Bookies! No Spoiler Review: The Strength of the Few by James Islington

Published in November, 2025, The Strength of the Few by James Islington is a masterpiece of fantasy literature. Succeeding the resounding success of The Will of the Many, The Strength of the Few does not disappoint.

In The Strength of the Few, Islington's main character, Vis, grapples with a dangerous secret that could change the course of history across alternate dimensions. Vis is replicated across three worlds in which he appears in bodily form in each. In each case, Vis must find answers to understand the nature of the three worlds and find a way to stop the upcoming Cataclysm which will likely kill 90% of the population. Because Vis is uniquely present in all three worlds, he may be the only one who can prevent this.

It is impossible for the reader to dislike the The Strength of the Few. The plot device of three worlds in which Vis struggles is interesting. It magnifies the scope of the novel by making it more complex. However, do not be put off. Islington does well in taking the complicated and making it understandable and enjoyable. Further, the publisher has added a helpful index which provides a brief summary of the multitude of characters and places in Islington's three worlds.

The concept of Will, or life force, is interesting and rather unique to the fantasy genre. Will is used to increase the life force of the individual receiving it from others. That objects can also be imbued with Will, thereby further increasing the power of those wielding the imbued object, adds another dynamic to Islington's creation.

However, what is most interesting about Will is its affect on society. By definition, it makes society hierarchical whereby lesser persons increase the status, health, life force, and power of those greater than them. Society accepts this with the lie that Will can only be given freely. This is the greatest lie of the Hierarchy. That Will can be coerced from the poor and less "worthy" raises concerns about manipulation and exploitation. Aside from the rather sly social commentary involved, Islington manages these matters admirably.

The characters are well-crafted. The use of one dimensional archetypes is limited. Because The Strength of the Few is written from the first person perspective of Vis, we learn much about him. He is confident, but also feels inadequate. He is brave perhaps to a fault, but due to his youth, can be manipulated. He is generous to his friends, even those who have done him great harm. He is trusting but perhaps to a fault.

The characters closest to Vis are likewise well-crafted. In short, Islington has populated all three worlds meaningful and relatable characters.

Islington's use of the living dead is also quite remarkable. Most authors would have turned the living dead into ghoulish atrocities. Not so with Islington. The living dead, the ijunctii, retain most of their personalities. In many cases, one would not be able to differentiate the living from the dead except by whether the individual has a heartbeat.

However, Islington crafts a downside to his creation. The living dead live a half life. The dead live, they remain substantially as they were in life, but they are still half-formed because they lack agency and free will. Most simply live indefinitely in order to serve their masters.

The primary plot device of a main character destined to save the world is certainly not new to fantasy literature. However, in this case, it is well thought out. The quest makes sense. The entire narrative advances the plot of a book in excess of 700 pages without drag or lull. Islington's new entry into the Hierarchy series will keep you wanting to return to the book again and again.

The Strength of the Few receives 4.5 stars out of 5.

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