The Will of the Many by James IslingtonMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This first of a series reminded me of many other YA fantasy books, but that didn’t keep me from enjoying it. It’s well-written and engaging, although several important parts of the story are not explained.
First, I broke my rule (again) about not reading books that included a 17-year-old protagonist. Yes, the plot sounded very familiar: an orphan with a tragic past is chosen to attend, under cover, an elite school where the competition is brutal. But the setting in a sadistic alternate world where the Hierarchy—very like the Roman Empire—is in charge, is fascinating.
The main characters are appealing, although it’s very difficult to tell what side anyone is really on. So much deception can be a little tiring, honestly. There is enough action to offset the political machinations, and Vis does his best to find the answer to a mystery for his adopted father. However, that puzzle is not solved, and much of what Vis goes through is too ambiguous.
Added to that, this is a very long book. The audiobook, well narrated by Euan Morton, is over 28 hours. By the time the second book is published, I will have to skim this first one to remember what is happening.
Contains gruesome violence, no foul language, no sex. Themes include deceit, conspiracy, physical and mental slavery, friendship, and loyalty.
Similar:
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
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