The Will of Many (Hierarchy #1) 5stars and more and more and more

[Joanne]

The Will of the Many 5 stars plus as many more as I can add on

The first book since the final chapter of the The Licanius Trilogy his freshman series, in 2013.

Released in 2023, I put it off until I knew the 2nd book would be released (November 2025), and probably should have waited until book three was on the books (pun intended). I cannot imagine reading book 2 and having to wait 1 1/2-2 years for the final installment.

James Islington is profound, intense, writing a world that the goddess can only know how he generated this in an imperfect human mind. I want desperately to see his storyboard. I want to analyze it, move certain things...but then ...

It was perfect. It took me 2 years to start reading it, then it took me nearly an entire month to read. The latter was intentional. I slowly took in the world of Vis (our POV), and as I got deeper, I wanted this story to last.

Vis comes from a remote island of a world that is suddenly being taken over by a group called The Hierarchy. Vis is also a Prince and the heir apparent of the Island. In the takeover, he loses everything and finds himself an orphan and alone. Islington takes on a journey similar but very different from his first works,

I cannot express how much I loved this book. Fans of Epic Fantasy, this one is for you. No doubt.

I hardly ever reread- while I await publication of book 2, I will re-read The Licanius Trilogy

P.S. To Theresa-I am at the point of rating him with Guy Gavriel Kay

[Jgrace]

Now there's a powerful recommendation! I'm going to look into these books.

[Joanne]

I hope it leads you to a wonderful experience with a new-to-you author! I know Jen K has read it, perhaps she will back me.

Edited to Add I just read Jen K's review, spoilers either. She goes deeper into the story than I, but still no spoilers.

[Robin P]

Sounds great, I haven’t found a new fantasy author in a while. Is it better to read the trilogy before this one?

[Joanne]

Does not really make a difference. It's just that all three of the first are published. I have forgotten a lot of it, as it has been so long. I gave books 1 and 2 4 stars and never got to book 3, which is why I am starting over. There was a lot of bad mouthing of the 1st book, but I blamed it on the editor. For a first-time author, I thought he did a great job. In this new trilogy, you can see how much he has grown as a writer.

[Theresa]

Thanks for this review and the head's up. Likening to Guy Gavriel Kay is indeed the highest accolade! This book has been haunting my book news feeds for weeks, constantly popping up. Rarely does a book, especially SFF, force itself so relentlessly to my attention!

I bow to the inevitable. It is now on my TBR and my 'must buy' amazon wish list!

[Flo]

I need to finish his original series first, but this book has been sitting on my bookshelf so I’m glad to hear it’s so good!!

[Joanne]

It's a slow burn Theresa, perfect for your late night reading. Do not think your Fem. Club would get the joy of it though. Too deep into high fantasy, I think for their taste, maybe not though.

Theresa and everyone else- there is a glossary at the back of the book. Don't be like JoAnne and not know that. If you E-read/Kindle, the glossary is on Islington's website for the book.

[Jgrace]

The audiobook is read by Euan Morton. This is looking better and better! But I still may wait until the entire trilogy is published. I hate waiting for the next book.

[Theresa]

I will hold off until I have read it before recommending to Feminerdy anyway. Besides, this year is all planned.

I ddo love it when books like this have a glossary.

[Robin P]

Jgrace wrote: "The audiobook is read by Euan Morton. This is looking better and better! But I still may wait until the entire trilogy is published. I hate waiting for the next book."

I agree with you on both things! Maybe I'll have to wait. And if I get the print book from the library I might not finish in the time allotted, since someone else will probably have it on hold.

Joanne, do you recommend The Licanius Trilogy as an intro to this author?

[Joanne]

Robin, see my message in #5