The Will of the Many packed a lot into one book. Some of it moved quicker than I wanted, but I really liked Vis, the idea behind the magic, and an ending that left me wondering where the hell the next book is going.
The story follows Vis as he enters an elite academy in a society where people surrender part of their Will to those above them. The people at the top become stronger because everyone underneath them is giving something up. Vis has his own reasons for keeping his past to himself, which makes getting through the academy more complicated than just doing well in class.
I liked his personality. He’s stubborn, and his experiences give him a different perspective on the world around him. He’s seen very different sides of life, and that matters in a society where your position determines so much.
The academy was one of my favorite parts, although I would have liked a little more time with some of it. At points, it felt like Islington was trying to fit too much into the book too quickly. I could see why he wanted to keep things moving, but a few things could have used more room.
I’ve seen people say Vis is too good at everything. I understand the criticism, but it didn’t bother me that much. If he had to spend several books getting good enough to handle everything thrown at him, we’d be here for a while. His ability helped keep the story moving, even when the pace felt a little rushed.
The Will system was another thing I really liked. The rich and powerful using the people beneath them to their advantage is built directly into how the magic works. That gave me something to think about beyond what the magic could do in a fight.
I liked the friendships and the uncertainty around who could be trusted. And the ending really worked for me. I’m not going to get into what happens, but I finished it wondering how the next book could even start and which direction Islington would take it. That’s a good place for a first book to leave me.
Who I’d recommend it to: Readers who like academy settings, a stubborn and capable main character, unusual magic, and a story with plenty to figure out. If you enjoy finishing a book and thinking through what might come next, this is an easy one for me to recommend.
A few cautions: There’s violence and a harsh system of exploitation. The story also moves through a lot of information and developments quickly. If an exceptionally capable main character bothers you, Vis may test your patience more than he did mine. Expect questions to carry into the next book.
Let’s talk
Did Vis’s abilities work for you, or did you think he was too good at too many things?
Would you have liked more time at the academy, or did the pacing feel right?
Without spoiling anything, did the ending make you eager for the next book or leave you frustrated?
— Cory Lane