The Philosopher's War

May 20, 2019
In this crafty alternate history of WWI, Miller (The Philosopher’s Flight) continues the story of Robert Canderelli Weekes, the first male medic to join the all-female Sigilry Corps. Having studied under his mother since a young age, Robert has perfected Sigilry (an “empirical philosophy” that allows practitioners to fly) and gains admittance to the female-dominated Corps after a spectacular performance at the General’s Cup flying tournament. Even though Robert is a great flier, he struggles to prove himself amongst his seasoned colleagues as they transport soldiers from the battlefield back to the hospital. Emotionally scarred by the gruesome injuries and hopeless causes he encounters among the soldiers he rescues, Robert finds strength in his Sigilwomen colleagues. He forms unbreakable bonds with the members of his division, including General Blandings—who plans to end the war by transporting the entire city of Berlin out of Germany. Caught between his loyalty to his Sigilwomen comrades and his lover, Danielle Hardin, who is working on behalf of a U.S. senator against the plans of the Sigilry Corps, Robert is stretched thin as Blandings moves forward with her plan and Danielle tries to stop her. In the end, Robert must choose between duty and love. Fans of fantastical war dramas will enjoy this entertaining tale that strikes smartly at the cultural norms of the early 20th century.