Listen free for 30 days
Listen with offer
-
The Will of the Many
- Hierarchy, Book 1
- Narrated by: Euan Morton
- Length: 28 hrs and 14 mins
Failed to add items
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
99p for the first 3 months
The Will of the Many
Buy Now for £37.00
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
Summary
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.
Critic reviews
"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)
More from the same
What listeners say about The Will of the Many
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Eric Williams
- 15-06-23
Sooo good
Well worth the read, I laughed and cried more than once. many many surprises
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Morris
- 31-07-23
Will continue!
This book is amazing, the world is vast and unique. The plot leaves you wanting more.
James' first series was great but this is soo much more!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Juan Gonzalez
- 10-07-23
OUTSTANDING!!!
I devoured this in just a few days! What an absolutely thrilling journey!
I loved the Licanius Trilogy, but this is a whole new level! My main criticism of Licanius was Islington's prose - it was just a little bit clumsy in places. But since it was his first release, I couldn't really hold it against him. But with The Will of the Many, he has improved tenfold, to the point it almost seems like a different writer!
Excellent story and world building, excellent pacing, and characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the magic system as well!
The narrator was pretty good as well - voices and accents all quite distinct and unique. I feel like some of the actual narration, i.e., inside Vis' head, could have been a bit more emotional and heartfelt, though. What should be a sad or emotional scene was read in the same tone as Vis waking up and getting breakfast, was.
Finally... How dare James Islington leave it on such a cliffhanger!
Very impatiently awaiting the next book!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- H.KC
- 14-03-24
fab story line for a non sci-fan!
loved this. so different to my usual genre. Will def read the next two in the trilogy
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- bzcsdatvvcav
- 21-03-24
Solid expansive story
The story felt like it was steadily expanding and giving you more and more to look forward to. Plenty of twists and a turns, good action sequences. The characters all felt real I.e. how they interacted or reacted to situations seemed natural despite the fantasy style environment. My only disappointment was when I check the release date and realised I would have to wait for the rest of this year before book 2!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- N.Baker
- 10-04-24
Great story, excellent narration.
Really absorbing story, I can’t wait for the next one. Narration was clear and entertaining.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Rebekah
- 22-03-24
Excellent storytelling
Great story with plenty of action and believable characters. Performed and read well. Thank you
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Rowan
- 13-04-24
Incredible
Just perfect. Everybody needs to read this. Can’t believe I have to wait for a sequel!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- AllOneWord
- 11-11-23
Wow! I think that might be the least annoying main character I have ever read
Ok so first if you get it I really encourage you to stick past the first few chapters (where the main character is very annoying- he does that thing where he overanalyses everything other people do so that you KNOW he’s clever)
But past that (for 95% of the book) he makes logical relatable descisions - and very moral descisions as well - I came away from the book actually really impressed (even though he’s fictional) by his moral integrity. Often a ‘moral’ main character will do stupid things to stay with their morals - but this one was pragmatic AND kind - this is nearly unheard of in the fantasy genre!
Anyway the rest of the book was also really great - the plot is full of intrigue and secrets - doesn’t cop out and handwave it at all - highly enjoyable and very gripping.
Honestly I can’t recommend this book enough I think it will be one of my favourite reads this year.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Nokuthula Ndlovu
- 05-01-24
Masterful Storytelling
Having read the author's Licanius trilogy, I thought I knew what to expect from James Islington. But, wow! The Will of the Many has it all: fantastic characterization, gripping story with high stakes, vivid setting and so much heart. This is more than dark academia - it is a classic! The narrator is great at differentiating characters (even with one POV) and building tension.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful