The Will of the Many is one of the best books I’ve read in quite awhile! By the last quarter I had that magical feeling you get when you’re reading something that you think might just be your book of the year. If I hadn’t finished Realm of the Elderlings this, I think The Will of the Many might have done it! It’ll be in the very top group for sure!

I’m going to pitch this as Red Rising (but make it more political) meets the magic of Warbreaker in a dark academia setting. It’s lightly dystopian with a fascinating sci-fantasy, Roman-esque society. 

That may sound like a lot to pull off. But Islington pulls it all off seamlessly and the tone and vibes are consistent and pretty flawless despite the impressively large number of different locations and plotlines covered in this book. I also enjoyed our characters and how Islington slowly revealed backstories and motivations and schemes. Vis is a character who is flawed and a bit stupid at times but is incredibly motivated and clever and he’s a great MC I can get behind. 

My only negative is that it does have a slower start and it took me awhile to feel settled and really get into the story. This is going to feel like Red Rising a bit at the beginning. But it really blossoms into its own thing quickly so don’t get bogged down in that first part if it feels familiar. I still enjoyed the first third but the second two thirds had me on the edge of my seat and fully immersed. 

And that ending shook me. If you’ve read Licanius you’ll have an inkling of what Islington is capable of to subvert expectations. And this one’s at least as good as Licanius! I’m devastated I have to wait for the second book. 

Thanks to Saga Press, Gallery Books, and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! I also listened to the audiobook narrated by Euan Morton and he did a fabulous job!