Deciphering THE WILL OF THE MANY by James Islington (Part One)

The Will of the Many has completely taken over the fantasy community & we totally get why. We’re unpacking everything that makes this book so addictive: the writing, the world, the politics, the twists, & that jaw-dropping ending. Join us for Part 1 of our Hierarchy series deep dive, & stay tuned for Part 2 next Tuesday! (P.S. This episode contains spoilers!)

🤍 CTB Links!: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/checkthisbookout⁠⁠

The Will of the Many Synopsis:
"At the elite Catenan Academy, a young fugitive uncovers layered mysteries and world-changing secrets in this new fantasy series by internationally bestselling 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 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."

📖 Books Mentioned:
The Will of the Many (Hierarchy #1) - James Islington
The Strength of the Few (Hierarchy #2) - James Islington
Red Rising - Pierce Brown
The Shadow of What Was Lost (The Licanius Trilogy #1) - James Islington
Blood Over Bright Haven - M.L. Wang

⏱ Time Stamps:
00:00:00 intro
00:01:30 our ratings
00:06:20 the elephant in the room
00:09:35 the writing style
00:12:15 the pacing
00:14:40 show vs tell
00:17:00 vis is a planner
00:21:10 world building and science fantasy
00:25:45 vis is so smart
00:27:45 we loved the roman inspired setting
00:29:30 the pyramid structure
00:34:30 overpowered characters
00:36:20 a great hook
00:39:40 pre-academy plot deep dive
00:45:20 imagining transvects
00:51:30 relucia/sedotia
00:55:20 veridius intro
00:59:00 big sister lanistia + training montage
1:03:00 the naumachia
1:12:30 vis at the academy + his flaws
1:25:30 first visit to the ruins
1:40:00 final thoughts

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