The Will of the Many

, #1

Hardcover, 620 pages

English language

Published May 23, 2023 by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers.

ISBN:
978-1-9821-4117-2
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Goodreads:
62919748

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5 stars (5 reviews)

At the elite Catenan Academy, a young fugitive uncovers layered mysteries and world-changing secrets in this new fantasy series by 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 …

3 editions

reviewed The Will of the Many by James Islington (The Hierarchy, #1)

Review of 'The Will of the Many' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

Loved this book to bits! 5 out of 5 stars
Red Rising (first book) meets The Name of the Winds meets Hunger Games. Doesn't feel derivative though, it feels fresh.
Normally, I don't like the first person limited and present tense, but it works here. One would think this is trope gallore, but strangely it isn't. Yes, all the tropes are there, but they are worked out really well and believable.
Vis and Darrow could be twins. Same simmering anger. Vis is Kvothe, but without the Gary Stu vibe. Maybe because we're seeing him work at things, failing at things, even though that is as flimsy as it can be? I don't know.
The last part has Vis as Katniss, but without the whining and pathetic love triangle.

James Islington doesn't leave too many Tjechov's guns on the mantle piece unused, which is nice after reading Martha Wells Murderbot Series. …

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Subjects

  • Fiction
  • Fantasy