jackie_beyondthebookends's review against another edition
4.0
This book wasn’t what I expected at all but I enjoyed it. It has magical elements but it is more of a historical fiction ( with an altered past). I’m not sure I can describe it better than that. Very original.
pietan's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
alliepeduto's review against another edition
5.0
I’ve been really leaning into fantasy this year and I can’t get enough! Honestly, my favorite kind of fantasy books weave magic in the real world (thanks Harry Potter), but it’s bonus point for historical settings! I loved the fusion of historical fact with the existence of philosophy, and I appreciate the adherence to real events when possible.
This really gave me Harry Potter vibes...it’s like if Quidditch had practical applications and became Harry’s job. And every woman character was basically Hermione in superiority. Seriously, what’s not to like??
The feminist angle makes me respect the hell out of the author, and the fact that he is an ER doc impresses me. As the daughter of an ER nurse, I felt the urgency here, the do-anything-to-help attitude that Robert embodies. Boober was a gem of male representation, and I already know I’m going to devour the second book!
This really gave me Harry Potter vibes...it’s like if Quidditch had practical applications and became Harry’s job. And every woman character was basically Hermione in superiority. Seriously, what’s not to like??
The feminist angle makes me respect the hell out of the author, and the fact that he is an ER doc impresses me. As the daughter of an ER nurse, I felt the urgency here, the do-anything-to-help attitude that Robert embodies. Boober was a gem of male representation, and I already know I’m going to devour the second book!
m_petranoff's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
An absolute romp of a book that marries a technically complex and detail-driven magic system with irreverent college students. Mixing politics and war with pranks, Miller creates an alternate history full of charming characters and nail-biting adventures, set in a deeply grounded and believable world.
annieb123's review against another edition
5.0
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Philosopher's Flight is the debut novel from ER doctor, writer of travel guides, English instructor, and renaissance man Tom Miller. Released 13th Feb, 2018 by Simon & Schuster, it's 422 pages and available in ebook, hardcover, paperback and audiobook formats.
I received my copy of this book last January, I'm ashamed to say. Winter season and early Spring are busy times for me at the hospital lab and in my reading pile, and I didn't get a chance to start it until this past week (we're in September). I devoured it in two sittings. I was enchanted from the first page. I literally missed my bus stop reading. That's only happened a couple of times previously.
This book does not read like a debut. There is absolutely no floundering. The voice is strong and sure and the writing is sublimely good. The dialogue is really well done with deftness and subtlety. The characters are fleshed out and interesting and I cannot wait to see what happens next. I really loved the alternate WWI setting, the magic system, the cohesiveness of the world building, and the pacing. The story arc progresses in a believable arc with logical character motivations. I never once internally questioned why any of the characters did the things they did. Suspension of disbelief is a precious thing and the author never abused my trust.
The book is based on some actual historical characters and occurrences. Fleshing out the framework of real history is a skillfully woven skin of fantasy. It's not always possible to tell where one ends and the other begins. This gives the entire story, despite being a fantasy, a sense of realism which is amazing and a joy to read.
I don't care if Dr. Miller is a doctor (well done, you!), he's a writer with a prodigious gift for storytelling.
I recommended this book highly to colleagues and friends even before I was finished with it. I recommend it now to everyone. Wonderful writing, superlative book.
Five stars. Can't wait to read the next book.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Philosopher's Flight is the debut novel from ER doctor, writer of travel guides, English instructor, and renaissance man Tom Miller. Released 13th Feb, 2018 by Simon & Schuster, it's 422 pages and available in ebook, hardcover, paperback and audiobook formats.
I received my copy of this book last January, I'm ashamed to say. Winter season and early Spring are busy times for me at the hospital lab and in my reading pile, and I didn't get a chance to start it until this past week (we're in September). I devoured it in two sittings. I was enchanted from the first page. I literally missed my bus stop reading. That's only happened a couple of times previously.
This book does not read like a debut. There is absolutely no floundering. The voice is strong and sure and the writing is sublimely good. The dialogue is really well done with deftness and subtlety. The characters are fleshed out and interesting and I cannot wait to see what happens next. I really loved the alternate WWI setting, the magic system, the cohesiveness of the world building, and the pacing. The story arc progresses in a believable arc with logical character motivations. I never once internally questioned why any of the characters did the things they did. Suspension of disbelief is a precious thing and the author never abused my trust.
The book is based on some actual historical characters and occurrences. Fleshing out the framework of real history is a skillfully woven skin of fantasy. It's not always possible to tell where one ends and the other begins. This gives the entire story, despite being a fantasy, a sense of realism which is amazing and a joy to read.
I don't care if Dr. Miller is a doctor (well done, you!), he's a writer with a prodigious gift for storytelling.
I recommended this book highly to colleagues and friends even before I was finished with it. I recommend it now to everyone. Wonderful writing, superlative book.
Five stars. Can't wait to read the next book.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
jaw417's review against another edition
4.0
This book was such an excellent blend of science fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, and feminist-without-beating-you-over-the-head-with-it. There's a decently sized cast of characters and all are thoroughly fleshed out, each with a clear personality and motivation that makes them relatable and realistic. I was thrilled to see that this book is not considered a standalone novel, but potentially the beginning to a series.
rynflynn12's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
shellystilger's review against another edition
3.0
A neat premise, even if the world is a little less than fully- realized.
bookworm_42's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75