The Strength of the Few

Hierarchy, Book 2

De: James Islington

Narrado por: Euan Morton

This highly anticipated follow-up to The Will of the Many—one of 2023’s most lauded and best-selling fantasy novels—follows Vis as he grapples with a dangerous secret that could unravel history across alternate dimensions.

Omne trium perfectum

The Hierarchy still call me Vis Telimus. Still hail me as Catenicus. They still, as one, believe they know who I am.

But with all that has happened—with what I fear is coming—I am not sure it matters anymore.

I am no longer one. I won the Iudicium and lost everything—and now, impossibly, the ancient device beyond the Labyrinth has replicated me across three separate worlds. A different version of myself in each of Obiteum, Luceum, and Res. Three different bodies, three different lives. I have to hide; fight; play politics. I have to train; trust; lie. I have to kill; heal; prove myself again, and again, and again.

I am loved, and hated, and entirely alone.

Above all, though, I need to find answers before it’s too late. To understand the nature of what has happened to me and why.

I need to find a way to stop the coming Cataclysm, because if all I have learned is true, I may be the only one who can.

©2025 James Islington (P)2025 Audible Inc.

4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 stars!!

I enjoyed this as much as the first one. The universe expands here. I was frequently reminded of “red rising” while reading this book. Not because the stories are similar but because of the breakneck pace and surprises.
A blockbuster story, like watching an action flick. Sci fi.
The universe is impressive. World building exquisite.
Cannot wait to continue.

Almost as good as the original, still excellent

Engaging story and good world building in a challenging narrative structure. Now I want the third book…

Amazing, just amazing from start to finish!

Absolutely floored, this is close to perfect as a book can get. Narration was flawless. Riveting story, if you liked the first and it’s hard to believe but this one is better!

AMAZING experience done by AMAZING va!

The story, while a little confusing to follow at first thanks to it covering three different worlds, is absolutely AMAZING!!! The voice actor only helps to heighten it even more, and its all around, one of the best fantasy books I've ever read.

Ready for my re-read!

Fantastic! It can be a bit tricky to keep straight the different story lines. I don’t have a hard copy but I wonder if there is a symbol or something that we miss out on that helps differentiate each world. Can’t wait for the next book. I have a feeling I’m headed for a book slump because it will be hard to be so immersed in something after this!