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A review by jfearing5
The Philosopher's Flight by Tom Miller
3.0
5 stars: unique world building, inventive system of “magic,” intriguing alternate history, wonderful cast of characters. I love the power structure of female philosophers and the male response of tightening their hold on traditional power structures.
4 Stars: gripping plot, if a little formulaic
1 star: creating an amazing world where innovation and peer is largely held by women and not men, a system of magic and culture that places men as the minority, bold women who don’t take crap… and making me read 400 pages from the perspective of a white male underdog.
I found the main character easy to root for, but I had a very hard time ever seeing him as I’m meant to. And yes I “get” it, he’s twisting the power structure on its head to make a point.
But reading about a super special white dude doesn’t feel as bold as I believe it’s meant to in this story. Nearly every character is more interesting to me than Robert, though overall I do like him. Mr. Miller just created such great characters (Jake and Dar especially) that spend time with Robert is a little boring by comparison.
Total 3 stars, and I’ll read the rest, but I’m disappointed by the missed opportunity.
4 Stars: gripping plot, if a little formulaic
1 star: creating an amazing world where innovation and peer is largely held by women and not men, a system of magic and culture that places men as the minority, bold women who don’t take crap… and making me read 400 pages from the perspective of a white male underdog.
I found the main character easy to root for, but I had a very hard time ever seeing him as I’m meant to. And yes I “get” it, he’s twisting the power structure on its head to make a point.
But reading about a super special white dude doesn’t feel as bold as I believe it’s meant to in this story. Nearly every character is more interesting to me than Robert, though overall I do like him. Mr. Miller just created such great characters (Jake and Dar especially) that spend time with Robert is a little boring by comparison.
Total 3 stars, and I’ll read the rest, but I’m disappointed by the missed opportunity.