The Will of the Many

‘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.

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.

PRAISE:

‘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

‘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)

‘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

‘The most high-octane, twisting and turning magical conspiracy I have ever read. I stayed up all night to finish it and had to pick my jaw up off the ground once I was done...The magic system and world building felt up there with some of the best in the genre.’ Readings

‘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)

‘Islington cleverly intersperses the world and character building with bursts of action and intrigue which kept me gripped from beginning to end...A fabulously addictive read which I would recommend for lovers of epic fantasy.’ Good Reading