Reader
asked
James Islington:
Hi James, big fan of your work. You mentioned ages ago about there potentially being another book in the Licanious world. Although I am enjoying this new trilogy so far, I am wondering if that potential book is still something that you’re thinking about or does it look like it’s not something that you’re going to come back to?
James Islington
Thank you! And yes, absolutely – I’ve actually been thinking about this more and more, recently. I’m really keen to write it. It’s 100% on the schedule.
So the biggest problem at the moment is time - I’m a reasonably consistent writer, but definitely not a fast one, unfortunately – and (all other considerations aside, like the fact I’m loving working on it!) I’m currently contracted to write Hierarchy, so that really has to be my priority. And while I do tinker with side projects now and then as a break, Licanius is a complex enough story that I’d really want to be locked in on writing in that world, rather than splitting my focus with anything else.
Which is all to say: yes, definitely still coming, but it’ll be after Hierarchy is complete. A few years away yet!
So the biggest problem at the moment is time - I’m a reasonably consistent writer, but definitely not a fast one, unfortunately – and (all other considerations aside, like the fact I’m loving working on it!) I’m currently contracted to write Hierarchy, so that really has to be my priority. And while I do tinker with side projects now and then as a break, Licanius is a complex enough story that I’d really want to be locked in on writing in that world, rather than splitting my focus with anything else.
Which is all to say: yes, definitely still coming, but it’ll be after Hierarchy is complete. A few years away yet!
More Answered Questions
A Goodreads user
asked
James Islington:
OMG!! I bought your book wanting to kill time but I got caught up in the flow! You've crafted a masterpiece! Haven't enjoyed a book so much since Way of Kings! Is there a connection between Caeden and Malshash? Are Dav and Caeden the main characters? What is a Doken(?) is it like a sort of dream space? Any spoilers from book 2 your willing to divulge ?? ;)
Nunya
asked
James Islington:
Do you feel like your background as an Australian has influenced the stories you tell? Being from there myself, some themes in The Will of the Many felt like they harkened back to social issues I've seen around me in life, but I'm curious if that's something you've considered yourself, a total coincidence, or anything else.
justMANGO
asked
James Islington:
When Licanius got as big as it did, did it come as a surprise to you? Did it create any pressure on the writing of Hierarchy, and do you have any tips for alleviating the daunting fear that readers won't like the next one as much as the last? (Asking from the perspective of a little-known fantasy author debuting in '26.) Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions!
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