The Will of the Many (Hierarchy, #1)

by James Islington

“There comes a point in every man’s life where he can rail against the unfairness of the world until he loses, or he can do his best in it. Remain a victim, or become a survivor.”

The man who is never nervous, never does anything hard. The man who is never nervous, never grows.”

Vis, you need to see things as they are. You can’t expect to be promoted just because you should be. The Republic rewards people who take, not who deserve.”

The decision may have been made by the few, Diago, but it’s the Will of the many that killed your family.”

“It’s impossible,” I said, somewhat impatiently. “You’re saying there’s no such thing as a good ruler.” “There isn’t.” He sounded surprised that I got the answer so quickly, though he didn’t compliment me on it. “And this is the risk of our world, Diago. The flaw of our system is in its head. In us. The qualities of a king change the kingdom. And not one of us is perfect enough to have a right to lead.”

“Death is only meaningless if it does not change us, Vis.”