The Philosopher's Flight

A Novel

By: Tom Miller

Narrated by: Gibson Frazier

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.

You’ll need the book and the audio.

Overall an enjoyable and entertaining listen.

I would warn readers that they may want to invest in both the audio and hard copy versions. At the start of each chapter he quotes “sources,” but this can be confused as being part of the story in the Audible version. At the end of the book, his Appendix includes descriptions of glyphs that are presumably drawn in the book, but cannot be easily pictured by the listener.

The storyline was coherent but the relationships with the characters were lacking in depth. Robert is close to his mother, yet he is willing to disregard her toward the end. We discover he was closer to a sister who raised him, but he doesn’t consult her much. He loves Dar, however, he disregards her preferences.

Most of the final chapter with the dance could have been eliminated. It felt like the author didn’t know how to end the story and settled for a rambling Harry Potterish solution that offered nothing to the story.

What a original and captivating world...

I can't wait for the sequel and hopefully long series of stories from within this great world.

Brilliant multi layered story

I love this book and it’s “universe” hopefully the author brings us more. This is another book for my great stories category, books I find that masterfully create a world that sucks the reader in. The flipping of gender roles and other social mirroring adds a second layer to the book. It’s a great gender exploration without agenda or malice. Including a military where women are in charge of the intellectual side and men are just for heavy lifting. So read this wonderful strange feminist steampunk tale written by a man and you won’t be disappointed.

I really enjoyed this book.

I'm often leery of trying a first book by a brand new author.

Fortunately, I wasn't disappointed.

This book was excelent. The magic system was unusual and complex. The alternate version of history was interesting is well. I liked seeing the division of sexes handled using a story where the women had so much more power.

I will definitely pick up another book by this author.

Fun and original

The themes are not new, but the premise is so original and charming. An entertaining book that is well-written with a very good narrator. I look forward to the next in the series.