“A frightening look at the cost of war and unquestioning loyalty against the backdrop of a gorgeous secondary world. Mills perfectly blends real-world horrors with the fantastic in this wonderful novel.” —A. C. Wise, author of Wendy, Darling

[STARRED REVIEW] “In the city-state of Radezha—a towering metropolis constructed vertically to reach the five slumbering gods in the heavens—discontent is stirring. Devoted to the mecha god, patron of the city’s warriors and keeper of the law, Zemolai has spent 26 years rising in the ranks of her sect until she receives the ultimate sign of devotion: mechanized wings attached to ports along her back. One fateful evening, returning home from a brutal, month-long mission patrolling Radezha’s borders, Winged Zemolai performs a single act of mercy that results in the destruction of everything she has ever known. Zemolai is shunned by her god, and the wings are ripped from her back, leaving her permanently disfigured. With no one to turn to but the rebels that she unknowingly saved, the Once-Winged Zemolai’s disillusionment continues to grow as her eyes are opened to the increasingly fascist state she has spent her life defending. The Wings upon Her Back is a triumphant debut novel. The complex narrative examines the intricacies of blind devotion, self-image, and the hidden motivations behind martial control. For fans of C. L. Clark’s The Unbroken looking for a timely perspective on the human cost of destructive nationalism.” —Booklist

[STARRED REVIEW] “Mills debuts with an intricate and intriguing science fantasy set in the divided city of Radezhda. Five sects each serve one of five gods who sleep behind portals floating high above the land. After a brutal civil war, the mecha sect, a group of human warriors with their nerves wired into mechanical wings that allow them to fly, reigns supreme, led by power-hungry Winged Vodaya. After Vodaya’s closest confidant, Winged Zemolai, returns home tired and aching from a month of border patrol, she makes what is perhaps the worst mistake of her life: letting a spy go free. Cast out of the sect and left to die on the streets of Radezhda, Zemolai is miraculously saved by another sect, forcing her to decide whether to beg Vodaya’s forgiveness or betray her people. Toggling between two timelines, Mills juxtaposes Zemolai’s adult regrets and childhood hopes to devastating effect. Much like the winged warriors it follows, the story begins on the ground and takes flight as the characters attempt higher stakes battles and plans, eventually achieving a complete aerial view of Zemolai’s life and the full history of Radezhda. This cathartic adventure will stay with readers long after the final page.” —Publishers Weekly

[STARRED REVIEW] “VERDICT Mills’s debut novel is complex and haunting, filled with beautiful prose and timely themes of political and religious upheaval and personal journeys.” —Library Journal

[STARRED REVIEW] "An absolute must-read—to paraphrase a line from the novel, fantasy fans will find themselves in literary heaven.” —Kirkus

“A fierce, aching battle cry of a book, both cinematically epic and painfully intimate. Mills has crafted a striking world of sleeping gods, disillusioned revolutionaries, and metal wings—and from it, she wrenches equal amounts of love and pain.” —Julie Leong, author of The Teller of Small Fortunes

“The Wings Upon Her Back is a masterful fantasy novel in which a powerful woman confronts the threats of fascism, zealous faith, and disillusionment.” —Foreword

“Every sentence beautifully written, her worldbuilding is both refreshing and captivating.” —Charlie N. Holmberg author of Spellbreaker

“An intense, astute, and moving tale of redemption, by turns relentlessly grim and courageously hopeful.” —Kate Elliott, author of Servant Mage

“I’ve been hoping for a novel from Samantha Mills for years, ever since first stumbling upon her short story ‘Strange Waters.’ The Wings Upon Her Back didn’t disappoint.” —C. L. Clark, author of The Unbroken

“A gripping, gorgeous exploration of the perils of worshipping gods and humans alike.” —Emet North, author of In Universes

“Mills weaves a deft and jagged narrative of choices and consequences, raw and real and heartbreaking.” —K. Eason, author of The Thorne Chronicles

“Samantha Mills has crafted a truly innovative world filled with deeply flawed, compelling characters. A thought-provoking and achingly beautiful story of faith, doubt, regret, and redemption.” —Amy Avery, author of The Longest Autumn

“A shatteringly beautiful, harrowing, and glorious tale of faith and disillusionment, violence and redemption.An exceptional book.”
 —Maria Haskins, author of Wolves and Girls

“Mills has created a science fantasy masterpiece, every bit as brilliant and trenchant as copper wings glinting on the horizon.” —Wulfe Wulfemeyer, Raven Books

“Fast, fun, and set in a brilliant science fantasy world.” —Grimdark Magazine

• National marketing plan to include prepublication endorsements including targeting reviews and interviews 
  
• Author tour with regional and national author appearances and readings at trade shows and genre conventions to include the World Science Fiction Convention, Comic-Con, and Dragon-Con 
• Online features to include cover reveal, Instagram/Storygram tour, blog tour, and author and publisher social media campaign
• Print and digital ARC distribution via Goodreads, NetGalley, and Edelweiss+
• Planned book giveaways on Goodreads, SF Signal, and other online outlets