The Strength of the Few the epic sequel to the fantasy bestseller (Hierarchy Book 2)

The highly anticipated follow-up to The Will of the Many—one of 2023’s most lauded and bestselling fantasy novels.

The Hierarchy still call me Vis Telimus. They still, as one, believe they know who I am.

But with all that has happened—with what I fear is coming—I am not sure it matters anymore.

I am no longer one. I won the Iudicium, and lost everything—and now, impossibly, the ancient device beyond the Labyrinth has replicated me across three separate worlds. A different version of myself in each of Obiteum, Luceum, and Res. Three different bodies, three different lives. I have to hide; fight; play politics. I have to train; trust; lie. I have to kill; heal; prove myself again, and again, and again.

I am loved, and hated, and entirely alone.

Above all, though, I need to find answers before it’s too late. To understand the nature of what has happened to me, and why.

I need to find a way to stop the coming Cataclysm, because if all I have learned is true, I may be the only one who can.

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 on the Mornington Peninsula.

‘Bestseller Islington’s brilliant middle volume of his Hierarchy trilogy clears the high bar set by the first installment...Evocative prose and nuanced ruminations on the nature of power and sacrifice enhance Islington’s complex multiverse worldbuilding. Readers will be on the edge of their seats.’ Publishers Weekly (starred review)

‘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 on The Will of the Many

‘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 on The Will of the Many