The Will of the Many

Hierarchy, Book 1

De: James Islington

Narrado por: Euan Morton

At the elite Catenan Academy, a young fugitive uncovers layered mysteries and world-changing secrets in this new fantasy series by internationally best-selling 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 civilized 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.

©2023 James Islington (P)2023 Audible, Inc.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"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)

“Ancient Roman politics, dark academia, and epic fantasy coalesce in this brilliant and gut-churning masterpiece from Islington.... This is powerful storytelling at its finest, and the mind-blowing ending opens the series to so much more potential.” (Library Journal, starred review)

Fantastic Book

I cannot wait for the second book!! Great listen!!! I loved his first trilogy, but I think I like this one even more! Great writing!!

Islington continues in excellence

I was astonished at the quality and beauty of Islington’s first trilogy, and it is evident with this first book in his new trilogy that he is going to impress us all again.

Vis, the main character of this dystopian-epic-fantasy-political-mystery-thriller is a likable, believable, and well written character. The various elements pulling on that character throughout the story are masterfully written, and the plot itself twists in turns in all the right places.

The world and magic system are both thoroughly crafted without being too difficult to understand. The setting is part ancient Greece, part dystopian government, and part mysterious island.

The voice acting took me a minute to get into. I think this is largely my own fault for being too attached to Michael Kramer, though it was also partly due to my surprise at his accent. Euan Morton is exceptionally talented. I am rather picky about my voice actors, but Euans voice is pleasant and doesn’t grate on you with time. The voices he does are sufficient to tell characters apart and overall add to the experience!

The pacing of the book is stellar, although the start is a tad slow as is often the case in epic fantasy works of this scale. The world building and character development keep you entertained until the speed of the plot is fully accelerated, and once things start moving they really don’t stop.


I would whole heartedly recommend this to fans of Sanderson, the wheel of time, the Licanius trilogy, epic fantasy, or political intrigue.

The only problem with the series so far? I have to wait for the second and third books to come out so that I can continue the series.

So many more questions!

A little slow at first, but then KAPOW! The last handful of hours was a rush!

The complexity of Licanius + the simplicity or Red Rising

The Will of the Many delivers on the hype. Brilliantly narrated and well written, this story doesn’t need the propping up of Red Rising comparisons, but it does benefit it. Fans of Pierce Brown’s world building will enjoy the hierarchy even if they prefer Darrow over Vis. While I think this didn’t need to be as long as it was, I never felt like it was too long or that it dragged, but for those who complain in might be slow in its development, I can understand. Highly recommended and will certainly be continuing with the series!

Best Fantasy Novel in a long time.

Honestly, this book was hard to put down once I started reading it. I haven’t felt this way in YEARS reading a book. The audiobook is amazing as well. Can’t wait for the next book!!!