Erotokritos Z. Kalogeratos Inspires With Riveting Tales Of Hope And Thrilling Geopolitical Insights

A Visionary Worldbuilder Crafting Hope Through Fiction

Erotokritos Z. Kalogeratos weaves worlds of hope and thrill, blending Greek folklore, geopolitical insights, and adventure into fast-paced, cinematic stories like The King of Black and The Irish Mist.

Erotokritos Z. Kalogeratos is a literary force who seamlessly bridges the realms of gripping fiction and sharp geopolitical analysis. His body of work is as diverse as his life story—a tapestry woven with the threads of adventure, intellect, and humanity. From serving in the Greek Special Forces to crafting intricate, deeply symbolic worlds set in the aftermath of civilization’s collapse, Kalogeratos is the modern Renaissance man we never knew we needed. His books, like The King of Black, offer readers more than just escapism; they present a vision of hope and rebirth, allowing us to confront the darkness while believing in the inevitability of light.

But Kalogeratos’s brilliance doesn’t end with speculative fiction. His expertise as a geopolitical analyst enriches his writing with strategic nuance, while his early ventures into spy adventures, like The Irish Mist, showcase his versatility. What sets him apart is the authenticity rooted in his diverse experiences—whether navigating the Mediterranean as a merchant mariner or speaking three languages fluently, his characters breathe with a realism only life itself can lend.

With his rich use of Greek folklore and vivid descriptions of the Ionian Islands, Kalogeratos anchors his stories in timeless truths and vibrant imaginations. As he builds thrilling universes that span the spectrum between dystopian fantasy and hard geopolitical commentary, Kalogeratos emerges not merely as an author but as a storyteller capable of reshaping perspectives.

At Mosaic Digest Magazine, we are honored to have had the privilege of hearing from Erotokritos Z. Kalogeratos—a man whose stories challenge, inspire, and motivate us to think beyond the boundaries of tradition and complacency. We hope you enjoy diving into this exclusive interview, where Kalogeratos shares his motivations, creative process, and his belief that hope is the one force capable of renewing the world. With much more on the horizon, this is an author whose journey will spark conversations across continents and generations.

What inspired you to create a world set 230 “cycles” after the collapse of civilization—a world both haunting and thrilling?

I believe, that what makes the world go round is hope! And in the times, we live in there is very little of it. So, I thought I would look past the bad things we all fear might come and fast-forward to that moment when hope begins to grow again, gradually taking over the world. The “King of Black,” Lokros, symbolizes this hope, while the closed community of the small, anonymous island represents the concept of family, from which hope will be reborn. Besides, crafting my own universe where I could control every detail—the characters, the rules, the endings, thus, creating a “new world” is relatively easy—I admit it. When writing that, you have the freedom to shape whatever you want, unconstrained by reality.

Your writing life seems infused with adventure and struggle. How do your real-life experiences influence your storytelling?

Very much so! I believe life is a constant struggle—and I don’t find that stressful at all. On the contrary, it’s exhilarating to keep moving, to change your environment, to face new challenges. My storytelling is fast-paced and cinematic—it doesn’t wait. The same goes for my life. I’ve worked in completely different environments and rarely hesitated to make a fresh start, even if it was the opposite of what I’d done before.

You reference Greek names, locations, and folklore. Is there deeper symbolism, or is it simply something you’re comfortable with?

Both, actually. Our civilization, which now seems to be fading, has deep roots in Greece. I thought it logical and fitting that the next one—the world in The King of Black—should also draw from that same well. And yes, you’re right: writing about my homeland, the Ionian Islands, feels natural. It’s easier to create the “island with no name” because I’ve visited such places in real life.

Why King of Black? What’s the significance of the title?

Well, It has nothing to do with old movies or anything like that. In a simple, post-modern world, I imagined concepts would also be straightforward, simple and functional. There’s the Oligarch of Red, which perfectly captures that faction’s mentality—simple, bold: red. The same goes for the Oligarch of Yellow. My protagonist, however, didn’t belong to the rulers but to the ruled. His color is more subdued, less cheerful: black.

What about the rest of your work? I’ve noticed geopolitical analysis eBooks that diverge completely from your fictional worlds, dealing with hard reality.

That stems from my current job as a political and geopolitical analyst. I write essays for three international websites and two of my own, and I advise two politicians currently in office. When I feel a topic needs emphasis, I compile a short eBook. I have too many such essays—only a fraction is published. The Eastern Mediterranean fascinates me deeply, both as a Greek and because it’s been the “heart” of major geopolitical conflicts for centuries.

What about your spy adventure eBook, The Irish Mist, about the IRA?

That was my first attempt at writing. I typed it on a small red Royal typewriter around 1984. The IRA’s struggle always fascinated me—the passionate desire for self-determination, even when the oppressor shares so much with the oppressed, as with Britain and Ireland. Of course, I don’t condone terrorism, but I understand the yearning for freedom. Greeks felt the same during centuries of Ottoman occupation, never ceasing to fight until we won our freedom. Also, I’ve always been intrigued by “lone wolf” heroes like Tarloch, the protagonist. His character is based on a real Greek officer who undertook secret missions.

What can we expect from you next? What are you working on now?

I’m deeply immersed in the King of Black series, which will span several more books. Lokros’s world will explode and reshape itself—I hope readers find it as thrilling as I do.

What advice would you give other authors seeking to build a sustainable and imaginative writing career?

Sorry, I do not believe in giving advices—except perhaps, to follow what your heart insists on, even if your mind resists. I write because I need to run, escape, build, and destroy. I write hoping others will join me, inspired to write about their own worlds, dreams, and realities. I wish everyone charming, mysterious, and adventurous journeys through the pages of a book.

Thank you for this interview, from the bottom of my heart. Lokros sends his thanks as well…