Dragon Riders of the 12th Battalion follows a thoughtful but rigid officer, as he commands a squadron of dragon riders who has to confront not just enemy threats, but also the deeper rhythms of trust, instinct, and the unknown that define dragonkind and, eventually, himself. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

The honest answer would probably be: myself and my own experience. Of course, my life didn’t look exactly like this – no dragons, for one – but when you get the chance to look back and reflect on the path you’ve taken, you begin to see how much things can change over time. I wanted Jack to finally be honest with himself – and that kind of clarity only comes through experience. Through the events and people that shape you, challenge you, and ultimately force you to make choices that aren’t always safe or obvious. Following the guidebook is easy. It’s the default, the safe and simple route. But as you move forward in life – and if you really listen – you begin to understand what matters, what’s right for you, and what’s right for those you care about. Jack was lucky to have a creature like Tempest by his side, and a team that genuinely cared. And he was smart enough – eventually – to listen. To them, and to the rhythm.

I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?

I’ve loved dragons – and I’ve been fascinated by World War II (and history in general) – for as long as I can remember. Being 45 years old, that adds up to thousands of books and articles read, countless documentaries and movies watched, games played and even a few made.  The initial idea was simple: put dragons and Tiger tanks on the same battlefield and let them fight it out. But once I sat down and gave it real thought, the story shifted. It became clear that this wasn’t just about spectacle – it was a chance to tell a story about the hero’s journey, and about the kind of bond that forms when you walk that path with someone – or something – beside you. That “crash and burn” setup just wouldn’t be enough for a creature like Tempest. He deserved more. And I realized the only way the setting would truly resonate was if it gave room for that bond – for something deeper than fire and steel.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

Very early on – really before I even created the outline – the story pivoted from Reign of Fireto Band of Brothers. For many years, I struggled with doing what I thought others expected of me, rather than what truly mattered – not just to me, but in life. So, one of the core themes I wanted to explore was the search for inner calm, acceptance, and the courage to make the right choices, even when they go against what’s easiest or most expected. Tempest, in that sense, became something more than a dragon. He’s a kind of temple – a quiet embodiment of wisdom and presence. The fact that he never says a single word makes his message even more powerful. He has a lot to say in this book – you just have to learn how to listen. Like in our own lives.

Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?

The war is not over yet. Jack and Tempest are a powerful duo, and the rest of the team supports them in ways that go beyond tactics – they’re a unit shaped by trust and shared scars. But Jack is still a soldier. He has to follow orders and carry the weight that comes with that – even when it means making hard choices or going where he’d rather not. I’ll definitely return to them. Their story isn’t finished. But for now, I’m focused on a few other projects – they’ll have to wait just a little before they take flight again.