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A review by ros_lanta
The Will of the Many by James Islington
5.0
This Roman-inspired fantasy just might be the best book I've read so far this year.
I loved the Licanius trilogy by James Islington, and so I went into The Will of the Many expecting something with a similar feel - but actually, while there were times where I could tell it was the same author, on the whole this actually feels quite different. This is a very character-centric and political book. It actually reminded me a little bit of Fireborne by Rosaria Munda, especially the background of the main character and also the way in which the book examines the idea that just because a group is fighting against a corrupt regime doesn't necessarily make them the good guys.
I cared about the main character Vis from early on, and watching him slowly develop friendships and connections with other characters was a joy to watch. It was also at times a very emotional book - I cried twice.
In a way, possibly the weakest part of the book is the main plot element. However it is clearly just the very start of an arc for the series as a whole, and after Licanius I trust Islington to have a plan for the series and know exactly what he is doing.
I loved this and I need more people to read it so that I can talk more about it without worrying about spoilers...
I loved the Licanius trilogy by James Islington, and so I went into The Will of the Many expecting something with a similar feel - but actually, while there were times where I could tell it was the same author, on the whole this actually feels quite different. This is a very character-centric and political book. It actually reminded me a little bit of Fireborne by Rosaria Munda, especially the background of the main character and also the way in which the book examines the idea that just because a group is fighting against a corrupt regime doesn't necessarily make them the good guys.
I cared about the main character Vis from early on, and watching him slowly develop friendships and connections with other characters was a joy to watch. It was also at times a very emotional book - I cried twice.
In a way, possibly the weakest part of the book is the main plot element. However it is clearly just the very start of an arc for the series as a whole, and after Licanius I trust Islington to have a plan for the series and know exactly what he is doing.
I loved this and I need more people to read it so that I can talk more about it without worrying about spoilers...