2 reviews
The Will of the Many
Deluxe Edition Hardcover
by James Islington
AUDI. VIDE. TACE. The Catenan Republic—the Hierarchy—may rule the world now, but they do not know everything. I tell them my name is Vis Telimus. I tell them I was orphaned after a tragic accident three years ago, and that good fortune alone has led to my acceptance into their most prestigious school. I tell them that once I graduate, I will gladly join the rest of civilised society in allowing my strength, my drive and my focus—what they call Will—to be leeched away and added to the power of those above me, as millions already do. As all must eventually do. I tell them that I belong, and they believe me. But the truth is that I have been sent to the Academy to find answers. To solve a murder. To search for an ancient weapon. To uncover secrets that may tear the Republic apart. And that I will never, ever cede my Will to the empire that executed my family. To survive, though, I will still have to rise through the Academy’s ranks. I will have to smile, and make friends, and pretend to be one of them and win. Because if I cannot, then those who want to control me, 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.
Reviews
cayden
November 10, 2025
This book is pretty spectacular. Truly one of the most entertaining books I’ve read in the last few years. I finished it in two absurdly long reading sessions and it was well worth it. Islington has such a digestible writing style that lends itself well to the fantasy genre. Few things can compare to a Roman themed fantasy book that’s well done. Islington has also created a unique and developed power system that adds a bit of flair to an already exciting world.
The reason this book only got 4.25 stars instead of 5 has to do with the main character. It’s not that he’s bad. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. He’s too good, at literally everything. It’s hard to be rooting for Vis as an underdog when he’s legitimately world class at everything. It definitely lessens the impact of some of these high leverage moments when Vis can just pull the I had a world renowned tutor card.
Otherwise, an excellent read, I highly recommend.
Aiden
November 10, 2025
Will of the Many is incredible. I could not put this book down for the two days it took me to read it. Seriously, anytime I had to go do something else, I would rush back and start reading again as soon as I could. The pacing was just really well done, but to me, the world building was the standout. A roman inspired fantasy with the magic system being willpower! It's a simple idea, but executed to perfection.
The only real complaint I have is the main character, Vis, is obviously just too good at everything. He beats the best chess player with a pawn advantage, he beats the best sword master even though he never competed in the sword masters specific format before. They try to explain it by saying he learned all of this when he was a kid, but it just is too much. There is a level of baseline talent that I'll allow for my protagonists, and this just stepped a little over the line. It certainly didn't prevent me from enjoying the story but it made some of the moments feel slightly cheap for sure.
The ending is where Islington was truly in his bag. I had no idea what the hell just happened and had to reread the final chapter and epilogue a second, honestly even a third, time before I started putting the pieces together. Not in a bad way, but in a "holy guacamole!", that changes everything kinda way. After a strong novel, Islington deserves props for closing it well.
Will of the Many is a standout recommendation. Very few books have engrossed me so deeply. If you are looking for something to read, especially if you consider yourself a fan of Roman history, do youself a favor and take this one for a spin.