Book of the Month Preview: ‘The Will Of The Many’ by James Islington
Are you interested in Dark Academia?
Our BOOK OF THE MONTH for September will be The Will of the Many by James Islington.
As the designated sci-fi/fantasy corner of the internet, Maude Garrett will often choose a new series to read and continue to read the sequels as a bonus book in months to come.
Join our live book chat on Twitch to discuss the series together!
Join our book club today and help us vote for our 2026 books.
The MBC community always has fun discussions in Discord and engages in in-depth analysis during our live book chats on Twitch!
James Islington was born and raised in southern Victoria, Australia. His influences growing up were the stories of Raymond E. Feist and Robert Jordan, but it wasn't until later, when he read Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn series - followed soon after by Patrick Rothfuss' Name of the Wind - that he was finally inspired to sit down and write something of his own. He now lives with his wife and two children on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria.
The will of the many
by 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 civilised 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.
What The Will Of The Many Offers
the corruptibility of power
the nature of justice
the struggle against oppression
the complexities of personal identity within a hierarchical society
dynamics of friendship
loyalty
leadership
Join Our Book Chat
Join us for an in-depth discussion of The Will of the Many by James Islington on Thursday, September 18th and Thursday, September 25th on Twitch from 5-7 p.m. PT.
What did you think about The Will of the Many by James Islington? Let us know in the comments below, or join our Discord today!
Did you miss our latest book chat? Become a member today to read more books and get access to behind-the-scenes content of ‘Maude’s Book Club.’
