James Islington’s The Will of the Many is available on Audible as a 28 hrs 14 mins unabridged audiobook, narrated by Euan Morton.
Publisher’s Summary
At the elite Catenan Academy, a young fugitive uncovers layered mysteries and world-changing secrets in this new fantasy series by internationally best-selling author of the Licanius Trilogy James Islington.
Audi. Vide. Tace.
The Catenan Republic—the Hierarchy—may rule the world now, but they do not know everything.
I tell them my name is Vis Telimus. I tell them I was orphaned after a tragic accident three years ago, and that good fortune alone has led to my acceptance into their most prestigious school. I tell them that once I graduate, I will gladly join the rest of civilized society in allowing my strength, my drive, and my focus—what they call Will—to be leeched away and added to the power of those above me, as millions already do. As all must eventually do.
I tell them that I belong, and they believe me.
But the truth is that I have been sent to the Academy to find answers. To solve a murder. To search for an ancient weapon. To uncover secrets that may tear the Republic apart.
And that I will never, ever cede my Will to the empire that executed my family.
To survive, though, I will still have to rise through the Academy’s ranks. I will have to smile, and make friends, and pretend to be one of them and win. Because if I cannot, then those who want to control me, who know my real name, will no longer have any use for me.
And if the Hierarchy finds out who I truly am, they will kill me.
Audiobook Details
- Narrated by: Euan Morton
- Length: 28 hrs 14 mins
- Publisher: Audible Studios
- Release year: 2023
- Audible category: Arts & Entertainment / Music / Science Fiction & Fantasy
Listener Ratings
The Will of the Many holds an average listener rating of 4.8/5 from 14146 Audible ratings.
On Audible, ratings for this title break down into narration performance and story separately:
- Performance (narration): 4.8/5
- Story: 4.8/5
- 5-star ratings: 84% of all ratings
What Audible Listeners Are Saying
5/5 stars — “I WILL you to listen!”
WOW! Like many of you, I hope you are anxioiusly awaiting the third and final installment of Rothfuss’ Kingkiller Chronicles series. I recently re-read the first two and must sadly continue to await the final book. However, while pining for that volume’s release, what should arrive but James Islington’s incredible "The Will of the Many" to tide me over (and pine for yet more unwritten books)! If you are like me in appreciating Academy related fantasy, a la Harry Potter/Kingkiller Chronicles, there is a new and most worthy contender in the ring. Islington’s protagonist Vis is just as interesting, likeable, and compelling as Harry or Kvothe. The world and it’s power is vividly imagined and I was immediately hooked not only from the engaging story, but from the spot on casting of Euan Morton who simply is Vis.
Fingers crossed that the Hierarchy series is completed in a reasonable timeframe, but as a reader who typically waits for a series to be done before starting, my recommendation is not to waste any time getting acquainted with these characters. It will even be worth a second listen if for some reason it does take years to finish. No spoilers here but know that you are in for a fast moving, mystery/thriller/fantasy that is so well worth your time. I’m now off to try Islington’s Licanius trilogy — I’m not sure if it can compare, but at least that series is complete!— Moviefan, Audible listener
5/5 stars — “Outstanding”
Such a fun beginning to a series. I loved the Licanius trilogy but there were admittedly flaws with the prose and character development in Islington’s debut series. The Will of the Many improves in these areas drastically while staying true to his masterful ability to plot.Euan Morton was excellent narrating this book and I truly hope he is locked in for the series.
— Alex, Audible listener
5/5 stars — “Highly Recommend “
Look, this book starts slow…there’s no getting around it, and it’s completely necessary to set up the world of the book. However, once you get past the necessary exposition, this becomes one of the favorite stories you’ve read(or listened to) in a long time. The performance is clear and interesting albeit a taaad slow at times, but in those occasions I recommend listening at a higher speed and the build of the action in the book will keep you HOOKED. I already am anxiously waiting for the next book in this series.— Amazon Customer, Audible listener
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