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The Zombie Philosopher

By: Richard Wagner
Publisher: Page Publishing
Publication Date: July 26, 2022
ISBN: 978-1662482595
Reviewed By: Kathy Stickles
Review Date: December 20, 2023

The Zombie Philosopher, a debut novella by author Richard Wagner, is a quick and entertaining read that will definitely give the reader a lot to think about in terms of the future and what is to come due to technology. I found the book to be not only a lot of fun, but also educational, and I think you will as well.

In The Zombie Philosopher, the reader meets Edward, who, besides being very rich and lacking for nothing, still wants more. Edward decides to purchase a robot to become his valet. This robot, who Edward chooses to call Brent, comes to the home packed with every imaginable bit of technology so that he can take care of the house as well as defend it and Edward against any threats. He can also learn absolutely anything in just a few brief training sessions and keep the knowledge forever in order to do his job perfectly.

As Edward teaches Brent to do things with him such as cook and play chess or tennis, Brent devours the information and begins to change a bit. While Edward is teaching him skills, Brent seems to be teaching Edward quite a bit as well about being human. Brent soon becomes fascinated with the idea of learning about philosophy and decides that he wants to become a famous philosopher who can solve problems. So many adventures seem to await Brent as he progresses in his learning, and he becomes quite a well-known figure. Soon Edward finds himself helping Brent to become even more of a star and seeing him as a bit human in his own right, even though all Edward wanted was a personal valet. As Edward learns about himself, Brent chooses to ask for payment for his work and to become a bit of his own “person.” Throughout, the reader is granted a look at what is a new and interesting friendship between these two characters.

The Zombie Philosopher is filled with appealing characters, great plot twists, and excellent dialogue. While I enjoyed all of the characters in the story, Edward and Brent are just wonderful. Their new friendship and the fun philosophical chatting between them while going through their daily routines is so very entertaining. It also gives the reader a lot to think about in regard to what the future may look like for their own grandchildren, as the possibilities presented in the story seem endless and a bit frightening as well. It is definitely going to be a technological-filled world in the future, and the author does an excellent job of presenting that futuristic world in an entertaining read.

Quill says: The Zombie Philosopher gives the best of both worlds...a fun and enjoyable story that is sheer entertainment while also a thought-provoking look at what the world may be like years from now.