Cold Blooded
A Cold Rush Novella
by Rohan O'Duill
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Pub Date Jan 01 2025 | Archive Date May 31 2025
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Description
Veteran Marine Mint only worries about one thing—herself. But after being ordered back to the front lines, she has a decision to make—stand up and do the right thing, or finally get what she always wanted.
Fifteen-year-old Frida lives in deep space on a pirate vessel. Her father is a dissident warrior who fights the corporations running the system. When a corporation battle cruiser catches up to the ageing pirate vessel, death appears to be the only escape.
Cold Blooded is part of the Cold Rush universe, but can be read as standalone and in any order.
A Note From the Publisher
That yearning to become a storyteller started young in Rohan, but a school system designed for academics and not the chaotic brilliance of a dyslexic mind stymied that aspiration.
But that smoldering desire to pass on stories, to express his creative soul, couldn't be contained. Inspired by the words of Rohan’s doppelganger Commander Riker, “Fear is the true enemy, the only enemy,” he started to write. At first Rohan spewed words onto the page like he had contracted the simian flu. But, with the help of his friends, Rohan began to sculpt those words into something palpable, something both ancient and new. An invite to everyone to share in the story and, most importantly, have some fun.
Other editions
eBook: $4.99
Special edition hardcover: $45
Advance Praise
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 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.
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
Readers Favorite ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Literary Titan
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. 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.
Literary Titan ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Nightbeats Book Reports
Start with ravenous corporations mining minerals on asteroids out past Neptune's orbit, give those corporations private armies of mech-suited Marines to battle over control of these resources, and for good measure turn each brutal battle into the 24th century's equivalent of a pay-per-view fight, and what have you got? It's called a Cold Rush, and your chances of surviving one ain't good.
This tightly focussed, pugnacious adventure tale has a clear love for the high-tech gear and enterprising pluck of Golden Age sci-fi (bone-crunching mech suit beat-em-ups!) but is also animated by a clear working-class consciousness, a modern awareness of identity and social justice, and an unflinching recognition of the insatiable exploitativeness of capitalism.
When meaningful resistance seems almost suicidal, what in the world can possibly drive us to resist, apart from love? Mint might just find out what a love that powerful can feel like, but there is no guarantee of anything turning out as you'd hope in O'Duill's hard-bitten world.
Nightbeats Book Reports ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Marketing Plan
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Appearing on website and podcast interviews where possible
Review copies sent to 6 prominent reviewers
