The Will of the Many Winner of the 2023 Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel

'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

This new edition of book one in the Hierarchy series features never-before-seen bonus materials, including a full-colour map by the author, a note to the reader and new cover art.

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.