A review by elaine707
The Will of the Many by James Islington

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

An undercover orphan must infiltrate the elite school of the Republic — the Hierarchy — to solve a murder and hopefully survive long enough to get out of the Republic. Dark academia, suspense, and a magic system compromised of literally the Will of Many. AND HE HAS COMMON SENSE. He is very strategic, and while he isn’t a genius or exceptional, he is still doing his best to survive and struggle up the academic pyramid. 

I would love to see more of the women in the next book. I can see a hint of the characters' complexities in this book, so hopefully, it will be fleshed out more in the next one.