The Will of the Many

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.

Published in 2023, The Will of the Many reflects contemporary themes and storytelling that resonates with today's readers.

Rooted firmly in the Fantasy tradition, this book delivers what devoted readers of the genre expect while offering its own distinctive perspective.

Available on Bookble for readers looking to explore James Islington's work and build a focused reading list.

James Islington's other works may not be in the current Bookble catalog yet, but the genre shelves below offer strong alternatives.

Within Fantasy, readers who liked The Will of the Many often gravitate toward 1984, Project Hail Mary, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone — each sharing thematic DNA while offering a different perspective.