Listen free for 30 days

  • The Will of the Many

  • Hierarchy, Book 1
  • Written by: James Islington
  • Narrated by: Euan Morton
  • Length: 28 hrs and 14 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (90 ratings)

Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo + applicable taxes after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
The Will of the Many cover art

The Will of the Many

Written by: James Islington
Narrated by: Euan Morton
Try for $0.00

$14.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $62.60

Buy Now for $62.60

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Tax where applicable.

Publisher's Summary

At the elite Catenan Academy, a young fugitive uncovers layered mysteries and world-changing secrets in this new fantasy series by internationally best-selling author of the Licanius Trilogy 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 civilized 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.

©2023 James Islington (P)2023 Audible, Inc.

What the critics say

"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)

"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)

“Ancient Roman politics, dark academia, and epic fantasy coalesce in this brilliant and gut-churning masterpiece from Islington.... This is powerful storytelling at its finest, and the mind-blowing ending opens the series to so much more potential.” (Library Journal, starred review)

What listeners say about The Will of the Many

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    75
  • 4 Stars
    11
  • 3 Stars
    2
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    1
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    59
  • 4 Stars
    11
  • 3 Stars
    2
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    1
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    59
  • 4 Stars
    11
  • 3 Stars
    1
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    1

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Absolute must read.

One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Stellar debut to this series. Can’t wait for the next book.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Couldn’t ask for a better mysterious, intellectual epic!

Amazing! Great pacing throughout, strongly developed protagonist and some verrrrry tasty twists and turns! I would highly recommend to any readers of Rothfuss or Sanderson :)

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic narrative

This story was incrediblely entertaining. It felt like Harry Potter meets ancient Rome with a dark twist. I can't wait for the next one.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

The same flavour as Red Rising

Couldn’t help but feel the familiarity of the Red Rising novel. If you enjoyed that you’ll love this.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

This book was rattled me.

This book was amazing from start to finish, James' writing is phenomenal and sucked me in from the very start. I am still reeling from the end and cannot wait for the second book.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Fresh and Interesting

I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one. Took a while to warm to the narrator's style in the first chapter. Ended up reading an ebook sample to get the groove!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

One of the best I’ve read in a long time

This story was captivating from the first chapter until the last. The characters are compelling, the mysteries enthralling, the world alluring. I am frothing at the mouth in anticipation of the next book in this series!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Sooo good!

Can’t wait for book #2. Love the world, magic system and all the tropes I love!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Sal
  • 2024-03-13

Wonderful

I haven't been engrossed in a story like this in quite some time. This book is very captivating and fast paced. That ending was so good! Can't wait for book number 2!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Roman Empire Brandon Sanderson

A very strong book, with great world building and character growth. Very excited to see where the series goes.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!