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The Will of the Many

Hierarchy, Book 1

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The Will of the Many

By: James Islington
Narrated by: Euan Morton
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About this listen

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.
Action & Adventure Epic Epic Fantasy Fiction Historical Fantasy
About the Creator - James Islington

About the Creator

James Islington was born and raised in southern Victoria, Australia. His influences growing up were the stories of Raymond E. Feist and Robert Jordan, but it wasn’t until he read Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series that he was finally inspired to write something of his own. He now is the internationally bestselling author of the Licanius Trilogy, comprising The Shadow of What Was Lost, An Echo of Things to Come, and The Light of All That Falls. Islington lives with his wife and two children on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria.

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)

What listeners say about The Will of the Many

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Awesome!

Story was great but I expect nothing less from Islington. Definitely one of my favourite authors and an Aussie too.

Enjoyed the narration - excellent.

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loved the world building

really enjoyed this book, the Lore and world building, however it was the same setup as red raising and 4th wing which I'd just read before starting this one. But this still stands out for their magic system and story.

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Brilliant story arch

James is a terrific story weaver
Filled with plot twists and innovative post apocalyptic elements

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Fantastic

A near perfect start to a new trilogy, an awesome story full of characters that grow and evolve throughout. Great world building, plenty of mystery, laughs and tears. Top notch storytelling

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Great book. Highly recommend 👍

Gripping from start to finish. Not really much to say without giving it away. looking forward to reading the next installment.

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wow. amazing.

Great performance of an amazing story. I think this may be the best fantasy novel I've read in the last 2-3 years.

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Brilliant!

I loved everything about this book and was sorry it ended. Great narrator. Can’t wait for book 2.

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Great book!

very original story and interesting characters. Up there with some of the best fantasy books I've listened to, can't wait for book 2!!

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Best new fantasy novel in forever

Brilliant story, couldn’t even guess what was going to happen next, amazing ending, amazing narrator. Brilliant. Read it. I’ve been waiting for AGES for a decent new fantasy series to come out!

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Great

What a great read, thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks for writing such a great story James, can't wait for the next one. Cheers cobba!

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