Jo Walton’s The Philosopher Kings: A Sequel

Quick Answer

• The Philosopher Kings by Jo Walton is a direct sequel to The Just City, continuing its exploration of Platonic philosophy within a reimagined ancient Greek setting.
• Readers should expect a character-driven narrative that delves deeply into ethical dilemmas, the nature of divinity, and the challenges of maintaining an ideal society.
• This novel is best suited for those who have already read and enjoyed The Just City and are interested in a thoughtful, philosophical continuation.

Who This Is For

• Readers who have completed The Just City and are eager to follow the continued development of its characters and the evolution of its unique society.
• Individuals interested in philosophical fiction that engages directly with classical thought, particularly Plato’s Republic, and explores themes of justice, governance, and the human behavior.

What to Check First

• Prior Reading: Confirm you have read The Just City. The Philosopher Kings is not a standalone novel; it directly builds upon the characters, plot points, and world established in its predecessor.
• Philosophical Interest: Assess your interest in classical philosophy, particularly Plato’s theories on ideal states, the Forms, and the role of philosopher-kings. The novel uses these as a foundation for its narrative.
• Pacing Preference: Understand that Jo Walton’s writing style in this series is contemplative and character-focused, with dialogue playing a significant role. If you prefer fast-paced action, this may not be the ideal fit.
• Thematic Expectations: Be prepared for a continuation that examines the complexities and potential failures of utopian ideals, the nature of divine intervention, and the moral compromises that can arise.

Step-by-Step Plan for Reading The Philosopher Kings by Jo Walton

1. Read The Just City:

• Action: Begin by reading The Just City.
• What to Look For: Familiarize yourself with the initial creation of the city, the introduction of the gods as citizens, and the core philosophical debates among the characters.
• Mistake to Avoid: Attempting to read The Philosopher Kings without this foundational knowledge, which will lead to confusion regarding character motivations and plot continuity.

2. Engage with the Narrative:

• Action: Read The Philosopher Kings with an active mind, paying attention to character interactions and dialogue.
• What to Look For: Observe how the characters, both human and divine, have evolved since the events of The Just City. Note the new challenges and ethical quandaries they face.
• Mistake to Avoid: Skimming over dialogue or character introspection, as these are the primary vehicles for exploring the novel’s philosophical themes.

3. Track Divine Character Arcs:

• Action: Pay close attention to the internal lives and evolving perspectives of the divine characters.
• What to Look For: Identify the specific struggles, doubts, and growth experienced by figures like Apollo, Athena, and Socrates. Their journeys are central to the narrative’s development.
• Mistake to Avoid: Treating the gods as static, omnipotent beings. Walton imbues them with complex emotions and developmental arcs that are crucial to understanding the story.

4. Consider the Philosophical Underpinnings:

• Action: Reflect on the philosophical concepts being explored, such as the theory of Forms, the nature of justice, and the responsibilities of rulers.
• What to Look For: Connect the characters’ actions and dilemmas back to Plato’s ideas presented in The Republic. Note where Walton expands upon or challenges these classical notions.
• Mistake to Avoid: Disregarding the philosophical discourse as mere exposition. These discussions are integral to the plot and the characters’ development.

5. Analyze the Consequences of Ideals:

• Action: Examine the outcomes of the society’s attempts to live up to its philosophical ideals.
• What to Look For: Observe the unintended consequences of the city’s structure, the compromises made, and how the pursuit of perfection impacts its inhabitants.
• Mistake to Avoid: Expecting a simple, triumphant resolution. The novel realistically portrays the difficulties and moral ambiguities inherent in constructing and maintaining an ideal society.

6. Evaluate Character Choices:

• Action: Critically assess the decisions made by the characters, particularly in the face of difficult ethical choices.
• What to Look For: Understand the reasoning behind their actions, even if those actions lead to conflict or hardship. Consider the different perspectives at play.
• Mistake to Avoid: Judging characters solely by modern ethical standards without appreciating the context of the novel’s setting and philosophical framework.

7. Reflect on the Thematic Resonance:

• Action: After finishing the book, take time to consider the broader themes and their relevance.
• What to Look For: Think about how the novel comments on the nature of truth, the relationship between the divine and the mortal, and the enduring pursuit of a just society.
• Mistake to Avoid: Closing the book and moving on without contemplating the lingering questions and nuanced perspectives presented by Walton.

The Philosopher Kings: Thessaly, Book 2

• Audible Audiobook
• Jo Walton (Author) - Noah Michael Levine (Narrator)
• English (Publication Language)
• 07/12/2016 (Publication Date) - Audible Studios (Publisher)

Buy on Amazon

Common Mistakes

• Skipping The Just City — Why it matters: This novel is a direct sequel. Reading it without The Just City will result in a significant lack of understanding regarding characters, plot, and the established world, diminishing the reading experience. — Fix: Always read The Just City first to build the necessary context.
• Treating Gods as Static Beings — Why it matters: Jo Walton portrays the gods in The Philosopher Kings with complex inner lives, flaws, and developmental arcs. Viewing them as unchanging deities misses a crucial element of the narrative’s depth and thematic exploration. — Fix: Pay close attention to the individual journeys and internal conflicts of characters like Apollo and Athena.
• Over-reliance on Plot Speed — Why it matters: The Philosopher Kings prioritizes philosophical exploration and character development over rapid plot progression. Readers expecting constant action may become impatient or dismiss the novel’s deliberate pacing. — Fix: Adjust expectations for a contemplative, dialogue-heavy narrative that rewards thoughtful engagement.
• Ignoring Classical Philosophical Context — Why it matters: The novel is deeply rooted in Plato’s Republic. Without an awareness of these philosophical underpinnings, readers may miss layers of meaning and the nuances of the debates presented. — Fix: Familiarize yourself with key Platonic concepts or be prepared to engage with them as they arise in the text.
• Focusing Solely on Human Characters — Why it matters: While human characters are central, the divine characters undergo significant transformations and their interactions with the human world drive much of the plot and thematic development. — Fix: Give equal narrative weight to the journeys of both human and divine characters.

Quick Comparison

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FAQ

• Q: Do I need to read The Just City before The Philosopher Kings?
• A: Yes, reading The Just City first is highly recommended. The Philosopher Kings is a direct sequel that continues the story and character arcs from the first book. Without that foundation, much of the plot and character development will be confusing or lack impact.

• Q: What philosophical concepts are central to The Philosopher Kings?
• A: The novel directly engages with Platonic philosophy, particularly ideas from The Republic, such as the theory of Forms, the definition of justice, the role of the philosopher-king, and the nature of an ideal society. It also explores the tension between divine will and human free will, and the consequences of attempting to implement utopian ideals.

• Q: How does the divine element function in The Philosopher Kings?
• A: The gods, who were introduced as characters in The Just City, play an even more active and complex role here. They are not depicted as omnipotent or distant beings, but rather as characters with their own motivations, flaws, and evolving understanding of humanity and their own existence. Their interventions and internal conflicts are central to the narrative.

• Q: Is The Philosopher Kings a standalone novel?
• A: No, it is not. It is the second book in a trilogy that began with The Just City and concludes with The Philosopher Kings. For the most complete understanding and enjoyment, it should be read in sequence.

• Q: What is the primary difference in focus between The Just City and The Philosopher Kings?
• A: While The Just City focused on the establishment and initial challenges of a utopian society built on Platonic ideals, The Philosopher Kings shifts to the complexities of maintaining that ideal, the inevitable compromises, the consequences of divine involvement, and the personal growth and ethical struggles of its inhabitants in a more mature, post-utopian world.

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Expert Insights on The Philosopher Kings by Jo Walton

Approaching The Philosopher Kings by Jo Walton requires an appreciation for its deliberate construction. Jo Walton is known for her meticulous world-building and her ability to weave complex philosophical arguments into compelling narratives. For readers accustomed to genre fiction that prioritizes relentless plot momentum, this series may present a different kind of engagement.

• Tip 1: Embrace the Dialogue as Narrative Engine.
• Action: Treat the extended conversations between characters not as filler, but as the primary drivers of plot and character revelation. These dialogues are where the philosophical debates unfold and character relationships are tested.
• Mistake to Avoid: Skimming or mentally disengaging during lengthy discussions. This is where the core of the novel’s intellectual and emotional content resides.

• Tip 2: Track the Evolution of Divine Characters.
• Action: Pay meticulous attention to the internal struggles, evolving perspectives, and personal growth of the divine characters. Their arcs are