The Philosopher's Flight: A Novel

(Paperback)

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The first book in a new series and a thrilling debut from ER doctor turned novelist Tom Miller, The Philosophers 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 doesnt loosen its grip or lessen its hold all the way through. Millers writing is intoxicating (Associated Press).

HES ALWAYS WANTED TO FLY LIKE A GIRL.

Eighteen-year-old Robert Weekes is one of the few men who practice empirical philosophyan arcane, female-dominated branch of science used to summon the wind, heal the injured, and even fly. Hes 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 thats impossible: men can barely get off the ground. When a shocking tragedy puts Roberts philosophical abilities to the test, he rises to the occasion and wins a scholarship to study philosophy at Radcliffe Collegean all-womens 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 Danielles activism and Roberts recklessness attract the attention of the same fanatical anti-philosophical group that Roberts 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 Roberts place among the next generation of empirical philosophersand for philosophys very survival against the men who would destroy it.

Part thriller, part romance, part coming-of-age fantasy, The Philosophers Flightis as fun a read as youll 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 Philosophers 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.

Reviews

PRAISE FOR THE PHILOSOPHER'S FLIGHT BY TOM MILLER

[Begins]with rollicking fierceness that grabs readers from its opening lines and doesnt loosen its grip or lessen its hold all the way through Millers writing is intoxicating and one doesnt 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 Philosophers Flight by debut novelist Tom Miller has already set a high bar for any book vying to be the most entertaining novel of 2018The wild and soaring The Philosophers Flight is as fun a read as youll come across. Miller appears to have left room for more at the storys end; lets hope this is the start of a new series.Ian Schwartz, Bookpage

"Avery accomplished debut....measured, compelling, and well-paced.Exceeded my expectations...The real charm ofThe Philosophers Flightis in its characterization...Miller surrounds Robert with so many varied, opinionated, and interestingly flawedwith so many intenselyhumanwomen in a complex setting that it never comes close to being such a simplistic narrative."Liz Borke, Tor.com

"Who run the magical world Girlsat least in this World War I-era fantasy universe...Amust-read for fans of JK Rowlings Harry Potter series or Lev Grossmans 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 IMiller 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

"Millers imaginative debut reads like an American cousin to Susanna Clarkes 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 Flightis a book youll race through, not only because you want to know who won the philosophers race, but also to see what happens to Robert."Book Reporter

"Readers who like to challenge themselves will have a field day with Tom Millers debut novel...It reads like Sinclair Lewis, but with a colorful candy coating to sweeten the bitter elements. Whether youre delighted, intrigued, or alarmed by Mr. Millers America, you certainly wont be bored. The Philosophers 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 Millers tale The Philosophers Flightis 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...Millers 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 Philosophers 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 magicempirical philosophy, or sigilryexists 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 Philosophers Flighthas 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 Timesbestselling author ofThe Dante ClubandThe 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. Id follow his hero Robert Weekes anywhere. The Philosophers 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 andThe Philosopher's Flightdisplays 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 ofIdle HandsandCriminal Tendencies

Tom Millers a sly wizard, reminiscent ofL. Frank Baum on his best days, and The Philosophers Flightis a thrill-a-minute, genre-busting displayof narrative spells and delights.Valerie Sayers, author of The Powers

The Philosophers Flightis a romp of a tale... it will launch a hundred thousand glyphs and sigils in every readers imaginations.Sheheryar B. Sheikh, author of The Still Point of the Turning World

Author Bio

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 Philosophers Flight and The Philosophers War. He works as an emergency room doctor.