I have finally read this super hyped book. While The Will of the Many was a mixed bag of experiences, I’m glad I did and I would definitely read the second. Keep reading this book review of The Will of the Many for my full thoughts.
Summary
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.
Review
I had mixed thoughts on The Will of the Many. Let’s just get the elephant out of the way, I don’t normally love Roman inspired fantasy. Often I feel like they fall too hard on their foundations without transcending them. So this was a battle uphill and while it wasn’t my least favorite, I still don’t think it quite escaped. Secondly, The Will of the Many is mostly an academy book. I’d say about 400 pages take part in this academy setting so if you don’t like that, put this one down. Pacing wise, that meant that – to me – there was a lull while we’re there where the main overarching plot and world elements are put on hold. Since these were some of my favorite parts – especially considering the hook of the sapping resources – I had an issue with the pacing.
I found the initial premises of the world fascinating and then they were sort of put down for the academy. While I did appreciate it wasn’t a quick, “I’m trained now” scene, I was missing the larger world examinations I was expecting. Mainly The Will of the Many explores whether we can be a true source of rebellion in this powerful world. Can we really escape from the reaches of power, manipulation, and exploitation? These intense and rigid classes of powerful and powerless. And what would it take to make a change? Even though we get some peeks of the world through the other students, I felt that many side characters lacked the depth I wanted especially for the world.
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But my main gripe is with the last few chapters. I hate those end of the book, “oh this is ending I need to get you hooked for book two” endings. This is one of them. The amount of cliffhangers and revelations dropped in felt so abrupt and also confusing. I had to read a few time and I’m not even sure I understood? Even more so, it feels a bit of a low blow especially considering the length of the book to drop it like that? Maybe that’s just me. Don’t get me wrong, I got got by the end, but I didn’t love the way it ended. I am already looking forward to the sequel though! Find The Will of the Many on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop. org, & Blackwells.