her days writing, reading, and enjoying the occasional hike. In her late twenties she realized that her writing was missing something, magic. She now focuses her writing on horror and urban fantasy in both adult and young adult genres.

In Other News

Check out this amazing book trailer created for me by Lonnie Busch by clicking the image below.

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 reading from the fast paced sci-fi thriller that is “The Chimera Gambit” by the very talented Cheryl Peña. I hope you enjoy.

Cheryl Peña was born in San Antonio, Texas to a Hispanic-American father and British-American mother. She developed an early interest in art and language, winning first place in the National Language Arts Olympiad when she was eleven years old. She studied art and photography at the University of Texas – San Antonio, graduating with honors in 2000. Upon the death of her twin sister in 2014, she decided to write professionally in her sister's honor. Her first novella, a suspense thriller titled The House of Wynne Lift, was published in 2021 and won the Literary Titan Gold Book Award. She is also the author of Descent of the Vile, The Blood Hotel, and The Chimera Gambit.

In Other News

Cold Rising has been listed on the reading list for the nebula awards. There is a long way to go but being on the list is a great honour for me. Thanks to everyone for all the support. Click on the image for a link.

Thanks for listening! Subscribe for free to receive a new podcast every week and support my work.

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 have the interesting pleasure of reading my first digital interactive book. I do remember many years ago reading physical YA mystery books, where different decisions brought you to different pages. But I think technology has really improved this experience.

Livia J. Elliot is a SFF writer, born and raised in Argentina and currently based in Australia. As a child, Livia enjoyed plucking her family’s library to immerse herself in different worlds. She read Sherlock Holmes’ adventures, historical novels, non-fiction, paranormal suspense, sci-fi and dystopian classics, Shakespeare, and anything she could find. She discovered fantasy realms with old, story-based videogames such as Shining Forces, until one day she found a copy of Dune… and that was her first start into sci-fi and fantasy.

Soon after, Livia J. Elliot began writing stories and, by the turn of the century, she had self-hosted blog where she published weekly chapters. Eventually, after some non-writing related degrees and a relocation around the world, Livia picked a mechanical keyboard and set to write once more… and here we are.

In Other News

The outstanding Lonnie Busch who’s book was featured on the podcast a few weeks ago is giving away his book for the very excellent price of absolutely FREE for today and tomorrow only. Don’t miss the chance to get this terrifying tale for valentines day.

Thanks for listening. You can subscribe to get brilliant first chapters every 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

This week we have the excellent ‘Accidental Intelligence’ by Bryan Chaffin. You can pick up the book at the link below.

Bryan Chaffin wrote about Apple and technology for 23 years as the cofounder and editor-in-chief of The Mac Observer, which he and his business partner sold in 2022. Bryan lives with his dog Ichabod in Silicon Valley, where they both enjoy the fantabulous pastime of THROW THE DAMNED BALL! It's a hoot. 10 out of 10 stars. Would recommend. Bring treats. In other news, Bryan loves writing. He loves words. He revels in the power of stories.

In Other News

Today is the last day you can enter to win these three physical books. The Graphic Novel ‘From Hell’. The Sci-fi anthology ‘Into the Unknown’ and my very own novella ‘Cold Rising.’

All you have to do is follow me on threads and share and comment on my pinned post. Best of luck.

Thanks for listening. Subscribe here and discover great new stories every 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

This week I am reading from the exceptional ‘Terra Blanca’ by Zoë Routh.

Zoë is a leadership futurist, multi award-winning author, speaker, and podcaster. English-born, Canadian-raised, Australian-adopted, Outdoor Adventurist and Experiential Educator, Truth Teller, Learner, Cancer Dancer, One-Time Belly Dancer, Aspiring Telemark Skiier, Slayer of Dragons, Mother of Chickens.

From the wild rivers of northern Ontario to the remote regions of Australia, Zoë has spent the last thirty years showing teams struggling with office politics and silos how to work better together.

Zoë is the author of seven books. Her fourth People Stuff - Beyond Personality Problems, An Advanced Handbook for Leadership won Book of the Year at the Australian Business Book Awards 2020. Her first novel, The Olympus Project, won a Gold Medal at the Readers’ Favorites Awards 2023.

In other news

The free sci-fi giveaway that includes my short story ‘Alinda’ is still going on. You can find all the stories by clicking the image below

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 we have the eminent Adam Gaffan with his novel “The Road to the Stars”

“You know me. Jump first, knit a parachute on the way down.” Kendra Cassidy, “A Quiet Revolution (The Artemis War 3)”

Adam Gaffen is the author of the near-future, hopepunk science fiction universe that starts with “The Cassidy Chronicles.” The heart of the universe is the indomitable Kendra Cassidy and her wife, Aiyana, as they struggle to drag humanity to the stars. The series The Artemis War follows the conflict that breaks out around the launch of the world’s first FTL starship, concluding with the award-winning “Triumph’s Ashes.” For those who want to know what happens next, the follow-on series launches with “The Ghosts of Tantor.” Two collections of short fiction round out the universe for now, but a sequel to “The Ghosts of Tantor” is coming. Soon. He promises.

He’s also venturing into fantasy/romance with the upcoming Godsfall trilogy.

He’s been honored with awards from Writers of the Future, Colorado Authors League, the Go Indie Now network, AllAuthor, Read Free.ly, and the Drunken Druid.

He lives in Colorado with his wife, five dogs, five cats, and wonders where all the time goes.

Winner of the Top 25 Indie Books of 2023 (The Heart of Space), 2022 (The Ghosts of Tantor), and 2021 (Triumph’s Ashes)

In other news

Both “Beyond Human” and “Into the Unknown” are free on amazon right now. Click on an image to grab a nice little January gist to yourself.

Did you know that these two anthologies raised over $2,500 for charity in 2023? The money was donated to The World Literacy Foundation, Unicef and Doctors Without Borders.

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