Author's Blog - Drake Leitold

Hello, everyone! Eight months ago, I released the First Edition of my debut novel, Breath of Life for the Wicked, and sent it out into the world with a heart full of hope and a little nervous excitement. Today, I am beyond thrilled to announce that the journey continues. After months of deep reflection, tireless rewriting, and countless late nights, I have finally completed the Second Edition: Revised and Expanded Edition—a version that feels like the true, fully realized heart of the story I always knew it could be. From the very beginning, I made a promise to myself and to every single one of you who picked up that first book: I would listen. I read every review, every comment, every private message. I absorbed the moments that made your hearts race, the characters you fell in love with, the scenes that left you breathless—and yes, the parts that needed more care, more polish, more life. Your voices guided me like a compass through the vast, untamed world of Sylcraveth. I spent the past six months pouring everything I had into these revisions, determined to honor your trust and to give this story the edition it truly deserves. To every reader who took the time to share their thoughts—whether you cheered for a favorite scene, offered thoughtful critique, or simply told me how the story stayed with you long after you turned the last page—thank you. Your feedback didn't just improve the book; it transformed it. It pushed me to dive even deeper into Sylcraveth's shadowed forests and sunlit cities, to make its characters more complex, more human, more alive. The good, the constructive, even the toughest comments—all of it shaped this new edition, and I am endlessly grateful. Breath of Life for the Wicked: Book 1 – The Revised and Expanded Edition is officially available for purchase right now on Amazon! This new edition is more than just a refresh—it is a complete reimagining that stays true to the soul of the original while offering so much more. Here's what you'll discover inside: • 24,000 brand-new words, bringing the total word count to an epic 149,839. That's a full 20%+ more story for you to lose yourself in. • A stunning, all-new map of Valore that lets you trace every step of the journey across its sprawling, living landscape. • Fresh, immersive new scenes woven throughout the novel that deepen relationships, heighten tension, and reveal hidden layers of the world you thought you already knew. • An entirely new chapter—a powerful addition that unlocks new emotional stakes and answers questions many of you asked after the first edition. • Every single page meticulously edited and revised for smoother flow, sharper prose, and an even more gripping reading experience from start to finish. • An updated cover with clearer, bolder text, richer highlights, and that beautiful glossy finish that makes it shine on any shelf. • Overall, more than 20% additional content that expands the heart and scope of the story in ways I'm incredibly proud of. If you loved the First Edition, I truly hope you'll give this new version a chance. I poured every ounce of my love, passion, and dedication into these revisions. I wanted to create something that not only fixes what needed fixing but elevates the entire experience—making the world feel bigger, the characters feel closer to your heart, and the story hit even harder. This book is better because of you. It's richer, deeper, and more alive than I ever could have made it on my own. To every reader who has supported me—whether you bought the first edition, left a review, shared it with friends, or simply cheered me on from afar—thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your belief in this story has meant more to me than I can ever express. You didn't just read a book; you became part of its journey, part of its growth, and part of the world I'm so proud to share with you. Don't be a stranger! I'm always eager to hear what you think of the new edition. Send me a message, drop a comment, or join the conversation on my Reddit page. I read every single one, and I love diving into discussions about the characters, the lore, the twists, and what might come next. The community we're building together is one of the most rewarding parts of this entire adventure. You can find the Reddit page here: r/drakeleitoldbooks Thank you again—for your time, your passion, your honesty, and your incredible support. I can't wait for you to experience Breath of Life for the Wicked in its fullest, most vibrant form yet. Happy reading, and I hope this edition takes your breath away. With endless gratitude and excitement, Drake Ilarian Moore Leitold

Hello, everyone! I wanted to drop in with a quick update on the Obsidian Dahlia Chronicles. I have been working hard every day on the next installment, the sequel to Breath of Life for the Wicked. It is shaping up to be a bit longer than the first novel, which I find exciting. It gives me even more room for adventures, world building, and character development. I am very hopeful that there will be some exciting news for you in the upcoming few months as I type away in my cozy little office, drinking my coffee and bringing these characters to life. While we are all waiting for the next book to release, I also wanted to say that I created a Reddit Page, as myself, so that way you can reach out to me and let me know your opinions on the series, characters, the world, things you enjoyed, or hated. It's an open space for Q&A's and for me to happily be more involved with the community. I hope you check it out and say hi! You can find my Reddit page at r/drakeleitoldbooks Drake Ilarian Moore Leitold

Music has always been an integral part of my life and it's flowed directly into my writing. Here is a short list of some of the songs that inspired me to write this series. Breath of Life for the Wicked (Theme Song) Breath of Life – Florence and the Machine Donovan Playlist: No Light, No Light – Florence and the Machine Colors – Halsey The Darkest Star – Depeche Mode Void – Melanie Martinez Frozen – Madonna Kasmira Playlist: Conflict of the Mind – AURORA Get Out – CHVRCHES All I Wanted Was You – Paramore De Una Vez – Selena Gomez Butterfly – Marina Thane Playlist: High Enough – K. Flay Dinner & Diatribes – Hozier Kill for Your Love – Labrinth Good Enough – Evanescence The Handler – Muse

Hello, everyone! I'm Drake Leitold, and I'm absolutely thrilled to share this moment with you as I introduce myself as the author of my debut novel, Breath of Life for the Wicked, the first book in my ongoing series, The Obsidian Dahlia Chronicles. After two years of pouring my heart and soul into writing this dystopian suspense / thriller, seeing it finally published feels like a dream come true. This story, set in the dark and intricate city of Valore, follows Donovan, Kasmira, and Thane as they unravel secrets that challenge their beliefs and shape their fates. I hope you'll dive into this world with me and find yourself as captivated by it as I've been while crafting it. As a new author, I'm still learning the ropes of storytelling, and I'm excited to grow as a writer over the years to come. The Obsidian Dahlia Chronicles is just the beginning of what I envision as a long, thrilling saga, with plenty of twists, betrayals, and redemption to explore in the world of Valore and its characters. I'm so grateful for every reader who picks up Breath of Life for the Wicked, and I hope it leaves you eager for more. My goal is to keep you hooked, and I'm already working on the next book to continue this journey. Beyond writing, I'm also an artist, and I'm excited to bring the world of The Obsidian Dahlia Chronicles to life through my art. Over the past two years, while writing the novel, I've drawn characters like Donovan, Kasmira, Thane and scenes from Valore's shadowy streets. I plan to regularly share new artwork on this blog, giving you visual glimpses of the characters and the world they inhabit. These pieces are my way of deepening the experience of the series, and I hope they spark your imagination as much as the story does. This blog will be my space to connect with you all, with regular updates on my writing, sneak peeks at upcoming books, and, of course, new character and world art. I'd love to hear your thoughts on Breath of Life for the Wicked—what you loved, what surprised you, and how I can make the next books even better. Your feedback is invaluable as I continue to grow as both a writer and an artist. Thank you for joining me on this adventure, and I can't wait to share more of The Obsidian Dahlia Chronicles with you! With gratitude and excitement, Drake Ilarian Moore Leitold