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.
The Philosopher's Flight is the debut novel from ER doctor, writer of travel guides, English instructor, and renaissance man Tom Miller. Released 13th Feb, 2018 by Simon & Schuster, it's 422 pages and available in ebook, hardcover, paperback and audiobook formats.
I received my copy of this book last January, I'm ashamed to say. Winter season and early Spring are busy times for me at the hospital lab and in my reading pile, and I didn't get a chance to start it until this past week (we're in September). I devoured it in two sittings. I was enchanted from the first page. I literally missed my bus stop reading. That's only happened a couple of times previously.
This book does not read like a debut. There is absolutely no floundering. The voice is strong and sure and the writing is sublimely good. The dialogue is really well done with deftness and subtlety. The characters are fleshed out and interesting and I cannot wait to see what happens next. I really loved the alternate WWI setting, the magic system, the cohesiveness of the world building, and the pacing. The story arc progresses in a believable arc with logical character motivations. I never once internally questioned why any of the characters did the things they did. Suspension of disbelief is a precious thing and the author never abused my trust.
The book is based on some actual historical characters and occurrences. Fleshing out the framework of real history is a skillfully woven skin of fantasy. It's not always possible to tell where one ends and the other begins. This gives the entire story, despite being a fantasy, a sense of realism which is amazing and a joy to read.
I don't care if Dr. Miller is a doctor (well done, you!), he's a writer with a prodigious gift for storytelling.
I recommended this book highly to colleagues and friends even before I was finished with it. I recommend it now to everyone. Wonderful writing, superlative book.
Five stars. Can't wait to read the next book.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
