The Thanksgiving season played a part in this delayed review, but the heft of Islington’s novel certainly contributed. Coming in at just over 600 pages, it’s a sturdy paper weight, but do not let the size discourage you; I found the content deserving of each page.
Vis is an orphan, and at 17 his prospects of adoption are slim to none, or so he thinks until a senator comes along and adopts him on the pretence that Vis uncover the secrets being guarded at the highly competitive academy located on a guarded island. Through his time leading up to and at the academy, Vis learns more about the system he’s striving to escape and becomes increasingly entangled in its web as he fights his way to the top, all while trying to protect his real identity.
For any fans of Red Rising, the Percy Jackson series, or science fiction/fantasy, this one is for you. With a significant bit of world building at the beginning, it took me a while to get invested, but once I did it was hard to put down. Full of interweaving storylines, endearing characters, and suspicious intentions, Islington crafts a compelling tale with plenty of mysteries left to uncover at the end. The second book in the series has just been published so stayed tuned for a review on the continuation of Vis’s journey (but if the length is similar don’t hold your breath).
The Will of the Many has seemingly taken the book world by storm, so let me know if you’ve read it and think it’s worth the attention. For myself, I think it’s well worth the read.
2% Rating: 8.5/10
Recommend? Definitely
Re-Read? Probably at some point
Time: 1:33