The Will of the Many has the feel of Red Rising and a heavy dose of Gladiator, though it stands apart. It is a work of art. The complex world is slowly unveiled so it isn’t too much at once or too dry. But it is unique and detailed, awe-inspiringly creative. It is one of those stories that make you wonder how the author ever came up with it. I went into the book not knowing the synopsis and I wish that on every reader. I walked with Vis on his journey, having no idea what was going to happen next. I haven’t read anything this extraordinary in a long time. It has a perfect ending that concluded the story arc of the first book, but left you dying to know what happens next. A cliffhanger, but not. Genius.

Nicely written and the pacing was excellent. I was unsure if I would like it at first, but as I continued through it, the character development drew me in. I'm a slow reader as it is and if the characters fall flat, I have trouble finishing a book. That was not the case here. I have MANY friends who I know will enjoy this book. Can't wait to recommend it!

This is not an exaggeration. The Will of the Many by James Islington is the best fantasy book with a magical school trope I’ve ever read since The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss.

“The power to protect is the highest of responsibilities… When a man is given it, his duty is not only to the people he thinks are worthy.”

James Islington instantly became one of my favorite authors with The Licanius Trilogy. Since then, I knew I would need to read every new book written by him, and that’s why The Will of the Many, together with Light Bringer by Pierce Brown and the four secret novels by Brandon Sanderson, reached the top of my most anticipated releases of this year. It’s not a good habit to have high expectations toward any book as that makes us prone to disappointment. But I couldn’t resist it here. I didn’t know what the story in The Will of the Many would be, and I still entered it with very high expectations because I loved how satisfying Islington completed the complexity of The Licanius Trilogy. And luckily, Islington managed to exceed my unreasonably high expectations with The Will of the Many, the first book in the Hierarchy series. As far as the first book of a series goes, this one tops over The Shadow of What Was Lost in every possible way, and I think many of you know how much I enjoyed The Licanius Trilogy by now. To be more precise, The Will of the Many is Islington’s best novel so far in his career. It is, at the very least, even though it is a different kind of book, up there with the quality produced in The Light of All That Falls. This is a contender for the best book of 2023. By the end of this year, the competition is fierce, but I will be shocked if The Will of the Many did not—at least—end up in my top 5 books of the year. And I will tell you why in this review.

“That’s the power of the Hierarchy— we do, because there is no standing apart. You fight the tyranny of the many, or you are one of them… Silence is a statement… Inaction picks a side. And when those lead to personal benefit, they are complicity.”

The Catenan Republic—the Hierarchy—may rule the world now, but they do not know everything. He tells them his name is Vis Telimus. He tells them he was orphaned after a tragic accident three years ago, and good fortune alone gives him a chance to enter their most prestigious school: The Catenan Academy. He tells them that once he graduates, he will gladly join the rest of civilized society in allowing his strength, drive, and focus—what they call Will—to be leeched away and added to the power of those above him, as millions already do. As all must eventually do. Vis tells them that he belongs, and they believe him. But the truth is that Vis has been sent to enter the Catenan Academy to find answers. To solve a murder. To search for an ancient weapon. To uncover secrets that may tear the Republic apart. And that he will never, ever cede his Will to the empire that executed his family. To survive, though, Vis will have to rise through the Academy’s ranks. He will have to smile, make friends, pretend to be one of them and win. If he fails, then those who want to control him, who know his real name, will no longer have any use for him. And if the Hierarchy ever finds out who Vis truly is, they will kill him.

“Stronger together. It’s the great lie of the Hierarchy, proclaimed generation after generation by an ever-growing mob in thrall to the concept. Part of me understands why. There’s a power to the phrase, an allure. It promises inclusion. Protection. Comradery. Common purpose. Belonging. But you never have to look far to see its hypocrisy laid bare.”

This is the blurb for The Will of the Many. If you’re familiar with Pierce Brown’s sci-fi series Red Rising Saga, you might notice the similarities in the premise. For context, in Red Rising, Darrow is a Red, the lowest rank in the hierarchy of labor within the color-coded society of the series. The Gold is the ruler of humanity, and they have done irrevocable actions to Darrow and the Red for many years. So Darrow has to masquerade as a Gold and increase his fame and prestige through the rank of Gold to fulfill his revenge. Red Rising Saga is one of my favorite series of all time, and yes, the similarities with Red Rising can definitely be spotted in The Will of the Many. Even more so because Vis has a personality that is quick to anger like Darrow, and the world-building of these two series is heavily Roman-inspired as well; more on this later. But more importantly, the premise and the Roman-inspired world-building are where the similarities end.

“A man is nothing if he does not honour his debts.”

The Will of the Many is a different kind of book compared to Red Rising. This is not like the controversial case that The First Binding by R. R. Virdi has with The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. This 240,000 words long novel never felt derivative to me. It’s the other way around; with more pages read in The Will of the Many, especially after the insane ending, the more I feel The Will of the Many as a whole package, as expected of Islington, is another incredibly distinct, ambitious, and mind-blowing work of art. From my assessment, it would be more exact to say if you love the premise and world-building portrayed in Red Rising Saga, it’s very possible you will end up loving The Will of the Many. Especially if you love the magical school or academy setting and trope too.

“There comes a point in every man’s life where he can rail against the unfairness of the world until he loses, or he can do his best in it. Remain a victim, or become a survivor… Submitting was a burden, but never one I would trade for the alternative. I have thirty years more of memories, many of them fond. I live well, surrounded by luxury and with the trust and respect of a family I love.”

If you’ve read The Licanius Trilogy, you will know that plotting is one of the finest aspects of the trilogy. I’m pleased to mention Islington’s strength as a mostly planner storyteller (I believe every writer is a mix of both) returns powerfully in The Will of the Many. My mind is still reeling as I write this review. I cannot stop thinking about all the events that transpired in this novel and their crazy implications for the rest of the series. Only a special fantasy series can make me feel this effect right after reading the first—out of the planned three or four—installments. I predict The Hierarchy will be more than a trilogy, but that remains to be seen. I am not comparing which is better here as a storyteller: a pantser or a planner. Both have their merits. However, I believe Islington has showcased the best aspects of being a—mostly—planner type of storyteller in The Licanius Trilogy with his meticulous story structure and well-placed revelations, and I can already see these factors being implemented magnificently here. This is all splendidly realized without any sacrifice in pacing. The pacing was engrossing from cover to cover for me.

“That’s the problem with people, though, isn’t it? They always think that other people are the problem… You want to remove the Princeps? The senators? You’ll just become them, sooner or later. If all you’re trying to do is change who’s in control, then you don’t really want to change anything.”

The blurb and I have mentioned the enrollment into the prestigious Catenan Academy. I do not think of this as a spoiler; similar to readers talking about Kvothe entering The University in The Kingkiller Chronicle or Harry Potter entering Hogwarts, just a few examples. Both series take place in a magical school setting, the same as The Will of the Many. But to set expectations accordingly, let me be clear that Vis’ tale in the Catenan Academy did not start until we reached Part II of the book: Deus Nolens Exituus. (Get Results Whether God likes it or not.) That’s 35% into the book, and by approximation, I think about 50% of the story actually takes place in The Catenan Academy. Part I of the story, Imperium Sine Fine (An Empire without an End), was the setup and foundation. This is the introductory section, and it depicts Vis’ merciless training montage and preparation under the tutelage of Lanistia before he enters the Academy. Additionally, the foundational stage and the training montage were never uneventful. Islington efficaciously made the three parts of the narrative here have their own overarching story arc (beginning, middle section, and concluding chapters) while being seamlessly connected to one another. If you already have a great time reading Part I, you will be gripped with the rest of the book. This, of course, comes with a caveat that the magical school or academy trope and setting is one of your favorites.

“I chose you because I expected there to be obstacles. That is what separates us, Vis. There are those who see what should be, and complain that they do not get their due. And then there are those who see what is, and figure out how to use it to their advantage. Or at the least, overcome it.”

The Will of the Many is a book about ambition, justice, greed, vengeance, friendship, leadership, loyalty, knowledge, and family. And although these were on some level established since Part I, they were extensively integrated into the narrative in Part II and Part III: In Cauda Venenum (The Poison is in the Tail); once Vis is in The Catenan Academy, an academy that rewards greed and victory above all else. A magic school setting in fantasy is constantly irresistible to me. I have no idea when I will be over this trope, but it is not anytime soon. I am confident in that. I cannot help it, okay? Whether in novels, manga, or video games, I have many of my favorite adult fantasy stories centers or starts in a magical or battle school setting. It is one of my favorite tropes of all time. There is something about training montages, learning new abilities and skills, overcoming challenges, and defeating bullies or horrible teachers while forming friendships that always feel satisfying and relatable. These factors in fantasy novels, paired with the magical school trope, and a main character that earned my investment, have a good chance of becoming one of my favorite books. They are some of my favorite escapism. Assuming they are done right, of course, and The Will of the Many is a good example where all of these were infused incredibly well.

“Nervousness means there’s a fear to be faced ahead… The man who is never nervous, never does anything hard. The man who is never nervous, never grows… Do all you can to think of it as an opportunity. A blessing. No matter how it makes you feel in here.”

A few comments have stated they did not feel connected to the main characters of The Licanius Trilogy due to its heavily plot-focused storyline, except for Caeden. Although I do not fully agree with this notion, because I liked Davian, Wirr, Asha, and many characters in the trilogy enough, I certainly agree Caeden is the best character in The Licanius Trilogy; Caeden IS one of my favorite characters in the fantasy genre. It is with a heart full of happiness I say it is very likely Vis will become a character I love as much as Caeden in the future. Try not to misinterpret what I said as a criticism toward The Licanius Trilogy. The Licanius Trilogy is one of my favorite trilogies. My point is that Islington has developed further as a storyteller; with more books in the series available in the future, the potential for Hierarchy series to be better than The Licanius Trilogy is strongly evident. If I am already this compelled and invested in Vis and his story just from reading The Will of the Many, what would be the outcome after reading the sequels? I am excited to find out.

“Whether the obstacles to our advancement arise from our ties or our actions, we need to learn to overcome them ourselves. It’s not fair, but nor is the world.”

I found Vis to be a character reminiscent of Kvothe or Darrow. Forged by his brutal past, the rigorous physical and mental training he partakes from a young age has acted as an eternal fire of motivation that transformed him into a skillful fighter, intelligent, resourceful, a quick learner, and a jack of all trades. In other words, Vis is great at many things. However, he is not flawless. Vis lies a lot for survival and is often blinded by rage. This uncontrollable crimson veil of wrath often leads him toward conflicts or iconic moments, depending on how you look at the situation. His capacity for violence and fury is a weakness he needs to tame, and he soon realizes he cannot do everything by himself. This is why the unlikely friendship he forms in the Academy, especially with Callidus and Eidhin, gives him solace and hope amidst all the loneliness, dangers, and life-threatening allegiances he’s juggling. Moments of virtue, loyalty, and solidarity were relatively rare and hard-earned, but the warmth of each one of these occurrences felt palpable; they radiated from the pages. All of these, along with Vis’ inspiring courage, determination, and compassion, reinforce the unputdownable narrative for me.

“Necessity has made me into a convincing actor, over the past few years. The trick, I’ve decided, is to make myself believe what I’m saying is true. Not just tell a lie, but envisage the circumstances in my head. Imagine how I’d feel, what I would have done. Erase the truth of my past and replace it with a false one, not simply layer it over the top.”

Islington’s improved prose was responsible for my immersion and connection with the novel. Islington successfully nailed Vis’ personality and voice so damn well. In science fiction & fantasy novels, it is frequently crucial for me to truly feel like the POV character is telling their story, not the author. The narrative has to completely enthrall me in the POV character’s narration and inner thoughts. The best kind of SFF authors can do this. Here are some examples of an SFF series with excellent first-person POV narration. Fitz in The Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb, Kvothe in The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss, Darrow in Red Rising Saga by Pierce Brown, and Tomas Piety in War for the Rose Throne by Peter McLean with Tomas Piety. These four characters’ narration felt like the author became the messenger with a mission to write and deliver their tales. And that, precisely, is what has been accomplished in The Will of the Many. Islington’s writing style has the ability to conjure vivid imagery in my mind and an engaging reading experience effectively. And these praises are not exclusive to Vis. The entire story is told from the first-person POV narration (in present tense) of Vis, and yet, I still feel like I got to know the supporting characters’ motivations and personalities almost as well as Vis. They are all unique with their own qualities.

“You would be surprised at how far a combination of coin and favour can go toward silencing whole families.”

Finally, before I close this long-enough review, I want to elaborate on the world-building of the series. When I read The Will of the Many, it hit me that I haven’t read as much Roman-inspired epic fantasy series as I thought. I think this is a factor that increased my reading enjoyment. There is Codex Alera by Jim Butcher, a popular Roman-inspired fantasy series. But, in my opinion, The Will of the Many is multiple times superior. The world-building feels relatively fresh. Many aspects of the world-building in The Will of the Many are deeply rooted in its Roman inspiration. The names, clothing, beautiful vistas, settings, in-world game, and more. Every aspect of the Roman-inspired world and Islington’s crafted fantasy lore were delivered in detail gradually. I did not feel overwhelmed by the terminologies, there is a character list and glossary at the back of the book every time I need to remind myself of something, and it did not take long for me to feel immersed in this Roman-inspired epic fantasy series. And I loved it. The gladiatorial bouts, the naumachia, the Catenan rankings, and how the magic system (Will, which I’m sure we will see even more of its usage in future sequels) is interweaved into the story. Everything felt so natural to the plotlines. Plus, there is, of course, Islington’s own creation in the manifestation of the mystery of the ancient weaponry and Cataclysm, a world-spanning disaster three centuries ago that left less than five people in every hundred alive. Maybe it is more accurate to call The Will of the Many, and the series, an epic science fantasy series due to how the high fantasy aspect and scientific technologies merged and enhanced the narrative. And I, as a fan of having more sci-fi elements in epic fantasy, am totally pleased by all of these combinations.

“Greed is by definition the moral ruler of the Hierarchy… All decisions are based upon it. It is not the strong who benefit in their system, no matter what they say—it is the weak. It is the ones willing to do anything, sacrifice anything, to rise. It rewards avarice and is so steeped in a wrong way of thinking that those within it cannot even see it… There is no form of government that is immune from mistakes or from corruption— but it is the Hierarchy’s foundation, Son. Never forget that.”

The characters’ development, in-depth lore, technologies, and history established in The Will of the Many have provided possibilities for the Will and mysteries of the Cataclysm and more to be explored further in the next installments. This is also a darker novel than I expected. Explosions, massacres, shredded flesh and blood, and obsidian eyes and blades; the action scenes—the big action sequences, Labyrinth runs, or duels—were all tension-packed. Islington displayed the immense terror every second can bring in the lurking presence of disintegration and chaos. Violence begets grief, and grief begets violence. Is it a mistake, or is it righteous, to repay the sorrow caused by the heinous sins of the past with more violence of the present? The Will of the Many closed the magical/battle school/dark academia portion of the series, and that alone was already super satisfying. But oh my god… the mysteries and implications raised after the final chapters were groundbreaking, to say the least. Without spoilers, what Islington did in the epilogue, Ex Uno Plures (Out of One, Many), was nothing short of outstanding. In one chapter, Islington escalated the scintillating novel into something even more extraordinary.

“You think an Octavus who gives his Will is somehow less responsible than the Sextus who kills with it? The weak and poor endure in the Hierarchy because the alternatives are harder, not because there are none. They know the system is wrong, but they choose not to think or speak up or act because they ultimately hope that in their silence, they will gain. Or at the very least not have to give more than they have already given. They are driven by myopic self-interest and greed just as much as the senators and knights… The decision may have been made by the few… but it’s the Will of the many that killed your family.”

My emotional attachment to the characters and events of this book is undeniable. The Will of the Many by James Islington is a phenomenal achievement. Islington has flourishingly crafted a Roman-inspired science fantasy world with brilliant plotlines that feel believable through the perspective of a talented and flawed main character imbued with a superbly distinct voice. I absolutely loved it. It IS one of the best books I’ve ever read, and it is also one of the rare books where, upon finishing it, I immediately wanted to reread from the beginning. And I know I will do that when the sequel, The Strength of the Few, is near. The waiting time for the sequel will be one of the worst waiting times I need to endure. How could it not be after the intense and insane culmination of the book? But until then… I will be patient. Audi (Hear). Vide (See). Tace (Be Silent). And read The Will of the Many as soon as possible. A new exceptional science fantasy series destined to become a classic is here. The Will of the Many has everything I love in an epic science fantasy novel, and many scenes here will become eternal moments in my mind.

“The Academy isn’t just about telling you how to use Will; it is meant to prepare you for the experience of wielding it. And that means leadership. Will is ceded, but that does not always mean it is cheerfully given. Pyramids are not built on friendships. We are stronger together, but every block in a pyramid is still an individual. One with its own opinions. Its own goals and desires. Loyalty is only given to those who can convince the ones lifting them up that they will succeed.”

You can pre-order this book from: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Blackwells (Free International shipping)

The quotes in this review were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.

You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions | I also have a Booktube channel

Another book of clawing your way to the top, the hierarchy is what the boys tribe for at this private school. This book was very intense and I had to read at a much slower rate to make sure I absorbed everything.

I actually only have one complaint about this book and that's the lack of a map. And also the fact that this is a galley copy and now I have to wait six million years for the second one. OH THE HUMANITY.

Jacqueline Carey obviously set the standard for parallel-alternative fantasy, but it's a rare book that matches her for believability and Islington nailed it. And most of the time, I feel like anything over 500 page is horribly overwritten, but this one kept me glued for all nearly 700 pages, so extra bonus points for keeping thing tight, stacking twists at a good pace, and a myriad of other compliments I could pay to this. I'm only sad that I hesitated so long to start it.

The debut of James Islington's Hierarchy trilogy is an unexpected triumph. It reminds me of Pierce Brown's Red Rising by way of Patrick Rothfuss' Name of the Wind - our protagonist, Vis serves a rousing combination of Darrow's thirst for vengeance and Kvothe's dry, clever narration. Vis is the last-living royal son of an island nation that was conquered and absorbed by an imperialist monolith known as the Hierarchy. When a series of unexpected events catch him the attention high-ranking Hierarchy official and ultimately into gain him admittance one of their elite training academies, he must balance his hatred for his oppressors with new friends and the dark, insidious mystery seeping from the long-dead civilization upon which the Hierarchy has built its hold.

The world-building is spectacular: the Heircarchy borrows heavily from ancient Roman society, governance, and atmosphere, complete with toga wearing senators, festivals for the Gods, and raucous battling and betting in gladiator rings. However, Islington infuses this familiar culture with a magic system known as Will - I'll avoid getting to deep into the weeds of how it works, but it allows him to blend advanced technology and ancient customs in such a way that although the structure of the world is recognizable, the mechanics are all of Islington's design.

The story was very compelling, but the pacing could be difficult to grasp onto. Islington has set himself up with a massive challenge timeline wise, pulling Vis from the rabble, establishing the rules of the society, and catapulting Vis into its bloody politics and scheming upper echelons all within this first book. This means that certain character development is rushed: some friends of Vis' at the Academy are well established, but others feel hollow, and thusly do some of the character-focused twists that follow. However, despite my frustrations, the last 10 chapters were utterly riveting, as the mystery at a the heart of the story surrounding the "Cataclysm" and the ancient ruins surrounding it swirl into focus. Despite being able to call most of the major character twists, the last 50 pages had me on the edge of my seat with suspense and surprise.

For a book with such massive scale, Islington has done admirably. While fans of Red Rising will recognize a familiar narrative structure, there is enough to set the story apart that it doesn't feel derivative. I greatly enjoyed getting to live in these pages, and will keep my eyes open for where Vis' story goes next.

When the Hierarchy gains control, Vis has everything taken from him. His family, his home, his future. If he wants to survive, he has to shed his identity as the last remaining royal of Suus and flee. Chased by ghosts and the relentless control of the ideology he hates, he tries to build a life in a distant land, only to catch the attention of a high ranking member of the Hierarchy. He offers Vis the opportunity for the best life he can imagine in his lonely new world, in exchange for a favor that suits his skills and places him in the Academy, the elite school for the best and brightest (or most wealthy and well connected). He’s wrong in his belief that the stakes couldn’t be any higher and is soon sucked into a bitter battle that may cost him all he has left.

A slow, mysterious burn leads you into the world of Caten where you're treated to some of my favorite fantasy tropes, but also to a wholly original magical system. It's a story full of complex characters and intrigue, digging deep into their biggest fears and most powerful motivations. Vis is playing a dangerous game, but comes well armed with subtle skills, and it was a lot of fun to tag along as he unravelled the machinations of many different stakeholders in their struggle for power. I'll be anxiously awaiting Hierarchy #2, The Strength of the Few.

I received an advance reading copy of The Will of the Many from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am such a sucker for stories that involve an ancient cataclysm mystery. I mean, I love it so much and want that kind of plot injected directly into my brain. That is just one of the many intriguing storylines that acclaimed fantasy author James Islington has weaved into his latest upcoming novel THE WILL OF THE MANY. Not only that, Islington has also managed to create one of the more emotional journeys of any main character that I have come across.

Coming off of the brilliant Licanius Trilogy, I wasn't sure just what to expect from this one. Would it still give me that same magical feeling I got when I read that series? Well all I'll say is Islington has proven that he has some of the best ideas and writing chops in the game after finishing this utterly spellbinding first book in the Hierarchy series. It shouldn't have been as effortless as it was for me to fly through this almost 700 page book, but it was. And that's just a testament to the magnificent storyteller that James Islington is.

Part of the excellence of this book stems from just how many layers of mystery are involved. Just when one might look like it is solved, another pops up and often takes the story in a wholly unexpected direction. The Hierarchy is portrayed as yet another group of megalomaniacs who after conquering a weaker kingdom, now rules with absolute and unquestioned authority. They also rule by way of a super cool magic system that enables them to gain power by sucking the "Will" from those they capture and imprison. It kind of reminded me of the magic system in David Farland's Runelords series but with a slightly different and unique twist. Those with the most Will, Princeps, are ranked highest in the Catenan ruling class, followed by Dimidius, Tertius, Quartus, well you get the picture. It is by this transfer of Will that the Hierarchy is able to remain in power and maintain their seemingly invincible stranglehold.

And yet main character Vis believes all is not lost and that by infiltration into the famed Catenan Academy, he might be able to uncover vital information that could reveal potential vulnerabilities in the Hierarchy's armor. This is where the book really had me in its grip as Vis happens upon so many instances of near capture, death, and being exposed as an agent of the resistance that I wasn't sure whether he was going to even survive past the first half of the book to be completely honest. Is this a fool's errand, or can one person really hope to overturn and reverse the forces of tyranny that have taken over a battered and beaten homeland?

Wow, what an extraordinary read this was. I can't get over how many twists and turns this book took and how completely off balance I was for the vast majority of it. The thing that I liked best was not knowing who in the story was truly trying to help Vis and who was just being friendly only to bide their time until they could thrust a short blade in his back. There's so much deception involved and it's the exact type of fantasy book that I love to read. And while Islington reveals small pieces of the larger picture, he tantalizingly leaves so much still hidden and open for conjecture for the story that is still to come.

THE WILL OF THE MANY is a stunning achievement from one of the most talented epic fantasy writers in the game right now. To me this opening book in Islington's brand new series has further shown that he has the staying power to continue to create breathtaking new worlds, brilliantly realized magic systems, and characters who we can both root for and despise. Simply a wonderful book that made me all the more desperate to have the next one in my hand. It's the kind of story that stays with you long after completion and makes you hunger for more. I still have so many questions and cannot wait to continue on with this series. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a masterfully told tale with all of the elements that constitute a compulsive read.

INCREDIBLE plot and world building. Things started a bit slow but I was quickly pulled in. I couldn’t put it down. James Islington continues to show why he is a force to be reckoned with in the fantasy genre. Can’t wait for the sequel! Thank you so much for the opportunity!

I usually just make booktube videos, but The Will of the Many was so good that I couldn't help but write a review as well.

First of all, this is an easy 5 star book. Overall 9/10 if you want a rating system that means more. I've read A LOT of fantasy books and I'm not exaggerating when I say this book has entered into my all-time top 10. It's that good. It's a little hard to fully evaluate since the series has just gotten started, but I feel confident in rating it this high.

What's so great about it? Well first of all it checks all the boxes of my personal tastes in the fantasy genre. Magic school, check. Coming of age, check. Hyper competent and sympathetic MC, check. If done well, that content alone will have me enjoying a book. But every now and then these elements come together and get infused with something new and original and we have an all time classic. With Name of the Wind it was beautiful prose and a depth of emotion. Red Rising did it with a relentless pace and a fresh take on a sci-fi setting. With The Will of the Many it's all about the execution of dramatic tension that makes every new page full of possibility.

Islington has a hit here because he's crafted a narrative that's balanced on a razor's edge. Our main character Vis can't trust anyone, and since it's a first person narrative, neither can the reader. Vis has his life split into three camps and can't safely combine any of it together or risk terrible consequences. It's a compelling structure for a story and one that requires a deft authorial hand or the threads of the story would come falling apart faster than the stones on a Labyrinth control bracer used by a Seventh.

This book is much more than a good plot though. Throw in compelling characters, breathtaking and imaginative settings and a magic system that permeates all aspects of the world and you have a triumph of modern fantasy! I'll be thoroughly recommending The Will of the Many with no hesitations at all. Add it to your TBRs immediately!

If you want to hear more thoughts, check out the booktube video I put together: https://youtu.be/vzrlDFOaQOo

thank you to netgalley and Gallery Books, Gallery / Saga Press for the advanced reading copy of the will of the many by james islington. you could see the author put alot of work into this and you can watch his writing stlye change and grow throughout.

James Islington is the best! The Will of the Many is a fantastic ride and a great read. Must read!

The Catenan Republic—the Hierarchy—may rule the world now, but they do not know everything.

I tell them my name is Vis Telimus. I tell them I was orphaned after a tragic accident three years ago, and that good fortune alone has led to my acceptance into their most prestigious school. I tell them that once I graduate, I will gladly join the rest of civilised society in allowing my strength, my drive and my focus—what they call Will—to be leeched away and added to the power of those above me, as millions already do. As all must eventually do.

The Will of the Many is James Islington first book in a new adult fantasy trilogy and it is absolutely spectacular! I read and loved the Licanuis trilogy so I had high expectations for this and I was not let down. James Islington continues to show that he’s absolutely incredible with his skill for world building. The characters here are very compelling and well written by driving the story is the writing and the plot. However, i’m sure that just like Licanuis, the characters will grow on me during the sequel and I will care for them immensely. I am really excited to see where Islington takes this series as this was a fantastic and epic start!

This was so unique and original. I definitely think the author has grown on his writing as this was a pleasure to read. Highly recommend this book to fans of fantasy. I was not disappointed and would definitely like to continue on.

Once again Islington has crafted an engaging and intricate world with "The Will of the Many". While the general synopsis may seem familiar, Islington approaches the material from an unexpected angle that compelled me to keep reading and simultaneously to care about Vis, his time at the academy, and what he's actually looking to accomplish. Though the novel is slow to start, once Islington finds his rhythm with the pacing, you'll be hard pressed to put the book down.

It's great stuff and I'm inconsolable over the fact I'll have to wait a year or more to see what happens next.

Wow. This is going to be a hard one to review, I think. If you’ve never read James Islington’s work before, you’re really missing out. The man is a master at manipulating the characters, at plotting something so tightly that you really can’t see it coming, and dang is he good at twists. Like so much so that I didn’t see one particular coming a mile away. I loved Islington’s Licanius Trilogy, and if you haven’t read that one, please go do so. You will not regret it. But we’re really not here to discuss his previous work, are we?

The Will of the Many is just as tightly plotted as the aforementioned series, and wow, is it a stunner of a plot. There are a million moving pieces and it’s almost impossible to keep track of them all in the best way. You think you see something coming, but then something else will rear its head and change direction of the plot. I honestly wasn’t sure about this book just going off of the first synopsis that was released. It sounded boring. It sounded like something that had been done to death. (I see you Red Rising comparisons. I see you.) I can promise you right here right now that not only is it not boring, it’s got some shine to it. However, the book starts extremely slowly. I wasn’t really hooked until we got to the Academy, and that’s around 30% of the way into the book. If you start reading, and find yourself slagging — push through. I promise you won’t regret it.

Our main character is a teenaged boy named Vis. Only that’s not his real name. Nor is that one. Or that one. Vis is in hiding, you see. He was one a prince of a small kingdom that was invaded and taken over by the Hierarchy. He’s hiding because the second the Hierarchy finds out he’s still alive, they’ll kill him. Or worse, put him in a Sapper (You’ll find out what those are quite quickly into the book, but they’re essentially worse than death or prison.) Vis is stubbornly good at everything. Seriously. I don’t think we see him really struggle with anything, and if we do, he masters it quickly enough. It was bordering on frustrating, but not enough that it detracted any stars from my rating. Because of his upraising as a prince, a lot of Vis’s mastery is hand-waved. Oh, he learned this growing up in the palace, or he was trained as a kid in sword fighting, etc etc. It’s a neat way of making him knowledgeable without making it seem ridiculous. I liked Vis, and I wanted him to succeed in his goals almost immediately.

The best part of The Will of the Many is that you can’t trust anyone. Because of Vis’s background, he has to lie to almost everyone he meets. You can’t trust any of them to help without wanting something else in return. It was fascinating, and you’ll be pulling your hair out trying to figure out if everyone is as dastardly as they seem, or if they really are trustworthy. In my opinion, the best characters are Callidus and Eidhin — Vis’s best friends. Their friendship doesn’t come easily, and is more than earned by the time the book wraps up. I was also strangely found of Veridius — he’s intensely charming, and honestly kind of hard to hate. You’ll see what I mean if you pick the book up.

I can’t talk enough about how mind-blowing the ending of this book was. The last few chapters! The epilogue! I can’t say anything without spoiling, but just know that if you read Licanius, and loved how that ended, you will not be disappointed here. Everything that was amazing from Licanius is echoed in new, fascinating ways. Islington’s prowess is showing here, and I am so glad. I was more than worried I was going to be disappointed after this one, but I am not. Oh my god, I am not. Five stars, and now I cannot wait to get my hands on the next one.

Holy moly. 5 stars. Let's get that out of the way. Loved it and 5 stars.

This book started out rough. 1st person present POV. The world felt simple (with castes that reminded me of YA dystopia from the 2010s). And I didn't like the MC for a long time. He was very arrogant and not in a charming way. He also made several choices that I couldn't relate to or understand and that felt too noble given his circumstances. I was annoyed for the first 25%.

But I was curious where things would go and had some suspicions that I wanted confirmed (spoiler alert: I was wrong about everything lol). Once you get to the academy, everything starts to get GOOD. And in hindsight, I see that everything in the early part of the book was 100% necessary.

Overall, it was a fun, gripping read. All of the good parts greatly outweighed the meh parts for me. I loved it, and I highly recommend it if you like Robert Jackson Bennett, Brandon Sanderson, and/or the author's Licanius trilogy. (If you loved Licanius, you almost certainly will love this too. It's a worthy spiritual successor!)

Highlights
- Meticulous plotting on par with Licanius
- Dark academia setting (after a lot of setup—be patient), and all the tropes that come with the setting done to perfection
- Fun, well-earned friendship dynamic. I loved the friends that the MC made at the academy and how he eventually made friends with them all!
- Heroic optimistic tone. This is not to say everything's peachy keen or that there's no darkness—but you have a hope that good might just have a chance at prevailing over evil once all this is over.
- Solid, steady pacing that ebbs and flows naturally.
- The worldbuilding is WAY more complex and interesting than what it first appears
- You have this sense of not knowing entirely what's going on, but also full confidence that it'll all make sense eventually
- Excellent twists and turns, and excellent payoff throughout the book. You don't have to wait to the very end for every single reveal or development. There were lots of jaw dropping moments sprinkled throughout the book.
- THAT FREAKING EPILOGUE. This is becoming a classic James Islington move, y'all. So well done!

Downsides:
- Most of the characters felt a little flat and under-developed (similar to Licanius imo)
- Prose was very tell-y. This is what annoyed me in the first 25% so much—being constantly told by the MC what everyone was thinking and feeling, whether they believe his lies, etc. Also, everybody grinned way too much, and I was told way too many times that friends were jabbing each other in jest. I KNOW THEY'RE JOKING. They're friends! Friends joke with each other!
- We didn't actually learn anything about the magic (how it works or what it can do), despite 75% of this book taking place in the academy for magic! lol The story worked perfectly as is, but it was very surprising.

All in all, the good parts GREATLY outweighted the meh parts and little quirks in the writing style for me, so I'm extremely happy with this book. If any of these downsides are major downsides for you, your mileage may vary.

I'm dying for the next one and I won't even mind rereading this before book 2 comes out someday. Even the beginning part that I didn't like so much, I'm sure will have little gems hidden that I missed the first time!

5 stars. Highly recommend, especially if you enjoyed Licanius.

WOW. Absolutely epic. show-stopping. jaw-dropping. I had zero expectations but then left satisfied.

What would happen if the things that hold the government system together were greed & social injustice?

This is a Roman inspired high-fantasy academia about an orphan (Vis) who suddenly adopted by a high-ranked senator of the Hierarchy (Ulciscor) to study on the most elite academy in the republic. Not only Vis had to compete with the most brilliant children of the most important figures across the republic, Ulciscor tasked him to investigate the truth behind her brother's "accident" death years ago.

To be honest, the start was rough. I had no Idea about the system on the first 35% of the book since there's no clear descriptive information about it, but after I pased 35% mark, I couldn't stop reading.

The tension was thrilling, I loved the academia setting where everybody actually competent. Vis was an interesting character who succeeded to snatch people's attention by unintentionally became hero despite constantly trying to hide his past & secrets. I loved the slow-built solid friendship between Vis and Callidus and eventually Eidhin. I loved the little romance to spice up things a bit.

The character's personality were solid enough and easy to distinguish even though I can't spell their name correctly without looking at the book. This book also accompanied with major characters list, glossary, and locations list to help readers who struggled to remember them, but I feel like I still need a map to locate places since the story happened in a lot of different locations.

Even though the plot was intriguing, by the end of the book there's still a lot of unresolved stuffs and I still have a lot of question but I hope it will be settled in the next book and I'm SO looking forward to it!!!

5/5 stars! Holy Crap! What did I just read!?!?! In the BEST POSSIBLE WAY! I read James Islington's premiere trilogy and adored it. So I shouldn't be shocked at what a phenomenal story he wove in "The Will of the Many." This book is dark academia meets epic fantasy. This is the kind of book that you can't put down; one where, despite its length, you lose sleep to finish it without pause. My only issue is that now I have to wait for the sequel. Amazing work from an amazing author and I can't wait to see what's next.

I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

I applied for this ARC because I'd seen the author's books being frequently reccomended on tiktok with good reviews. While I usually read Romantasy over the grittier Fantasy books, this cover and blurb had me intrigued.

I am SO glad I got this ARC because this book had me hooked from the first sentence:

"I am dangling, and it is only my father’s blood-slicked grip around my wrist that stops me from falling."

So, my palms are already sweating now, thank you. This adrenaline-fueled feeling does not fade. This book is action-packed, immersive, and creative. I found myself invested the characters and truly concerned about their well-being. Islington's writing style and the pacing of the book make for an enjoyable & bingable experience.

Sometimes you just read a book and think 'Oh this one is going do well!' & I truly think that will be the case for this book.
This was my first book by this author and certainly won't be my last.
No pressure, but please release the next book asap as I need to know what happens next.

Ps- I do weekly book giveaways on my tiktok (@hauntedhousebooks) and will definitely be giving away a copy of this book close to release time in May to help promote it.

TYSM for the opportunity to be an ARC reader.