The Will of the Many Book 1

I've been meaning to read this for a while, and now that I did I'm mad I didn't pick it up sooner, but at least I can now go straight into book two. The Will of the Many has everything I enjoy in a fantasy setting, from the unique worldcrafting over the magic system and the many twists and turns to the anti-imperialist themes woven within, I thoroughly savoured every page and cannot wait to go back to see how Vis' journey continues.

The title of this book was the first thing that intrigued me and while I did add it to my TBR list, it took me a few months to actually start reading it. "Intriguing" doesn't even start to do "The Will Of The Many" justice: With the first page it sunk it's talons into my chest and made me keep reading (but carefully so I wouldn't miss even just one sentence) and I assume it will only truly let me go once I finish the complete series...sooo in a few years. Does that sound overly dramatic? Maybe. But this book is nothing if not just that - and so, so much more. It's fantasy concept is so vastly different from other's that I couldn't even really compare it to any other book I've read. I can't say I'm finishing the book with less questions than when I started it but that's just part of the fun. If you can call it that heh. Anyways I'll be immediately starting on "The Strength Of The Few", so while I'm busy with that - READ "THE WILL OF THE MANY"!!!

The Will of the Many absolutely blew me away. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the mix of mystery, tension, and incredible world building. James Islington creates a universe that feels both ancient and futuristic at the same time—layered with history, culture, and a fascinating magical system tied to politics and power. What really stood out to me were the characters. They’re strong-willed, flawed, and constantly challenged in their beliefs and values. Watching them grow and wrestle with their choices made the story feel so real and emotionally grounded. I went in expecting a solid fantasy read, but this was so much more. It’s smart, unpredictable, and full of heart. Easily one of the best books I’ve read in years—I can’t wait for the next one!

Fantasy trifft auf politische Intrigen, Akademie-Setting und auch irgendwie „The Hunger Games“-Vibes. Der erste Teil der „Hierarchy“-Reihe hat es wirklich in sich. Zwar braucht man ein wenig, um die gesamte Welt greifen zu können, aber es lohnt sich dranzubleiben. Ich mochte das Setting, aber vor allem auch die vielen spannenden Verstrickungen der Figuren. Da verschiedene Staatsmächte miteinander agieren, wird man dafür sensibilisiert, wem man trauen sollte und wem lieber nicht. Zwar gibt es sicherlich die ein oder andere Überraschung, aber es bleibt bis zum Ende eine Frage danach wer Freund und Feind ist. Zudem sind die Freundschaften zwischen Vis und seinen Mitschüler*innen unterhaltsam, gefühlvoll und auch unfassbar interessant aufgebaut. Obwohl man auf den geballten 630 Seiten vieles erfährt, dem Protagonisten in seine Vergangenheit folgt und sich neuen Herausforderung stellt, bleiben genügend Punkte offen, die für einen packenden Cliffhanger sorgen, der unfassbar neugierig auf die weiteren Bände macht! Absoluter Lesetipp für alle, die eine gute Fantasygeschichte (mit keinem bis kaum Romance-Anteil) suchen.

In a society that upholds the power of the upper class by draining “the will” of the lower class, granting superhuman capabilities, Vis is just an orphan. Or is he? When he gets adopted by a powerful figure, he is sent to the academy, not just to study, but to solve a murder. Quickly he is enveloped in the power struggle between the republic and the rebellion, both hoping to profit from somebody who has avoided ceding his “will” for all his life. He must hide who he really is, live through a rebellion and survive the final test at the academy. This book is a breath of fresh air for the avid fantasy reader. One never knows what exactly to expect and is glad to follow Vis Telimus through it all.