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A review by jamesreadsbooks1
The Will of the Many by James Islington
4.0
This Roman inspired epic fantasy pulled me in with a slow burn, and then had me on the edge of my seat gasping for breath and wiping off tears.
Orphan and fugitive, Vis Telimus, is adopted by a political elite in the Hierarchy and sent to the academy with ulterior motives.. to rise in the ranks, spy on other branches of government, and investigate a crime then report back to his adopted father. Vis' character is very complicated.. He's intelligent but definitely flawed.
The story is shrouded in mystery and secrets to uncover. There is political intrigue with high stakes, heavy emotional moments and great action all written with great pacing.
I loved the Roman Empire feel we get in this book. The world building is top notch and uses the theme perfectly. I felt immersed, like I should have been wearing a toga while reading.
Incredibly interesting magic system which is basically a magical pyramid scheme, no pun intended.
And the ending..
THE ENDING OF THIS BOOK HAS ME IN A CHOKE HOLD.
Islington does stuff this book full of tropes BUT he writes them so well, plus I don't mind a good fantasy trope done right!
Some of the tropes you're getting:
-Dark magical academy
-Coming of age (Hero's journey)
-Found friends
-Dangerous game
...plus some more but I don't want to give much away!
Can't wait for the next book in the series!
4.7/5
Orphan and fugitive, Vis Telimus, is adopted by a political elite in the Hierarchy and sent to the academy with ulterior motives.. to rise in the ranks, spy on other branches of government, and investigate a crime then report back to his adopted father. Vis' character is very complicated.. He's intelligent but definitely flawed.
The story is shrouded in mystery and secrets to uncover. There is political intrigue with high stakes, heavy emotional moments and great action all written with great pacing.
I loved the Roman Empire feel we get in this book. The world building is top notch and uses the theme perfectly. I felt immersed, like I should have been wearing a toga while reading.
Incredibly interesting magic system which is basically a magical pyramid scheme, no pun intended.
And the ending..
THE ENDING OF THIS BOOK HAS ME IN A CHOKE HOLD.
Islington does stuff this book full of tropes BUT he writes them so well, plus I don't mind a good fantasy trope done right!
Some of the tropes you're getting:
-Dark magical academy
-Coming of age (Hero's journey)
-Found friends
-Dangerous game
...plus some more but I don't want to give much away!
Can't wait for the next book in the series!
4.7/5