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A review by sai_g
The Will of the Many by James Islington
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I have seen this book being compared to Red Rising and Name of the Wind. I haven't read either of them.
I have read Harry Potter, to which also this book has been compared to. And I agree. There are strong similarities.
I don't wanna dwell on the similarities because it feels redundant and "taking away" from this book. So we'll continue with the review of The Will of the Many.
If you can't tell by the star rating, I enjoyed reading this book. A lot.
I haven't felt this level of enjoyment while reading a book in a long time. I wanna thank the author for reminding me why I love reading.
Characters:
I love Vis. He is my son. I want him to be happy. My boy has gone through so much. Please James. What has he ever done to you?!
Vis became so close to my heart not particularly because of his own characteristics (which I do love), but because of how much was taken away from him and the struggles he faces. I can't articulate how much I wish for his happiness.
I loved being in Vis's head. I loved watching him make friends and find his place in the academy. But the emotion I felt the most, was loneliness. Vis's loneliness was visceral. He had no one on his side. Not. A. Single. One. Nobody with whom he could be his entire true self without risking his life. Sometimes, I (the reader) forgot that noone could be trusted and that nobody really cared for his life and was therefore brutally reminded of it(esp from Vis's "adoptive father"). But Vis always remembered. And that was sad to see. It genuinely pained me being alone was his default mode. So, when friendships were formed(atleast to the extent possible in his situation) it was heartwarming to read.
Many people have said that Vis seems Mary Stu-ish. As in that he seems unrealistically capable of everything.I can see why they have come to this opinion. But I have to say, I disagree. All of Vis's talents are earned and his "wins" are as realistic as possible in such a setting.
The remaining characters were all good too. Everyone had their own motives and it did not align with Vis's just because he is the main character.
Plot and pacing:
From the ending, I can garner that we only touch the tip of the iceberg in terms of plot. The plot always moved forward at a relentless pace. So it gave the illusion that we have covered most of it. Apparently not.
Magic system:
I feel like majority of it went over my head. But i think it's not because the given information was hard to understand, but because there is a lot left unsaid. Which adds to the mystery element.
Overall: A thoroughly enjoyable reading experience. I have never rooted this much for a main character. Cannot wait for the next book.
I have read Harry Potter, to which also this book has been compared to. And I agree. There are strong similarities.
I don't wanna dwell on the similarities because it feels redundant and "taking away" from this book. So we'll continue with the review of The Will of the Many.
If you can't tell by the star rating, I enjoyed reading this book. A lot.
I haven't felt this level of enjoyment while reading a book in a long time. I wanna thank the author for reminding me why I love reading.
Characters:
I love Vis. He is my son. I want him to be happy. My boy has gone through so much. Please James. What has he ever done to you?!
Vis became so close to my heart not particularly because of his own characteristics (which I do love), but because of how much was taken away from him and the struggles he faces. I can't articulate how much I wish for his happiness.
I loved being in Vis's head. I loved watching him make friends and find his place in the academy. But the emotion I felt the most, was loneliness. Vis's loneliness was visceral. He had no one on his side. Not. A. Single. One. Nobody with whom he could be his entire true self without risking his life. Sometimes, I (the reader) forgot that noone could be trusted and that nobody really cared for his life and was therefore brutally reminded of it(esp from Vis's "adoptive father"). But Vis always remembered. And that was sad to see. It genuinely pained me being alone was his default mode. So, when friendships were formed(atleast to the extent possible in his situation) it was heartwarming to read.
Many people have said that Vis seems Mary Stu-ish. As in that he seems unrealistically capable of everything.I can see why they have come to this opinion. But I have to say, I disagree. All of Vis's talents are earned and his "wins" are as realistic as possible in such a setting.
The remaining characters were all good too. Everyone had their own motives and it did not align with Vis's just because he is the main character.
Plot and pacing:
From the ending, I can garner that we only touch the tip of the iceberg in terms of plot. The plot always moved forward at a relentless pace. So it gave the illusion that we have covered most of it. Apparently not.
Magic system:
I feel like majority of it went over my head. But i think it's not because the given information was hard to understand, but because there is a lot left unsaid. Which adds to the mystery element.
Overall: A thoroughly enjoyable reading experience. I have never rooted this much for a main character. Cannot wait for the next book.