The Will of The Many
by James Islington
Reviewed by BroMantasy on March 5, 2025
Quick Info
Author: James Islington
Series: The Hierarchy (Book 1)
Published: 2023
Rating:
ISBN-13: 9781473218000
The Will of The Many by James Islington
At a Glance: Revolution and Power in a Deadly Academy
Under a false identity Vis Telimus penetrates the elite Catenan Academy which resulted in his family’s execution. In this Roman-inspired world, magic functions by enabling the powerful elite to transfer strength from the lower castes through “Will”. While Vis faces deadly trials and political plots at the academy he seeks an ancient weapon that could destroy the oppressive Hierarchy and he hides his true objectives from both adversaries and possible allies. The 700-page epic marks James Islington’s successful comeback after his Licanius Trilogy as he delivers an acclaimed fantasy adventure that resembles “Red Rising with magic,” representing high praise.
A World of Will and Hierarchy
Islington has developed one of fantasy’s most innovative magic systems recently. The “Will” system where people’s strength and focus become transferrable commodities establishes a ruthless social ranking which appears both inventive and disturbingly believable. The novel’s themes of power, oppression, and resistance are perfectly framed by a Roman-inspired world that operates under an eight-tiered caste system.
Vis Telimus’s journey through the Catenan Academy allows readers to experience the worldbuilding as it develops naturally through his perspective. The intricate titles and political structures at first create disorientation but become clear as you read and reveal a compelling and unified society. You’ll initially struggle with the names until you start assembling the various elements which makes reading easier.
The magic system stands out because it effectively supports both plot progression and thematic exploration at the same time. When Will transfers between people it creates deep emotional stakes since it involves the transfer of someone’s entire existence along with their potential. Readers experience the lower caste oppression through deeply human moments featuring both brutal acts and surprising victories.
Readers will connect with characters who evoke strong emotions despite their pain.
Vis starts his journey as a youth hiding his true identity while he infiltrates the system that killed his family. The revenge story evolves into a layered narrative when Vis must continually assess his beliefs and decisions. Vis develops organically through real struggles instead of forced narrative shortcuts throughout the story.
The supporting players deliver equally powerful performances as various characters establish deep emotional connections with readers. The character Eidhin experiences intricate growth during the narrative which leads to a powerful reader attachment causing concern for his future. Islington demonstrates mastery in character development through readers’ emotional investment that continues despite potential heartache.
The relationships between characters stand out as highly developed because their motivations remain ambiguous. The necessity for Vis to constantly evaluate whom to trust generates perpetual tension that is shared by the reader. Relationships in the story will betray you at times while rewarding you at others and disappear when you begin to feel hopeful. The novel’s momentum relies heavily on the emotional investment which ensures that each betrayal and alliance holds significant consequence.
A Plot That Rewards Patient Readers
Catenan Academy’s dark academia environment serves as the ideal setting to examine power dynamics. Rather than focusing only on lessons and training sequences like many magical school settings, Islington establishes the academy as a reflection of wider societal structures where failure results in actual death.
The story maintains its captivating nature throughout while requiring approximately 60% completion for full acceleration. The writing style remains engaging while managing to deliver a quintessential high fantasy experience. The deliberate pacing of the book generates memorable moments which bring the narrative to life through powerful lines.
The plot remains compelling because it generates questions that maintain your reading interest. The story generates growing curiosity through its progression as unexpected twists constantly defy readers’ predictions.
Prose That Captures Both Beauty and Brutality
Islington excels at delivering clear depictions of political intrigues and character intentions. The writing manages to remain reader-friendly while propelling the story forward yet supports the complexity of the novel’s plot and world-building.
Particularly noteworthy are the memorable lines that punctuate pivotal moments: Protecting others stands as the greatest responsibility that one can have according to Diago. The responsibility of a man who receives this power extends beyond serving those he believes deserve it. The philosophical reflections embedded in the story transcend simple action and mystery by providing readers with thoughtful pauses within their exhilarating journey.
The realistic feel of scenes ranging from intense battles to tense quiet moments generates an immersive atmosphere. Islington’s descriptive writing transports readers into the narrative so well that they experience physical reactions to character events which proves the author’s skill at getting readers to physically connect with his world.
Between the Sheets: Revolution Takes Precedence
The Will of The Many maintains a spice level of 🌶️ (1.0) while it centers around its political thriller and dark academia components. Romance plays a negligible role in the narrative because fleeting tensions between characters fail to evolve into important subplots. Readers who desire fantasy focused on world-building and revolutionary plots without romantic elements will find this book to be an ideal read.
The narrative benefits from its focus on survival and political intrigue which restricts the presence of romantic elements. The story’s focus on revolution and academy secrets keeps the narrative tense and engaging without romantic plotlines that might distract readers.
Bro Reading Comfort: Public-Ready Fantasy
The book at its level of 😳😳 (2.0) contains minimal issues that would affect public reading scenarios. While some violent scenes could draw attention the plot remains suitable for public reading without causing significant reader discomfort. This book is suitable for reading during your commute without the risk of uncomfortable situations.
Darkness With Consequence
The Will of The Many boldly explores brutal themes throughout its world as indicated by its darkness factor of 💀💀💀💀 (4.0). The dangerous environment of The Will of The Many emerges from its oppressive caste system alongside deadly academy challenges and political schemes. Even fantasy readers who are experienced feel a “chilling” atmosphere when they encounter scenes with circles of eyeless people chanting ominous phrases.
The depicted violence exists to demonstrate both the significant risks of Vis’s mission and the society’s merciless nature he aims to penetrate. The scene where Will uses his abilities to explode a man’s head highlights the magic system’s terrifying power while effectively advancing the story beyond mere shock value.
Book Battlefield: Red Rising’s Fantasy Counterpart
The resemblance to Pierce Brown’s Red Rising series exists for a specific reason since this book functions as Red Rising with magical elements. In both stories protagonists infiltrate oppressive systems while enduring brutal academy settings and exploring revolutionary themes. The Will of The Many delivers superior prose development compared to Brown’s first novel which results in a reading experience that could exceed its sci-fi equivalent.
The novel shines in the same league as Brandon Sanderson and Patrick Rothfuss through its inventive magic system and expansive world-building. Readers familiar with Leigh Bardugo’s Ninth House can draw parallels to this dark academia world yet find it expanded into epic fantasy territory with greater consequences.
The latest series builds upon the Licanius Trilogy through improved character depth and emotional engagement, yet continues to deliver the same level of complex narrative execution.
Should You Bother?
For Red Rising Fans: Fans of Pierce Brown’s infiltration and revolutionary saga will find The Will of The Many delivers a comparable story with fantasy elements instead of sci-fi. The academy environment and caste hierarchy will seem familiar while the morally conflicted main character provides known comfort alongside the novel magic system and world-building for fresh thrills.
For Epic Fantasy Veterans: The Will of The Many provides extensive innovative magic systems along with complex political intrigue. The “Will” system stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Brandon Sanderson’s Allomancy and Patrick Rothfuss’s Sympathy in terms of originality and execution as the dark academia setting brings new dimensions to classic epic fantasy themes.
For Dark Academia Fans: The story takes the typical cutthroat academy setting and significantly increases the stakes. Islington’s novel provides stories of academic competition alongside broader political stakes and real-life consequences together with an inventive magic system.
For Patient Readers: Though the complex world and its naming system can be difficult to navigate at first, readers will find the story’s rewards make it worth their time. The novel floods readers with information without offering much explanation which reflects a common trait of high fantasy works. As the narrative progresses readers will find more detailed explanations of the plot elements.
Final BroMantasy Verdict
The Will of The Many stands out as an epic fantasy masterpiece because it harmoniously combines sophisticated world construction with deep emotional connections to its characters. The initially difficult learning curve of its world becomes worthwhile due to unfolding revelations and character evolution that sustain your engagement until the last page.
A potentially overwhelming introduction to a complex society transforms into an expertly crafted narrative about revolution and power dynamics. As you reach the last chapters you become hesitant to leave the book’s world and feel genuine sadness at its ending while looking forward to the next installment in the trilogy.
Since the next book will be released by 2025 we should start this series now. This book deserves top recommendations because it stands out as one of the finest fantasy novels from recent times.
