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It Was So Different And Refined
Most Glorious follows a gifted young architect as he navigates shifting empires, secret intrigues, and looming wars to discover how quiet courage can reshape the world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The period described in the book is set during the era known as the Dark Ages. What inspired me to write it was that I found that period to be, in fact, very enriching in multiple ways. Building the largest building in the world, Hagia Sophia, was a great example of that, because it was so different and refined from all the large buildings constructed earlier. Another inspiration was that the writings and films about the fall of Rome in 476 made it seem that it was the end of the Roman Empire. The Roman capital was transferred to Constantinople in 330; it had a long and prosperous life until it fell in 1453, almost a 1000 years after the city of Rome fell.
How did you approach balancing historical accuracy with the emotional intimacy of John’s personal journey?
To me, any story needs to have credibility. Accordingly, ensuring the accuracy of historic events was a very important concern when working on the manuscript. Furthermore, John was a young man; he had to grow, learn, and take on more responsibility in changing times. He was technically well-trained not only to consider challenges in construction but also in the beauty of the project. Facing complex architectural issues, an unpredictable emperor, a jealous court, and secret spies, was more than enough for someone who just wanted to build a perfect building.
John’s personal journey was aided by university training, a strong relationship with his companion and mentor, the quiet and surprising love of some family members, and a great confidence in his own skills. Besides the various challenges, John understood that any mistake in the construction of the largest building would be the last error of his career.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
As I planned this book, it became obvious that several interwoven themes needed to be explored. These include John’s personal journey, court intrigues, war and conquest, spying, and the construction of an architectural marvel. Without them, the story would not be complete.
The world feels authentic, from Miletos’ shoreline to the Persian court. Which location was the most challenging to bring to life?
Miletos was the most difficult to describe, as its geographical location changed over time. Miletos was a city that likely had several small ports; now, the few remaining ruins of that city are located a considerable distance from the shore. To gain a sense of how the city appeared many centuries ago, I relied on past writings and maps of the city ruins, although knowledge of the history of climate change and Mediterranean terrain was also very helpful.
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However, his journey is not limited to stone and mortar. As John navigates the court intrigues of Constantinople, he finds himself entangled in political power struggles, the chariot-racing factions of the Blues and Greens, and the empire’s ongoing conflict with the Persians. Alongside figures such as the historian Prokopius and the great general Belisarius, John experiences firsthand the ambitions, betrayals, and heroism that shape history.
Blending real historical events with a gripping narrative, Most Glorious brings to life the grandeur and peril of the Byzantine world, showcasing the resilience of those who built its most enduring legacies.
Most Glorious – A Story of the Eastern Roman Empire
Most Glorious follows the life of John, also known as Isidor the Younger, an architect whose work and quiet courage shape the world around him. The story paints the Eastern Roman Empire in rich color. It jumps between Constantinople, Miletos, and the Persian court. I watched generals prepare for war. I watched spies meddle. I watched John grow from a skilled but unsure young man into someone who bends fate with his hands. The book mixes politics, battles, construction, friendship, danger, and a deep sense of history. It feels big. It feels lived in. And it moves with purpose.
I found myself pulled in by the writing in a way I did not expect. It has a patient pace at first. Then it begins to coil tighter and tighter. I liked the confidence in the storytelling. I liked how the author lets scenes breathe. Sometimes the dialogue feels stiff. Sometimes a description lingers. But the world is so vivid that I did not mind. I could almost hear the sea at Miletos. I could picture the boulder field where John planned his building. I could feel the quiet pride in his uncle’s lessons. The writing has this mix of old-world formality and warm humanity that stuck with me.
The ideas in the book were intriguing. Power is always shifting. Trust feels fragile. People hide knives behind smiles. Yet the story keeps returning to the same thought. Small, steady acts matter. An architect with patience can shape cities. A soldier with doubts can still be brave. A king with fear in his chest can still change the course of nations. The book kept surprising me with moments of intimacy tucked inside grand, sweeping chapters. I caught myself rooting for John, not just because he is talented, but because he is decent. And in this world, decency feels rare and powerful.
This book would be perfect for anyone who likes historical fiction that leans into detail and atmosphere. It is great for readers who enjoy politics and military strategy, but also want characters who feel real. It is also a strong pick for people who love stories about craft, learning, and quiet heroism. If you want a book that takes its time and rewards your patience, Most Glorious will be a good fit.
Pages: 484 | ASIN: B0DYPF8PVW
LITERARY TITAN 