The Philosopher's Flight: A Novel

Description

The first book in a new series and a thrilling debut from ER doctor turned novelist Tom Miller, The Philosopher's Flight is an epic historical fantasy set in a World-War-I-era America that "[begins] with rollicking fierceness that grabs readers from its opening lines and doesn't loosen its grip or lessen its hold all the way through. Miller's writing is intoxicating" (Associated Press). HE'S ALWAYS WANTED TO FLY LIKE A GIRL. Eighteen-year-old Robert Weekes is one of the few men who practice empirical philosophy-an arcane, female-dominated branch of science used to summon the wind, heal the injured, and even fly. He's always dreamed of being the first man to join the US Sigilry Corps' Rescue and Evacuation Department, an elite team of flying medics, but everyone knows that's impossible: men can barely get off the ground. When a shocking tragedy puts Robert's philosophical abilities to the test, he rises to the occasion and wins a scholarship to study philosophy at Radcliffe College-an all-women's school. At Radcliffe, Robert hones his flying skills and strives to win the respect of his classmates, a host of formidable and unruly women. Robert falls hard for Danielle Hardin, a disillusioned young hero of the Great War turned political radical. But Danielle's activism and Robert's recklessness attract the attention of the same fanatical anti-philosophical group that Robert's mother fought against decades before. With their lives in mounting danger, Robert and Danielle band together with a team of unlikely heroes to fight for Robert's place among the next generation of empirical philosophers-and for philosophy's very survival against the men who would destroy it. "Part thriller, part romance, part coming-of-age fantasy, The Philosopher's Flight...is as fun a read as you'll come across... Miller has already set a high bar for any book vying to be the most entertaining novel of [the year]" (BookPage). Tom Miller writes with unrivaled imagination, ambition, and humor. The Philosopher's Flight is both a fantastical reimagining of American history and a beautifully composed coming-of-age tale for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.

Tom Miller grew up in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. He graduated from Harvard University and went on to earn an MFA in creative writing from the University of Notre Dame and an MD from the University of Pittsburgh. He is the author of The Philosopher's Flight and The Philosopher's War. He works as an emergency room doctor.

PRAISE FOR THE PHILOSOPHER'S FLIGHT BY TOM MILLER "[Begins] with rollicking fierceness that grabs readers from its opening lines and doesn't loosen its grip or lessen its hold all the way through... Miller's writing is intoxicating and one doesn't need to be a fantasy or sci-fi fan to adore this book. One only hopes Miller can manage to take a break from doctoring to write another book and another and another."-Kim Curtis, Associated Press "Part thriller, part romance, part coming-of-age fantasy, The Philosopher's Flight by debut novelist Tom Miller has already set a high bar for any book vying to be the most entertaining novel of 2018...The wild and soaring The Philosopher's Flight is as fun a read as you'll come across. Miller appears to have left room for more at the story's end; let's hope this is the start of a new series."-Ian Schwartz, Bookpage "A very accomplished debut....measured, compelling, and well-paced. Exceeded my expectations...The real charm of The Philosopher's Flight is in its characterization...Miller surrounds Robert with so many varied, opinionated, and interestingly flawed-with so many intensely human-women in a complex setting that it never comes close to being such a simplistic narrative."-Liz Borke, Tor.com "Who run the magical world? Girls-at least in this World War I-era fantasy universe...A must-read for fans of JK Rowling's Harry Potter series or Lev Grossman's The Magicians"-Mental Floss (Best Books of 2018) "Debut novelist Miller offers a wealth of worldbuilding in this deft, nonconformist historical fantasy set during World War I...Miller offers a nuanced adventure story that mixes romance, gunplay, and social awareness into its steampunk-ish revelry. A fun, fast-paced coming-of-age story laced with magic."-Kirkus Reviews "Miller's imaginative debut reads like an American cousin to Susanna Clarke's Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, filtering 19th and 20th century U.S....[T]he history of this alternate world and its magic tech are inventively executed."-Publishers Weekly "Frothy and fun...There are many opportunities to go astray in a setup like this, but Robert's charmingly heroic character and Miller's woman-power alternate history set their feet right, delivering a yarn full of derring-do and historical asides."-Amazon's Ominvoracious Blog "Miller does a fine job not only of building a fantastic magical world, but of imbuing it with a highly relatable political ambiance...The Philosopher's Flight is a book you'll race through, not only because you want to know who won the philosopher's race, but also to see what happens to Robert."-Book Reporter "Readers who like to challenge themselves will have a field day with Tom Miller's debut novel...It reads like Sinclair Lewis, but with a colorful candy coating to sweeten the bitter elements. Whether you're delighted, intrigued, or alarmed by Mr. Miller's America, you certainly won't be bored. "The Philosopher's Flight" is an excellent pick for a book club looking to expand its horizons and spark conversation."-Pittsburgh Post-Gazette "Miller has done a clever and entertaining job of creating that world using actual history as his framework and overlaying it with the world of empirical philosophy that is rich in detail and development. This is a smart, funny book that pulls you in and keeps you going while also delivering sly social commentary."-Aspen Daily News "Tom Miller's tale The Philosopher's Flight is imaginative enough that readers could almost believe they are entering a parallel universe when they open the book...Those who pick up this book will find it entertaining and satisfying on several levels."-Manhattan Mercury "Impossible not to love...Miller's complex world-building and loveable characters made my experience thoroughly enjoyable."-Fredericksburg Free Lance Star "A fun ride...a well-paced, satisfying adventure." -Historical Novels Review "Spell-binding...a fantastical coming-of-age tale that will inspire and chill you." -Rhode Island Monthly "A coming-of-age novel packed with adventure, romance, humor and social commentary, The Philosopher's Flight recalls the magic realism novels of such writers as Lewis Shiner, Tim Powers and James P. Blaylock that operate in a recognizable world where magic-empirical philosophy, or sigilry-exists as an accepted reality."-South Bend Tribune "Wonderful...impossible to put down...a solid coming-of-age tale in a world made believable."-Philadelphia Free Press "The Philosopher's Flight has all the right ingredients to launch an epic story, bringing us into a vivid world rich with both history and imagination. Its narrative of magic warriors and healers feels remarkably grounded and authentic. Like his characters, Tom Miller casts a spell."-Matthew Pearl, New York Times bestselling author of The Dante Club and The Last Bookaneer "In his first novel, Tom Miller creates a world that feels both fantastical and authentic, and he does it with a playful spirit and sharp wit. I'd follow his hero Robert Weekes anywhere. The Philosopher's Flight is deeply original, utterly transporting, and absolutely fun."-Janet McNally, author of Girls in the Moon "Tom Miller is one of the rare literary geniuses I have read who possesses a sense of humor and The Philosopher's Flight displays both qualities in heady quantities. Go along for the ride and you will be stimulated, educated, as well as happily overcome by laughter."-William O'Rourke, author of Idle Hands and Criminal Tendencies "Tom Miller's a sly wizard, reminiscent of L. Frank Baum on his best days, and The Philosopher's Flight is a thrill-a-minute, genre-busting display of narrative spells and delights."-Valerie Sayers, author of The Powers "The Philosopher's Flight is a romp of a tale... it will launch a hundred thousand glyphs and sigils in every reader's imaginations."-Sheheryar B. Sheikh, author of The Still Point of the Turning World