The Will of the Many
-
-
4.7 • 155 Ratings
-
-
- $9.99
-
- $9.99
Publisher Description
'Phenomenal! One of the best high fantasy novels I've read in years-think Red Rising meets The Name of the Wind. I couldn't put it down.' Lynette Noni
This new edition of book one in the Hierarchy series features never-before-seen bonus materials, including a full-colour map by the author, a note to the reader and new cover art.
At the elite Catenan Academy, a young fugitive uncovers layered mysteries and world-changing secrets in this new fantasy series by the internationally bestselling author of The Licanius Trilogy, James Islington.
AUDI. VIDE. TACE.
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.
I tell them that I belong, and they believe me.
But the truth is that I have been sent to the 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 I will never, ever cede my Will to the empire that executed my family.
To survive, though, I will still have to rise through the Academy’s ranks. I will have to smile, and make friends, and pretend to be one of them and win. Because if I cannot, then those who want to control me, who know my real name, will no longer have any use for me.
And if the Hierarchy finds out who I truly am, they will kill me.
James Islington is the author of The Licanius Trilogy which has sold more than a million copies around the world. He was born in Frankston in 1981, and raised in Cranbourne South. He now lives with his wife and two children in Mt Martha on the Mornington Peninsula.
‘The Will of the Many is well plotted, well paced, and delivers enough intrigue and action for any epic fantasy fan to enjoy in a compelling, unique setting. Definitely read this one all the way through, and then join me in the wait for the next one, because I’m confident Islington is only going to make it more interesting from here.’ Lightspeed
‘Islington subverts the magic school trope and Roman-inspired world building to make this fantasy-dystopian setting distinctly his own…[He] hits the nail right on the head…The pages truly whiz by.’ Aurealis
‘Islington’s worldbuilding is exceptionally detailed and thoughtful, making suspending disbelief effortless. Perfectly balancing character development and plot momentum, this will have fantasy fans clamoring for more.’ Publishers Weekly (starred review)
‘Fans of Pierce Brown's Red Rising will enjoy this book, but it’s darker, deeper, and takes unexpected paths worth traveling. Trust that the author will get you there in the end.’ Kirkus (starred review)
Pre-order book 2, THE STRENGTH OF THE FEW, out 11th November 2025.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Maintaining suspense for almost 700 pages is a tall order, but Islington (the Licanius trilogy) makes it look easy in his staggering Hierarchy series launch, set in a world dominated by the Roman Empiresque Hierarchy. The Hierarchy maintains its power through an insidious scheme: those at the top draw energy, or Will, from those beneath them, who "voluntarily" cede some of their strength to benefit from the system. Against this backdrop, prison worker Vis, 17, must conceal that he's really Diago, the prince of Suus, a kingdom vanquished by the Hierarchy when it executed Vis's family. Vis gets an opportunity for revenge when he's adopted by a powerful senator, Ulciscor Telimus, who wants him to join the Catenan Academy, where the next generation of Hierarchy leadership is trained. Ulciscor's brother, Caeror, died there under suspicious circumstances, and Ulciscor hopes Vis can find the truth. But Vis's options change after an encounter with violent rebels seeking to topple the Hierarchy. Islington's worldbuilding is exceptionally detailed and thoughtful, making suspending disbelief effortless. Perfectly balancing character development and plot momentum, this will have fantasy fans clamoring for more.
Customer Reviews
Great world, interesting magic system
Very good, took me a while to get into it, but then couldn’t put it down.
The Will Of The Many
Awesome book as are his others!! For fans of Mark Lawrence and Pierce Brown
Brilliant Fantasy
Brilliant. I’m a big fan of fantasy and sci-fi and have read widely in these genres. I never bother to review books, but ‘The Will Of The Many’ deserves it. I could not put this book down and am eagerly searching for the next instalment in the series. Well done James and thankyou.