The Will of the many by James Islington

Winner of the Aurealis Award 2023 and Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Best Fantasy (2023) The will of the many is a gripping fantasy that is very difficult to put down. Vis Telimus is a young man, orphaned three years previously. When he is approached to join the elite Catenan Academy as a spy to uncover the secrets that his benefactor believes the leader is hiding, he agrees. But he too is hiding dangerous secrets and each day brings new challenges.

I choose the book because of its Aurealis Award nomination and I was not disappointed. The background to the novel is reminiscent of ancient Rome, with blood thirsty fights and spectacles in a huge amphitheatre, but it is the magic that fascinated me. The people are prepared to give away their Will, their drive and strength, to make those above them in the Hierarchy more powerful. Vis is not prepared to give up his Will and the scars on his back are testament to what that has cost him. At the Academy Vis must move up through the ranks and with the rebels having a hold over him, and facing certain death if he betrays his benefactor, this is not easy.

The will of the many is action packed. I found myself picking up the book at every opportunity to follow Vis and his tortuous path at the Academy. Vis is a remarkable young man and his choices are very difficult. Fortunately, he was able to make two good friends and his background and training helped. Friendship and honour are major themes and the political intrigue is fascinating.

Fans of The hunger games will love the action, while fans of the Scholomance series by Naomi Novik will enjoy the academy setting. With a cliff-hanger ending, fans like me will be eagerly awaiting the next in the series. Meanwhile I am going to read The Licanius Trilogy by Islington.

Themes: Orphans, Magic, Murder, Survival, Courage, Friendship.

Pat Pledger