Behind the Scenes: Why Frederick the Great?

When people learn that I chose Frederick the Great as the central figure for my debut novel, When Kings Fall Silent, they often ask the same question: “Why Frederick?” After all, history is brimming with captivating figures—so what drew me specifically to this Prussian prince whose life, at first glance, might seem distant or inaccessible?

The answer is both simple and complex.

As an avid reader and passionate storyteller, I’ve always believed the most compelling stories come from characters who defy expectation, who grapple with deep internal conflicts, and whose actions ultimately alter the course of history. Frederick the Great’s life offers all of this—and more. Beneath the grand historical narrative of kings and empires lies a profoundly human story of a young man fighting to survive his own family, wrestling with heartbreak, betrayal, and ultimately finding his place in a world that seemed determined to break him.

Crown Prince Friedrich II, by Antoine Pesne

What fascinated me most about Frederick was not just his military genius or political cunning—though these certainly play a central role in the novel—but the intense emotional and psychological journey he undertook on his path to power. From a young age, Frederick faced relentless cruelty at the hands of his father, King Frederick William I, whose obsession with control and military discipline pushed their relationship to breaking point. Exploring this father-son conflict allowed me to examine how personal traumas can shape not just individuals, but entire nations.

My research journey revealed countless layers to Frederick’s story—some inspiring, some shocking, but all deeply human. Without giving too much away, one pivotal historical event involved Frederick’s desperate struggle against his father’s oppressive control—a struggle marked by profound loss, trauma, and ultimately, transformation. At a certain point early in Frederick’s journey, I chose to depart from strict historical facts, embracing the freedom of historical fiction to imagine Frederick’s inner struggles, ambitions, and personal motivations. While rooted in real events, the story that follows is my creative exploration of what might have shaped Frederick’s transformation into the leader history remembers.

Historical fiction is uniquely powerful because it allows us to bridge the gaps between known historical events with imagination. While I've honoured many historically accurate moments, much of Frederick’s internal journey and the intricacies of court intrigue depicted in When Kings Fall Silent are my own creations. My goal wasn’t to write a biography, but rather to explore the human complexity behind historical events—to ask: “What might Frederick have felt in those quiet, unwritten moments of solitude, doubt, and determination?”

One particularly intriguing aspect for me was Frederick’s talent for manipulating perception—his subtlety and strategic brilliance. Frederick wasn’t simply a conqueror; he was a man who understood the quiet power of silence, secrecy, and careful observation. The novel explores these themes, creatively building upon historical foundations, but always with an emphasis on storytelling and character depth rather than strict historical accuracy.

Ultimately, When Kings Fall Silent is not only about Frederick’s rise to power; it’s about resilience, ambition, and the deeply human struggle to turn adversity into strength.

I’m thrilled to invite readers into this fictional yet vividly reimagined world—to share the emotional journey behind Frederick’s transformation from prince to king. I hope you enjoy discovering this story as much as I loved crafting it.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and welcome to the world behind When Kings Fall Silent.

– Jim Bloor