A story of redemption, renewal, and discovery

Arsalan the Magnificent is a lighthearted but poignant novel of historical fantasy fiction. In Europe and the Ottoman Empire of the early 19th century, a profession of wizards known as magical architects have achieved wealth and fame as builders of fantastical structures. Facing disgrace after his newest and greatest work collapses, Arsalan Ozdikmen, a renowned Ottoman magical architect in the prime of his career, is exiled to the Balkans. There, he undergoes a journey of reckoning and recovery, and finally redemption, when he is called to the aid of a young Bavarian princess.

Arsalan the Magnificent is inspired by the fantasy works of J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling, with a dash of Herman Hesse and Thomas Mann. Essentially a search for an authentic self, the story is both a journey through Arsalan’s soul and a series of enchanting sojourns across Europe and the Middle East as Arsalan struggles to reinvent and redefine himself.

“Inventive magic, fun characters, excellent historical research, this was a wonderfully unexpected surprise that I absolutely adored! Fantastic work!” - Willy Nichter, Goodreads

“This was a wonderfully told story about family and friendships. It’s about courage, not giving up, and forgiving. I like how easy it was for Arsalan to get along with strangers and to reconnect with old friends. I felt like I could be his friend. This story could be enjoyed by the whole family. I think young children would love it and could probably learn some life lessons from it.” - Pretty Peony Reads, Goodreads

“An original and fun read from start to finish...a lighthearted but poignant novel that will prove to have a very special interest to fans of historical fantasy fiction.” - The Midwest Book Review

“Tolbert skillfully crafts a character in Arsalan that resonates with readers, endowing him with a blend of charm, personality, and relatable humanity seldom seen in contemporary fiction. The narrative is seamlessly interwoven, showcasing Tolbert’s expertise in creating a compelling and coherent story. This novel offers a refreshing deviation from the typical combat-centric fantasy genre, presenting a magician whose legacy lies in creation rather than destruction.” - Literary Titan

“Overall, Arsalan the Magnificent is a captivating tale that seamlessly blends history and fantasy, leaving readers with a sense of wonder and reflection, and I would not hesitate to recommend it.” - Readers’ Favorite