The Will of the Many the award-winning fantasy bestseller (Hierarchy Book 1)

'Phenomenal! One of the best high fantasy novels I've read in years-think Red Rising meets The Name of the Wind. I couldn't put it down.' Lynette Noni

At the elite Catenan Academy, a young fugitive uncovers layered mysteries and world-changing secrets in this new fantasy series by the internationally bestselling author of The Licanius Trilogy, James Islington.

AUDI. VICE. TACE.

The Catenan Republic—the Hierarchy—may rule the world, but they do not know everything.

I tell them my name is Vis Telimus. I tell them I was orphaned three years ago, and that only good fortune has got me into their most prestigious school. I tell them that, when I graduate, I will allow my strength and drive—what they call Will—to be leeched away and added to the power of those above me, as everyone must do.

I tell them that I belong, and they believe me.

But the truth is that I have been sent to the Academy to solve a murder. To search for an ancient weapon. To uncover secrets that may tear the Republic apart.

And that I will never cede my Will to the empire that executed my family.

To survive, though, I will have to rise through the Academy's ranks, and win. Because if I cannot, those 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.

James Islington is the author of The Licanius Trilogy which has sold more than a million copies around the world. He was born in Frankston in 1981, and raised in Cranbourne South. He now lives with his wife and two children in Mt Martha on the Mornington Peninsula.

‘Unsettling, gripping, timely, powerful—this book is highly recommended. I can't wait for the next volume.’ Rick Riordan, bestselling author of the Percy Jackson series

‘The Will of the Many is well plotted, well paced, and delivers enough intrigue and action for any epic fantasy fan to enjoy in a compelling, unique setting. Definitely read this one all the way through, and then join me in the wait for the next one, because I’m confident Islington is only going to make it more interesting from here.’ Lightspeed

‘Islington subverts the magic school trope and Roman-inspired world building to make this fantasy-dystopian setting distinctly his own...[He] hits the nail right on the head...The pages truly whiz by.’ Aurealis

‘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)

Pre-order book 2, THE STRENGTH OF THE FEW, out 11th November 2025.