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|summary= The sequel to [[The Just City by Jo Walton|The Just City]], ''The Philosopher Kings'' takes the complicated ideas of its predecessor, and builds on them skilfullyskillfully. Whilst not a read that gripped me, the philosophical ideas debated here make this book far cleverer than first glances may suggest

It's an odd mix – and it takes a while to get used to it. In fact, I think I still may not be used to it, despite being on the second book – I never seem able to fully engage. I certainly don't hate it – there are excellent ideas here, and some great characters, and the plot certainly picks up pace – In fact the book opens with one of the main characters from the previous book dying, and this book continues in a fascinating manner – with Apollo leaving the island and discovering several other civilisations around them.

Very interesting philosophical questions are raised – about the nature of the human soul, the issues regarding time travel, mortality versus deity... It's a hugely clever book – blending philosophy with elements of science fiction, fantasy, and greek legend. I'm not entirely sure why I don't love it – It's certainly well written, and Jo Walton is certainly hugely knowledgeable about her philosophy. I am looking forward to the third in the series though – and I may well get more enjoyment out of reading all three books as a whole. In addition, I think these books work well to introduce readers to philosophical ideas, and to get them more interested in the subject – I imagine they'd work rather well in Sixth Form Philosophy lessons, in place of the insipid ''Sophie's World'' by Jostein Gardeer, although my hate for that book may well be a side effect of my dislike for my Philosophy teacher… Many thanks to the publishers for the copy.

For further reading , I'm recommending a look at just how insanely knowledgeable Jo Walton is – in [[What Makes This Book So Great: Re-Reading The Classics Of Science Fiction And Fantasy by Jo Walton|What Makes This Book So Great: Re-Reading The Classics Of Science Fiction And Fantasy]] she talkes talks about fantasy and science fiction with the all the knowledge of a very eccentric Professor – and it's a great place to start for those wishing to dip their literary toes into the huge fields of Fantasy or Science Fiction. You might also enjoy [[Consorts of Heaven by Jaine Fenn]].