If you love epic fantasy with political intrigue, secret plots, and a school setting brimming with danger, then The Will of the Many by James Islington is a must-read. It’s the kind of book that hooks you from the start and keeps you turning pages long into the night — blending mystery, magic, and high-stakes drama with brilliant worldbuilding.
What Kind of Book Is It?
- Genre: Epic Fantasy / Dark Academia / Political Intrigue
- Setting: A powerful empire where strength is drawn from the “Will” of the people
- Tone: Intense, mysterious, and intelligently layered
- Series: Book 1 in The Hierarchy series
- Perfect For: Fans of secret societies, elite training academies, and slow-burn tension
The Will of the Many is a compelling mix of action, strategy, and emotional depth — ideal for readers who enjoy thought-provoking fantasy with real stakes.
Why You Should Read It
- A unique magical system based on willpower as currency
- A “dark academia” twist — think ancient empire meets secretive elite academy
- Deep, unfolding mysteries that keep you guessing
- Action scenes balanced with clever political maneuvering
- A protagonist with layers — and secrets of his own
Who Is This Book For?
- Readers who love Brandon Sanderson, Red Rising, or The Poppy War
- Fans of books with complex worldbuilding and long-game character development
- Fantasy lovers who enjoy plots with strategy, secrets, and mind games
- Anyone who craves smart, high-stakes fantasy with a mature tone
What’s the Reading Experience Like?
Expect a slow build with a layered and deliberate pace, especially early on. The story takes time to immerse you in its empire, its academy, and the rules that govern them — but once you’re in, you’re all in.
The writing is sharp, the dialogue is clever, and the tension is always just below the surface. You’ll feel the pressure, the danger, and the quiet unraveling of everything the main character has to keep hidden.
Ready to Enter the Hierarchy?
Grab your copy of The Will of the Many by James Islington on Amazon now
Step into a world where power is everything — and everyone is watching.
Bonus Tip for Readers
If you liked The Will of the Many, you might also enjoy:
- Red Rising by Pierce Brown — Rebellion, training, and brutal systems of control
- The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake — Magical academia with secretive institutions
- The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang — Military fantasy with moral complexity
- Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett — Smart worldbuilding and high-stakes heists