The Philosopher's Flight
Ratings13
Average rating4.5
15
Ratings13
Average rating4.5
The first book in a new series and a thrilling debut from ER doctor turned novelist Tom Miller, The Philosopher’s Flight is an epic historical fantasy set in a World-War-I-era America that “[begins] with rollicking fierceness that grabs readers from its opening lines and doesn’t loosen its grip or lessen its hold all the way through. Miller’s writing is intoxicating” (Associated Press). HE’S ALWAYS WANTED TO FLY LIKE A GIRL. Eighteen-year-old Robert Weekes is one of the few men who practice empirical philosophy—an arcane, female-dominated branch of science used to summon the wind, heal the injured, and even fly. He’s always dreamed of being the first man to join the US Sigilry Corps’ Rescue and Evacuation Department, an elite team of flying medics, but everyone knows that’s impossible: men can barely get off the ground. When a shocking tragedy puts Robert’s philosophical abilities to the test, he rises to the occasion and wins a scholarship to study philosophy at Radcliffe College—an all-women’s school. At Radcliffe, Robert hones his flying skills and strives to win the respect of his classmates, a host of formidable and unruly women. Robert falls hard for Danielle Hardin, a disillusioned young hero of the Great War turned political radical. But Danielle’s activism and Robert’s recklessness attract the attention of the same fanatical anti-philosophical group that Robert’s mother fought against decades before. With their lives in mounting danger, Robert and Danielle band together with a team of unlikely heroes to fight for Robert’s place among the next generation of empirical philosophers—and for philosophy’s very survival against the men who would destroy it. “Part thriller, part romance, part coming-of-age fantasy, The Philosopher’s Flight…is as fun a read as you’ll come across… Miller has already set a high bar for any book vying to be the most entertaining novel of [the year]” (BookPage). Tom Miller writes with unrivaled imagination, ambition, and humor. The Philosopher’s Flight is both a fantastical reimagining of American history and a beautifully composed coming-of-age tale for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.
Featured Series
2 primary booksThe Philosophers Series is a 2-book series with 2 primary works first released in 2018 with contributions by Tom Miller.
Reviews with the most likes.
Any book that is a whiff of Harry Potterism has my attention. So flying philosophers, bearing similarities to HP's wizards and witches riding brooms was promising.
Perhaps I wasn't fully attentive, but even after reading, I'm still a little unsure of the basic logistics of how one flies. Because a good bulk of the book takes place in the air or learning how to get in the air, I had a hard time following during the action scenes.
However the most intriguing aspect of Philosopher's Flight was the world Miller depicted, one that favors women to be the more-favored, more-talented, more-respected sex in the philosophy world, but still victim to the familiar, violent sexism in the real world. The main character, Tom, had no bitterness towards nor desire to change this societal norm, simply to be the exception. I can't decide if the author was intent on writing a coyly misogynistic tale in the current, feminism-heavy climate or if he simply and genuinely wanted to paint a world where heroines dominate.
Overall: eh.
4.5 out of 5 stars
My thanks to Edelweiss/NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
In the midst of World War I, society grapples with the proliferation of Empirical Philosophy or “sigilry”, an art form that allows users to summon wind, carve smoke, or fly through the sky. Opponents of the field denounce and demonize these practitioners, as they seek to eradicate their kind from the face of the earth. Robert Weekes, a teenager with a burgeoning gift for sigilry, attempts to succeed in the female-dominated field and find himself along the way. He must exert considerable effort to prove himself against the notion that men are not good enough to be skilled in Empirical Philosophy.
In today's current cultural climate, it seems ill-considered to center a book around a male character who must overcome gender discrimination...but at the same time, it's refreshing to read an alternate history where women are so revered and respected for their talents in the first place. It also helps that Robert is a virtuous and endearing lead character who is easy to root for and works hard for everything he earns.
Author Tom Miller displays an impressive aptitude for storytelling as he deftly spins this wholly engrossing yarn. His writing style and dialogue choices really do a great job situating the reader in the early 20th century setting. Additionally, the plot, characters, motivations, and worldbuilding are all nicely fleshed out and well developed.
The Philosopher's Flight is a wonderfully inventive historical fantasy that sinks its hooks into you and doesn't let go. I truly enjoyed Tom Miller's debut and hope a sequel is on the horizon. (The cover is great, too!)
See this review and others at The Speculative Shelf.
